Gondar
Not been yet
At a glance
- Country
- Ethiopia
- Region
- Amhara
- Population
- 350,000
- Best time to go
- October to March
- Main airport
- Gondar Atse Tewodros (GDQ)
- Coordinates
- 12.60°N, 37.47°E
Visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Overview
Gondar was Ethiopia's royal capital for more than two centuries, and its emperors left behind a walled compound of stone castles that looks more European than African. Around them grew a lively highland city of churches and markets.
It is also the gateway to the Simien Mountains, with their dramatic escarpments and gelada monkeys. Like the rest of Amhara, the area has seen unrest recently, so check current travel advice before planning a visit.
Things to see
-
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0 Fasil Ghebbi
The royal enclosure, where crenellated castles, halls and stables stand within high walls.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: A.Savin, FAL Debre Berhan Selassie Church
Famous for its ceiling painted with rows of winged angels' faces gazing down.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0 Fasilides' Bath
A two-storey pavilion in a stone pool, shaded by trees whose roots grip its walls.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: DonCamillo, CC BY-SA 4.0 Kuskuam
The ruined palace of an 18th-century empress, on a hill outside town.
Things to do
-
Photo: Brian Dell, CC0 Timkat at Fasilides' Bath
At Epiphany in January, the pool is filled and crowds plunge in after the blessing.
-
Photo: Hulivili, CC BY 2.0 Trek the Simien Mountains
Walk past sheer cliffs and herds of gelada monkeys on guided treks of a day or more.
-
Photo: Jose Antonio, CC BY-SA 3.0 Coffee and the old town
Wander the Italian-era piazza and stop for coffee and pastries in its cafés, watching the city go about its day.
Where to stay
Piazza
The city centre, close to the castles, cafés and restaurants.
Hotels in PiazzaHilltop hotels
Hotels on the edges of town with views over the city and countryside.
Hotels in Hilltop hotels
Getting around
Central Gondar is walkable, and tuk-tuks are cheap and plentiful for longer hops.
The airport is around 30 minutes' drive south of the city, with flights from Addis Ababa.
When to go
October to March is dry and sunny, and best for trekking. Timkat in January is the highlight of the year, while the rains fall from June to September.
Plan your trip to Gondar
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.