Things to do in Addis Ababa

Activities, attractions and tours

A cityscape with a prominent building with a dome, surrounded by various other buildings and a bridge in the foreground.
A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, green fields, and a large body of water.
A historic church with a large dome, ornate columns, and a bell tower.
A church interior with red drapery, religious paintings, a wooden altar, and floral arrangements.
A rocky riverbed with sparse vegetation and a clear sky.

Things to do

Addis Ababa City Tour: National Museum, Mercato & Culture

Addis Ababa City Tour: National Museum, Mercato & Culture

€52
per adult
Addis Ababa City Tour: National Museum, Mercato & Culture
Plaza Premium Lounge at Addis Ababa Bole International Airpor

Plaza Premium Lounge at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport(ADD)

€34
per adult
Plaza Premium Lounge at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport(ADD)
Addis Ababa Cooking, Coffee & Traditional Drink Tasting

Addis Ababa Cooking, Coffee & Traditional Drink Tasting

€56
per adult
Addis Ababa Cooking, Coffee & Traditional Drink Tasting
Addis abeba Full Cooking class.

Addis abeba Full Cooking class.

€78
per adult
Addis abeba Full Cooking class.
Picture 2 for Activity Where Coffee Was Born: Addis Ababa Culture & Highlands Tour

Where Coffee Was Born: Addis Ababa Culture & Highlands Tour

€73
per adult
Where Coffee Was Born: Addis Ababa Culture & Highlands Tour
Addis Ababa: City Tour with Souvenir Shopping

Addis Ababa: City Tour with Souvenir Shopping

€40
per adult
Addis Ababa: City Tour with Souvenir Shopping
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What to do in Addis Ababa

Stay near popular Addis Ababa attractions

Medhane Alem Church

9.0/10 (162 reviews)
This grand Ethiopian Orthodox cathedral, among Africa's largest churches, features impressive domes and stained glass. Inside, beautiful murals reveal Ethiopia's rich religious traditions and artistic heritage.
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Where to stay in Addis Ababa

Find the best Addis Ababa areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Addis Ababa
Learn more about Addis Ababa
A cityscape with a mix of modern and older buildings, a clear sky, and distant mountains.

Bole

Spas and bars are highlights of Bole. Make a stop by Century Mall or Selam City Mall while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Ayat Station to get around town.

A large building with a green dome and multiple arches.

Kazanchis

If you're spending time in Kazanchis, check out sights like ECA Conference Center or Africa Hall and hop on the metro to see more of the city at St. Urael Station or Hayahulet 2 Station.

A cityscape at night with illuminated buildings, a roundabout, and a large central plaza.

Piazza

You might enjoy the restaurants on your visit to Piazza. Visitors recommend a visit to National Museum of Ethiopia, and you can get around town on the metro at Menelik II Square Station.

A modern cityscape with a prominent curved building and a tall skyscraper.

Kirkos

Kirkos is well liked for its mountain views and museums. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Meskel Square and Addis Ababa Stadium are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Riche Station or Meshwalekya Station to get around.

A statue of a man on horseback, with trees and a clear sky in the background.

Arada

Arada is a destination travellers like for its restaurants, and you might hop aboard the metro at Menelik II Square Station or Atikilt Tera Station to explore sights like National Museum of Ethiopia.

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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