Things to do in Addis Ababa

There's plenty to see and do in Addis Ababa, and the journey to the attractions is frequently as interesting as the sights themselves. This is particularly the case should visitors choose to walk the city and navigate their way to the main museums and buildings.

It's a good idea for visitors to hire a taxi driver for a daily fee and have him drive them around. Those who choose to rely on maps and GPS should note that roads frequently change names. Travellers should be aware of scams that involve 'cultural shows' that take place in backstreet venues. If visitors do wish to see traditional dancing and music, they should simply dine at any decent and reputable restaurant where such attractions are provided free.

As for mainstream attractions in Addis Ababa, travellers shouldn't miss paying Lucy a visit at the National Museum, doing a bit of shopping at the Merkato (one of the largest markets in Africa), seeing the wonderful cultural artefacts in the Ethnological Museum, and studying relics of the city's past in the Addis Ababa Museum. It's also worth keeping their eyes open for the numerous concrete Soviet statues and buildings that dot the city.

Mercato photo

Mercato

The Mercato is one of the largest outdoor markets in Africa and Addis Ababa's most colourful sight. Ideal for souvenirs, there are tailors, spice merchants, and purveyors of just a…

National Museum of Ethiopia photo

National Museum of Ethiopia

This museum displays a varied range of exhibits across three floors, and they cover Ethiopian history from the prehistoric to the contemporary. The museum is not world-class in ter…

St George's Cathedral photo

St George's Cathedral

St George's Cathedral was founded by the great Emperor Menelik to commemorate his 1896 victory over the invading Italian army. A relic of St George was carried into battle by the E…

Lalibela photo

Lalibela

Lalibela is one of the world's most remarkable spiritual sites and Ethiopia's greatest tourist attraction. It's home to the country's astounding rock-hewn churches and is an import…

Axum photo

Axum

Axum is a city in far northern Ethiopia. Its 17th-century Church of St Mary of Zion is said to house the Ark of the Covenant, which visitors aren't permitted to see. Colossal stone…

Harar photo

Harar

Harar is a fascinating, exotic town of considerable interest to visitors willing to make the 320-mile (520km) journey east from Addis Ababa. Harar is the fourth holiest city in Isl…

Bahir Dar photo

Bahir Dar

Bahir Dar is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ethiopia. Known for its palm-lined avenues, it sits at the southern edge of Lake Tana, which is the source of the Blue …

Gondar photo

Gondar

Scattered with ancient castles and churches, and magnificent mountain scenery, Gondar is a city like no other. This pleasantly cool destination lies 460 miles (748km) north of Addi…

BESbswy