Best shopping malls in Nairobi

Nairobi is the gateway to Africa. It is the capital city of Kenya and home to some of Eastern Africa’s top shopping malls. They come with state of the art facilities and can go toe to toe with some of the best in the world. Whether you are visiting for business or pleasure, here are some shopping destinations that you should visit when in Nairobi.

Two Rivers Mall

One of the largest malls in the region, Two Rivers is located in Runda area along Limuru road. It is relatively recent as compared to the others on this list, meaning it comes fully kitted with amenities to cater to each type of shopper. The main draw for this mall is The Eye of Kenya. A 55 diameter Ferris wheel that enables you to see the whole of Nairobi. The retails tenants at Two Rivers include Adidas, Villeroy&Boch, and Swarovski, to name a few. On the culinary front, you have Olpul Steakhouse. This dining establishment serves the best in Kenyan cuisine straight from the grill. There is plenty to do as a family as well. You can visit the dancing fountain, Funscapes theme park or try your skating skills at the skate park. If the fun is too much for you to leave, you can stay at the City Lodge Hotel located by the mall.

Garden City Mall

This mall is an extension of the Garden City community, a multipurpose community offering commercial, residential, and shopping amenities to its residents. Garden city mall is located along the Thika Superhighway and is only 15 minutes away from the CBD. While here, you and your family can indulge in all the pleasures that you can imagine. The mall is home to Century Imax, where you can get to watch the latest movies. For dining, you can try any of the multiple restaurants in the foods courts. There are plenty of retail stores that sell both local and international brand. There is also a large concert area, where depending on when you visit an event may be going on.

The Hub Karen

Tucked in the Karen area of Nairobi, this mall caters to the suburban lifestyle. It is not as lavish as the previous two and has a laid back feel to it. When here, you can finish up on almost everything in your typical day. You can take care of your finances at any of the many banks in-house. Have your phone looked at or replace it all together at the Samsung care center. The WiFi is accessible from any spot in the mall, meaning you can respond to all your emails. The local restaurants are ready to serve you should you need a bite. And you can buy the week’s groceries at any of the three supermarkets as you leave.

NextGen Mall

NextGen is in the Embakasi area of Nairobi, along Mombasa road. The mall has over 20 retail outlets, selling everything from outdoor furniture to mountain climbing gear. You can also enjoy both local and international cuisine while here. There are many fast-food restaurants and the locally owned Mazali dishes that serves Kenyan cuisine. For entertainment, you can try any of the local bars such as Blend and Lounge7. The mall is near Eka Hotel and Ole Sereni, which are premium hotel destination in Nairobi.

The Junction Mall

Opened in 2004, The Junction mall has been the go-to destination if you need local merchandise. Major roads are next to this mall and s easily accessible by all public transportation. The mall features a plethora of retail outlets and restaurants. It also has an in-house cinema where you and the family can catch up on what’s hot in the movies. The main highlight is the Maasai market that happens every Thursday. Here you can buy different curios such as local handmade jewelry, locally made clothes, local slippers, and paintings. The mall also hosts various shopping events, where you can will yourself fantastic prizes, including cars.

Yaya Center

Yaya center opened as the local neighborhood store for the residents of Nairobi’s Kilimani area. It now serves as a multipurpose location and has grown two floors. While here, you can check out the local art scene at Tazama gallery. You can also buy either gold or diamond jewelry at any of the many jewelry stores there. Given its humble beginnings, the mall still caters to the purpose that established it. You have access to butchers, barbers, nail salons, and many other amenities. Recently, a medical facility was opened to take care of the health needs of the local community.

Westgate Mall

If you find yourself in the Westlands area of Nairobi, Westgate is a destination you should check out. It caters to the affluent of Nairobi, offering a lot of high-end options. You can enjoy coffee and snack up at the Arttcaffe. The top floor of the mall has a cinema with four screens, and there are many retail outlets for you to shop to your heart's content.

No matter which side of Nairobi you are, you will have access to a mall that will meet all your needs. The establishments cater to every taste and budget imaginable. Take some time and visit a few of the mentioned destinations. You will be surprised by the diversity that exists in Nairobi.