Addis Abeba - Discovering Ethiopia

Travelling to Addis Abeba

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Addis Abeba, a pretty good destination in Ethiopia (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Addis Abeba and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Addis Abeba, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Ethiopia, here's everything to know about Addis Abeba for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Addis Abeba

Addis Ababa is the capital city of Ethiopia and the largest city in the country, with a population of over 3 million people. It is located in the central highlands at an altitude of 2,400 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest capital cities in the world. Addis Ababa is the economic, political, and cultural center of Ethiopia, with a rich history and diverse population. The city is home to several museums, including the National Museum of Ethiopia, as well as religious sites such as the Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Anwar Mosque. The cuisine in Addis Ababa is also diverse, with a variety of Ethiopian, African, and international restaurants.

What to visit in Addis Abeba

Sure, here are some popular tourist attractions in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia: 1. National Museum of Ethiopia: This museum has a vast collection of Ethiopian art, culture, and history, including the famous Lucy fossil, which dates back to over 3 million years ago.
2. Holy Trinity Cathedral: This cathedral is one of the most famous landmarks in Addis Abeba. It is the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie, and it houses many beautiful mosaics and stained glass windows.
3. Merkato: This is the largest outdoor market in Africa, and it is a must-visit for any visitor to Addis Abeba. The market is bustling and chaotic, and vendors sell everything from spices and textiles to souvenirs.
4. Addis Ababa University: This university campus is a popular spot for visitors to relax and enjoy the greenery of the city. The campus is also home to the Ethnological Museum, which houses many ancient artifacts and traditional Ethiopian clothing.
5. Entoto Hill: This hill located northeast of Addis Abeba, offers stunning panoramic views of the city below. Visitors can also visit the Entoto Maryam Church, which is the first church built by Emperor Menelik II.
6. The Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum: This museum is dedicated to the victims of the Red Terror, a period of extreme political violence in Ethiopia from 1977 to 1978.
7. Ethio-Djibouti Train: Visitors can take a scenic train ride from Addis Abeba to Djibouti, which passes through stunning landscapes and offers a glimpse into rural Ethiopian life.
Hope this helps!
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Ethiopia, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Addis Abeba.

When to go on holiday to Addis Abeba

The best time to visit Addis Ababa is during the dry season, which runs from October to May. During these months, the weather is usually clear and sunny with little to no rain, making it easier to explore the city and its surroundings. The peak tourist season is typically from December to February, so keep in mind that prices for hotels and flights may be higher during these times. However, if you don't mind a bit of rain, visiting during the "short rains" season from March to May can also be a good option as the city will be lush and green from the rainfall.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Addis Abeba

There are several ways to get to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The most common is through air transportation, which is one of the quickest and easiest ways to reach the city. To get to Addis Ababa, you can look for flights to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD), which is the main airport serving the city. There are several airlines that offer flights to Addis Ababa from different countries around the world, including Ethiopian Airlines, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and many others. Alternatively, you could also consider traveling to Addis Ababa by land, although this would involve a longer and more difficult journey. If you are coming from a neighboring country, you could consider taking a bus or driving to Addis Ababa, although you should be aware that the road conditions can be challenging in some parts of Ethiopia.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Addis Abeba, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Addis Abeba

Here are some typical foods of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: 1. Injera - a staple food of Ethiopia that resembles a sourdough crepe or pancake made from fermented teff flour. It is served with a variety of stews and vegetables.
2. Doro Wat - a spicy chicken stew made with berbere spice, onions, ginger, and garlic. It is often served with injera.
3. Kitfo - a dish made from raw, minced beef that is spiced and mixed with a type of seasoned clarified butter called niter kibbeh.
4. Tibs - grilled or sautéed cubes of beef, lamb, or goat served with injera and vegetables.
5. Shiro - a spicy stew made from ground chickpeas or lentils, seasoned with berbere spice, garlic, and onions. It is usually served with injera.
6. Foul - a dish made from mashed fava beans seasoned with onions, tomatoes, chili peppers, and cumin. It is typically served for breakfast.
7. Kolo - a popular snack made from roasted barley or peanuts that are seasoned with spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and chili pepper.
8. Tej - a traditional honey wine that is sweet and often served chilled. It is usually consumed after a meal as a digestif.
You can find general info about typical foods in Ethiopia here.

Is Addis Abeba an expensive destination for tourists?

Compared to other African destinations, Addis Ababa can be considered relatively expensive for tourists. Prices for accommodation, food, and transportation can be higher than in other nearby countries. However, there are still options for budget-friendly travel, such as staying in budget hotels or guesthouses, eating at local restaurants, and using public transportation. Overall, the cost of a trip to Addis Ababa will depend on factors such as the traveler's preferences, length of stay, and activities planned.

Where to find accomodation in Addis Abeba

Addis Ababa is a big city with plenty of options for accommodation. However, if you want to stay in a central location close to many of the city's attractions and popular areas, the best areas to find accommodation are: 1. Bole: This area is close to the airport and has many hotels, guesthouses, and apartments. It also has many restaurants, cafes, and shopping centers.
2. Piazza: This is the historic center of Addis Ababa and has many hotels and guesthouses. It's also close to many popular attractions like the National Museum of Ethiopia and the Holy Trinity Cathedral.
3. Kazanchis: A business district with many international hotels and office buildings.
4. Old Airport: An upscale residential area with many hotels and serviced apartments.
5. Ethiopia Exhibition Center area: This is an up and coming area for business and tourism with new hotels, furnished apartments, and restaurants opening up. It's important to note that Addis Ababa is a fast-growing city, and new areas for accommodation are emerging rapidly. It's always best to book accommodations in advance to ensure availability.
You can check hotel prices at Addis Abeba here:
Booking.com

Is Addis Abeba a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Addis Ababa is generally considered a safe place for tourists. However, as with any city, there are precautions that tourists should take to ensure their safety, such as avoiding walking alone at night and staying in well-lit areas. Additionally, it is always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and to keep an eye on your belongings when in public areas. It is also advisable to avoid political demonstrations, as they can sometimes turn violent. Overall, with common sense and caution, Addis Ababa can be a safe and enjoyable destination for tourists.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Ethiopia here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Addis Abeba.

What type of travelers will enjoy Addis Abeba the most?

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia can be a great destination for different types of travelers. Its unique blend of ancient and modern cultures, rich history, and abundance of natural beauty make it an exciting and interesting place to visit. Couples can visit the colorful markets, try out the delicious Ethiopian cuisine, or take a romantic walk around the city's beautiful parks and gardens. For young people looking for fun, Addis Ababa offers a electric nightlife scene that includes traditional bars, live music venues and restaurants. The city is known for its culture of live music, so this is an experience not to be missed. Families can also enjoy Addis Ababa by visiting local museums and galleries to learn more about the country’s history, as well as going on nature walks and exploring the city's parks and recreation areas. Furthermore, there are many child-friendly attractions around the city, including amusement parks and zoos. Therefore, depending on the types of activities and experiences you are looking for, Addis Ababa can be an exciting destination for any type of traveler.

How to get around Addis Abeba

There are several transportation options to move around Addis Ababa, including: - Taxis: They are readily available and can be hailed on the street or via mobile app. They are relatively affordable, but prices are usually negotiable.
- Buses and minibusses: They are the most common form of public transportation and are popular among locals. They can be crowded and are not always reliable, but they are an affordable option.
- Light Rail Transit (LRT): Addis Ababa has a modern LRT system that covers a significant portion of the city. It is a reliable and efficient mode of transportation, but it may not be accessible from all areas of the city.
- Rental cars: Car rentals are available in Addis Ababa, and they offer a convenient way to move around. However, driving in the city can be challenging for tourists due to the chaotic traffic and poor road conditions.

What to see around Addis Abeba

Sure, here are some nice places to visit on a day trip from Addis Ababa: 1. Debre Libanos Monastery and Portuguese Bridge 2. Lake Ziway, the largest lake in Ethiopia 3. Menagesha National Forest, the oldest and largest indigenous forest in Ethiopia.
4. The Sululta Grasslands, a natural reserve featuring a variety of wildlife.
5. The crater lakes of Bishoftu, a group of stunning volcanic crater lakes.
6. Adadi Mariam, a rock-hewn church located about 60 km (37 miles) south of Addis Ababa.
7. The Melka Kunture archeological site, one of the most important prehistoric sites in East Africa.
8. Tiya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient stelae. I hope this helps!
For every travel information about Ethiopia you can click here.

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