Things to do in Addis Ababa

Activities, attractions and tours

Panorama of the Capital City of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa
Rapid development of central business district with modern skyscrapers of downtown of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Aerial view of beautiful cityscape with modern skyscrapers and residential buildings, Ghiliffalegn Stream, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Outside the St. George Church in Addis on festival day a large number of vendors are selling colorful umbrellas. #LifeAtExpedia
Going home for Christmas!!
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What to do in Addis Ababa

Popular places to visit

African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

African Union Headquarters

4.5/5(2 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
Medhane Alem Cathedral in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Medhane Alem Church

4.5/5(2 reviews)

Medhane Alem Church is just one of the places to see in Addis Ababa, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Visit the area's spas or simply enjoy its bars.

Medhane Alem Church
The church of the Holy Trinity, Addis Ababa

Holy Trinity Cathedral

4/5(9 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

U.S. Embassy

2.5/5(2 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

Addis Ababa University

4.5/5(7 reviews)

Explore the campus of Addis Ababa University during your travels in Addis Ababa. Take in the art scene and mountain views in this culturally rich area.

Addis Ababa University

Addis Ababa Stadium

4/5(2 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

Lake Bishoftu

4.5/5(2 reviews)

You can find out about the history of Bishoftu when you stop by Lake Bishoftu. Amble around the area's lakeside or visit its shops.

Lake Bishoftu

Meskel Square

3.5/5(6 reviews)

You can learn about the history of Addis Ababa when you stop by Meskel Square. Experience the art scene and museums in this culturally rich area.

Meskel Square

Nigeria Embassy

4/5(1 review)

Nigeria Embassy is just one of the places to see in Addis Ababa, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Find some time to visit the cathedral or monuments in this culturally rich area.

Nigeria Embassy

Areas of Addis Ababa

Bole area of Addis Ababa

Bole

4/5(38 area reviews)

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

Bole
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Kirkos

3.5/5(6 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
Go to any Ethiopian restaurant across the country and ask for a beyayenetu aka fasting platter... so many flavours in one meal 😋 I learnt that for almost 200 days of the year, people across Ethiopia fast - which basically means they eat no animal products. Vegans

Nifas Silk-Lafto

4/5(2 area reviews)

Travellers like the art galleries in Nifas Silk-Lafto, and Zoma Museum is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Nifas Silk-Lafto
Bole Medhane Alem Church

Kazanchis

If you're spending some time in Kazanchis, ECA Conference Center and Africa Hall are top sights worth seeing.

Kazanchis
Entoto Maryam Church

Yeka

3/5(3 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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Piazza

3/5(2 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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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 travellers 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 neighbourhoods, Bole is 3 kilometres away from downtown, while Kirkos is 2 kilometres away from the centre 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 neighbourhoods 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.

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