Things to do in Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa, planned before you land.
Lucy, the coffee ceremony and Africa's largest market, at 7,700 feet. The rock churches of Lalibela are a short flight, not a day trip.
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What to do in Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa is the diplomatic capital of Africa and the hub Ethiopian Airlines built, so many visitors see it on a layover. It deserves a day or two: the National Museum holds the 3.2-million-year-old Lucy, the Merkato is the largest open-air market on the continent, and the coffee ceremony is a daily ritual, not a show. The monasteries and gorge at Debre Libanos are the day trip. Lalibela and the north are a separate circuit by air.
01
National Museum and the Ethnological Museum
Lucy and the early hominids downstairs, imperial Ethiopia upstairs, then the old palace of Haile Selassie on the university campus. A half day with a guide.
02
Merkato with a guide
Thousands of stalls selling everything from spices to recycled tyres. Go with someone who knows the lanes, keep valuables at the hotel, and it is one of the great markets.
03
Coffee ceremony and a food tour
Beans roasted in front of you, three rounds poured, then injera with the stews of the day and honey wine. The best part of many people's trip.
04
Entoto Hills and Unity Park
The eucalyptus hills above the city where Menelik's first capital stood, and the restored palace grounds opened as a park in the city. Views and air.
05
Debre Libanos monastery and the Portuguese bridge
A 13th-century monastery above the Blue Nile gorge, with gelada baboons on the cliffs and the old stone bridge. About two and a half hours north; a full day.
06
Lalibela as a two-day fly-in
Eleven churches carved down into the rock in the 12th century, an hour's flight north. Not a day trip; two nights is the usual plan and worth every hour.
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Top-rated in Addis Ababa right now
Live from Viator, ranked by traveler rating. Prices are per person, from the lowest option, as of the last refresh; the listing has today's.
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Good to know
- The altitude is real
- Addis sits at about 7,700 feet. Walk slowly the first day and drink water; the coffee helps less than you would like.
- Layover tours exist
- Ethiopian Airlines passengers with long connections can take guided city tours from the airport. Ask about the transit visa when booking the flight.
Before you go
A short, factual tour of the city from a broadcaster.
Questions before you book
Can I visit Lalibela from Addis in a day?
Not realistically. The flight is about an hour each way but the churches need a full day and a guide. Two nights is the standard trip.
Do I need a visa?
Most visitors apply for an e-Visa online before travel. Check the current rules for your passport before you book the flight.
How do I book these tours?
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Can your agents book tours over the phone?
Our agents book flights. Call to price the flight to Addis Ababa; book the tours on Viator once your dates are fixed.
Flights to Addis Ababa
Where to stay: Addis Ababa hotels by area
More trips in the region: Flights to Africa by Phone
More things to do in Africa
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