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Capital and largest city of Ethiopia
Photo: Sculptor: Karl Haertel, died 1941, Photographer Vob08, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Addis Ababa (Amharic: አዲስ አበባ) is the capital and largest city of Ethiopia. With an estimated population of more than 6 million in 2026, it is growing very rapidly like many African cities. The city is an important center of diplomacy, and despite being a relatively young city, Addis is a good introduction to Ethiopia and its culture.
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Focuses on artefacts and exhibits from Addis Ababa. The building was once a palace where Ras Biru Habte-Gabriel, a former Minister of War, resided.
In the old French-built railway station of the city. There is no formal office within, but you can see 1930s carriages and locomotives on display outside. There is also a restaurant and a cafe. Much of the area around the station are under construction for a new high-rise residential district.
Also known as the Museum and Library of the Institute of Ethiopian Studies, this is a fascinating museum with exhibits about the history and culture of Ethiopia. There are many displays of the various ethnic groups found in Ethiopia with information about each of their lifestyles. Ethnic outfits, instruments, tools, and other artefacts accompany each ethnic exhibit, making it one of the most interesting museums in the city. It is housed in the former palace of the Emperor Haile Selassie, and you can visit his bedroom. The museum is on the university campus.
A poorly displayed but interesting museum. The most famous exhibit is the replica of Lucy, an early hominid. With Ethiopian civilization being one of the oldest in the world, the artefacts within the museum span thousands of years, including some from its earliest days. A wide variety of artefacts are featured, from sculptures to clothing to artwork. Both traditional and modern art are featured. Much of the museum is undergoing renovation and closed.
Founded in 1955, the museum reportedly displays about 1100 species of African animals.
About those who lost their lives in the time of the Derg. Opened in 2010 with an excellent, modern style of display. Visited in 2019 the building was in a fairly poor state with none of the lights seemingly working. Worth a quick visit, won’t take more than 15 minutes. The memorial does not set out to be an encyclopaedic collection but to be a simple and powerful reminder.
It's quite impressive, with its arcades and several minarets. Has been repainted at least twice in the 2010s and early 2020s.
Very interesting place and one of the many old churches in Addis Ababa. One can see old paintings by many Ethiopian celebrity artists. Has a museum displaying church articles given by many famous people of the country including the emperor Haile Selassie and his Empress.
It was built to commemorate the country's liberation from the Italians, and many victims killed by the Italians during occupation are buried here. The locals call the church Haile Selassie Church because Emperor Haile Selassie's body was moved here in 2000. Surrounding the cathedral is a cemetery with notable Ethiopians, including Patriarchs, Prime Ministers, athletes, musicians, and football commentators! The suffragette Sylvia Pankhurst is buried in the churchyard. There is a small museum in the site and a number of smaller churches. As with all churches in Ethiopia shoes must be left outside.
This cathedral, whose name means "Saviour of the World", is the largest cathedral in Ethiopia and the second largest in Africa. Built in 1890, it has a relatively plain exterior but a wonderfully colourful interior, particularly inside the dome.
Brick church with a square tower. Masses in Amharic and Ge'ez.
Built in 1896 to commemorate Ethiopia's victory over the Italians. The cathedral is an octagonal building. As you walk around it, you will notice people praying beside the walls, but it is unlikely that you will find an entrance. The Cathedral can only be visited with a guide. The interior is nicely decorated with huge paintings and mosaics. The near museum has an interesting and well displayed collection including ceremonial clothes and ancient manuscripts. No photography is allowed in the museum, but you can take photos inside the cathedral without flash
Also known as the Menelik mausoleum, is located just south of the Menelik palace.
This is where the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa is headquartered as well as most UN offices in Ethiopia. It is also the site of the founding of the Organization for African Unity (OAU) which eventually became the African Union. Security is tight and you won't be admitted unless you have an appointment.
Sometimes erroneously called Derg Monument, which Ethiopians find offensive because it is not a monument to honour the Derg regime. This massive statue monument was built in the 1980s. The sides have a tribute to Ethiopian and Cuban soldiers who died in the 1977-1978 war against Somalia. If you want to take pictures, there is a guy asking for a small fee.
The national library and archives of the country was opened by Emperor Haile Selassie in 1944, who also donated the first books.
Commemorates Emperor Menelik. It was erected in 1930 and looted by the Italians a few years later. It remained in Rome for 30 years before being returned in the 1960s.
A carved statue commemorating the silver jubilee of Emperor Haile Selassie in 1955.
Opened in October 2019 this is one of the must see sights in Addis Ababa. The expansive site is home to the Palace of Emperor Menelik II, including his Throne Room and Banquet Hall, along with a zoo, exhibitions, sculptures, and wonderful beds of flowers. It is probably the best presented site in Ethiopia, the pet project of the Prime Minister, whose office is also on the site. Allow 2-3 hours to visit. Security is extremely strict, with no food or water allowed to be brought in (but can be bought inside) and cameras and power banks have to be left in a cloakroom, but mobile phones are fine. You will need to show your passport to enter.
Palace Museum
Built as the Jubilee Palace to mark Emperor Haile Selassie's Silver Jubilee in 1955, it was the residence of the President of Ethiopia until, following an extensive renovation, it was opened to the public as the Palace Museum. The palace basement showcases various collections related to Haile Selassie and subsequent Ethiopian heads of state, including diplomatic gifts and the imperial coronation throne. A separate building houses Haile Selassie's car collection, which is the first stop for visitors as they enter the grounds. Photography (no flash) for personal use is now allowed except for the two rooms by the palace entrance, which are still used for state functions.
Built during the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie, with its clock tower, it continues as the seat of Parliament. Photography is prohibited.
Built by the Derg regime of Mengistu Haile Mariam as its parliament hall, as of 2024 the known as the Office of the Prime Minister of Ethiopia. The Shengo Hall was the world's largest pre-fabricated building, which was constructed in Finland before being assembled in Addis Ababa. It is used for large meetings and conventions.
The oldest theatre in Ethiopia.
Event venue, not just used for horse racing but other events too. A large religious event taking place here every year on January 19 is Timkat, celebrating the baptism of Jesus.
Bihere Tsige Public Park
Green area in southern Addis, bisected by the Akaki stream.
18 hole golf course with a restaurant.
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Walk from St. Mary church, the first church of Addis, and St Urael church and see the city from the top of the mountain.
Performances by traditional azmari minstrels.
Pick up some dance lessons in salsa and bachata here so that you can impress the world later.
City Cafe on Bole
has delicious cakes and pastries as well as high quality Ethiopian espresso coffees or machiattos. You can sit on the porch and watch the activity on one of the main roads in Addis.
National Theater Menafesha
Reasonable prices and good food. From injera to club sandwich.
Ethiopian restaurant, vegetarian menu available.
Ethiopian restaurant with outdoor seating.
Decent pizza, and one of the only delivery services available in Addis that does not require bulk orders. Pizza tends to arrive cold.
A quiet, tucked-away Italian restaurant, it has some of the best pizza in the city, on a beautiful compound. Parking is extremely limited both on the street and within the restaurant; if you plan on dining in, take a taxi.
Habesha 2000
One of Addis Ababa's famous cultural restaurants, it has traditional singing and dancing at night. If you're feeling brave, try the gored gored (cubes of heavily salted and spiced raw beef). Waiters are well mannered and kind, and most are very talented dancers. Features a large buffet with many kinds of wat/wot (Ethiopian stew), injera, shiro, vegetables, and other dishes. Their "fasting" menu (meatless or vegan dishes typically served to religiously observant diners) is excellent and will satisfy most vegetarians and vegans.
While Ethiopian food is delicious there comes a time when you might want to try something else. Extensive menu, ranging from Arabic to Ethiopian food. They do have a consistency which is quite hard to find here. Own brand of coffee, which is a more bitter version of the general Ethiopian coffee you find, but if this appeals to you then you can not find this coffee anywhere else. Limetree owns several other restaurants in town, ask them for recommendations for a bit more variety.
Classic Vietnamese dishes including Banh Mi, Pho and Bun Thit Nuong.
A very popular restaurant with amazing Yemeni food, visited by locals and middle-east customers. But indoor room can be a little bit noisy.
Fabulous burgers (often called the best in Addis), nice salads and juices. Designed like a living room, with little bookstore. They only serve American coffee.
Huge hall where the locals gather to enjoy pizza, pasta and meat dishes. Decent price.
A traditional cultural restaurant, favored by expats and the diplomatic community for treating visitors. Serves Hakim Stout, an excellent (even by international standards) dark Harari beer produced by Heineken that can be difficult to find. Multiple locations, but the popular ones are in Bole and in Mekanisa/Sar Bet area (Old Airport, on Seychelles St. about 600 m due west of Adams Pavilion).
A bright, vibrant, bustling cafe serving cupcakes, cakes, fruit juices and coffees.
Texas-style restaurant with meat and American specialities. Good ambiance at night.
Turkish cuisine with various dishes, feature classical "mixed kebab" as well as less known specialities like "tray kebab". The appetisers are tasty.
Yemeni-style cuisine, decorated as a Bedouin tent, quiet ambiance.
A bakery which also propose lunch with high quality product, including strawberry tartlets, French cheese, hams and a "Gorgonzola burger". Brunch on Sunday.
High-quality traditional Ethiopian cuisine, in a nice house and garden. One of the oldest restaurant in Addis Ababa, it was relocated in 2015. Probably one of the best option for farenjis to discover in quiet ambiance Ethiopian dishes: chikena tibs, beyayentu.
The best restaurant for Ethiopian traditional beef meat, it serves only tibs (cooked) and tresega (raw), as well as many different style of meats. Local drink speciality is called "punch". Populated with upper-class of Addis Ababa.
A French restaurant decoration them on old Paris. Special dish is Coucous every Thursday for 350 birr. In 2020 the hotel was a pleasant spot but the food was not exciting best to come here for red wine and cheese.
Armenian and Mediterranean restaurant. Serves fine Middle-Eastern food, various mezzes including a gorgeous tabbouleh. In quiet atmosphere, perfect for a romantic diner. Very expensive but authentic and delicious.
Top Italian restaurant here since 1942. With famous guests such as Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt there is a reason that Castelli's manages to attract such a crowd. This is where the Italian embassy staff goes to eat. Amazing food, amazing desserts, call for a reservation or risk disappointment, even at lunch time, as this is a trendy place to be seen.
Excellent pizza. There is another location near CMC.
Excellent place for Indian food and sweets, often used by the Indian embassy. Loads of variety with rice, chapati, naan. Pleasant atmosphere and price is very good.
Very good food but can be expensive for dinner. But the view is not so "top" since new buildings.
Delicious French cuisine. Great outdoor seating area. Breakfast on weekends. In 2020 food here was great but not cheap. Main course plus a few drinks and dessert cost $60-70 for two.
A luxury Italian restaurant, with meats pizzas and seafood.
Indian restaurant with 500+ entry on it menu. Eating is possible inside and in terrace.
Chinese restaurant with various dishes and soups, sometimes pork is also available.
Best steak house in Addis Ababa, the menu have few items including American Black Angus steak, South African tenderloin and T-bone steak. Pleasant view over the city, the restaurant is Airplanes-themed as the owner also have the East African Aviation company.
The energetic atmosphere is dark yet comfortable and fashionable, and the bar serves a variety of drinks. Live jazz jam session every Th night.
The Dome Famous Club
Sticky and dark, more of a dive bar/club.
Fancy nightclub at the Sheraton. Inside it feels like an upscale Western disco. Don't wear jeans or trainers/sneakers, as they have a fairly strict dress code. Although there is no entrance fee, be prepared to pay heavily for drinks.
Club Catch
Dance till 05:00. Very crowded on weekends, yet that adds to its charm.
Restaurant by day, bar by night, usually with a great DJ and fun dance scene.
This is a coffee shop similar in many aspects to Starbucks. Kaldis has 22 locations around the city and sells a variety of products including coffee, tea, burgers, sandwiches, fruit juice and pancakes.
The restaurant at Addis Guest House run by an American raised Ethiopian named Yonas serves a good selection of Western foods including great French toast for breakfast. It is worth the trip just to meet Yonas who may be the best tour guide you can find in the city.
Rooms are mostly clean and have good and large beds. Good value for money, very quiet. Only toilets and shower are in despicable condition. The main building is the oldest stone-building in Addis, and the hostel is the first hotel in Ethiopia: it was built by Empress Taitu Betul around 1906. In late 2019 it was impossible to book this hotel through their website -you need to ring them. There is a large restaurant and nice outside cafe. Vegan lunch buffet for 105 birr every day (2020). The toilets in the restaurant are excellent. The buffet is something of an institution and popular with locals and tourists
One of the cheapest options in Piazza. Small restaurant on site but very limited and expensive food selection. Old decor and cramped, but decent value. Accept Visa without commission. They might not confirm your booking until you arrive.
Some good and clean rooms, some not so much, so have a look first. Restaurant downstairs that often has UK Premier League and other foodball games on a big screen with lots of locals coming to watch, so expect noise.
15 minutes drive from the airport. 6-bed dormitory rooms have en-suite bathroom. Free WiFi. Bar. Restaurant. Shared kitchen.
Near the airport, its menu specialises in German delicacies such as cheese noodles and grilled chicken washed down with wheat beer. A half litre costs 11 birr.
Provides accommodation for business, leisure travellers, families and groups.
Popular for business people or expats based in the city. Offers a range of services for tourists and it is a homey place for a few nights.
One of the oldest hotels in Addis.
Costs about US$25 per night for tourists. Restaurant/cafe with cableTV that plays news and sports channels. They serve food until c. 22:00-23:00. The staff is very nice and friendly. They have room service for no added charge. The rooms are minimal but have decent bathrooms with hot water heaters for the shower, flush toilets and tiled floors.
This a nice family-run bed & breakfast in a quiet residential area has clean rooms and beautiful furnished apartments with fully-equipped kitchens and satellite TV. Is less than one mile from Piassa, only about 12 minutes from the airport.
Family run place,reasonable rooms and very helpful staff. Only downside a little distance from major sights. Can book with internet booking sites. Tucked away in back street very near the Le Louvre Hotel and near to UK embassy. If you don't have GPS you need to familiarise yourself with the route from the embassy as taxis will have trouble finding the guest house but will know the embassy.
This hotel is newish as of 2020 and everything works. The staff are very helpful and the manager speaks fluent English. Can book on internet booking sites.
Wi-Fi, breakfast, bar, airport shuttle, some rooms with balconies.
New modern hotel with breakfast and wifi and gym.
Mid-range hotel with wifi and breakfast. Hospitable even though the name sounds a bit questionable.
A modern and clean hotel near the Lebu train station. English spoken. Good WiFi.
Airline agents, money changing, restaurant, bar, gym, sauna, swimming pool, internet access.
Yeka district. Peaceful surroundings in contemporary city area. Many free services, including in-room wireless internet and premium satellite TV.
Comfortable 4-star hotel in Bole (near airport). Rooms of a good international standard. Fast wired and wireless internet in rooms. There is a good restaurant, plus fast food outlet and Indian restaurant. There is also a swimming pool and health centre.
About US$40 per night. Clean and rooms are huge with living room, separate bedroom, many bathrooms include large tub. Staff is very nice and rooms have enormous balconies overlooking the green open areas of the Sheraton hotel and views of Mt. Entoto. A great place to stay if you need easy access to the Bole Airport without risking traffic delays.
An aspiring 4-star hotel with two locations in Addis Ababa. The largest property located in the Cazanchise area in walking distance from the UNECA building, near the airport.
Nice, clean rooms. 4-star dining and bar. Very nice lobby area.
Known to expats as the "Sheza", this huge luxurious hotel was built by an Ethiopian billionaire, who is also Ethiopia's largest employer after the government. This is the place to go for 5-star opulence. It also one of few places in Addis where you can get cash from an ATM or credit card.
Comfortable three/four star hotel in Bole (near airport). Several floors of rooms all of good standard. Wired and wireless internet are available. A courtesy bus is available to and from the airport.
(Italian for market, as the main covered market still in use dates from the colonial administration of the late 1930s) is the largest outdoor market in the world, and you can get anything from tourist goods (t-shirts, wood crafts, etc.) to fabric to metal goods there. Haggling and bargaining are standard procedure, and foreigners (especially those of European ancestry) should expect to be charged higher prices. To ensure a positive experience, maintain a sense of humour, don't be afraid to negotiate aggressively, and above all don't let yourself be bullied by the many "brokers" who frequent the market, and will try to steer you towards certain stores in exchange for a kick-back from the merchant. You will be able to negotiate lower prices if you can avoid brokers, and especially if you have a local friend or guide to buy things on your behalf.
If the madness of Mercato isn't for you, Chiromeda is a pleasant alternative. Haggling and bargaining is still the status quo, but you could walk away with a traditional dress from as cheap as 100 birr.
Well-stocked western-style supermarket, and they accept Mastercard and Visa.
Contains a large book store, and Ethiopia's only 3D multiplex cinema "Matti Multiplex" (three screens), which plays both Amharic and English-language films. Western films typically are shown within a week to a month of their U.S. release, though occasionally they may operate on European release schedules. The centre of the mall features an arcade zone and an indoor amusement park with carousel, pinballs, bull-riding, climbing tubes, 3D cinema, and bumper cars; it's a fun place for small children, but really crowded on the weekends and holidays. Include several restaurants. Also located nearby are several dance clubs. As of February 2026 the inside is closed for refurbishment but a few outdoor dining establishments are open.
Build around 2000, the mall clam 105 stores and a total surface of 8000 m2, with numerous jewellery.
Eliana mall
Bambis Super, Lewis retails
Expensive euro-style supermarket located in Kazanchis, near the Radisson, Hilton, and Sheraton hotels. Features an extensive selection of imported products, and high quality fresh/frozen meats, including pork.
Has a lot of high quality products mostly imported from Italy or Dubai.
Has relatively cheaper products of the same quality and is located on Bole road and also near the Canadian Embassy in Old Airport.
A multi-purpose mall consisting of a grocery store, numerous places to buy clothes and toys, a liquor store and a mobile phone store. This mall has several levels each with a number of small rooms selling goods. Also has of a large outdoor swimming pool.
Art gallery with paintings by current Ethiopian artists. There is a restaurant but the real draw is the collection.
By car
Most of the major roads are in good condition:
By bus
By train
A railway line connects Addis Ababa with the port city of Djibouti, via Dire Dawa.5 hours from Dire Dawa, a mandatory overnight stay and another 12 hours to Addis.
By bus
Blue and white minibuses/taxis travel quite efficiently around town.
By taxi
Uber does not operate here yet, but there are a number of locally-available alternatives.
By light rail
The Chinese built a system of light rail lines (one of the first in sub-Saharan Africa) in the 2010s. There are two lines that cross near Meskel square:
On foot
Significant investment has been put into making Addis Ababa walkable, and major roads now have wide, paved sidewalks not normally seen elsewhere in the developing world.
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