Addis Ababa Travel Guide: Best Things to Do in Ethiopia’s Capital

Addis Ababa is one of the world’s highest capital cities at almost 2,400 metres above sea level, and one of the lesser known destinations for those wanting to see Ethiopia. The capital and most populous city, Addis Ababa is the political, cultural and diplomatic center of the country and serves as a gateway to Lalibela, the Simien Mountains, and the Awash National Park.

The capital of Ethiopia is steeped in history, and the food and coffee culture here is just as interesting, and there’s a lot of fun to be had in the museums, markets or viewpoints themselves, and more that could be enjoyed in a few days of its own. Here’s a complete Addis Ababa travel guide to the best things to do in Addis Ababa.

Getting Your Bearings

Addis Ababa was established in 1886 and has become a hilly city for several millennia. As with more spacious capitals, it is in several districts, and it is important to have a sense of the different areas of Bole, Piazza, Mercato and the spaces around Meskel Square because it will help you make the most of your time. There may be quite a lot of traffic, so consider planning activities around neighbourhoods and not going back and forth across the city multiple times.

1. Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia.

If you have the time to visit one museum in Addis Ababa, then this is it. Ethiopia’s National Museum is home to an amazing collection of artifacts dating back to Ethiopia’s ancient and imperial past as well as the fossilised remains of Ethiopia’s most famous early human ancestor ever discovered, ” Lucy” (Dinkinesh) of the Aramis region in Ethiopia in 1974. It is a humbling beginning to the immense antiquity of Ethiopia when she comes face-to-face with a replica of her almost complete skeleton and other hominid remains and imperial artifacts.

2. Explore Mercato, One of Africa’s Largest Open-Air Markets

The market district of Mercato is huge, anarchic and amazingly interesting—one of the largest open-air markets in Africa. Here goods ranges from spices to textiles, electronics to secondhand items, are sold and bought in a more or less organised manner, depending on the product. Very rich in sensory experience but demanding of the soul, yet a true window into what is happening in the city day-to-day. It is advisable to have a local guide as not only will he be able to navigate the lanes, but will also have an eye on your property in the busier lanes.

3. Take In the View from Entoto Hill

To escape the hustle and bustle of Addis Ababa, go up to Entoto Hill, a hilly ridge of forest above the city where Emperor Menelik II once built his capital. The hill provides panoramic views of the city, and also overlooks the historic Entoto Maryam Church, and a small museum of Menelik II and Empress Taytu. Planted trees in the late 19th century provide a cooler, quieter contrast to the more hustling and bustling streets below the eucalyptus forest.

4. Learn About Ethiopia’s Complicated History at the Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum

The Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum tells the harrowing story of the political violence of the Derg regime in the 1970s and 1980s. It uses photographs, personal accounts, and tangible artifacts to present a powerful and poignant history of an era that had a significant impact on today’s Ethiopia. Not a light visit, but rather a depth fuller understanding of the country, beyond the ancient history.

5. Learn about the ceremony of coffee in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is considered to be the origin of coffee and visiting the city of Addis Ababa is simply incomplete without experiencing a traditional coffee ceremony. In front of you, green beans are roasted, ground and brewed in a clay pot known as jebena, often with burning incense and popcorn. It’s an authentic and memorable version of the tradition, and many cafés and restaurants in the city still practice it, but if you do get the chance, experience it in a family home or cultural tour, it will be even more authentic.

6. Wander Piazza and Its Italian-Era Architecture

The Piazza district showcases Addis Ababa’s short stint of being under Italian rule in the late 1930s and still seems to contain remnants of that era in the style of architecture and street layout. Today, it’s home to a diverse array of old film theaters, bakeries, bookstores, and cafés, making it a fantastic place to take a stroll, observe people, and savor local sweets and other classic Ethiopian cuisine.

7. Visit Holy Trinity Cathedral

One of the most significant religious buildings in Ethiopia, Holy Trinity Cathedral is the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie and Empress Menen. Its impressive design combines Ethiopian and European elements and the surrounding gardens and stained-glass windows provide a quiet place to visit, for all faiths. It is also closely linked to the contemporary political history of Ethiopia, as it was involved in the country’s recent efforts towards constitutionalization.

8. Explore Ethiopian cuisine and culture.

Experience Ethiopian music and dance. In addition to the town of Mercato, Addis Ababa has several shops and cooperatives specializing in traditional Ethiopian crafts, hand woven textiles, silver jewellery, wooden crosses, and woven baskets. They can make great keepsakes and are often directly beneficial to the artisans and cooperatives in the area, especially the women’s groups in the city.

9. Traveling to your next meal, Eat your way through the city.

Ethiopian food, which is made from a fermented sourdough flatbread called injera and various richly spiced stews known as wats, is enough to make an extra day in Addis worth it. Come and try doro wat (a spicy chicken stew), tibs (sautéed meat) and plenty of other vegetarian options, much of which is available due to the regular fasting periods of Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. You can find some of the best restaurants in Addis Ababa from the traditional local eateries to the fancy restaurants that cater to residents and tourists alike, there is certainly a restaurant for everyone to try regardless of the budget.

10. Day trip to the Rift Valley Lakes or Awash National Park

Addis Ababa is a good day-trip destination if you have the time, with its surrounding areas. Bishoftu (Debre Zeit) has some nearby crater lakes which are a half-day getaway and, about three to four hours east, Awash National Park gives visitors a taste of Rift Valley wildlife and the dramatic Mount Fentale volcano. Both are excellent choices for blending the urban lifestyle with Ethiopia’s more rugged side.

Some useful tips for visiting Addis Ababa.

A day or two is enough time to get used to the altitude before getting your heart pumping, as 2,400 metres can throw you for a loop. While cash is still a good option for markets and smaller restaurants, more people are accepting credit and debit cards in larger restaurants and hotels. The roads can be crowded, particularly during peak hours, so allow extra time for your trip and remember to hire a driver/guide for a smoother ride, especially around Mercato.

Addis Ababa deserves more than a layover

So many people visit Addis Ababa as a transit point rather than a tourist destination have been the case in many instances. 

In accordance to recommendation of Addis Ababa travel guide, plan your time well by prioritising which events you want to attend.

Looking to visit the capital of Ethiopia in detail? Contact us to create a customised tour of Addis Ababa with museums, markets, food experiences, and day trips to the surrounding area.

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