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Founded in 1886, Addis Ababa is a gateway to the rest of Ethiopia, quickly acclimating foreign visitors to Ethiopian culture with its teeming, in-your-face ambience. Bearing a myriad of French and Italian influences, Addis Ababa balances remnants of European influence with its own uniquely African identity. Ethiopia is, after all, the only African country that was never a full colony. Addis Ababa is also home to the headquarters of both the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and the African Union, as well as an impressive number of traveler-friendly sites and experiences.
1) Merkato: This market is the largest open-air market on the African continent with over 100,000 vendors and shoppers every day! It is the commercial and economic hub of Addis Ababa, and almost anything and everything you might want can be found in this market. Even if you do not intend on purchasing anything, it is worth walking through Merkato just for the experience. The market is rife with pickpockets, so be alert; we recommend exploring with a guide.
2) City Center Walking Tour: Put on a pair of sturdy shoes and set out for a tour of the historic center of Addis Ababa. Walk through Meskel Square, Tewodros Square, and pass the Addis Ababa Museum. Take in the Postal Museum, the National Library (said to possess every book ever written about Ethiopia), the Tiglachin Memorial, and the National Theater. Stop at cafés along the way for refreshments.
3) Art Galleries: The Ethiopian government has been making a strong effort to promote Ethiopian artists. Feel like spending a mellow afternoon wandering through some art galleries, seeing what this city has inspired artists to create? Check out this listing of galleries in Addis Ababa.
4) Palaces: Visit Entoto Menelik Palace, built on the site where Emperor Menelik pitched his tent and founded Addis Ababa in the late 19th century. Thanks to extensive renovation the palace is in good condition and is well worth a visit. The National Palace, also known as the Jubilee Palace, was built to commemorate the silver jubilee of Haile Selassie, the last Ethiopian monarch. There are plans to open the compound to visitors in the future, but at the moment, the grand palace can only be admired from the outside.
5) Shiromeda: Need to buy souvenirs to bring back home? Shiromeda market is the best place to buy traditional Ethiopian clothing and the shopping experience is much calmer and far more low-key than navigating Merkato! On the way to Shiromeda, it’s worthwhile to check out Siddist Kilo, where the Ethnographic Museum is located. Just past Shiromeda is Entotto Mountain, which is a beautiful break from the hustle of the city. You can take a minibus up the mountain and walk around or go on a more strenuous hike.
6) Sheraton Gaslight Club: Looking for somewhere to let loose and dance after sunset? Head to the Sheraton Gaslight Club, the best club in Addis Ababa for excellent world music and top of the line entertainment.
7) Africa Hall: This building is the seat of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. The most impressive highlight of this site is the stained glass windows by Ethiopian artist Afewerk Tekle, called “Africa: Past, Present and Future.” Tours can be arranged by appointment.
8) Historic Houses: Though Addis Ababa is a relatively new city, the constant stream of immigrants and invaders has left its mark on the city’s face. Many historic townhouses built with Italian, Indian, and Armenian influences are protected by local NGOs from demolition and on display to the public as a testament to the city’s influences. In particular, check out Mahatma Gandhi Street and the Mohammad Ali House.
9) Churches: Churches are truly the focal point of communities in Ethiopia. Services are very early on Sunday mornings (usually around 6 a.m.), but you can visit most churches for a nominal fee. Most have a guard or other employee that will take you on a tour. Two of the most famous churches in Addis are Holy Trinity, where Emperor Haile Selassie is entombed, and Entotto Maryam, located on the beautiful Entotto Mountains just outside of the city.
Throughout the year weather in Addis Ababa is temperate with occasional showers—very comfortable for an African city. June through September can get rainy; the best time to travel is between October and March.
Visas: Although Ethiopian tourist visas may be available upon travelers’ arrival at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, we strongly recommend obtaining an Ethiopian visa prior to your vacation to prevent any delay or confusion.
Transportation: There is a very efficient minibus system that services the entire capital. There is little for the tourist or foreigner to worry about while riding these buses as they are rarely overcrowded and it is unusual for a foreigner to be charged an inflated rate.
Taxis in Addis Ababa are very cheap and can be found outside the airport and popular hotels. Be prepared to bargain with drivers.
Addis Ababa is notorious for being one of the African capitals with the worst rates of petty theft, con tricks, and scams, especially against tourists. However, violent crime is unusual.
Always have your wits about you and watch for pickpockets, especially in crowded areas and at popular tourist destinations. Keep important items like passports and excess cash in a safe place.
Before traveling to Addis Ababa, check out the U.S. Department of State’s consular website for travel warnings concerning the capital.
1. Addis Ababa is located in the center of Ethiopia, sitting on a plateau at an altitude of 2,400 meters. You may experience mild altitude sickness upon arrival: be sure to drink plenty of water, take pain medication if appropriate and necessary (don't forget to get medical advice for anything serious), and get lots of rest if you’re feeling under the weather.
2. Most places in Addis Ababa do not accept credit cards, except large hotels such as the Sheraton and Hilton. ATMs at these locations are not guaranteed to work, so make sure to always have extra cash on you (but be careful of pickpockets in the city). Exchange foreign currency into Ethiopian birr at authorized banks and never on the black market as that can result in heavy fines or even imprisonment. Some hotels and car rental agencies will accept foreign currency.
3. Be careful what you snap shots of while wandering around the capital. Ethiopian law prohibits photography of military, government, and industrial infrastructure. If you are unsure whether or not you can photograph something, ask a local.
4. Most streets are unmarked or have multiple names, which can make navigating the city confusing. Having an up-to-date map is essential to your success at getting around. Try to take note of landmarks around you. If you need to travel to a certain destination, describing landmarks will help taxi drivers if you decide to take a car.