15 Best Things to Do in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Addis Ababa is the first African city I ever visited. Upon arrival, I wasn’t sure what to think. The city is sprawling, crowded, and disorganized. After spending a week exploring, it really grew on me. It has since become one of my favorite places in Africa. Here are the 15 best things to do in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This list includes tourist attractions, wildlife viewing, bars, restaurants, coffee shops, nightlife, museums, shopping, historical sights, and more.

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1. Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia and See Lucy

This is the best and most famous museum in Ethiopia. Here, you can view the most significant artwork and archaeological finds from around the country. If you only visit one museum in Addis Ababa, this is the one to visit.

The most famous exhibit in the National Museum of Ethiopia is the remains of “Lucy.” This fossilized skeleton of Australopithecus afarensis was found in the Afar depression of Ethiopia in 1974. Around 40% of the 3.2 million year old skeleton is present.

The museum also houses a number of other significant archaeological finds including skeletal remains of early hominids. On the upper floor of the museum, you’ll find memorabilia from the former emperors of Ethiopia as well as some famous Ethiopian Artwork.

Price- 10 Birr

2. Meskel Square

Addis Ababa is a sprawling city. Large buildings, museums, churches, and markets are scattered all over the city. Meskesl Square is the closest thing Addis Ababa has to a city center.

Meskel Square is famous for the annual Meskel Festival which has been taking place for over 1,600 years. Meskel, also called Demera, is a religious holiday celebrated in the Ethiopian Orthodox church. The square was named after the festival. The Meskel Festival takes place every year on the 26^th of September.

The holiday celebrates the discovery of the true cross, where Jesus was crucified, by St Helena in the 4^th century. Every year, thousands of people gather dressed in robes and colorful garments for the celebration. The main event is a large bonfire in the middle of Meskel Square.

Throughout the year, Meskel Square is used for various events including concerts, political rallies, parades, and even auto races. On an average day, you’ll see people going for a run and vendors selling foods, coffee, and various goods. Early in the morning, you’ll see buses leaving for various destinations throughout the country. Meskel Square acts as one of the city’s main bus stations.

Tip: If you feel like you need some exercise after stuffing yourself with Ethiopian food, this is a great place to go for a run. The tiered seating area offers a perfect track for jogging and running. Locals like to run here.

3. Drink Some Ethiopian Coffee

If you’re a coffee drinker, you’re probably already aware that Ethiopia produces some of the best in the world. The coffee may even be one of your main motivations to travel to Ethiopia.

The reason that Ethiopian coffee is considered to be one of the best is the growing conditions. The high altitude and soil make for an ideal place to grow coffee trees. Coffee is actually native to Ethiopia. It is the only place that it grows in the wild.

In Ethiopia, there are two popular ways to drink coffee. The first is the traditional way. Preparation involves hand-roasting the beans and then grinding them with a mortar and pestle. The coffee is brewed in a traditional clay pot called a jabena. The freshly brewed coffee is served with a big spoonful of sugar.

The other way that Ethiopian coffee is served is Italian style. This tradition probably began while Ethiopia was under Italian occupation during the Second World War. Espresso, macchiato, and cappuccino are popular option in Addis Ababa coffee shops.

Even if you’re not a big coffee drinker, it’s worth your time to visit a coffee shop or roadside stand and try a traditional Ethiopian coffee. The drink is a big part of the local culture. Coffee also makes for an excellent souvenir.

Some of the best coffee shops in Addis Ababa include:

Tomoca (TO.MO.CA) Coffee– This small family-owned shop is probably the most famous coffee shop in the city. They specialize in Italian-style coffee, made from Ethiopian arabica beans. They have 6 shops located throughout the city. A coffee costs around 10 birr (about $0.31) They also sell coffee beans by the bag if you’re looking for a souvenir.
Street coffee- Throughout the city, you’ll see dozens of roadside stands and hole-in-the-wall shops serving up fresh coffee. Vendors roast, pound, and brew the coffee right there in their traditional jabena coffee pot. These places usually serve coffee the traditional Ethiopian way, black with a lot of sugar mixed in. A coup costs 4-5 birr (about $0.16)
Mokarar Coffee (Harar Coffee)- This is a local favorite. They roast their own beans and serve up and excellent brew. One thing to note about this place is that is known as Harar Coffee by locals. If you take a taxi there, tell the driver that you want to go to Harar Coffee or they won’t know what you’re talking about.
Kaldi’s Coffee- This place is considered Ethiopia’s version of Starbucks. It is a large chain with shops located all over Addis Ababa. They serve all of your favorite international coffee drinks including americanos, mochas, cappuccinos, as well as pastries. They also have a nice seating area where you can relax and chat with friends. This isn’t the most authentic feeling place but they do serve good coffee. A coffee here costs 10-15 birr (about 30-50 cents).
Yeshi Buna- This is a popular restaurant that also happens to serve phenomenal coffee. They have several locations throughout the city.
Lime Tree- This hip coffee shop serves a wide range of international foods and drinks including Ethiopian coffee.
Alem Bunna- Another popular Ethiopian coffee shop with multiple locations throughout the city.

4. Addis Merkato

Merkato is considered to be the largest open air market in all of Africa. This market sprawls across several square miles and contains over 7000 businesses. Here, you can find food, textiles, electronics, clothing, handicrafts, souvenirs, and more. Even if you don’t like shopping, Merkato is worth a visit. It is a cultural experience.

Some travelers find Merkato to be too crowded and overwhelming to get much shopping done. Throughout Addis Ababa, you can find smaller markets that are great for souvenir shopping.

Shola Market is probably the second biggest market in Addis Ababa after Merkato. Shola Market is less crowded than Merkato and is located kind of near the airport. Shiro Meda Market is a great place to buy souvenirs like clothing, jewelry, and handicrafts. They have a large selection of colorful, handwoven clothing as well. Shiro Meda market is located near the US embassy.

Tip: When you visit Merkato, leave everything of value locked up safely in your hotel. The reason is that pickpocketing and petty theft are common in the market. It’s crowded and hard to guard your pockets. If you plan to buy something, just bring what you need. Check out my guide, How to Avoid Pickpockets While Traveling for some helpful tips.

5. “Red Terror” Martyrs’ Memorial Museum

This small museum was built as a memorial to the people who died during the Red Terror of the Derg government. This violent period of Ethiopian history began after a famine caused a mass protest in the country. Emperor Haile Selassie was overthrown and the monarchy was abolished in 1974.

The Derg or Provisional Military Government of Socialist Ethiopia took over and established Ethiopia as a communist state. A period of political instability and violence began. This lasted until 1977. During those years, the oppressive regime tormented the people of Ethiopia.

In the museum, you will see displays of skulls and bones, torture devices, bloody clothing, coffins, and photographs from the time period. You will learn about the history leading up to the events that took the lives of up to 750,000 people.

For more info, visit the Red Terror Martyrs’ Memorial Museum website.

Price- There is no fee to enter the Red Terror Martyrs Museum but donations are accepted.

6. Holy Trinity Cathedral (Kidist Selassie)

This Holy Trinity Cathedral is considered to be the most important Ethiopian Orthodox place of worship in the city. It was built in 1942 to commemorate the liberation of Ethiopia from Italian occupation. The occupation began in 1936, just before World War II.

Behind the cathedral is a small museum where you can view some interesting Ethiopian historical artifacts. You’ll see Amharic bibles and religious writings, crowns of emperors, and some interesting artwork.

In the northern part of the cathedral, you can view the tombs of Emperor Haile Selassie and his wife, Empress Menen Asfaw. In the churchyard, you can view the graves of several other prominent Ethiopians.

While you’re visiting, take some time to walk around the grounds and explore. The compound is covered with beautiful trees and is very well maintained. The outside of the cathedral is beautifully decorated as well.

Price to enter- 50 Birr. This includes entry to the museum.

7. Eat Some Ethiopian Food

Generally, African cuisine isn’t too exciting, in my opinion. One major exception is Ethiopian food. The cuisine is so unique and tasty, it may be worth making the trip for alone.

The staple of Ethiopian cuisine is injera. This is a large, spongy pancake made from teff, a small grain that grows in the highlands of Ethiopia. The injera batter is fermented before it is cooked. This gives the bread a unique sour flavor.

In Ethiopia, you eat with your hands. Simply tear off a piece of injera and use it to scoop up your food. The spongy nature of injera helps to soak up the sauce from your plate.

A few of the most popular Ethiopian dishes to try during your trip include:

Tibs- This is the most popular meat dish. It is made with small chunks beef, lamb, or goat that are sautéed in butter with onion, peppers, and garlic. For a vegetarian option, you can get mushroom tibs called inguday tibs.
Shiro be Kibbe- This is probably Ethiopia’s most popular dish. It is a red sauce made from ground split peas and chickpeas. Kibbe, which is a spiced butter, is added for flavor.
Kitfo- This is raw ground beef mixed with kibbe, spiced butter. This is often eaten on special occasions. Be careful where you get your kitfo. As you can imagine, eating raw meat is a bit risky.
Fir-fir- This is a typical Ethiopian breakfast dish. It’s basically leftover injera stir-fried with other leftovers. Usually kibbe and maybe some shiro. It’s served with more injera. I find this dish kind of funny. It’s basically injera topped with more injera.
Beyainatu- This is a popular vegetarian dish. It is a combination of various vegetable salads, stews, and curries served over injera.
Enkulal firfir- Another popular breakfast dish. This is basically Ethiopian style scrambled eggs. It’s usually served with bread.
Tere siga- Another raw meat dish. Cubes of red meat are cut and dipped in mimita, an Ethiopian spice. Again, be careful with this one due to the health risks of eating raw meat.
Tej- A popular alcoholic drink. Tej is s type of mead or honey wine with a sweet and slightly bitter taste.

The Best Restaurants in Addis Ababa

Yod Abyssinia Traditional Restaurant- This is one of the most popular Ethiopian restaurants in Addis Ababa. They serve traditional Ethiopian style food and host a cultural music and dance performance every evening.
2000 Habesha Cultural Restaurant- This place is popular among tourists for the traditional performance that is put on every night at 8 pm. They specialize in Ethiopian cuisine and are located in the Bole neighborhood. This might feel kind of touristy and kitschy but it is very popular among locals and tourists alike.
Lucy Gazebo Restaurant- This restaurant is located in the compound of the Ethiopia National Museum. It’s a convenient place to stop for lunch during a day of sightseeing. They serve Ethiopian food as well as a few Western dishes such as pizza and pasta.
Totot Kitfo- This traditional-style restaurant is famous for kitfo. They are located in the Bole neighborhood.
Brundo Butchery- Another popular restaurant known for its raw meat dishes like kitfo and kurt (raw ox meat).
Tikus Shiro- A famous shiro house. They also serve a variety of shiro based dishes and other Ethiopian specialties.
Various roadside and hole-in-the-wall restaurants- Throughout the city, you’ll find hundreds of small restaurants serving up tasty and affordable Ethiopian food. Try a few around your hotel to find your favorite. You can find some real hidden gems.

8. Piazza District

This historic part of the city center is filled with old colonial buildings that were constructed during the Italian invasion of Ethiopia just before the Second World War. This neighborhood could be considered the ‘old town’ of Addis Ababa.

Notable buildings include the Post Office, the Bank of Abyssinia (Ethiopia’s first bank), Hager Fikir Theatre (Ethiopia’s first theater), Itegue Taitu Hotel (Ethiopia’s first hotel), and a Greek Orthodox church. In the Piazza District, you’ll also find many of the city’s most high-end hotels as well as some fine restaurants.

This area is popular among pickpockets so be careful with your belongings while you’re walking around here.

9. St. George’s Cathedral and Museum

This is considered to be the second most important Ethiopian Orthodox site in Addis Ababa after the Holy Trinity Cathedral. This structure is known for its unique octagonal shape. It is located on Churchill Road in the city center.

This is a significant site in Ethiopian history and culture. Several Ethiopian emperors were crowned here including Haile Selassie in 1930. At the museum, you can see the imperial throne as well as some stained glass works by Afewerk Tekle. You’ll also see some interesting weapons and armor including tridents, curved swords, and helmets that were used against the Italians.

10. Ethnological Museum of Addis Ababa

This museum is housed in the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie. The Ethnological Museum sits on the grounds of the university’s main campus. Surrounding the museum are beautiful gardens, fountains, and pathways.

Inside this two story museum, you’ll see exhibits focusing on the tribes of Ethiopia, the history of coffee, and Ethiopian Orthodox art. You’ll learn about the lifestyle and traditions of various Ethiopian peoples from childhood until death.

The best part of the museum is the preserved living quarters of Emperor Haile Selassie. You’ll see his bedroom, bathroom, and changing room. The Ethnological Museum is considered to be one of East Africa’s top museums.

Price- 100 Birr. If you’re a student, you can enter for 50 Birr.

11. Entoto Mountain (Entoto Hill)

At 3200 meters (about 10,500 feet), Entoto Mountain overlooks the city of Addis Ababa. The eucalyptus tree covered mountain lies just north of the city. A visit here makes for a great day trip from Addis Ababa.

During the drive up the steep road, you’ll pass through some small villages with excellent views of Addis Ababa and the Ethiopian highlands. Mount Entoto is significant in Ethiopian history. At the top, you’ll see the palace where Emperor Menelik II lived during the founding of Addis Ababa.

Near the top, you’ll see Maryam Cathedral (St. Mary’s Church.) For 50 birr, you can enter the cathedral and nearby museum to view some interesting artwork and historical artifacts.

On your way back, consider stopping by the Shiro Meda market at the foot of Mount Entoto. Here, you can buy locally made textiles, handicrafts, clothing, and more. This is a great place to buy souvenirs. Prices are lower here than in the city. The market feels a bit more authentic than the markets in the city as well.

The best way to visit Entoto Mountain is to hire a taxi to drive you to the top. The trip takes a minimum of about half a day. Be sure to negotiate hard with the taxi drivers to get the best deal. Expect to spend around 250-500 Birr for the trip depending on where you’re coming from, how many stops you want to make, and how long you want to stay.

Tip: Try to plan your trip to Mount Entoto so you’re there on a clear day. The main draw here is the view of the sprawling city of Addis Ababa. On a cloudy day, the trip may not be worth it.

12. Hang out in Bole

Bole is a modern, trendy district of Addis Ababa. Here, you can find modern shopping centers, upscale bars, fine restaurants, high-end hotels, and clubs, as well as a movie theater. Bole is also near the airport, making it a convenient place to stay if you’re only in the city for a short trip.

A few points of interest in Bole include:

Edna Mall- This is Addis Ababa’s largest shopping mall. Here, you’ll find a theater playing international movies, electronics shops, a cafe, children’s play areas, and more.
Bole Medhane Alem Cathedral- This is the largest Ethiopian Orthodox church. It is also considered to be the second-largest church in all of Africa.
Yod Abyssinia- A traditional Ethiopian restaurant that is very popular among tourists. They also put on a cultural performance with music and Ethiopian dancing.
Habesha 2000- Another traditional Ethiopian restaurant that is known for hosting a live music and dancing performance every night at 8 pm. Here, you can participate in the dance if you like.

13. View the Various Statues and Monuments Located Throughout Addis Ababa

Ethiopia is an ancient country that has experienced a coup d’état, invasion by the Italians, communism, and a long and varied religious history. They have a lot of significant events in their history to memorialize. While wandering around the city, you’ll see various statues and monuments erected to remember and honor the country’s heroes.

A few of the most significant statues and monuments in Addis Ababa include:

Derg Monument (Tiglachin Monument)- This monument, which is located on Churchill Avenue, was built as a memorial to the Ethiopian and Cuban soldiers involved in the Ogaden War between 1977 and 1978. The monument consists of a 50 meter tall pillar, a statute, and two walls. Interestingly, the statue was donated by North Korea.
Monument to the Lion of Judah- This gilded bronze statue is located at the end of Churchill Avenue in front of the old railway station. The monument honors Ethiopian emperors. It was made by Georges Gardet in 1930 for the contortion of emperor Haile Selassie.
New Monument to the Lion of Judah- In 1954, Emperor Haile Selassie commissioned a second Monument to the Lion of Judah. This statue sits in front of the Addis Ababa railway station. It was sculpted by Maurice Calka.
Statue of Emperor Menelik II- This statue, built in 1930, depicts the great Emperor Menelik II riding a horse during the battle of Adowa.
Statue of Abune Petros- This statue honors Archbishop Abune Petros, who was martyred by the Italian troops during their invasion.

14. Zoma Museum

This contemporary art museum is located in the Mekanisa area of Addis Ababa. Here, you’ll find a display of modern art. Interestingly, the art is located in traditional style mud and straw structures. These structures were built with the wattle and daub style of construction with intricately designed walls. This unique style was chosen to contrast the modern office buildings, residential developments, and shopping malls that are popping up all over Addis Ababa.

The museum compound was designed and built with sustainability in mind. The museum collects and treats rainwater and powers the museum with a biogas system. The grounds are covered in organic gardens where native Ethiopian crops are grown. On the museum grounds, you’ll find a library, meeting hall, and cafe.

Price: Entrance to the Zoma Museum costs 100 birr for adults.

For more info, checkout the Zoma Museum website.

15. Legehar (Leghar) Railway Station

Completed by France in 1917, Legehar Railway Station was the terminus for Ethiopia’s first rail line. The line connected Addis Ababa to the Port of Djibouti. The station is built in the French style of architecture and is considered to be a historical building in Addis Ababa. This rail line used the old style of meter-gauge track that was common during colonial times. In 2010, the station went out of operation.

A new, modern railway station and rail line between Addis Ababa and Djibouti was completed by the Chinese in 2017. The new line uses standard-gauge rail. The station, called Fur-Lebu station, is located on the edge of Addis Ababa.

If you’re interested in traveling by train in Ethiopia, you can catch a train at Fur-Lebu station to either Dire Dawa and Djibouti. Trains don’t run every day so you’ll have to check the schedule and book in advance. You can buy tickets at the new station or in a ticketing office located in the city center near Legehar station. For more info, check out this great article about train travel in Ethiopia.

16. Experience Addis Ababa Nightlife at a Bar or Club

If you’re in the mood for a cold beer or to do a bit of dancing during your trip, Addis Ababa offers some great nightlife. Be sure to try the Ethiopian beers. In my opinion, Ethiopia makes some of the best in Africa. It’s affordable as well at around 50 cents per bottle if you buy it in a local bar. I particularly enjoyed the brand Habeha.

A few popular bars and clubs in Addis Ababa include:

Club H2O- This is probably the closest you’ll find to a modern nightclub in Addis Ababa. It is located below Yoly Hotel. They have live bands and DJs play Western and African music. They charge an entry fee and drinks are pretty expensive. If you’re looking to go clubbing, this is one of the better choices.
The Black Rose- This is an upscale bar located on Bole Road. The best time to visit is on Friday or Saturday night. They serve some decent cocktails.
The Vault Addis- Another Bole Road nightclub. The club gets busy on the weekends.
Local bars- Throughout the city, you’ll find dozens of small bars. Ask around for recommendations or take a stroll near your hotel and you’re likely to find a nice place to grab a couple of cold beers. You’ll likely meet some interesting locals as well.

Final Thoughts on The Best Things to Do in Addis Ababa

In my experience Addis Ababa takes a bit of time to grow on you. When you first arrive, you may be put off by the poor infrastructure and spread-out nature of the city. It’s not the cleanest or most modern place either.

The city offers a unique culture, fascinating museums, interesting religious buildings, and bustling markets. It’s a very exotic feeling place as well. Particularly if you haven’t spent much time traveling in Africa before. It’s kind of a unique country.

After a few days of sightseeing and getting to know the lay of the land, Addis Ababa becomes more accessible and begins to grow on you. I can’t wait to go back and explore some more. The biggest draw, in my opinion, is the phenomenal Ethiopian food and coffee. That alone makes the city well worth visiting.

Have you visited Addis Ababa lately? Share your experience and tips in the comments below!

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Zachary Friedman

Zachary Friedman is an accomplished travel writer and professional blogger. Since 2011, he has traveled to 66 countries and 6 continents. He founded ‘Where The Road Forks’ in 2017 to provide readers with information and insights based on his travel and outdoor recreation experience and expertise. Zachary is also an avid cyclist and hiker. Living as a digital nomad, Zachary balances his professional life with his passions for hiking, camping, cycling, and worldwide exploration. For a deeper dive into his journey and background, visit the About page. For inquiries and collaborations, please reach out through the Contact page. You can also follow him on Facebook.