Things to do in  Mombasa

Yes. Mombasa is Kenya’s second city, offering over 1,000 years of history plus a cosmopolitan blend of African, Indian, and Arabian influences. Fort Jesus, a 16th-century stronghold, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even if you’re planning a beach vacation, it’s worth stopping off en route from the airport.

Many travelers make do with a half-day (or shorter) Mombasa city tour as they travel from the airport to their beach resort. But it’s worth spending a day and a night to enjoy Fort Jesus after dark, tour the old town, take a cruise, and shop the markets.

A vital Indian Ocean port, Mombasa linked trade from Africa with Arabia and Asia, and this complex history has left it with heritage buildings, including UNESCO-listed Fort Jesus, and a very multicultural feel: temples, mosques, and churches sit side by side. Beaches offer white sand, coral, and palm trees.

Mombasa has a higher crime rate than Nairobi, but you should exercise caution when visiting either city. Avoid quiet areas after dark; don’t carry lots of cash or wear expensive watches; never accept food or drink from strangers; and watch your bags on public transit and in transport hubs.

No. By global standards, Mombasa is a very affordable destination, as you’d expect in sub-Saharan Africa. Shoestringers can score a dorm bed for as little as $5, while street eats can cost pennies. However, room prices can double over the peak Christmas and New Year period.

You can wear what you like in most resort hotels around Mombasa, although a few have dress codes for dinner. In the city, women should err on the conservative side, covering legs to the knee, shoulders, upper arms, cleavage, and belly, and bring a cover-up if swimming on public beaches.