Best Travel Guide Addis Ababa | ArrivalGuides.com

Addis AbabaGuide was updated: 2022-10-03

Capital of one the world's fastest-growing economies, Addis Ababa (also spelled Addis Abeba) is a city in motion, catching up to Ethiopia's zooming commercial development in stride. At times gauche and somewhat rough around the edges, it is nonetheless worth more than a single night in transit, if only for the country's finest dining, shopping and of-the-moment urban developments.

Do & See

Although most visitors to Ethiopia enter the country through Addis, few choose to linger for more than just a night or two before heading further inland to explore some if the country's ancient relics, and very unjustly so. There is an urban vibrancy of a distinct kind within the busy Mercato and Piazza neighbourhoods, scented with the aromas of excellent coffee served at nearly every corner. A handful of worthy museums are waiting for you should you decide to stay longer.

Ethnological Museum

The capital's Ethnological Museum is considered to be one of the finest on the continent. Intricately arranged exhibits narrate the story of Ethiopia and its peoples. The museum spans two floors of the former residence of Emperor Haile Selassie, whose rooms are preserved in nearly their original state and open to visitors. Detailed written explanations are provided.

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National Museum of Ethiopia

The National Museum of Ethiopia contains a plethora of cultural artefacts. Its most notable exhibit, however, is the cast of Lucy — a female skeleton of the Australopithecus afarensis species, discovered in Ethiopia in 1974 and dating back as far as 3.2 million years. Art lovers will appreciate the museum's collection of Ethiopian art from the 14th to the 20th centuries.

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Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum

The chilling, heartbreaking exhibits of the Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum are guaranteed to leave no visitor indifferent. Atrocities commuted during Mengistu’s Derg regime are laid bare, to be processed at your own pace or with an English-speaking guide. The museum operates on donations alone; entry is free of charge.

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Entoto Hills

A steep climb (or car ride) up Mount Entoto is worth the time if only for the spectacular views over sprawling Addis Ababa unfolding from the top. On Sunday, the hilltop Maryam Church is open for mass (closed other days of the week), and the Entoto Maryam Museum showcases artefacts and personal belongings of Emperor Menelik, whose humble palace still stands not too far away.

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St George Cathedral & Museum

Typically octagonal, the stern-looking, neoclassical St George Cathedral was where Ethiopian rulers were inaugurated ever since its construction by the order of Emperor Menelik II, who dedicated the church to Ethiopia's patron saint, St George. Adjacent to the church is a museum with religious paraphernalia.

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Merkato

It takes heart to venture into the chaotic-looking, sprawling marketplace of Addis Ababa. Despite the first impression, the market is very much organised, subdivided into "quarters" dedicated to a specific kind of wares. Definitely come with a guide to help you navigate. Many vendors keep goods inside their permanent stalls, so what is being sold might not be apparent at first glance. Items worth browsing for are leather goods, silver jewellery, spices, and more.

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Population:	5 million (metro area, 2021)
Currency:	1 Ethiopian birr (ETB or Br) = 100 santim
Emergency Numbers:	Universal number: 911 Police: 991 Ambulance: 907 Fire: 939 Traffic police: 945.
Newspapers:	Capital Ethiopia – www.capitalethiopia.com Addis Standard – www.addisstandard.com Addis Fortune – www.addisfortune.news Ethiopia Insight – www.ethiopia-insight.com
Website:	www.visitethiopia.travel »
Opening Hours:	Shop opening hours are quite flexible, but most places tend to stay open from around 8 am until 5 pm Monday through Saturday. Some businesses stay open until as late as 9 pm or even 10 pm. Many also open on Sundays and public holidays.