A super quick guide to Addis Ababa
It's likely that you did not travel all the way to Ethiopia to visit Addis Ababa alone. Your itinerary will likely center on Ethiopia's natural and cultural landmarks, such as the Lalibela churches or the Bale Mountains National Park. However, Addis Ababa, with its vibrant activity, is definitely worth visiting for a while. The history and culture of the city are incredibly varied and fascinating. You won't need much time to acquire a sense for it; in fact, two days in Addis Ababa are more than enough to experience all that the city has to offer. To make the most of your stay there, adhere to our Addis Ababa schedule.
Best Time to Visit Addis Ababa
You should visit Addis Ababa at the ideal time of year for the best experience. The weather will have a significant impact on your journey in a town like Addis. Nobody wants to sprint through a rainy city they don't know. When it rains in Addis, it pours heavily; the streets fill with water, and the city may become chaotic. Ethiopia's wet season lasts from mid-June until mid-September. The history and culture of the city are incredibly varied and fascinating. You won't need much time to acquire a sense for it; in fact, two days in Addis Abeba are more than enough to experience all that the city has to offer. To make the most of your stay there, adhere to our Addis Ababa schedule.
Beginning in November and lasting until the beginning of April is the official dry season. The ideal time to visit Addis Ababa is right now. You won't need to dash from place to place to dodge the rain because the streets are dry and somewhat clean. Do not be concerned about getting too hot. Located 2,355 meters above sea level, Addis Abeba has cold mornings and evenings with gorgeous, bright sunny days in between. Addis Ababa is still a little off the beaten path, so no matter what time of year, you won't have to worry about it being overrun with tourists like other major cities across the world.
How to Get Around Addis Ababa
There are numerous ways to move around Addis, and whatever one you choose will depend on your daily plans. Here are some pointers for navigating the city.
BUS: It advisable staying away from public transportation. They are pickpocket-infested, slow, cheap, and unreliable. Try the minibuses if you want to take public transportation.
MINIBUS: The primary mode of public transportation in Addis is a vast network of blue and white minibuses. The minibuses are a speedy, affordable, effective, and simple means of transportation. They operate from the early morning until about 8 or 9 p.m. You can board at almost all significant intersections, but to be sure you board the correct bus, pay attention to the attendants’ shouted directions.
TRAM: In Addis, there are two tram lines that travel east to west and north to south. The trams travel through the heart of the city, stopping at about 39 stations. A helpful approach to avoid traffic is to use the tram, but use caution as there are pickpockets that operate within the cars.
TAXIS: The cost of a short trip in an Addis taxi ranges from 60 to 80 birr (about $2 to $2.70 USD), and the cost of a longer trip is between 100 and 140 birr (about $3.50 to $4.70 USD). It is worthwhile to hire a cab for a full or half-day if you intend to do some sightseeing, but make sure to haggle the price before you start. For a full day, it’s best to pay roughly 600 birr (about $20 USD), and for a half-day, 300–350 birr (about $11 USD). You can readily find taxis, or your hotel can arrange for one for you. The easiest way to get around is by far by taking a cab. NOTE: Because of the unstable economy the price might change dramatically overnight.
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In Addis there are many affordable possibilities, although it can be difficult to locate affordable and acceptable options. Budget-friendly lodging is available at the Arequ Guest House in Bole, close to the airport. The building is styled like a traditional Ethiopian dwelling. The accommodations are roomy, cozy, and tidy, and every morning you’ll be served to a delicious traditional breakfast. It is run by a neighborhood family who are incredibly helpful and nice. On request, the family will prepare lunch and dinner for you in the kitchen, but you are also welcome to use the room to prepare your own food.
Where to Stay in Addis Ababa
There are many different lodging alternatives in Addis Abeba, so you should have no trouble finding something that fits your preferences and price range. The facilities, including the availability of hot water and western plumbing, do seem to improve with price.
In Addis Ababa, Airbnb is starting to gain popularity, and you can get a place for two people for under $30 USD each night. A wonderful approach to learn about local traditions from your hosts and gain insight into their daily life is to stay in an Airbnb. Remember to utilize our link to save up to $55 on your next reservation.
The Sheraton Addis is a wonderful place to start if you want luxury. It offers a pool, suites, lovely double rooms, as well as a number of on-site restaurants and pubs. Even if you aren’t staying there, their outside bar is a terrific spot to hang out because it features live music and great beverages.
The Jupiter International Hotel is more of a mid-range hotel with decent rooms, excellent WiFi, and a helpful staff that are always happy to assist. The Jupiter is a fantastic starting point for exploring and is situated in Kazanchis, in the heart of Addis.
In Addis there are many affordable possibilities, although it can be difficult to locate affordable and acceptable options. Budget-friendly lodging is available at the Arequ Guest House in Bole, close to the airport. The building is styled like a traditional Ethiopian dwelling. The accommodations are roomy, cozy, and tidy, and every morning you’ll be served to a delicious traditional breakfast. It is run by a neighborhood family who are incredibly helpful and nice. On request, the family will prepare lunch and dinner for you in the kitchen, but you are also welcome to use the room to prepare your own food.
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Eat Here: Asa Bet
Asa Bet offers fusions and creative takes on traditional Ethiopian dishes. It offers contemporary Ethiopian cooking with a strong seafood focus that combines regional and global flavors. The most recent restaurant to launch is owned by renowned chef, restaurateur, and TV personality Yohanis Gebreyesus. Pro tip: If you’re having trouble choosing, go to an all-you-can-eat buffet on a Sunday and try everything.
Grab Drinks Here: Louvre
No, not the gallery, even though the beverages are excellent examples of fine art. A unique, family-run boutique hotel called The Louvre features a French restaurant and a secret wine cellar below ground. Try Ethiopian wines in the calm cellar or drink a cocktail on one of the crowded patios. With an excellent collection of Ethiopian historical artifacts on exhibit in homage to the Parisian museum of the same name, it’s also a fantastic spot to explore and stroll around.
Stay Here: Hyatt Regency
The Hyatt Regency, a brand-new luxury hotel in Addis Abeba, is situated in the center of the busy Meskel Square. It does not let down with its modern accents and decor with cultural inspiration. Its bustling Cascara Bar serves coffee-inspired cocktails in the garden while gazing out over a lovely water feature. It features two restaurants, one providing Levantine food and the other fusing western BBQ and pan-Asian flavors.
Get caffeinated here: Hadero Coffee Museum
In the region where coffee was first made, there are more places to drink coffee than to eat. Ethiopian coffee has a dizzying array of possibilities. Visitors can get a behind-the-scenes look at the entire coffee production process at The Coffee Museum by Hadero, from hand sorting to roasting, brewing, and cupping. A taste presentation of traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremonies marks the end of the journey. In addition, the museum offers a coffee bar where you can make your own cup of coffee and a gift store with mementos relating to coffee.
Satisfy your sweet tooth at: Tutto Gelato
You will have to wait in the lengthy lines that gather outside of this well-known ice cream business, according to the proverb that states good things come to those who wait. But the exquisite, all-natural, premium dairy-based gelatos and vegan sorbets that are offered in over 50 flavors make it worthwhile.
Shop here: Enisra
With government assistance, the women’s pottery collective Enisra was established with the goal of enabling women to support themselves via ceramic and pottery making. By banding together, the women were able to improve their trade and even specialize in particular methods. The organization provides daycare, a market, and studio space. It’s a terrific site to get ceramics and pottery that are cheaply priced to buy to take home while also assisting these artisans in supporting their creative livelihoods.
Get cultural here: Addis Fine Art
The most effective gallery to go to if you want to research contemporary Ethiopian artists. AFA has made a name for itself as a major player in the international art scene thanks to its portfolio of cutting-edge Ethiopian artists with locations in Addis Abeba and London. Pro Tip: To purchase works by up-and-coming artists, visit during their annual “Addis Calling” exhibition.
Remote work here: Adore
The hotel-like multipurpose building has multiple floors specifically set aside for co-working, conference, office, and events facilities. Due to Addis Abeba’s increasingly congested roadways and its central location in the Atlas area, it makes for a particularly suitable gathering location. Adore is a great place for concentrated work sessions when you’re short on time because it also contains a cafe and a market.
Experience the outdoors here: Friendship + Unity Parks
Two parks, one mission. Despite being close by, these two parks are very distinct from one another. While Unity Park offers a glimpse of Ethiopian history, culture, and wildlife, Friendship Park is a beautifully planted urban oasis with walking trails and a fountain with a light show. In addition to serving as a reminder that Ethiopia’s best days are still ahead, both parks hope to encourage visitors.
Sunset at Union Cocktail Bar & Restaurant
This unassuming cottage is situated on the fringes of the estate of 19th-century aristocrat and military commander Ras Birru, close to the Addis Abeba city museum. One of the best views of this bustling crossing can be seen from The Union’s expansive outdoor terrace, which is positioned above the Meskel Square amphitheatre. With such a colorful backdrop, it’s the perfect place to enjoy dinner or cocktails while watching the sun set.
Catch a vibe here: Fendika Cultural Center
Both locals and tourists like visiting this spot. It was started by renowned dancer and activist Melaku Belay, and it has remained a gathering place for regional artists. Get ready for a spectacular evening of live music, jam sessions, performance art, and traditional culture when you stop by on any Thursday or Friday.
Travel to Ethiopia
Ethiopia is a rugged, landlocked country in the Horn of Africa divided by the Great Rift Valley. It's a place of ancient culture, with archaeological finds dating back more than 3 million years.
History of Ethiopia
Ethiopia is bounded to the north by Eritrea, to the northeast by Djibouti, to the east by Somalia, to the south by Kenya, and to the west by South Sudan and Sudan.
People Of Ethiopia
Ethiopians are ethnically diverse, with the most significant differences based on linguistic classification. Ethiopia is a linguistic mosaic of about 100 languages divided into four groups.
Terminal 2: Etiopian Airlines Star Alliance Gold Lounge
- Opening hours: first to last departure of the day
- Services: premium food and snacks, WiFi, television, newspapers and magazines
