All citiesAddis Ababa Things to do and walking itinerary
Ethiopia Addis Ababa travel guide
18 things to do in Addis Ababa, where to stay, airport transfers. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Addis Ababa
- National Museum of Ethiopia — museum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (visit ≈ 120 min)
- St. George's Cathedral — cathedral in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Holy Trinity Cathedral — cathedral in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Meskel Square — square in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (visit ≈ 15 min)
- "Red Terror" Martyrs' Memorial Museum — museum in Ethiopia (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Yekatit 12 monument — memorial monument in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Tiglachin Monument — memorial to Ethiopian and Cuban soldiers involved in the Ogaden War (visit ≈ 15 min)
- National Palace — official residence of the President of Ethiopia (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Monument to the Lion of Judah — statue of Lion of Judah, located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Grand Anwar Mosque — largest mosque in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Miyazya 27 adebabay — square in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (visit ≈ 15 min)
- The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary — building in Africa (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Hager Fikir Theatre — building in Ethiopia (visit ≈ 20 min)
- Ethiopian National Theatre — theatre in Addis Ababa (visit ≈ 20 min)
- Guenete Leul Palace — building in Ethiopia (visit ≈ 90 min)
- St. Gevorg church — building in Africa (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Imperial Palace, Addis Ababa — building in Ethiopia (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Addis Ababa Zoo — zoo in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (visit ≈ 150 min)
3-day Addis Ababa walking itinerary
Starting point: Bole. The top 4 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 8.8 km · 11,820 steps · 1 h 57 min on the way): "Red Terror" Martyrs' Memorial Museum → Meskel Square
- Day 2 (≈ 9.8 km · 13,290 steps · 2 h 12 min on the way): National Palace
- Day 3 (≈ 10.8 km · 14,610 steps · 2 h 24 min on the way): Imperial Palace, Addis Ababa
Where to stay in Addis Ababa
- Bole: Near the airport; hotels, restaurants and nightlife.
- Kazanchis: Central business area near big hotels and UN buildings.
- Piassa: The old Italian-era centre with cafés and pastry shops.
- Meskel Square: Central point where the light rail and main roads meet.
Getting from the airport to Addis Ababa
- Bole (ADD): Taxi or the Ride app to the centre ≈ 15–30 min (traffic dependent).
Getting around
The two-line light rail runs but is crowded. Calling a car with apps like Ride or Feres is easiest.
Classic places to eat
- Tomoca Coffee: In Piassa since 1953; strong Ethiopian coffee drunk standing up.
- Yod Abyssinia: Injera and tibs with traditional music and dance in the evening.
- Habesha 2000: Large cultural restaurant in Bole; Ethiopian dishes and a show.
- Castelli: Family-run Italian restaurant in Piassa since 1948.
- Kategna: Traditional Ethiopian food in a modern setting; try the kitfo.
Romantic views
- Entoto Park (Sunset): From the eucalyptus-covered hills the whole city spreads out below.
- Sheger Park (Afternoon): Riverside greenery and a lake offer a calm break in the city.
- Unity Park (Afternoon): Set in the historic palace grounds, the park offers calm walking paths (ticketed).
Football stadiums in Addis Ababa
- Addis Ababa Stadium: Home of Saint George SC
Good to know before visiting Addis Ababa
- Fine: Photographing military sites, airports, bridges and government buildings is prohibited.
- Warning: Security varies by region; check official travel advice.
- Warning: Same-sex relations are criminalised; check official travel advice.
- Local time counts hours from 06:00; confirm which clock is meant for appointments.
- Remove shoes in Orthodox churches; women cover their hair.
- Addis Ababa is about 2,350 m high; take it easy at first.
- Emergency: police 991, ambulance 907, fire 939
- Plugs: C/E/F/L, 220V
- Tap water: Don't drink tap water; use bottled.
- Tipping: About 10% is customary.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Ethiopia, Wikivoyage — Ethiopia, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Addis Ababa travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Addis Ababa?
- The top 4 places in the centre take about 3 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel.
- What are the top things to do in Addis Ababa?
- Highlights: National Museum of Ethiopia, St. George's Cathedral, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Meskel Square and "Red Terror" Martyrs' Memorial Museum. The map has 18 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Addis Ababa?
- Bole: Near the airport; hotels, restaurants and nightlife. Other options: Kazanchis, Piassa and Meskel Square.
- How do you get from the airport to Addis Ababa city centre?
- Bole (ADD): Taxi or the Ride app to the centre ≈ 15–30 min (traffic dependent).
- How do you get around Addis Ababa?
- The two-line light rail runs but is crowded. Calling a car with apps like Ride or Feres is easiest.
- What is the emergency number in Addis Ababa?
- Emergency: police 991, ambulance 907, fire 939.
- Do you tip in Addis Ababa?
- About 10% is customary.
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