Hidden Gems of Nairobi: Discover the City Beyond the Safari

Introduction
For many travellers, Nairobi is a brief stopover before a safari. Yet those who linger discover a city full of surprises — vibrant, creative, and endlessly rewarding. Hemingways Eden, set in the green suburb of Karen, was shaped by Tonio and Anna Trebinzki and their children as a family home rich in art and character. Today, as part of Hemingways Collection, it offers the perfect base to uncover Nairobi’s cultural treasures and hidden gems.

Karen Blixen’s Legacy
No visit to Karen is complete without exploring the Karen Blixen Museum. Once the home of the famed Danish author of Out of Africa, it offers an intimate glimpse into colonial history, literary heritage, and the landscapes that inspired her work. Just a short drive from Hemingways Eden, the museum is a favourite for history and literature enthusiasts alike.

Nairobi National Park
Few capital cities can boast a national park on their doorstep. Nairobi National Park is a remarkable place where lions, giraffes, and rhinos roam against the skyline of the city. Guests at Hemingways Eden can be in the park within minutes, experiencing an unforgettable introduction to Kenya’s wildlife before venturing deeper into the country’s wilderness.

The National Museum & Railway Museum
For a deeper understanding of Kenya’s history and culture, the Nairobi National Museum is essential. Its exhibits span archaeology, palaeontology, art, and ethnography, offering a broad introduction to the country’s heritage. Another overlooked gem is the Railway Museum, which tells the story of the famous “Lunatic Express” and the role of railways in shaping Kenya’s past. Both provide fascinating context to the Nairobi of today.

Nairobi’s Art Scene
Nairobi has emerged as a hub of African creativity, and no gallery represents this better than Circle Art Gallery, known for showcasing contemporary East African artists. Other highlights include Banana Hill Art Gallery and smaller collectives dotted around the city. Hemingways Eden itself embodies this creative spirit: the Trebinzki family filled their home with eclectic collections, while today the on-site Artisanal Gallery continues that tradition by championing Kenyan designers, jewellers, and artisans.

Coffee Culture and Cuisine
Kenya’s coffee is world-renowned, and Nairobi’s café scene offers some of the best brews on the continent. Chic roasteries and local cafés invite travellers to savour the city’s flavour, while Nairobi’s diverse dining scene — from fine dining to inventive street food — reflects its cosmopolitan energy.

Markets and Makers
Shopping in Nairobi reveals both tradition and modernity. Maasai markets brim with colourful beadwork, fabrics, and crafts, while Karen’s design hubs offer elegant, contemporary reinterpretations of African artistry. Guests at Hemingways Eden can complement these discoveries with curated pieces in the property’s own gallery.

Conclusion
To see Nairobi is to go beyond the safari. From wildlife and literature to art, history, and coffee culture, the city’s hidden gems are waiting to be discovered. Hemingways Eden, born from the Trebinzki family’s artistic spirit, offers not only a luxurious stay but also an inspiring gateway into Nairobi’s cultural heartbeat. A visit is never complete without time spent in the Artisanal Gallery, where guests can connect directly with Kenya’s creative scene and take home a piece of the city’s soul.