Since its establishment in the 19th century, Addis Ababa (አዲስ አበባ) has always seemed like a magical portal, a gateway to another world. For the rural masses of Ethiopia, it was, and is, a city whose streets are paved in […]

Since its establishment in the 19th century, Addis Ababa (አዲስ አበባ) has always seemed like a magical portal, a gateway to another world. For the rural masses of Ethiopia, it was, and is, a city whose streets are paved in gold; for a foreign visitor, the gateway of Addis Ababa is on the verge of an ancient and mystical world. And yet, Addis – Africa’s fourth-largest city and its diplomatic capital – is also a sprawling city that many foreign visitors try to transit as quickly as possible. But take note: by skipping out on the contradictions of this complex city you run the risk of failing to understand Ethiopia altogether. And apart from anything else, Addis is the best place in the country to sample Ethiopian food and has some wonderful museums and places to stay.

Addis Ababa, the principal gateway to Ethiopia being a business center and a conference venue as well, is in its own right a major destination with enough tourist attractions for a day trip, encompassing the National Museum, Ethnographic Museum, Zoological Museum, Mercato—Africa’s largest open-air market, Entoto Hill, to have a panoramic view of Addis Ababa.

The Land of thousand smiles is the custodian of some of the world’s oldest civilizations, a tourist Paradise, beautiful, secretive, and mysterious; Above all things, it is a country of great antiquity, with a culture and traditions dating back more than 3,000 years.

Addis Ababa, undiscovered by many visitors, houses many international organizations including AU, ECA, UN, and other important NGOs.

Since its establishment in the 19th century, Addis Ababa (አዲስ አበባ) has always seemed like a magical portal, a gateway to another world. For the rural masses of Ethiopia, it was, and is, a city whose streets are paved in gold; for a foreign visitor, the gateway of Addis Ababa is on the verge of an ancient and mystical world. And yet, Addis – Africa’s fourth-largest city and its diplomatic capital – is also a sprawling city that many foreign visitors try to transit as quickly as possible. But take note: by skipping out on the contradictions of this complex city you run the risk of failing to understand Ethiopia altogether. And apart from anything else, Addis is the best place in the country to sample Ethiopian food and has some wonderful museums and places to stay.

Ethnological Museum

Set within Haile Selassie’s former palace, and surrounded by the beautiful gardens and fountains of the university’s main campus, is the enthralling Ethnological Museum. Even if you’re not a museum fan, this one is worth a bit of your time – it’s easily one of the finest museums in Africa, showing the full sweep of Ethiopia’s cultural and social history across two floors.

National Museum

The collection on show at the National Museum is ranked among the most important in sub-Saharan Africa, but sadly many of its exhibits are poorly labeled, lit, and displayed. Far and away the highlight is the palaeontological exhibition in the basement, the home of the world-famous Lucy. Her 1974 discovery in the Afar region of northwestern Ethiopia changed our understanding of human origins forever. This section is well-labeled in English, so if your time is limited spend most of it here.

‘Red Terror’ Martyrs Memorial Museum

As if I bore them all in one night, they slew them in a single night.’ These were the words spoken by the mother of four teenage children all killed on the same day by the Derg, as she officially opened the small but powerful ‘Red Terror’ Martyrs Memorial Museum in 2010. Over a couple of rooms, the museum reveals the fall of Emperor Haile Selassie and the horrors of life under Mengistu’s Derg regime.

St George Cathedral & Museum

Commissioned by Emperor Menelik II to commemorate his stunning 1896 defeat of the Italians in Adwa, and dedicated to St George (Ethiopia’s patron saint), whose icon was carried into the battle, this Piazza cathedral is one of Addis’ most beautiful churches. The grey stone exterior is easily outdone by the interior’s flashes of color and art. Sections of ceiling glow sky-blue and boast gilded stars, while the outer walls of the innermost shrine are covered in paintings and mosaics by the renowned Afewerk Tekle.

Holy Trinity Cathedral

This massive and ornate cathedral is the second-most important place of worship in Ethiopia (ranking behind the Old Church of St Mary of Zion in Aksum). It’s also the celebrated final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie and his wife Empress Menen Asfaw. Their massive Aksumite-style granite tombs sit inside and are a sight indeed. The solemnity of the interior design contrasts sharply with highly the charged emotions of many pilgrims. It’s a fascinating place.

Merkato

Wading into the market chaos known as Merkato, just west of Addis’ center, can be as rewarding as it is exasperating. You may find the most eloquent aroma wafting from precious incense. You may also find that your wallet has been stolen and that you’ve got stinky excrement on your shoe. Some people say it’s the largest market in Africa, but as its exact boundaries are as shady as some of its characters, this is a little hard to verify.

Ziquala Abo Monastery

This ancient monastery is located 80 km Southeast of Addis Ababa, en route to Ethio-Djibouti Road. Named after Abune Gebre MenfesKidus, an Egyptian monk who was one of the

Wonchi Crater Lake

One of the perfect one-day excursions for people with limited time, or even camping near the Lake for those with more time, Wonchi Crater Lake offers an amazing escape

Menagesha or Subba Forest

This wildlife reserve is another opportunity for people with limited time to trek in the Semien or Bale Mountains National Park. Not very far from Addis Ababa, Menagesha which

Debre Libanos Monastry

This short excursion combines both religious and natural adventures. Located 100Km north of Addis Ababa via the Road leading to Bahirdar, Debre Libanos Monastery is one of the most

Awash National Park

One of the oldest National Parks in Ethiopia and named after the great Awash River, the park is located 225 km east of Addis Ababa via the Djibouti Road.

Adadi Mariam Church & Tiya Staele (archeological Site)

Adadi Mariam rock-hewn church is a type of rock-hewn cave church excavated in wards from a more or less vertical cliff. It is also partially separated from the main

Abjiatta-Shalla National Park (‘The Bird Paradise’)

Abijatta-Shall National Park is one of the famous wildlife adventures in Ethiopia: the park is located 200Km from the capital Addis Ababa and is known for hosting more than

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