Nairobi Travel Guide
10 Things to Do Near Cloud Hotel in Parklands, Nairobi
Parklands is one of Nairobi's most vibrant and diverse neighbourhoods, offering a rich mix of Indian, Kenyan, and international culture. Staying at Cloud Hotel & Suites puts you at the centre of it all. Here are ten things worth doing during your stay.
1. Diamond Plaza — Shopping & Street Food
Right at the hotel's doorstep, Diamond Plaza is Nairobi's largest Indian shopping complex. Browse textiles, electronics, jewellery, and spices across two floors. The ground floor food court is excellent for quick Indian snacks — samosas, bhajias, and fresh sugarcane juice.
2. Karura Forest — Urban Nature Escape
Just 4 km from the hotel, Karura Forest is a 1,000-hectare urban forest with walking and cycling trails, waterfalls, and picnic spots. Entry is KES 600 for adults. It's one of Nairobi's best-kept secrets and perfect for an early morning run.
3. Westlands Restaurant Scene
Westlands (10 minutes by car) is Nairobi's dining capital. Highlights include Carnivore (game meats), Talisman (garden dining), and the Westgate Mall food court. For Indian food, the restaurants along Westlands Road rival anything in Mumbai.
4. Nairobi National Museum
A 15-minute drive from the hotel, the National Museum covers Kenya's natural history, cultural heritage, and contemporary art. The Snake Park next door is popular with families. Entry is KES 1,200 for adults.
5. Nairobi National Park
The world's only national park within a capital city is 25 minutes from Parklands. Morning game drives (6:00–9:00am) offer the best wildlife sightings — lions, rhinos, giraffes, and over 400 bird species against a Nairobi skyline backdrop.
6. City Market — Crafts and Curios
The City Market in the CBD (20 minutes) is the best place for Kenyan crafts, Maasai beadwork, wooden carvings, and kikoi fabrics. Bargaining is expected and part of the experience.
7. Sarit Centre — Shopping and Cinema
Nairobi's most popular mall is 5 minutes from the hotel. It has a full supermarket (Nakumatt), cinema (Century Cinemax), and dozens of restaurants and cafes. Good for an evening out.
8. Altitude Restaurant & Rooftop Bar
You don't need to leave the hotel for a great evening out. Altitude Restaurant on the 10th floor serves international cuisine with panoramic Nairobi views. The rooftop bar is one of the best sundowner spots in Parklands.
9. Giraffe Centre
The African Fund for Endangered Wildlife's Giraffe Centre (30 minutes south) allows visitors to hand-feed Rothschild giraffes at eye level. A unique Nairobi experience that's popular with both children and adults.
10. Nairobi Gallery
Located in the CBD, the Nairobi Gallery is housed in a colonial-era building and features rotating exhibitions of Kenyan and East African contemporary art. Entry is free on the first Sunday of each month.
Stay at Cloud Hotel & Suites
Diamond Plaza 1, 4th Parklands Avenue, Nairobi. From USD 95/night.
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