Things to do in Addis Ababa
Discover the best attractions and experiences Addis Ababa has to offer
Historic Monuments
Addis Ababa threads together royal legacies and modern milestones, with several enduring monuments that anchor the city’s story.
St. George's Cathedral
19th‑century church perched near Meskel Square; a centerpiece of Ethiopian Orthodox architecture.
Menelik II Palace
Historic residence of the emperor, set amid green avenues and reflecting late‑19th‑century grandeur.
National Palace / Unity Park
Old imperial palace complex now part of Unity Park, showcasing gardens and exhibitions.
Museums
Across Addis Ababa’s museums, you’ll find fossils, ethnography, and modern Ethiopian history in engaging displays.
National Museum of Ethiopia
Home to the famous Lucy skeleton and a broad survey of Ethiopian archaeology and art.
Ethnological Museum (Addis Ababa University)
A world‑class ethnographic collection housed in a landmark campus building.
Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum
A sobering tribute to Ethiopia’s recent history with moving personal narratives.
Religious Monuments
Addis Ababa’s sacred architecture marks its diverse faiths and long‑standing religious traditions.
Holy Trinity Cathedral
Iconic church with vertical spires and tranquil surrounds; a key spiritual site.
Medhane Alem Cathedral
One of Africa’s largest Ethiopian Orthodox churches with a vast interior.
St. George's Cathedral
Royal‑tone cathedral offering panoramic city views and historic ecclesiastical art.
National & Theme Parks
Green spaces around the capital offer a contrast to the city’s bustle, from royal grounds to forested hills.
Unity Park
A modern cultural and leisure precinct within the National Palace complex.
Entoto Hills
Forest‑studded hills above the city with scenic views and historic sites.
Neighborhoods
Venture into Addis Ababa’s districts to feel the pulse of daily life, commerce, and café culture.
Mercato
Africa’s largest open‑air market; a sprawling maze of stalls, fabrics, and spices.
Piazza
Historic square area with European‑influenced architecture, eateries, and lively streets.
Bole
Modern business and nightlife hub with international shops, hotels, and cafés.
Free Things to Do
Enjoy Addis Ababa’s energy and scenery without spending a Birr, from city views to street life.
Walk through Meskel Square and central boulevards
Watch everyday life unfold around the city's central thoroughfares.
Explore Mercato from outside
Take in the market’s color and architecture without entering.
Sunset views from central viewpoints around the city
Find a vantage point in the city center to watch the sky shift over Addis.
Gastronomy
Savor traditional flavors and Ethiopian coffee culture in Addis Ababa’s eateries and cafés.
Traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony
Experience the slow, aromatic ritual with fresh coffee and incense.
Kategna Restaurant
Classic Ethiopian dining with injera, wat, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Tomoca Coffee tasting
Enjoy strong, fragrant coffee at one of Addis’s iconic roasteries.
Nightlife
Music‑driven venues and lively clubs showcase Addis Ababa’s vibrant after-dark scene.
Alliance Ethiojazz
Renowned venue for live Ethiopian jazz and contemporary acts.
Yod Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant
Popular restaurant with nightly traditional music and performances.
Fendika Cultural Center
Intimate venue for Azmaris and contemporary performers in a cultural setting.
Entertainment
Catch theatre, dance, and live performances that highlight Ethiopian arts.
Hager Fikir Theatre
Historic theatre offering traditional and contemporary Ethiopian performances.
Fendika Cultural Center
Vibrant hub for arts with regular shows, dance, and music.
Yod Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant
Venue that combines dining with live cultural performances.
Sports
Catch a game or explore Addis’s sports venues and leisure spaces.
Addis Ababa Stadium
Main football venue hosting domestic matches and events.
City cycling and running routes around central Addis
Active ways to see the city with a local guide.
Off the Track
Go beyond the obvious with nature trips and insider city experiences.
Sunrise hike to Entoto Hills
A refreshing escape with panoramic city views.
Mercato street photography walk
Capture the energy of Addis’s largest market area.
Home coffee ceremony experience
Participate in a traditional coffee ritual in a local home.