11 of the Best Things To Do in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

By Mark Wiens 92 Comments
Best things to do in Addis Ababa - View from Meskel Square
Best things to do in Addis Ababa – View from Meskel Square

Addis Ababa is the capital and largest city of Ethiopia.

Being home to the African Union, having important United Nations branches, and with nearly every foreign embassy from around the world represented, Addis Ababa is often referred to as the capital of Africa.

Located in the beautiful Ethiopian highlands, Addis Ababa is positioned at 2,665 meters in elevation, making the weather extremely pleasant, if not a bit on the cool side.

From the marvelous array of local and international food, some of the best coffee you’ll ever have in your life, to ancient churches, and fascinating museums, there are plenty of things to keep you occupied and satisfied in Addis Ababa.

Addis Mercato
Addis Mercato

1. Addis Mercato

It’s crowded, it’s chaotic, but the Addis Mercato is so incredibly entertaining and full of life and character, that walking around is one of the best things to do in Addis Ababa.

The Mercato, coming from the Italian word for market, claims to be the largest open air market in Africa. There are so many different sections of the market and you can buy everything from souvenirs to clothes to food. That being said, it’s also a great place to buy nothing and just go to watch the crowds of people and observe the incredible loads being carried from place to place.

Do be careful, just like any busy place in the world, don’t carry an unnecessary amount of belongings, and take care of your pockets. I personally thought the security was pretty good, with plenty of guards and police patrolling, but especially be aware of pickpockets.

St. George's Cathedral and Museum
St. George’s Cathedral and Museum

2. St. George’s Cathedral and Museum

One of the most well recognized places of worship and icons of Addis Ababa is St. George’s Cathedral. The compound is located on the top of a hill, overlooking the Menelik II square.

To the side of the cathedral is a museum which is worth a quick stroll. It’s filled with memorabilia from the ancient church and a collection of religious writings, Ethiopian crosses, and clothing.

Inside the church you can walk in a circle around the cathedral, observing an incredible set of paintings portraying both scenes from the Bible and from Ethiopian history.

Price – 50 ETB per person, covers the museum, but they’ll want a tip for entering inside the church during off service hours – they asked for 100 ETB, but I said I’d pay 50 ETB.

Meskel Square and Museums
Meskel Square and Museums

3. Meskel Square and Museums

Meskel Square in Addis Ababa is sort of the central gathering place in the city, especially important during festivals and political demonstrations. Meskel Square also is a good point of reference for local transportation and for getting into the center of the city.

Unless there’s an event taking place at Meskel Square, there’s not a whole lot to do there. However, there is the official Ethiopian Tourism office across the street and there are two museums adjacent to the square, just off Bole Road.

The Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum is a small and modern museum showing and explaining the period of “Red Terror” (from 1978-1978) in Ethiopia when countless innocent people suffered. The museum is free entrance. Also next to Meskel Square is the Addis Ababa Museum.

Holy Trinity Cathedral
Holy Trinity Cathedral

4. Holy Trinity Cathedral (Kidist Selassie) and Museum

While St. George’s Cathedral is one of the most famous in Addis Ababa, the Holy Trinity Cathedral is the most sacred Ethiopian Orthodox church in the city, and one of the most sacred sites of worship in Ethiopia after the churches of Lalibela.

The Holy Trinity Cathedral has a real medieval feel to it, the grounds surrounded by weeping pine trees and the cathedral decorated with statues and carvings.

At the back of the cathedral is another museum, where you can see more Ethiopian historical memorabilia, crowns of former Ethiopian Emperors, and a selection incredibly well preserved Amharic Bibles and religious writings.

At the front of the cathedral, if you ask the priest to open the gate, you can see the tomb of Emperor Haile Selassie.

Price – 50 ETB entrance including the museum

National Museum of Ethiopia
National Museum of Ethiopia

5. National Museum of Ethiopia

In my opinion, this is one of the best museums in Addis Ababa. The facility is home to many of the most significant relics and pieces of artwork from around the country. I also enjoyed the variety of different art and displays.

First of all, the National Museum of Ethiopia has a good collection of archaeology, like precious stelae and statues from Axum. You’ll also find skeletal remains from early hominids, and a model of the famous “Lucy.”

Up a floor there’s a good collection of royal family memorabilia from the former emperors of Ethiopia. There’s also a good selection of some Ethiopia’s most famous works of art.

Price – 10 ETB

Ethnological Museum
Ethnological Museum

6. Ethnological Museum

Just a short distance from the National Museum of Ethiopia, located within the lush university campus, is the Ethnological Museum. If you’re into museums, both the National and Ethnological Museums shop be priorities on you list of things to do in Addis Ababa.

The museum first introduces some of the major tribes of Ethiopia, goes through the history and importance of coffee in Ethiopian culture. There’s also an impressive collection of Ethiopian Orthodox paintings, triptychs, and Orthodox crosses.

But the best part about the Ethnological Museum is being able to go into the former bedroom and bathroom facilities of the highly regarded Emperor Haile Selassie (Ras Tafari).

Price – 100 ETB for adults, 50 ETB for students

Monuments, Lion of Judah, Derg Monument
Monuments, Lion of Judah, Derg Monument

7. Monuments, Lion of Judah, Derg Monument

Ethiopia, with its ancient history, religious beliefs, and struggles against colonization (Ethiopia was never officially colonized like many surrounding African nations), is full of monuments and sculptures in remembrance.

There’s the Derg Monument, located on Churchill Avenue, that represents the North Korean presence in the country. It’s not the most well kept monument, it was quite overgrown, and there were zero other people there apart from a few random people sleeping and a pair of guards when I stopped by.

There’s the Statue of the Lion of Judah, in front of the old Railway Station in Addis Ababa, representing the Ethiopian pride and the emperor. And also there’s another Statue of the Lion of Judah made from black stone that sits outside the National Theater (pictured).

With its wealth of history and pride as a nation, Addis Ababa is filled with monuments at nearly every public square, place of importance, or within the large road roundabouts throughout the city. Many of the monuments are worth stopping if you happen to be driving by.

Entoto Hill, St. Mary's, Shiro Meda Market
Entoto Hill, St. Mary’s, Shiro Meda Market

8. Entoto Hill, St. Mary’s, Shiro Meda Market

At 3,200 meters in elevation, Entoto Hill is sort of the roof of Addis Ababa.

Driving up the steep road, you’ll pass homes and small villages, highland growth, and as you gain elevation you’ll start to get great views of Addis Ababa (on a clear day). Menelik II built his palace on the Entoto Hill and used it as his headquarters during the founding of Addis Ababa.

Towards the top of Entoto Hill is Entoto Maryam Cathedral, or St. Mary’s Church. It’s not the most impressive cathedral, but it’s worth a stop if you take a drive up the mountain. Entrance costs 50 ETB and covers the cathedral museum as well.

If you do take a taxi, on the way back from Entoto Hill, be sure to stop by the Shiro Meda market. It’s a friendly market where you can buy all sorts of Ethiopian clothes and local crafts.

A taxi to the top of Entoto Hill and a few other stops along the way should cost 300 – 500 ETB depending on where you’re coming from.

Edna Mall and Bole Medhane Alem Cathedral
Edna Mall and Bole Medhane Alem Cathedral

9. Edna Mall and Bole Medhane Alem Cathedral

Bole Sub-city of Addis Ababa is a modern trendy district of town, packed with shopping centers, the Edna Mall cinema, condos, hotels, and plenty of both international and upscale Ethiopian restaurants. You’ll find plenty of Ethiopian cultural restaurants, the most famous being Yod Abyssinia. I tried it out for lunch, it was actually pretty good and not too overpriced (though dinner might be different?).

Across the street from the fancy shopping center is the Bole Medhane Alem Cathedral, the largest Ethiopian Orthodox church in Addis, and the second largest church in Africa.

The Bole District, home also to the international airport, is a good area of town stay in when you’re in Addis Ababa.

Best attractions in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Ethiopian Food

10. Ethiopian Food

I’m going to be honest with you, I traveled to Ethiopia with a main purpose to eat Ethiopian food and drink Ethiopian coffee – and neither the food nor the coffee let me down.

First of all, with a gigantic platter of a feast placed before you, and eating with your hands, eating is just so extremely fun in Ethiopia. The staple is injera, a spongy great pancake made from teff grain flour. It’s fermented to become sour, and feels like a pancake.

Along with injera, Ethiopian food consists of spice filled curries, vegetables, and lots of meat (if you choose it). Eating Ethiopian food is easily one of the best things to do in Addis Ababa.

Ethiopian Coffee
Ethiopian Coffee

11. Ethiopian Coffee

Coffee lovers, you’re in for a real treat when you travel to Ethiopia – the coffee won’t let you down!

There are two main versions of coffee to sample, one is the traditional Ethiopian coffee which is roasted by hand, ground using a mortar and pestle, and brewed in a traditional clay coffee pot known as a jebena. You’ll find traditional Ethiopian coffee at nearly all Ethiopian restaurants and all over the streets.

The second type of Ethiopian coffee you’ll love is from the influence of Italy. Espresso machines are everywhere, busting out creamy and strong macchiatos and shots of espresso. Don’t miss these best coffee shops in Addis Ababa (coming soon).

View of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
View of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Addis Ababa is overall a very pleasant city in Africa that offers a good selection of things to do, see, and experience.

The historical museums, the Ethiopian Orthodox cathedrals, and the energetic markets are all great places to explore, and for myself, the true joy of Addis Ababa is sitting down for an Ethiopian feast followed by a couple shots of incredible coffee!

92 comments. I'd love to hear from you!

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  • High Rated Gabru

    3 years ago

    Nice info. Please keep it up!!

  • Yohannes Teshome

    3 years ago

    thank you for the information now days there is also entoto park, and other huge plenty huge parks which you should visit.

  • Grace

    5 years ago

    Helps with my upcoming travel. Will be traveling to the country for two weeks starting monday the 24th December

  • Mohammed Ali

    5 years ago

    My client likes to go to the folkloric dinner/dance and the coffee tasting on Jan 16 after 4pm . staying at House 271 Woreda 7 (in Balderas near the British embassy Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.. Need CONTACT information before arrival to book.

  • Gord

    5 years ago

    Dave’s way too harsh. What he says is true but travelers accept realities of the places they visit. This is what Addis is like. So we have to get used to that and enjoy the experience. For my part, I found plenty to do, to delight me, to feed me and lots of magnificent noble people to educate me.

  • Prakash

    6 years ago

    Hi, totally agree with Dave! It’s a very sad place and avoid visiting if you have a choice.

  • Hanna kaleab Atseke

    6 years ago

    Thanks for your appreciation

  • Hanna kaleab Atseke

    6 years ago

    Oh I love how you described everything about Ethiopia and thanks for appreciating us

  • Dave

    6 years ago

    If you’re into churches and a risky market you might be entertained for a day, but if you’re looking for any kind of cultural/historical sites, fine dining, outdoor activities (especially for kids) forget Addis. The people do seem nice, but the city is mostly a dust bowl of construction, pedestrians, pushy street merchants, and chaotic traffic. It really depends what you’re traveling for. If you want to experience the struggles and poverty that the developing world lives in, Addis will not disappoint, but if you want a moderately comfortable experience with plenty of activities and beautiful scenery Addis is not for you.

    • Expat in Addis

      5 years ago

      Fully agree with Dave. Addis is such a concrete jungle. Traffic getting worse day by day. Many very “weird” solutions to pretty basic issues such as dangerous access light rail, both lacking platforms for the commuters and car lanes suddenly halted with no warning. No green spaces. The mentioned museums are of very poor quality compared to international standards. Much heritage poorly preserved throughout the country. Etc etc Think this city will be unlivable in a few year’s time.

  • Aster & Tigabu

    7 years ago

    Long live Ethiopia!! I love you so much

  • Frank rispin

    7 years ago

    Just to point out that the so called Derg monument here
    A. Has nothing at all to do with North Korea
    B. Is not called the DM. But the Tiglachin Memorial.

  • bro

    7 years ago

    I want that coffee

  • Muhammad

    7 years ago

    is there place were king negus naja shi lived historically like his palace if there is which city

    • Maereg

      7 years ago

      Tigrai region, about 700 ins from Addis Ababa

    • Maereg

      7 years ago

      700kms

  • Josh

    7 years ago

    Nice one, Ethiopia and all other Africa as countries are richly

  • Judi

    7 years ago

    I am planning a trip to Addis in the near future for two weeks. I am a United States citizen and I’m wondering what are the requirements to visit. I will be landing at the Bole airport. I believe a month visa is 50.00 Is there anything else I need to enjoy this once in a lifetime trip? Thank you in advance!

    • Amber

      7 years ago

      You should contact me if you are still looking for someone to show you around in Addis Ababa.

    • d

      7 years ago

      hi.. I’m david for the states. just arrived in Addis Ababa and it would be great to have someone like you to show me around. . I’m staying at debredamo hotel +251 661 2630..
      ask for me or connect suite207
      just stay the entire day.. layover. . would be nice to things with out the high rates the taxi guys want charge.
      try me at gmail. . clevehello atGmailCom
      thanks in advance

    • Maereg

      7 years ago

      Good choice, you will love it, you don need much, it’s a beautiful country and hopefully you will love it, people are friendly, and the cost of living is not bad, there are many restaurants and hotels to cater for all budgets. Good luck

    • girma

      7 years ago

      r u here already?

  • Az

    7 years ago

    Hi there just in Addis as I read this and I am getting a different picture in some respects
    The people are friendly and helpful, the food is super tasty though some will find it too spicy
    What I cannot get over though is the mad traffic, the lack of traffic lights to cross the road and the very high levels of pollution generated by it, in central areas, As another respected guide mentioned, I think a note of caution is due to visitors prone to asthma and bronchial troubles, best to stay outside the city. I wish I could go out and walk about the city like any other place but I find this to be an impossibility, I am part of an Ethiopian family but as European when they see me they triple charges which is a constant hassle and not nice to content with. When was this article written? Reference should be made to Addis having become practically a building site with no patches of green anywhere I have been. I do not recognise the Meskel square hardly any cars but whenever we drove through it is packed and congested. Must be well before 2017, An admirable job is being done to provide housing the swelling population but there is a big trade off with ethe quality of environment. The cars are too old, and spew out dangerous fumes which the people and Esp young breathe to their health’s peril. Hopefully the government will extend good measures such as the tram ( always full) and ban old cars taxis and buses and replace these with newish models. And get some greenery and trees planted and preserved.
    Obviously just outside Addis in Bishoftu/Debre Zeit is a different picture of a resort and beauty. As is the rest. Of the country beautiful and amazing, but personally I feel Addis needs some TLC if not rescuing.

    • RK

      7 years ago

      “De’deb sew”

    • Kathy

      7 years ago

      I’m here now and totally agree.

  • frank rispin

    7 years ago

    DERG Monument..no it is not called that. It is the Tiglachin Memorial.
    North Korea..nothing to do with NK…
    It is a war memorial for those Ethiopian and Cubans who lost their lives when Somali attacked Ethiopia in 1977…

  • Werkwa Amare

    7 years ago

    ????????????✝

  • Werkwa Amare

    7 years ago

    God beless Ethiopia

  • Werkwa Amare

    7 years ago

    Long live beautiful &holy Ethiopia

  • Maggie

    8 years ago

    i am in love with Ethiopia and Addis is My favourite.
    i travel up and about for work and i can say nothing disappoints. the food is delicious ,the people are so friendly and very cosy places to hang out. Its hard not to be head over heels with Addis and Ethiopia in general. Compared to my country-Kenya- this is much more organized and calm.
    Great Article!

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Hey Maggie, awesome to hear that you love Ethiopia as well. I agree, the food and the people are amazing. Thanks for reading.

  • Suchith

    8 years ago

    Im in Addis and looking up info about sightseeing… of course i had to come across your Mark. 🙂

    Just wanted to say hi. Hope all is well. Might try to meet up when im planning to be in BKK for a while.

    Take care!

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Hey Suchith, awesome to hear from you and that you’re in Addis Ababa. What an amazing city. Yah, definitely please let me know when you’re back in BKK, would be great to see you. Have a nice trip in Ethiopia.

  • Frank Rispin

    8 years ago

    As sent on before..please correct it

  • Frank Rispin

    8 years ago

    7
    Derg monument
    A. Nothing to do with North Korea….
    B. It is not called the d m…it is the Tiglachin Memorial.
    Please look it up and correct your piece on it…

  • Ruwan

    8 years ago

    I have an opportunity to visit Addis Abbas , capital of Ethiopia for my job as a General Manager of a Garment Factory . is it a good place to stay for around One Year ??
    1. How is the safety?
    2. Food & accommodation
    3. Living

    Best Regards,
    Ruwan

  • Habesha

    8 years ago

    Lion of Judah is not a derg monument

  • frank rispin

    8 years ago

    Hi and thank you for this excellent contribution to info on Addis
    BUT i must point out that your sentence on the so called Derg monument is inaccurate….
    a. It is not called the Derg monument. It is called the Tiglachin Memorial.
    b. It has nothing to do with North Korea…….
    WHAT IT REALLY IS….

    It is a war memorial to the Ethiopian soldiers and Cuban advisers who died defending Ethiopia against an attempted invasion by Somalia in 1978…check exact dates of this forgotten war please..
    Thank you

    Frank Rispin.. Major contributor Bradt Guide to Ethiopia 6th and 7th editions..

  • Ayantuu

    8 years ago

    I proud of Ethiopia

    • christian

      8 years ago

      great blog. just arrived here and this is so much more helpful than the common travel sites!! one question: beyond addis, which other city would you recommend not missing whilst in ethiopia? thx!!

  • Melat

    8 years ago

    Your comment: hi mark. I really have to say that I am really glad to hear pleasant things from foriegner about Addis as I’m Ethiopian. And felt a bit ashamed that I couldn’t find an article posted by Ethiopian instead foreigner.I was searching about museum in Addis for an assignment and I found ur post it is really interesting and also helpful for my assignment. U saw Addis in better view than every one of us livingin it. But about pay when you visit churches it is far from reality ’cause it is spritual please and no one pays to get into these places. About the safty Ethiopians are proud people they don’t swallow their pride by touching others property. There may be some exceptions but this can’t make the safty in Addis bad. And Mark try replay for all comments not only for complements. I would like to say that I’m graetful that You saw Addis the way you did and for your attempt to show the best side of it to the world.

  • Serah

    8 years ago

    Thank you Mark so much for this! Leaving for Ethiopia in 2 days and this has been very helpful.

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Hey Serah, you’re welcome, thank you for reading. Have an amazing trip!

  • saba

    8 years ago

    Your comment:hi guys i have read most of your comment & its all true since i live there &u have to try our food & be cateful when you choose places if you are in adiss try bisrate gebrele ,sar bet,bole area there are good restaurants & don’t be fooled advised to have guider good luck

    • Yonatan

      8 years ago

      Hi saba i leave In addis Sry to say this but their are more interesting parts of the city than the once you mentioned let’s not miss guide others cheers

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Thank you Yonatan!

  • JOYCE

    8 years ago

    Hi, Im planning to go to Ethopia from December 26-January 2 with a girl friend. Would you recommend staying in hostels while in Addis?

    Also, how do you think can we best spend our 6 days Christmas holiday in Ethiopia? what are the key areas that we could and must see in 6 days?

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Hey Joyce, great to hear from you, glad you’ll be going to Addis Ababa soon. I stayed at both Toronto Guest House and Afroland Lodge, both of which were fantastic. For things to do, I would really recommend St. Georges Cathedral and that entire area of town, and also a trip up to Entoto Hil. I also liked the area around Mickey Leland street, and there’s some good food. Have you thought about taking a 2 or 3 day trip to Lalibela as well?

    • JOYCE

      8 years ago

      Hi Mark, I would really love to go to Lalibela but I’m still trying to figure the best way to go there from Addis Ababa. Ive read that it takes about 9hours by land and the bus schedules are quite limited. Taking the plane could also be a bit pricey that time of the year. would you recommend going there via bus or taking the plane?

  • JAY

    9 years ago

    HI, I AM WILLING TO VISIT ADAMA CITY, CAN ANY ONE GUIDE ME ABOUT IT. IS IT SAFE, WEATHER CONDITION AND LIVING STANDER ETC

  • ken

    9 years ago

    Can you recommend any hotels….we have a weekend in Addis in December before flying to Gondar.

  • Sumitra

    9 years ago

    Hi , we going to be in addis for 18 hours from 10 am till midnight .Is it safe for us to browse around with my teen daughter ? What can we buy to take home ? Heard Ethiopia has the best opal in the world .

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Hi Sumitra, overall it’s pretty good, but still be careful. Hope you have a nice visit.

  • Engine Spool

    9 years ago

    Hello Mark,

    I will be laying over for 3 hours and wanted to know of places that you recommend within the small window I have there. Thanks

  • Aussain

    9 years ago

    I have been to Addis several times , attractive city , I’m sure any one went there would be eager to revisit it again and again. It’s the bride of Africa definitely it is a matter of time when all facilities would be in place then it would be among the most visited cities in the world.

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Hey Aussain, good to hear you’ve been to Addis as well. Yes I agree, it’s a beautiful city with so many great things to do and see, and delicious food.

  • Nisa

    9 years ago

    I am planning to visit Addis Ababa for couple of days as a tourist in December 2015. Its my first time to travel alone. How is the safety in this place? Which hotels can you recommend for safety and what are the recommended things to do in Addis Ababa? Can somebody, please? Thank you guys 🙂

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Hi Nisa, glad to hear you’re planning to visit Addis Ababa. It all depends, but overall, as long as you take some precautions like not dressing too fancy and not carrying too many valuables with you, it’s alright. I stayed at Afro Land Hotel which I thought was very good and a safe place to stay. As for things to do, all the things on this list!

    • Gizau

      9 years ago

      Derg memorial…North Korea..sorry nonsense.
      1 it is not a Derg memorial..it is thr Tiglachin Memorial ( our struggle)
      Nothing to do with NorthKorea!!!
      It comemorates those Ethiopians and Cubans killed when Somalia attackef Ethiopia in 1977 78!!

  • Irene Mangoh

    9 years ago

    I will be in Addis Ababa early June 2015, which hotels can you recommend for safety and other things?

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Hi Irene, hope you have a great upcoming trip. As for safety, just make sure you don’t carry too many valuables, and be careful when you take out your wallet or phone.

  • fisehaye

    9 years ago

    great list really liked it

  • fisehaye

    9 years ago

    It’s really great list but you forgot to mention the traditional coffee ceremony.The cafe coffee and the one made in the house vary greatly.

  • mousi

    9 years ago

    I am planning to go to Ethiopia on May 2015 with some friends. We’re planning to stay there for a month to train in high altitude, near Addis Ababa. My wife is freaking out about viruses, safety and aliens. She’s scared that I may attract some deadly virus while I’m there, especially with Ebola outbreak in West I tried explaining to her that Ethiopia is not is West Africa and there are vaccines I can take against some other less deadly viruses like denk fever , etc …. but she’s still freaked out.

    Any suggestions from somebody who have already been to Addis Ababa on how safety is there ? how’s the overall hygiene of food/water ?

    Thanks.

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Hi Mousi, great to hear you’re thinking about staying in Ethiopia for a while. Actually, if you stay in Addis Ababa, due to the high elevation, there’s not mosquito problem, which is a huge bonus. I guess just like many other places in the world, you do need to be careful with water, try to only drink filtered water, but I had no problems with restaurants in Addis. From my experience, the food was mostly fresh and hot. I think overall, Addis is an amazing place to be based, with so much to offer. Also, if you’ll be living there, I’m sure you’ll have access to a kitchen for cooking? You’ll have plenty of vegetables and meat to buy and cook at home. Enjoy!

    • Loveness

      9 years ago

      I live in Addis Ababa and from most expat experience it’s not bad. The problems most expats have are food contamination and amoeba. Avoid salads when you eat out, personally I got very sick from eating that even at expensive hotels. The other problem is when you are a tourist you find some people asking you for money to enter even public places; they do that only to foreigners. When using meters taxis or buying stuff if they think you are new to the area or they notice they always try to reap tou off. Paid 5 times the price of a SIM card at one point. Many times I used a metered taxi I was paying more than double the normal rate because if you don’t know the rate they always take advantage. My first week in Ethiopia, my nice pair of shoes went missing at a 3 star hotel, I teported but they never recovered them so make sure you keep all clothes and shoes in a locked bag. Most friends tell me if you live in a house also keep your clothes in a locked bag, some domestic workers steal.

    • Loveness

      9 years ago

      If you eat hot food (avoiding all raw salads) you should be okay. Eat at decent restaurants. Don’t drink tap water, buy bottled water. For cooking tap water is ok. Keep hydrated if you are not used to high altitude. Crime is very low, only petty theft. Get shot for yellow fever. No malaria in addis, but few Mosquitos which don’t spread malaria. I like injera but only eat it at decent restaurants, some cheap ones they don’t practise good hygiene. Coffee is great. Nice cheap genuine leather there. Hope you enjoy.

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Fantastic, thank you for all the useful and helpful tip. Great to hear you live in Addis, such an amazing city.

  • Mauricio Silva Jr

    10 years ago

    Hi,

    Amazing post, I want to know the best places to taste the food and coffee and where do you take this picture of this big plate of food.

    Thanks,

    Mauricio

  • Joshua

    10 years ago

    I too loved my time in Addis Ababa! The food is quite spectacular at times, although I got a few dodgy meals in Lalibella which didn’t agree with me too well. Really enjoyed your blog and photo’s as it reminds me of the numerous times I have been to Ethiopia… Keep up the good work!

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hey Joshua, great to hear from you, glad you enjoy Ethiopia as well. Thank you!

  • Sorin

    10 years ago

    one thing I did not liked about Addis was the fact that you have to pay for each church in order to see it. And this happened throwout whole Ethiopia.

    I agree with you regarding the coffee but the food: one ingera per month is enough for me 😀

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hey Sorin, I agree about the churches and the fees, I didn’t like that that much either!

    • Zeli

      9 years ago

      Hi there who said you pay to see the church nothing to pay they might be charging you because you are foreigner nothing to pay for god house

    • Amanuel

      8 years ago

      Yeah I gladly pay for the church. Why not?
      How much was it ? Like 50 birr? That like $2.
      The church don’t make money so it doesn’t hurt to help a little. I think to enter Vatican Museum is like 15 euros. Which is like 7 times more. So I have no complain to go visit an original place like ethiopian churches.

    • Amanuel

      8 years ago

      Plus I don’t think there is fees. Maybe for foreigners. But it’s ok to help $2.

  • Jonas

    10 years ago

    Nice Pictures and good discription! Cant wait for the Eritrea Blog (:

  • Adam P.

    10 years ago

    Addis Ababa is such a bizzare blend of past and present. Surprisingly, it´s a very well functioning town. Not the traffic chaos you often see in other third world capitals. People are very friendly with quite good language skills, the standard of roads and hotels is not at all disappointing.. And you´re absolutely right about the coffee – the best in Africa I´d say! So I think Addis, and Ethiopia in general, deserves quite a high place on a world traveler´s agenda.

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hey Adam, yes you’re right about that, such a fascinating city!

    • alem

      8 years ago

      I miss u my cantry

    • Nani

      8 years ago

      Your right Ethiopia is well known for its homey vibe, it is actually one of the fast growing country in the world currently! As for the coffee I do hope it tastes good, considering that it was made there 🙂

  • Sophia

    10 years ago

    I wish I could eat Ethiopian food everyday! Love this!

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      That would be awesome Sophia!

    • Nani

      8 years ago

      I do, its yummy you can actually make it at home, injera can be found at my local cub foods, plus there are alot of Ethiopian restaurants, a perfect place to go on a date!