Discovering the Best Places to Visit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Addis Ababa is the eleventh-largest city in Africa and the capital of Ethiopia, which is the continent's tenth-largest country. It is a vibrant and bustling city, with an estimated population of over 5,460,000 people. It is home to many cultural and historical sites as well as modern shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Addis Ababa is also home to many international organizations, such as the African Union (AU), and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). 

This makes it an important hub for international diplomacy in Africa and hence it is considered “the capital city of Africa”. With its diverse culture, rich history, and growing economy, Addis Ababa has much to offer visitors from all over the world.

Exploring the Top Tourist Attractions in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia and has a lot to offer to tourists. From its vibrant culture to its stunning natural beauty, the city is full of interesting attractions that are sure to make your visit memorable. In this article, we will explore some of the top tourist attractions in Addis Ababa that you should not miss out on during your trip. If you are planning to visit Addis Ababa any time soon, below is recent weather data of the city to help you pack! 💖

African Hall



Africa Hall, located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is the permanent headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). The structure was completed in February 1961, after only 18 months of construction. Along with the Addis Ababa City Hall, Africa Hall was one of the two projects designed to demonstrate, in the words of Emperor Haile Selassie, 

 "We want to show that it is possible to construct grand buildings in Ethiopia too, by erecting a couple of high-profile structures. It is not their complexity or size that matters, but the maximum possible use of home-produced materials, in order to shake our wealthy middle class, which keeps its money under the mattress, from the inactivity that also binds it in the field of construction, and stimulates it to invest its assets also in the building to make this 'great village' a city and a true great capital". 

On May 25, 1963, the African Union's predecessor, the Organization of African Unity (OAU), was founded in this conference center.

Bete Maryam Mausoleum

The Bete Maryam Mausoleum is a separate building located just south of Menelik’s palace in Addis Ababa, and it houses the elaborate marble tombs of Empress Taitu, Emperor Menelik, Empress Zewditu, and Princess Tsehai Haile Selassie. Tourists who have visited this mausoleum describe it by saying “it gives an enchantingly eerie experience”. Sadly, tourists have also complained after visiting the site by stating, “The entire complex is guarded by an inordinate number of very unhelpful soldiers, who try to make visiting the church as difficult as possible”, and they believe this is because the prime minister’s residence is next door to the mausoleum.

Derg Monument

The Derg Monument, also known as the Tiglachin Monument, was built during Mengistu Haile Mariam's reign and is located on Churchill Avenue in Addis Ababa, in front of Black Lion Hospital. The monument commemorates Ethiopian and Cuban soldiers who served in the Ogaden War. The Ogaden war also called the Ethio-Somali war was a military conflict between Ethiopia and Somalia fought from July 1977 to March 1978 over the Ethiopian region of Ogaden. 

The Derg Monument is made up of several elements, including a central statue, a 50-meter-tall pillar, two wall reliefs on the sides, and two squares with portraits of Cuban soldiers. The North Korean government donated some of the sculptures at the monument in 1984, making it one of the project's first monuments to be donated to Africa.

Ethnological Museum

Ethiopia's Ethnological Museum in Addis Ababa is a public institution established in 1950, dedicated to ethnology and culture. The Ethnological Museum is home to anthropological, musical, and cultural artifacts. It is Ethiopia's first university museum. The museum is located on the main campus of Addis Ababa University, which also houses the Institute of Ethiopian Studies. The Ethnological Museum has 5 sections;

• Anthropology Collection,
• Art Gallery,
• Ethno-Musicological Collection,
• Numismatics Collection, and
• Philatelic Collection

Filwoha hot springs

Filwuha hot springs are in the heart of Addis Abeba, near Kasanchis and Ambassador. When Menelik II established his base of power in the Entoto Mountains, this was the destination for Empress Taitu and the royal court. As the Empress spent more time here, she built a small house nearby and established a church. The small house eventually became the National Palace, and the church eventually became Holy Trinity Cathedral. The hot springs are still open to the public. Visitors may wish to take advantage of the public baths and massage center at the Filwoha Hotel, which is attached to the springs.

Holy Trinity Cathedral Church

Holy Trinity Cathedral, also known as Kidist Selassie in Amharic, is the most important Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo cathedral in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia. It was built to commemorate Ethiopia's victory over Italian occupation and, along with other cathedrals such as the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion in Axum, is an important place of worship in Ethiopia. "Menbere Tsebaot," or "Pure Altar," is the name given to the cathedral. The church compound, built in 1942, was the final resting place for those who fought against the Italian occupation or accompanied the Emperor into exile from 1936 to 1941. The Emperor Haile Selassie and his consort, Empress Menen Asfaw, are buried in the cathedral's north transept. Other Imperial Family members are buried in the crypt beneath the church.

Institute of Ethiopia Studies

The Institute of Ethiopian Studies (IES) was founded in 1963 with the goal of collecting information on Ethiopian civilization, history, cultures, and languages. A research and publication unit, a library, and a museum are all part of the Institute. It is located at Addis Ababa University's Sidist Kilo campus.

Legehar train station

The Legehare train station (French: La Gare) was the main railway station in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia, and the terminus of the meter-gauge Ethio-Djibouti Railway, which connected Ethiopia's capital to the Port of Djibouti. It was a central part of the city and the main source of traffic into the city after it was finished in 1917. The station's design is French, reflecting the builders' nationality. It is no longer in use because it has been largely replaced by the standard-gauged ADDRM Railway, which was completed in 2017.

Lion of Judah Monument



The Lion of Judah Monument is a statue of the Lion of Judah, a symbol of Ethiopian Emperors and Ethiopia. The monument is located in the square of the Addis Ababa railway station and marks the end of Winston Churchill Avenue, one of the Addis Ababa's main arteries. The gilded bronze sculpture of the Lion of Judah stands on a black granite pedestal with relief portraits of Emperors Menelik II and Haile Selassie, Empress Zewditu, and Ras Makonnen Wolde Mikael. The work was created by French sculptor Georges Gardet in 1930, on the occasion of Emperor Haile Selassie's coronation, on November 2, 1930. The Derg regime considered removing the monument, stating that it is a symbol of the monarchy, after the 1974 revolution, but an association of Arbegnoch veterans claimed that it was a memory of Ethiopian antifascist resistance and a symbol of Ethiopia. As a result, the regime agreed to leave the monument, and it remains in front of Addis Ababa's central station.

Vila Alpha - Maître Artist Afewerk Tekle’s Home & Studio



Afewerk Tekle was an Ethiopian artist who lived from October 22, 1932, to April 10, 2012. He was best known for his paintings on African and Christian themes, as well as his stained glass artworks. Afewerk designed "Total Liberation of Africa" and became the first laureate of the Haile Selassie I Prize for Fine Arts. Afewerk Tekle's reputation spread abroad, and his painting Unity Triptych won the gold medal at the Algiers International Festival. In 1983, Afewerk Tekle became the first African member of the Russian Academy of Arts. He lived in Addis Abeba but also had a second home in Hawassa, in the Sidama Region, near Lake Hawassa. Vila Alpha, is Afewerk Tekle’s residence in Addis Ababa. The majority of its paintings were destroyed, during the Italian occupation. Parts of the house were also demolished by Italian soldiers, but he rebuilt it after the Italian aggressors were driven out of Ethiopia. In July 2021, the Authority for Research and Conservation of heritage announced that Vila Alpha will be reopened as a museum in the coming year after three years of extensive renovations. The Authority also informed that more than 90% of the refurbishment of Villa Alpha has been completed, and final preparations have been made to open Villa Alpha to the public as one of Addis Abeba's museums.

Merkato Market

The Addis Merkato is the largest open-air market in Africa, employing 13,000 people and employing 7,100 business entities. Prior to the Italian occupation, there was an open marketplace near St. George Church, but the Italians restricted it to Europeans. Over time, local shopkeepers displaced the Arab merchants and the market has had a mostly local flavor.

Mount Entoto

Mount Entoto is the highest peak in the Entoto Mountains and overlooks Addis Ababa city. It is a sacred mountain and has many monasteries, including Saint Raguel and Saint Mary. It is densely covered by eucalyptus trees that were imported from Australia during the reign of Menelik II and mostly planted during Emperor Haile Selassie's reign. The Ethiopian Heritage Trust is working to change part of the mountain into a natural park. The Ethiopian Space Science Society has an observatory on the 3,200 m summit.

National Archives & Library of Ethiopia

The National Archives and Library of Ethiopia, located in Addis Ababa, is the national library and archives of the country. It was inaugurated in 1944 by Emperor Haile Selassie and began service with books donated by the emperor. In 1976, proclamation No. 50/76 gave the library the legal right to collect three copies of every material published in the country. In 1999, the library was re-established as a national institution with structural changes and a mission to be one of the top five national libraries and archives in Africa by 2020. The National Archives & Library of Ethiopia is currently a unit of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

National Museum of Ethiopia



The National Museum of Ethiopia (NME) is located in Addis Ababa and houses Ethiopia's artistic treasures, as well as precious local archaeological finds such as the fossilized remains of early hominids. The current NME grew from the establishment of the Institute of Archaeology, which was founded in 1958 to promote and facilitate the archaeological research mission in the northern part of Ethiopia by French archaeologists. In 1976, the idea came up to open a National Museum, which was supported by the Government. The NME has four main exhibition sections: archaeological and paleoanthropological sections, objects from ancient and medieval periods, regalia and memorabilia from former rulers, and secular arts and crafts. The third floor has an ethnographic display to give an overview of the cultural richness and variety of Ethiopia.

Menelik’s Palace

The Menelik Palace, also known as the Imperial Palace or Great Ghebbi, is a palatial compound in Addis Ababa. It is the seat of the power of Emperors of Ethiopia and contains residences, halls, chapels, and working buildings. It also contains different churches, including the Ta'eka Negest (Resting Place of Kings) Ba'eta Le Mariam Monastery, which serves as a mausoleum for Emperor Menelik II, his wife Empress Taitu, and Empress Zewditu. During the rule of Mengistu Haile Mariam, the palace grounds were used as a prison to house many notables. 

In 2010, construction began on a new residence for Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and his family, estimated to cost 80 million birrs. In 2018, work began on a large-scale restoration of the palace compound, and in 2019 it was opened to the public as Unity Park. The Gibr Adarash and Zufan Adarash were used by Emperor Menelik II to feed his subjects, while Emperor Haile Selassie used them for large state banquets and state dinners. The Shengo Hall was built by the Derg at a cost of $18 million and was the largest prefabricated building in the world. The Te'eka Negist Mausoleum was built in 1934 and is the burial place of Emperors Menelik I and Lij Iyasu and Empresses Zewditu and Taytu. The Prime Minister's Office was built in 1987 and renovated in 2018-19.

'Red Terror' Martyrs Memorial Museum

The "Red Terror" Martyrs' Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa was established in 2010 as a memorial to those who died during the Derg government's Red Terror. ‘Red Terror’, was a violent political repression campaign of the Derg against other competing Marxist-Leninist groups in Ethiopia and present-day Eritrea from 1976 to 1978. Torture instruments, skulls and bones, coffins, bloody clothes, and victim photographs are on display at the museum. Guides describe the history leading up to the Red Terror (beginning with Haile Selassie's 80th birthday celebration), the actions taken against citizens who opposed the Derg, how the prisoners were treated, and how they secretly communicated among themselves during free museum tours. The museum also includes a visual history of the Red Terror.

Science museum



The Ethiopia Science Museum is a national Science Museum located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It is part of a series of efforts to provide the public and international visitors with a view of history, culture heritage, natural heritage, and science. It is intended to bridge the gap between science, society, and technology, promoting youth participation in community development, offering them the means to participate in economic growth, and becoming key agents for technological innovation. It is also a place of learning and inspiration, where people gather to experience the challenges and opportunities shaping the country as well as the world, and find solutions for a better future.

St. George Chatedral and museum

The Ethiopia Museum of Art and Science Science is a 15,000 m2 lying science museum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and other high-ranking government officials on 4 October 2022. It contains an exhibition hall dedicated to scientific and developmental research and a three-dimensional theatre movie called Dome Theatre. 

The museum also contains several building complexes and interactive display screens for local solutions in healthcare, finance, cybersecurity, geographic information system (GIS), service industries, data analysis, manufacturing, and robotics. During the inauguration, Abiy Ahmed highlighted the importance of the museum for state-sponsored digital transformation in the country and promised that it would give opportunities for young people workshops.

Washa Mikael Rock-Hewn Church

The Washa Mikael Church is a rock-hewn semi-monolithic church located in the Yeka District of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, dating back as far as the 4th century AD. It is a popular tourist destination and was constructed in the Shoan architectural style with some influences from the Aksumite style. In the 19th century, Emperor Menelik II rediscovered the structure after it was initially abandoned during the Abyssinian-Adel war. The church suffered damages during the Second Italo-Ethiopian War and has a "ሀ" shape to signify the Ge'ez phrase "ሀልዎቱለ ኣብ እምከድሜ ዐለም", which translates to “Before anything existed, God was here”. The original church stood 7 meters tall and had 7 windows which represented the 7 heavens, 7 days and 7 angels.

Yekatit 11 monument

The Yekatit 12 is a monument in Addis Ababa commemorating victims of Italian reprisals following an attempt to kill Marshal Rodolfo Graziani, marchese di Neghelli, Viceroy of Italian East Africa, on 19 February 1937. It was designed by Croatian sculptor Antun Augustinčić, who also designed the Monument to the Ethiopian Partisan in Holeta and the Monument to Ras Mӓkonnen in Harar. Despite being built during the monarchical period, the monument was not destroyed nor damaged after the 1974 military coup due to its commemoration of the popular trauma.

Experiencing Delicious Ethiopian Cuisine in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia is a culinary paradise for anyone who loves to explore new flavors and experience delicious food. From the traditional Ethiopian dishes such as Shiro wat and Doro Wat to the more modern fusion cuisine, there is something for everyone in Addis Ababa. Whether you're looking for a quick bite on the go or an exquisite dinner with friends, you can find it all in this vibrant city. Here's your guide to experiencing delicious Ethiopian cuisine in Addis Ababa!

Exploring Shopping Options in the City

Shopping in the city can be an exciting experience. With the range of options available, you can find something to suit your individual style and budget. Whether you're looking for a new outfit or a unique gift, exploring the different shopping options in the city is sure to provide you with plenty of choices.

From department stores and boutiques to specialty shops and markets, there are many ways to find what you need in the city. Get ready to explore all that the city has to offer when it comes to shopping!

Souvenirs

Ethiopia is known for its handicrafts, such as wood, materials, ceramics, wickerwork, leather, metalwork, locally made rugs, and jewelry. Ethiopian jewelry is closely related to culture, religion, and customs, and is made from fish bones, feathers, wood, and silver. Wooden figures have a religious or magical significance and are usually used as charms. Wooden warrior masks or masks of protective Gods are also available. Ethiopia offers a variety of musical instruments, such as the Krar, Washint, Mesenko and Holdudwa, as well as percussions such as the Kebero, Nagarit, or Atamo. You can buy Ethiopian souvenirs from one of the following recommended souvenir shops throughout Addis Ababa city.

Ethiopian spices

Ethiopia is an ancient country known for its love of spices, herbs, and roots. Ethiopians have been producing spices and herbs for a long time and today produce as many as 50 of the 109 spices listed by the ISO. The systems used in herb cultivation are rain-fed and almost all of the herbs are cultivated from the wild, making them organic. This has helped Ethiopia market spices on the international market as the West has become more interested in healthy foods and spices. Some of the Ethiopian traditional spices include Berberem, Mitmita, Mitin Shiro, and Shiro. If you wish to buy these or any other herb or spice during your stay in Addis Ababa, visit one of the following shops;

Traditional clothing

Cotton is the most commonly used raw material in Ethiopian cultural clothing designs, and the traditional hand-woven cotton fabrics are beautiful and comfortable to wear. The Gamo people's traditional clothing is made from a fabric called "Dinguza" (ድንጉዛ). It is a textile that is typically made of cotton and designed using the colors red, yellow, and black in a horizontally repetitive pattern. Dinguza is also the traditional clothing of the Wolayta people and is adapted to modern fashion clothing.

The Gurage people's cultural clothing is made using both modern synthetic fibers and traditional textile fabrics. The uniqueness and beauty of the Gurage traditional clothing are found in its beautiful simplistic yet elegant design. The Gurage females have a dressing style that indicates whether they are married or not. The Amhara and Tigray regions of Ethiopia share a lot of traditions, including the use of white chiffon as the common fabric used to make traditional clothing. The Hadiya people also have their own signature fabric from which they make traditional clothes. The traditional clothing of the Oromo people is recognizable by its White, black, and red signature colors, which also constitute the region's flag. If you wish to buy Ethiopian traditional cloth as a souvenir, there are a lot of beautiful traditional clothing to choose from, so I suggest you take your time while visiting the shops listed below.

The Best Accommodation Options for Visiting Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia and a popular tourist destination. With its vibrant culture, diverse attractions, and rich history, it is no wonder that many travelers plan to visit this beautiful city. When it comes to accommodation, there are plenty of options available for visitors to choose from. 

Related: Top 5 Luxury Hotels in Addis Ababa for Business Travelers

Whether you're looking for luxury hotels, budget-friendly hostels, or something in between, there's something to suit every taste and budget. In this article, we'll discuss the best accommodation options for visiting Addis Ababa.

High-end hotels and resorts

You can also use our search widget to find accomodations and flights to and in anywhere you like in Ethiopia

Budget-friendly hotels and Guesthouses

Transport service providers

From public transport like trains, buses, minibusses, and Tuk-tuk to app-based private transportation service provider companies like Ride, and Feres are all available options to navigate through Addis Ababa city. Car renting is also a viable and much-preferred option for those who can afford it. If you prefer to use transportation with an app that allows you to call a car to your location, which will then take you to your destination for a predetermined fare, you can download one of the following apps on your phone.

Important phone numbers in Addis Ababa

Police numbers

• Emergency = 911
• Federal police = +25111 5512744
• Addis Ababa police = +25111 1559122
• Traffic Police = +25111 5528222
• Police = 991

Emergency numbers for Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPCo)

• Southern Addis Abeba = +251114 431478
• Northern Addis Abeba = +251112 595657
• Western Addis Abeba = +251113 490585
• Eastern Addis Abeba = +251116 465144
• Central Addis Ababa = +251111 262105

Addis Ababa Ambulance Service

• Minilik II Hospital = +25111 1234272
• Municipality = +25111 1115348
• Red Cross society = 907

Addis Ababa Fire Brigades

• First station (Arada) = +251011 1123341
• Second station( kirkos) = +25111 4160279
• Third station (Addis Ketema) = +25111 2 134239
• Fourth station ( Lafto) = +25111 4425563
• Fifth station (Akaki Kality) = +25111 4340096

For Information

• Local = 997
• International = 998

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