Things to do in Addis Ababa

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Addis Ababa
Photo by Chris Thompson
Photo by Chris Thompson
Photo by Marion MacQueen
Photo by Marion MacQueen
Photo by Travelholic Path
Photo by Travelholic Path
Photo by Discover Near and Far
Photo by Discover Near and Far
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Most popular activities in Addis Ababa

Tours & day trips

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Prepare for the Best Day Tour in Addis Ababa

Prepare for the Best Day Tour in Addis Ababa

Activity duration is 6 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥14,004 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

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Addis Ababa & Mount Entoto View Point, Museums Palace,Market Tour

Addis Ababa & Mount Entoto View Point, Museums Palace,Market Tour

Activity duration is 6 hours
6.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥11,668 per adult
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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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4 Day Ethiopia and Tigray Churches Tour

4 Day Ethiopia and Tigray Churches Tour

Activity duration is 4 days
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥93,360 per adult
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Wildlife & nature

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NEW National Jubilee Palace & Unity Park guided tour.

NEW National Jubilee Palace & Unity Park guided tour.

Activity duration is 3 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥14,004 per traveler*
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Shopping & fashion

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Ethiopian Culinary Tour - Market, Coffee Ceremony and More

Ethiopian Culinary Tour - Market, Coffee Ceremony and More

Activity duration is 6 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥17,116 per adult*
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What to do in Addis Ababa

Discover the most popular places to visit in Addis Ababa

I was driving up the steep hill just out of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to visit the Christian churches at the top. There were many women bowed over by their heavy loads of sticks going down to sell their wood. One of the many reminders of how tough life can be for many women around the world. #ontheroad

Entoto Maryam Church

3.5/5(10 reviews)

Entoto Maryam Church is just one of the places to see in Addis Ababa, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While in the area, you can find time to visit its spas.

Entoto Maryam Church
Holy Trinity Church is a well known sight in Addis Ababa and arguably one the most important churches in Ethiopia. You can entered the church and pictures are allowed but you'll need to leave your shoes at the door. The middle door is considered the men's entrance and the one to the far right the woman's. Don't forget to take a walk behind the church to see the site of the old round church and this colorful gate.

Holy Trinity Cathedral

4.5/5(64 reviews)

After visiting Holy Trinity Cathedral, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Addis Ababa. Find some time to visit the cathedral or monuments in this culturally rich area.

Holy Trinity Cathedral
Ethiopian espresso! Always time for a lil macchiato in a #red room.

Addis Merkato

4/5(28 reviews)

You can enjoy retail therapy at Addis Merkato during your visit to Addis Ababa. Discover the art scene and cathedral in this culturally rich area.

Addis Merkato

African Union Headquarters

4.5/5(39 reviews)

African Union Headquarters is just one of the places to see in Addis Ababa, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the mountain views and cathedral in this culturally rich area.

African Union Headquarters

U.S. Embassy

4/5(28 reviews)

After visiting U.S. Embassy, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Addis Ababa. Take some time to visit the spas in this culturally rich area.

U.S. Embassy

Edna Mall

4/5(84 reviews)

You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Edna Mall during your stay in Addis Ababa. Visit the area's spas, or simply enjoy its bars.

Edna Mall

Addis Ababa Stadium

4/5(29 reviews)

Catch an event at Addis Ababa Stadium during your trip to Addis Ababa. Take in the art scene and mountain views in this culturally rich area.

Addis Ababa Stadium

Meskel Square

4/5(69 reviews)

You can learn about the history of Addis Ababa with a trip to Meskel Square. Experience the art scene and museums in this culturally rich area.

Meskel Square

Addis Ababa University

4/5(58 reviews)

Enjoy the collegiate vibe when you visit Addis Ababa University, during your trip to Addis Ababa. Take in the art scene and mountain views in this culturally rich area.

Addis Ababa University

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Addis Ababa

Going home for Christmas!!!!

Bole

4/5(258 area reviews)

Unique features of Bole include the spas and bars. Make a stop by Edna Mall or Selam City Mall while you're exploring the area.

Bole
Beautiful spiral today in my hot chocolate. Made with chocolate syrup oftwn used for Ice Cream. Turns out, it tastes better in a hot chocolate! #LifeAtExpedia #patterns #nofilter

Kirkos

3.5/5(59 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the mountain views and museums in Kirkos. You might want to make time for a stop at Meskel Square or Addis Ababa Stadium.

Kirkos
Beautiful spiral today in my hot chocolate. Made with chocolate syrup oftwn used for Ice Cream. Turns out, it tastes better in a hot chocolate! #LifeAtExpedia #patterns #nofilter

Kazanchis

While visiting Kazanchis, you might make a stop by sights like ECA Conference Center and Africa Hall.

Kazanchis
Outside the St. George Church in Addis on festival day a large number of vendors are selling colorful umbrellas. #LifeAtExpedia

Piazza

2.5/5(5 area reviews)

Visitors to Piazza enjoy its restaurants, and if you want to do some exploring, National Museum of Ethiopia is worth a stop.

Piazza
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Yeka

3.5/5(25 area reviews)

Yeka is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Shola Market and Zefmesh Grand Mall.

Yeka
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Lideta

3/5(3 area reviews)

While visiting Lideta, you might make a stop by sights like Addis Ababa National Archives and Library and Derg Monument.

Lideta

Frequently asked questions

Is Addis Ababa worth visiting?
Famous for its history and culture, finding awesome things to do in Addis Ababa is a cinch. Be sure to add Medhane Alem Church to your trip itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Addis Ababa?
After you've visited major attractions like National Museum of Ethiopia and Lela Gallery, spend the rest of your day experiencing the retail and food options in Addis Ababa.
What is the top tourist attraction in Addis Ababa?
Medhane Alem Church is one of the top tourist attractions in Addis Ababa and should be high on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Addis Ababa?
You can easily tour leading sights like Medhane Alem Church, National Museum of Ethiopia and Holy Trinity Cathedral with a three-day stay in Addis Ababa. On average, many travelers book four days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stay a while longer and head to Bishoftu.
Is Addis Ababa a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you'd like to see and do in Addis Ababa. Several sights, including Medhane Alem Church and National Museum of Ethiopia, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Addis Ababa's best neighborhoods, Bole is 3 kilometers away from downtown, while Kirkos is 2 kilometers away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Addis Ababa with kids?
Planning what to do in Addis Ababa with kids has never been easier. Whether you're taking a trip with teenagers or toddlers, there are loads of family-friendly sights to keep them happy here.

What to do in Addis Ababa for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Addis Ababa, with experiences for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to African Union Headquarters or World Bank Ethiopia.
Are there free things to do in Addis Ababa?
In Addis Ababa, Medhane Alem Church is a must-see spot for anyone wishing to see the city without opening their wallet. Also, check out the local neighborhoods and parks, and ask for ideas from a local tour guide. It's a simple way to learn about the best free things to do in Addis Ababa.