Things to do & places to visit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Sometimes referred to as the capital of Africa, Addis Ababa is a buzzing hub of economic, social and political activity and home to such notable offices as the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. The diversity of its people is reflected in the many churches, mosques and museums, including the Ethiopian National Museum which houses the fossilized skeleton of Dinkinesh, or Lucy, the Australopithecine discovered in the area in the 1970s.

Addis Ababa #2 destination in Ethiopia 2023. The average rating score is 4.06 based on 6.117 traveler reviews, of 30 attractions. Timezone: Africa/Addis_Ababa, current date and time: Sunday, May 12, 2024, 2:24.

Addis Ababa Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

76°F - 53°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Mildly cool with a gentle breeze

Feels like

39%

Chance of rain

247.0 millimeters

Amount

10.0 mph

Wind speed

79%

Humidity

12.5

Daylight length

6:05 AM

Sunrise

6:37 PM

Sunset

34%

Cloud cover

Sweater

What to wear

Top things to do (18)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 The Africa Unbound Museum (14 reviews)
- Empowering
Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Specialty Pan-African museum located in Addis Ababa's historic Arada district. Expect a truly one-of-a-kind, memorable experience. See more..
4.5 Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum (819 reviews)
- I m a world traveler (60 countries so far) and don t like tourist activities, but search for experiences with locals
Speciality Museums

I m a world traveler (60 countries so far) and don t like tourist activities, but search for experiences with locals anywhere i go. I hired an amazing guide, i had a spectacular tour of Addis Ababa with yosef and recommend him if you want to be blown away by the ethipian culture. His WhatsApp is : +251 91 240 6360 See more..
4.5 The Mausoleum of Menelik II (55 reviews)
- Historical Location
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

Menelik II was a highly significant emperor in Ethiopian history. Under his leadership the Ethiopians defeated the invading Italians at the Battle of Adwa in 1895. His namesake, Menelik I was the son of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba and is believed by Ethiopians to have brought the Ark of the Covenant containing the Ten Commandments from Jerusalem to Axum (Ethiopia). Ethiopians believe it is still there. Inside, the artwork depicts important events in Ethiopian history. Unexpectedly, a group of giant tortoises reside in the immediate vicinity. See more..
4.5 Menagesha Suba Forest Park (42 reviews)
- Mulat the best!
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Forests

Excellent tour in Addis If you are spending any time in Ethiopia I Highly Recommend scheduling A tour with Mulat He was Easy to coordinates with nice price with touring my intersting place like / the big.market in Africa merkato and the nice viwe point in Addis Mount Entoto and museum and church , provided pick up and drop off service & speak great English and His price Reflective of the private /semi -private service He provides/ So Anyway to visting in Ethiopia Addis is I Really and Highly Recommend especially if u get Mulat is u'r guide supper . May contac Him on whats-app +251(0)944132781 Email [email protected] See more..
4.5 Kiddus Raguel Church (31 reviews)
- Really good condition
Churches & Cathedrals

There was a wedding going on while we were there so we had the added benefit of wishing the bridal couple a happy life. The paintings are in excellent condition here so it is well worth going in with a guide. Also on the grounds is a rather simple (compared to others we saw) rock hewn church. The grounds are charming to walk and one feels as though they have stepped back through time. See more..
4.5 Zoma Museum (24 reviews)
- Still interesting to visit in Addis Ababa
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Art Museums

Zoma Museum is a dream inspired 25 years ago by the timeless and structurally sound vernacular architecture of Ethiopia and other parts of the world. The Museum aims to bring traditional construction techniques into the present, demonstrating their ability to withstand time while maintaining their grace and beauty. Facilities includes a gallery, a library, a children center, a botanical garden, a school, an amphitheater and a gift shop. Future development plans also include an art and vernacular architecture school. See more..
4.5 Sholla Market (23 reviews)
- A Great Alternative Market to Merkato (Addis Mercato)
Spent 2-3 hours Flea & Street Markets

Sholla Local Market in Addis Ababa is a great market to visit. It is less crowded than the famous Merkato Market. Sholla Market is a great option for visitors who don't feel comfortable with big crowds. It is also a nice marketplace to interact with locals and make photos freely. It is still the same bargaining for price when you are shopping. If you are taking pictures of individuals, it is appropriate to ask for their permissions before. Taking photoshoots of general scenes is normally accepted. See more..
4.5 Lela Gallery (7 reviews)
- Cozy and beautiful
Art Galleries
Worth stopping by! Gorgeous garden with a view and art expo. Unfortunately I missed Lela on my trip there... See more..
4.5 Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum (819 reviews)
- I m a world traveler (60 countries so far) and don t like tourist activities, but search for experiences with locals
Speciality Museums

I m a world traveler (60 countries so far) and don t like tourist activities, but search for experiences with locals anywhere i go. I hired an amazing guide, i had a spectacular tour of Addis Ababa with yosef and recommend him if you want to be blown away by the ethipian culture. His WhatsApp is : +251 91 240 6360 See more..
4.5 The Mausoleum of Menelik II (55 reviews)
- Historical Location
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

Menelik II was a highly significant emperor in Ethiopian history. Under his leadership the Ethiopians defeated the invading Italians at the Battle of Adwa in 1895. His namesake, Menelik I was the son of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba and is believed by Ethiopians to have brought the Ark of the Covenant containing the Ten Commandments from Jerusalem to Axum (Ethiopia). Ethiopians believe it is still there. Inside, the artwork depicts important events in Ethiopian history. Unexpectedly, a group of giant tortoises reside in the immediate vicinity. See more..
4.5 Menagesha Suba Forest Park (42 reviews)
- Mulat the best!
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Forests

Excellent tour in Addis If you are spending any time in Ethiopia I Highly Recommend scheduling A tour with Mulat He was Easy to coordinates with nice price with touring my intersting place like / the big.market in Africa merkato and the nice viwe point in Addis Mount Entoto and museum and church , provided pick up and drop off service & speak great English and His price Reflective of the private /semi -private service He provides/ So Anyway to visting in Ethiopia Addis is I Really and Highly Recommend especially if u get Mulat is u'r guide supper . May contac Him on whats-app +251(0)944132781 Email [email protected] See more..
4.5 Kiddus Raguel Church (31 reviews)
- Really good condition
Churches & Cathedrals

There was a wedding going on while we were there so we had the added benefit of wishing the bridal couple a happy life. The paintings are in excellent condition here so it is well worth going in with a guide. Also on the grounds is a rather simple (compared to others we saw) rock hewn church. The grounds are charming to walk and one feels as though they have stepped back through time. See more..
4.0 National Museum of Ethiopia (1.721 reviews)
- Good Guide and fair price
Sunday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums

This museum’s greatest treasure is the partial skeleton of "Lucy," a tiny human believed to have lived over three million years ago. See more..
4.0 Mount Entoto (762 reviews)
- It would be silly not to be guided by Yonas
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Mountains

There is no doubt that Addis Ababa is much better with a guide, and in my experience, Yonas is the perfect guide. He is energetic, knowledgeable and understands what his guests want to see. Our day ran well over time, but Yonas would not stop until he had shown us everything we needed to see. He made my stay in Addis Ababa exceptional, I highly recommend at least the one day tour, but definitely book him for as much time as you have in Ethiopia here is his whats-app contact detail +25 1913384298 he is quick and responsive See more..
4.0 Holy Trinity Cathedral (629 reviews)
- An important part of Ethiopian history
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

I went here purely for the histotical value of the place as I am not a member of the Christian community. There is a charge associated with visiting this place and you can pay this outside just near where the carpark is. The main person of the place gave us a walk around, there is a crypt below the center altar of the last emperor. There are a lot of traditional items that are usually used during service and festivities. A couple of sarcophagus of the emperor and his wife is also inside to see. I recommend this place. See more..
4.0 Ethnological Museum (586 reviews)
- Haile Recommended!
Speciality Museums

The museum, Selassie's palace, is a superb piece of relatively recent history and I reckon the most interesting site in Addis. It tells his story but also shows you the man and leader he was in a well presented format. Also, it is in the glorious grounds of the museum which, in itself, is a haven of tranquility in the bustling metropolis of Addis Ababa. When I went there were hundreds of beautifully turned-out schoolchildren filling the place with joy. Haile recommended (sorry about that.) See more..
4.0 Mercato (277 reviews)
- Great experience, recommend guide
Farmers Markets

The market is a must see if you have a chance to go to Ethiopia. Its a very unique experience that is worth the time. I highly recommend getting a guide to show you the best places for pictures and the best spices to try. We saw many good reviews about the guide Yared and decided to go with him. So happy we did it was a great experience! Information: Phone Number: 096-372-7196 See more..
4.0 St. George's Cathedral (267 reviews)
- A great introduction to Ethiopian Orthodoxy
Churches & Cathedrals

We had an excellent tour guide who showed us round - the entry fee may seem expensive, but remember it's only about £3.50 per person. Also, as we found on a later tour of another church, it's regulated by the diocese, so it's not the priests or the elders' fault if you think it's too much. There were many beautiful artefacts that we were shown, and then we went into the small museum. Unfortunately there had been a power cut so we could only see by torchlight, and photographs were forbidden in the museum - strange, when they had been allowed (and no mention of turning off flash) in the church itself. See more..
4.0 Entoto Maryam Church (178 reviews)
- Interesting church
Churches & Cathedrals

It is definitely worth the ride up the mountain to Entoto to see this church. I love to see the Ethiopian art work that each church displays to teach the Bible to an illiterate congregation. They learn Bible stories through art. See more..
4.0 Adadi Maryam (74 reviews)
- new car with best driver guide!
Historic Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

Yonas I just wanted to thank you for organising a great itinerary . We had a fabulous interesting tour In particular Driver guide Yonas was terrific. He was enthusiastic and went out of his way to show us a good time . He was knowledgeable / worked hard / caring punctual . 10 out of 10. his drive was safe/ smooth and again 10 out of 10 Thanks again here is his whats-app details for any kid of Tours contact him direct by whats-app+251913384298 or just give him a call See more..
4.0 Unity Park (56 reviews)
- Enjoyable day.
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Government Buildings

Located within the National Grand Palace, Unity Park offers travelers the opportunity to learn about nature and Ethiopian history and culture. Here, you can view historical buildings and artifacts, learn about indigenous plants at the traditional garden, and check out the exotic animals at the zoo, including the endemic black mane lion. There are also a couple of restaurants or cafes where you can refuel throughout the day. You need a ticket to enter the park, but there are various packages available that include a palace tour and even photography. You can visit on a full-day Addis Ababa city tour, that includes admission to the park. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.0 Bole Medhane Alem Cathedral (46 reviews)
- Amazing building
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

This is an amazing building and is well worth visiting. The outside of the building is superb as it is beautifully designed and is in large site so even the walk round leads to many pictures being taken. The time visited meant I was unable to go inside but I will be back next time I am in the city. See more..
4.0 Menelik palace (44 reviews)
- Great man great history
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites

A lot of people talk Ethiopia and Haile Selassie I come to mind. Menelik was a great emperor know as one of the unifiers of ethiopia and should not go unnoticed. Apparently he built this palace himself even though he had an army that could have done it for him. He was such a genius. Although this place is real old it should be visited. See more..
4.0 Chiromeda Market (43 reviews)
- Great market with a lot of gift ideas- Good quality for the money's worth'
Flea & Street Markets

The drive to the market is through one of the most spectacular sites you can get of Addis Ababa. We got the real feel of Ethiopia's cultural life. If you are looking for super market style of market..do not come here. But if you want to have a fill of Beautiful traditional Ethiopia, this is the place to come. You'll find an assortment of Ethiopian traditional wear, Sculptures, ladies' bags, T-shirts, and many other goodies. Bargain to your best, you maybe able to bargain down an item 20 Birr or more on an item from a different stall! Scarfs range from 50 - 140 Birr depending on quality and stall, We managed to bargain T shirts down from 70 to 40 Birr each. Ladies will enjoy shopping here! Good to go with a private vehicle and with a native to help with the translation and bargaining, but also to be able to stop along the way for sight seeing. (Ethiopian Birr was 17.1 to the US dol lar by the time we were there). See more..
4.0 Anwar Mosque (31 reviews)
- BENIN or NUR Mosque found in the center of Addis Ababa
Religious Sites

BENIN or NUR Mosque found in around ANWAR Mosque about 1 km far from it. The two of the Mosque dominantly the MUSLIM religion follower worship every day in the Mosque ANWAR Mosque one of the attraction of t the largest market in Africa, Addis Merkato (literally 'New Market') came into being in the late 1930s, when the Italian administration decided to develop the established market at Arada See more..
4.0 Yekatit 12 Martyrs Square (24 reviews)
- Massacre was even much worse
Sunday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

It is a pity that people tend to forget. Unfortunately even tourist guides lack deep history knowledge. The monument depicts people hanged and fired. These killings by the italian soldiers were certainly quite numerous. But as many killings were carried on by uncontrolled italian civilians; Slaughters continued for three days, ethiopian quarters put on fire, people stabbed or shot by guns. Moreover responsables for attempt against Graziani were not ethiopian, but two patriots from Eritrea See more..
4.0 Asni Gallery (24 reviews)
- Hidden spot near Arat Kilo in Addis
Art Galleries

Great food and service. Good coffee. service is quick. great little gallery but not always with an exhibition on. clean toilets. some lovely postcards of Ethiopian art work to buy. See more..
4.0 Addis Ababa Museum (22 reviews)
- Local museum visit
History Museums

We visited the museum with a guide. The entrance fee is cheap and I’d say worth visiting. You get to know their history before heading different area of Ethiopia. See more..
4.0 Gullele Botanical Garden (15 reviews)
- Best park in the city
Spent 2-3 hours Gardens

It might also be the only real park in the city. You get great views of Addis, clean air, and the chance to see some indigenous animals (boar, mountain nyala, etc). The real pro move is to walk all the way up the mountain to the Federal Police checkpoint. From there, go the north corner of the roundabout and into the mud-and-aluminum restaurant inside. Order tagabino, dulet, and tibs. They won't let you down. This is actually the best restaurant in Addis. See more..
4.0 St George Brewery (6 reviews)
- Brew Pub -Ethiopian Style!
Breweries

A hopping place and great if you just want ridiculously cheap cold beer and injera. It's quite expansive and was full of people, however the woman with me was the only one in the place. Didn't see any tourists, which had to be a good sign! See more..