15 Interesting Things to See and Do in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

The bustling capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa is very much the centre of this diverse and delightful country.

For a start, it geographically sits in the middle of this large nation and, at 2,355m above sea level, occupies an elevated position overseeing large swaths of the rest of the country. The city itself has a population of about 2.7 million people and the urban area of Addis Ababa is home to around 4.8 million people. 

Addis Ababa is also the cultural hub of Ethiopia, with several important museums stationed here, as well as major universities and many Ethiopian Orthodox sites and treasures. Addis Ababa is also the business hub of this otherwise very rural country. As such, it’s home to the movers and shakers of this quick developing nation, the young and educated as well as a small but growing middle class.

Addis Ababa city view by Ninaras

This means if you want to eat, drink or party in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa is definitely the spot to head for! But there’s much more to the city (whose name means New Flower) than just that. And to give you a flavour of just how rich this capital is, here are the: 

Top 15 Things to See and Do in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

1. Meskel Square
2. 'Red Terror' Martyrs Memorial Museum
3. Ethnological Museum of Addis Ababa
4. National Museum of Ethiopia
5. Holy Trinity Cathedral
6. St George Cathedral & Museum
7. Debre Libanos Monastery
8. Entoto Mountain
9. Piazza District
10. Addis Merkato
11. Bishoftu (Debre Zeyit)
12. Awash National Park
13. Tiya Stelae Field
14. Habesha 2000
15. Fendika Azmari Bet

#1 Meskel Square

One of the interesting things about Addis Ababa is that this city really does seem to lack a centre, instead all of its attractions, markets, churches and museums are spread out across different zones, making a discernible tourist hub something of a misnomer here.

Were there to be one central region to this city, however, it would probably be Meskel Square.

Meskel celebration by DanielGirmaTsige [CC BY-SA 4.0]

Home to one of the most important Ethiopian Orthodox festivals of the year, Meskel Square is normally filled with traffic and a rattling metro overhead, but on the 26th September each year, the Meskel religious festival takes place right here… and it’s one of the most important dates in this faith’s calendar.

The Meskel Festival is a colourful affair which sees thousands of believers descend on the square to gather in colourful robes and celebrate the discovery of the true cross – the one Jesus was crucified on – by St Helena in Jerusalem in the 4th Century.

If you can’t time your visit to Addis Ababa in Ethiopia to coincide with this event (also known as Demera) however, then you’ll see Meskel Square as it is the rest of the year – essentially a large central zone full of street sellers, runners honing their fitness skills and buses waiting to ship passengers to other destinations around the country.

The Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum is also located near here too, so onto the 2nd of these 15 things to do in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

#2 Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum

Next on this list of the top 15 things to do in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia is to visit the Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum.

Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum, Addis Ababa by Adam Jones

A small exhibition space set just off Meskel Square, this is nevertheless one of the best museums in both the capital and the country providing, as it does, a valuable insight into this often-forgotten period in Ethiopian history.

Essentially charting the rise and reign of the violent repressive, “communist” regime that terrorised the people of Ethiopia for over 10 years, this museum relays personal accounts of what happened during that time, as well as displays some harrowing artefacts.

Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa by Insights Unspoken

Beginning with the overthrowing of Emperor Haile Selassie in 1974, the “Derg” as the regime was known, rose to power and occupied Ethiopia until 1991. During that time it committed many atrocities against its own people, including killing an estimated 30,000 to 750,000 Ethiopians.

The last room in this small museum, with its alarming display of skulls, is both ominous and extremely poignant.

#3 Ethnological Museum of Addis Ababa

Following on from the Red Terror Museum, another of the top museums in this city and certainly one of the best things to do in Addis Ababa is to explore the Ethnological Museum.

Definitely a less shocking and alarming exhibition than that of the Red Terror, Addis Ababa’s Ethnological Museum is housed within the main university campus, the grounds of which are gorgeous and make for some very pleasant surroundings.

University campus in Addis Ababa by Ninaras

Located on Algeria Street, vehicles can’t enter the university campus, so getting dropped off outside and then strolling through the green gardens here is a really lovely way to begin your visit.

On arriving at the museum, you’ll also be greeted with a beautiful façade as this building was once the official house and palace of Emperor Haile Selassie – the last Ethiopian King.

Ethnological Museum, Addis Ababa by Insights Unspoken

Over 2 floors, you’ll then be treated to a glorious display about the culture, history, cuisine and religion of Ethiopia’s many different ethnic groups.

Ethnographic Museum, Addis Ababa by Adam Jones

It’s a fascinating journey and many people label it as one of the top museums in East Africa. As such, the 100 Ethiopian Birr (ETB) entrance fee is well worth it!

#4 National Museum of Ethiopia

And then, in at number 4 on this list of the best things to do in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is the last museum on this list – the National Museum of Ethiopia.

National museum of ethiopia by Felitsata [CC BY-SA 4.0]

While again this cultural destination is small and fairly unassuming, this museum has one very important artefact that makes it impossible to leave off this list.

And that artefact is… Lucy!

In pragmatic terms, Lucy is several hundred pieces of bone fossils representing 40 per cent of a female skeleton from the species we homo sapiens developed from!

Doesn’t sound that exciting, but wait…

In more emotive terms, Lucy is the oldest living human ever found.!

Lucy in National Museum of Ethiopia by Ninara

Discovered in 1974 in Ethiopia’s Awash Valley, Lucy is thought to be around 3.2 million years old. She is named after the famous Beatles’ song Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, which was apparently played repeatedly in the camp of the archaeologists who discovered her!

Now Lucy sits on the ground floor of the National Museum of Ethiopia and paying a small entrance fee of just 10 Birr, means you can glimpse this amazing, ancient lady in all her pieced-together beauty.

#5 Holy Trinity Cathedral (Addis Ababa)

And from museums in Addis Ababa, we move on to some of the Orthodox Cathedrals, as visiting at least a few of them is definitely one of the best things to do in the capital.

First up is the Holy Trinity Cathedral, which is one of the main Orthodox structures in the city, indeed in the whole of the country.

Holy Trinity Cathedral, Addis Ababa by Alan

Built in 1942, it was constructed to commemorate Ethiopia’s liberation from the Italian invasion which began just before the Second World War in 1936.

Before this, the same site was home to the Holy Trinity Monastery Church, which dates back to the reign of Emperor Menelik II – another prolific ruler in this country’s history, who actually founded the city of Addis Ababa.

Interior Holy Trinity Cathedral, Addis by Alan

Buried in the Cathedral now are Emperor Haile Selassie and Empress Menen Asfaw, whose tombs can be found in the northern section of the building.

Then, outside, the Cathedral’s graveyard is also the resting place of the famous British suffragette, Sylvia Pankhurst.

#6 St George Cathedral & Museum

After the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the next most important Ethiopian Orthodox site to visit in Addis Ababa is that of the St George Cathedral.

Located on the northern edge of Piazza, at Menelik Square, this religious structure is famous for its octagonal shape, as well as for the number of devotees who come here each day to pray and pay their respects.

St. George Cathedral, Addis by David Stanley

Often found in silent contemplation at the gates of the church, as well as inside, visiting this place of worship is certainly one of the best things to do in Addis Ababa, because of the fascinating insight it provides into Ethiopian culture, which is still deeply religious in an almost mystical way.

With its importance as a historical site too, due to the fact it was the coronation location for some of this country’s most famous rulers, the St George Cathedral also has a museum attached to it, with an imperial throne on display and some beautiful stained glass window artwork.

#7 Debre Libanos Monastery

And sticking with the theme of the best Ethiopian Orthodox sites in the county, no trip to Addis Ababa would be complete without visiting the famous monastery of Debe Libanos.

Debre Libanos monastery-2 by Laika ac from UK [CC BY-SA 2.0]

Located just a few hours’ drive north of the capital, this is one of the best day trips to take from the city and provides some stunning views as you head out and into the surrounding mountainous countryside.

Canyon View of Debre Libanos by MarcD. [CC BY-SA 3.0]

As soon as you approach the monastery, hundreds of pilgrims can be seen on a daily basis as thought to have healing properties, the church is a famous place for Ethiopian Orthodox followers to come and seek solace. Actually, many also camp outside the church for months on end and their rudimentary dwellings can also easily be spotted as you make your way to Debre Libanos.

Villagers crossing bridge, Debre Libanos by Marc D. [CC BY-SA 3.0]

Once you enter the gates of the church, the looming structure of this important religious site is very impressive and stepping inside, you are offered the time for some quiet contemplation in its atmospheric enclaves.

Beautiful stained glass windows dominate the church, as well as religious paintings and icons.

Debre Libanos monastery-3 by Laika ac from UK

But no visit to Debre Libanos would be complete without checking out the small museum located in the church grounds and taking a guide to help you understand the significance of the historical artefacts here will greatly aid your understanding and appreciation of this significant collection.

#8 Entoto Mountain

And while we’re on the subject of day trips, there’s no question that one of the best things to do in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia is to visit Entoto Mountain, also called Entoto Hill.

Located at the very edge of the city, this is much closer to the centre of the capital than Debre Libanos and hiring a taxi driver to escort you there for half a day is a great way to get a truly memorising view of the city.

Addis view from Entoto Hill by Philip Kromer

Located on a hill to the north of the capital, Entoto Mountain (or Mount Entoto) rises to 3,000m above sea level and, on a clear day, the vista of the bustling city spread before you really is very impressive.

There’s a beautiful church set at the top of this elevation too of course and at the foot is one of the best markets in the city.

Entoto Maryam Church, Entoto Hill by Ninara

Known for its locally-produced textiles, this is the perfect place to pick up some great souvenirs at some of the best prices. Wonderfully free of tourists, it provides a very genuine and authentic shopping experience.

#9 Piazza District

Heading back into the city now, the Piazza area of Addis Ababa is one district you can’t miss either when you visit this capital.

A historical heart of the city, albeit when it was much smaller, the Piazza region still feels very traditional and a visit there can be a bit like stepping back in time.

Addis Piazza by Francisco Anzola

With many old colonial buildings, constructed by the Italians during their invasion of the county, the Piazza hub can definitely be seen as the “old town” of Addis Ababa.

Top attractions include the Post Office, which is still operational, the Itegue Taitu Hotel, the Stone Bank of Abyssinia and a Greek Orthodox Church.

There’s also one of the most famous cafes in the whole city - Tomoka - and sitting down to enjoy a strong Ethiopian coffee here is essentially a rite of passage when you visit this county!

Tomoca Coffee House Addis by Rod Waddington from Kergunyah, Australia

Just do watch your belongings when you head to Piazza, as the area is also famous (sadly) for its pickpockets.

#10 Addis Merkato

Another place that you need to closely guard your belongings in Addis Ababa is the Merkato, aka the market.

Mercato Addis market by Insights Unspoken

Rumoured to be the largest street market in the whole of Africa - and this really is quite a title - this huge sprawling mass of street sellers is a feast for the senses as the smells, tastes, sights and sounds of Ethiopian culture waft towards you.

Merkato Addis market by Dave Proffer

With all the hustle and bustle here, it’s hard to guard your pockets all the time, but if you leave everything of value at your hotel and simply venture to this insanely large marketplace with a sense of adventure and discovery, you’ll find a rich and wonderful travel experience worth unearthing.

#11 Bishoftu (Debre Zeyit)

Heading back out of the city now, another of the top day trips from Addis Ababa and absolutely one of the best things to enjoy when you are in Ethiopia's capital is an excursion to Bishoftu. Formerly known as Debre Zeyit, this is an area of natural significance that lies to the south-east of the city.

Famous for its array of lakes, some of which vary in colours and all of which are home to some incredible birdlife, this is a spectacular destination for those looking to get their wildlife fix in Ethiopia.

Kuriftu Lake in Bishoftu ethiopia by Ninaras [CC BY 4.0]

5 crater lakes dominate the scenery here and many upscale resorts provide weary citizens from Addis Ababa with the perfect excuse for a weekend retreat.

Join them here on either a Friday or Saturday, or visit during the week for a quieter trip to this area of stunning natural beauty.

#12 Awash National Park

And sticking with the wildlife theme, another top day trip from Addis Ababa you can’t miss when you visit Ethiopia is Awash National Park.

Awash sunset by Jean Rebiffe

Located to the east of the city, this park lies on the road that heads out towards the UNESCO city of Harar and the neighbouring country of Djibouti. Approximately 200km from the capital, Awash National Park was established in 1966 and has since been a key reserve to protect much of Ethiopia’s unique wildlife.

Visiting this National Park will give you a key opportunity to spot East African oryx, North African ostriches, dik-diks, kudus, warthogs, gazelles, many different bird species and potentially even African wild dogs.

Oryx beisa, Awash National Park by Jean Rebiffe

It is also home to some fascinating volcanic features that form part of its landscape, including bubbling hot springs.

#13 Tiya Stelae Field

And last on the list of day trips when it comes to the best things to do in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is Tiya Stelae Field.

A UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site, one of Ethiopia’s current 9 in fact, this historical site is located to the south of the capital and is made up of 36 stone monuments many of which are carved with a fascinating array of designs and images.

Tiya Stelae Field by Richard Mortel

Outside of this, very little is known about the stones, except that they are part of an ancient and little-understood Ethiopian culture.

This lack of information makes a visit to them even more intriguing.

#14 Habesha 2000 Restaurant

A slice of Ethiopian culture that is more known about however is the highly unique food and form of dancing encountered across this country. With deeply historical roots, it’s amazing that such strong traditional culinary and performance styles are maintained so fiercely throughout Ethiopia in modern times. And one of the best places to experience both these facets together is at a traditional restaurant.

Scattered across this country, these are eating establishments that provide entertainment in the form of local song and dance performances every evening... but amazingly it’s not a tourist trap and is largely frequented by locals!

2000 Habesha restaurant by Joepyrek

One of the best examples is Habesha 2000 - a large traditional restaurant that is definitely one of the best things to do in Addis Ababa.

The evening show begins around 8 pm, but you can arrive before or after this, and enjoy the ambience and delicious local food as the amazing dance and musical performances continue for several hours.

It’s hard to describe the atmosphere at Habesha 2000, you just need to go and try it for yourself!

#15 Fendika Cultural Center 

And finally, number 15 on this list of the best things to do in Addis Ababa is to head to Fendika Azmari Bet.

Again an evening idea centred around local arts and culture, Fendika, however, provides a very different experience to Habesha 2000, in that it fuses traditional performance elements and styles with modern international influences.

Fendika Cultural Centre by Ninara

This is the primary modern arts centre in Addis Ababa and is an absolutely incredible place to check out, especially on a Friday, which is the busiest night of the week here.

Established by famous contemporary dance performer and choreographer Melaku Belay, this is an extraordinarily visionary artistic hub, situated in a country with an already highly unique cultural heritage.

There’s a bar at Fendika too, which means entertainment evenings take place in a casual and social environment and a small gallery space also features a revolving exhibition of local artists’ work.

A little ramshackle, but full of fun, Fendika is the one place you must spend an evening when you visit Addis Ababa, especially if you’re looking to understand how the rich, cultural identity of this nation can combine with the strong influences of its African neighbours as well as western globalising forces.

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Hopefully this list of the 15 best things to do in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia will show you just how much there is to do in this city and convince you to give at least a few days of your itinerary to this fascinating and lively capital.

Lion of Judah in Addis

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