Addis Ababa
Visited in 2008 and 2019
At a glance
- Country
- Ethiopia
- Region
- Ethiopia
- Population
- 5.7 million
- Best time to go
- October to February
- Main airport
- Addis Ababa Bole International (ADD)
- Coordinates
- 9.01°N, 38.78°E
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Overview
Addis Ababa, the "new flower", is a sprawling highland capital at around 2,400 metres, and the seat of the African Union. It is a city of contrasts: glass towers and building sites beside old Piassa cafés, and one of Africa's largest open-air markets.
Most travellers pass through on the way to the historic north or the south, but it is worth a few days. Come for Lucy at the National Museum, for coffee in its homeland, and for long dinners of injera with music and dancing.
Things to see
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Photo: Ninaras, CC BY 4.0 National Museum of Ethiopia
Home to the fossil skeleton of Lucy, a 3.2-million-year-old human ancestor, alongside royal treasures and art.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Gize12, CC BY-SA 4.0 Holy Trinity Cathedral
An imposing cathedral with stained glass and murals, where Emperor Haile Selassie is buried.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0 Merkato
A vast open-air market of streets selling everything from spices and coffee to recycled metal goods.
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Photo: Insights Unspoken, CC BY-SA 2.0 Ethnological Museum
In Haile Selassie's former palace on the university campus, with fine displays on Ethiopia's many peoples.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: A.Savin, FAL Entoto
The eucalyptus-covered hills above the city, with old churches, walking trails and wide views.
Things to do
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Photo: Khajitdadddy, CC BY-SA 4.0 Coffee ceremony
Coffee is roasted, ground and brewed in front of you, usually served in three rounds with incense burning.
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Photo: Rod Waddington from Kergunyah, Australia, CC BY-SA 2.0 Traditional dinner and dancing
Share platters of injera and stews at a cultural restaurant with live music and shoulder dancing.
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Photo: Abiy alazar, CC BY-SA 4.0 Stroll around Piassa
The old centre has Italian-era buildings, pastry shops and some of the city's oldest cafés.
Where to stay
Bole
Near the airport, with modern hotels, restaurants and nightlife. The easiest base for most visitors.
Hotels in BoleKazanchis
Central and well connected, with large hotels and offices.
Hotels in KazanchisPiassa
The historic heart, with older hotels and plenty of character.
Hotels in Piassa
Getting around
Traffic is heavy, so allow plenty of time. Ride-hailing apps and metered taxis are the simplest options, and a light rail line crosses the city.
Bole airport is around 20 to 30 minutes from the centre by taxi, depending on traffic.
When to go
October to February is dry and sunny, with cool mornings. The main rains fall from June to September. Timkat in January and Meskel in late September are spectacular festivals.
Plan your trip to Addis Ababa
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.