Westlands Market — Attraction in Nairobi

Westlands Market is a great spot for thrift shopping of all kinds, offering a mix of clothes shops, electronics stores, and tourist-focused stalls. It’s conveniently located and easy to access, making it a popular stop for both locals and visitors.

The highlight of the complex is the Maasai Market, located on the top floor. That’s where I spent most of my time, so my review mainly focuses on that section. The Maasai Market is a treasure trove for anyone looking for souvenirs, trinkets, and handmade crafts. You’ll find an incredible variety—cooking spoons, bowls, animal figurines, statues, clothing, household items, magnets, bookmarks, bracelets, and much more. It’s the perfect place to pick up gifts or keepsakes that capture the spirit of Kenya.

However, shopping here requires a bit of savvy and patience. Shop owners can be quite pushy and persistent, often calling out to you or urging you to visit their stalls. Expect to be heckled frequently, and remember that browsing doesn’t mean buying—be assertive about your boundaries. Prices are always negotiable, and almost every item can be found at multiple stalls, so take your time comparing before you settle on a purchase.

A word of caution: some sellers may try to guilt-trip or manipulate you into buying by telling stories about hardship, claiming they made the items themselves, or insisting you’re their first customer of the day. Foreigners are often quoted higher prices, so it’s best to bring a local friend or be ready to bargain firmly. Female shoppers should be especially cautious, as some vendors may try to put accessories in their hair or hands to pressure a purchase.

Despite these challenges, the Maasai Market remains a fun and vibrant experience if you go in prepared. The energy, colors, and variety of goods make it an enjoyable place to explore—and one of the best spots in Nairobi to find unique, handmade gifts that reflect your...

Westlands Market is the heartbeat of everyday shopping in Westlands. Located along Parklands Road, just a short stroll from Sarit Centre, Ukay Centre, and Westgate Mall, this market offers a raw, authentic Nairobi shopping experience.

📍 Location & Surroundings:

Nestled in Westlands, surrounded by commercial offices, restaurants, and high-end malls.

Easily accessible by public transport or walking from nearby hubs like Sarit Centre.

🥦 What You’ll Find:

Fresh produce: vegetables, fruits, cereals, and spices.

Household items, kitchenware, and clothing at affordable prices.

A lively mix of stalls where bargaining is part of the fun.

✨ Vibe: It’s bustling, colorful, and noisy in the best way possible. You’ll meet friendly traders who somehow convince you to buy more than you planned.

🍲 Food & Drinks Nearby:

Plenty of street food options around – from roasted maize to samosas.

For a sit-down meal, you’re minutes away from restaurants at Sarit or Westgate.

⚖️ Why Visit:

Perfect for budget-friendly shopping.

Great for anyone who wants to feel Nairobi’s authentic hustle-and-bustle, away from the polished mall setups.

⭐ Verdict: Westlands Market is where modern Nairobi meets traditional trade. If malls feel too uptight, this market gives you flavor, character, and...

Westland market is located near the Sarit mall. This is probably the only place where you can buy handmade Masai products in the westlands. There are lots of shops on the top floor of the market that sell Masai products. But you need to bargain. Shopkeepers ask for a high price, but most of them are very well behaved...