If you’re planning to see the tourist attractions in Addis Ababa, you’re in for a treat! This beautiful city is teeming with sights and activities that will keep you entertained and captivated. From bustling markets and a lot of accommodation options in Addis Ababa to ancient cathedrals, there’s something for everyone. Here are 10 must-see tourist attractions in Addis Ababa that you should not miss! From atop the Entoto Mountains, you can get an incredible panoramic view of the city, while the National Museum of Ethiopia houses some of the country’s most treasured artifacts. The Addis Ababa Train Museum gives you a glimpse into the city’s impressive railway history, and the Holy Trinity Cathedral is a stunning example of traditional Coptic architecture. There’s also the Merkato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets, and the Addis Ababa Planetarium, which offers educational programs and shows. And that’s only the beginning! So, grab your camera and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
What to do in Addis Ababa in one day
1. Entoto Mountains
The Entoto Mountains are located just southeast of the city. Not only can you hike these mountains and discover beautiful views, but there’s also a stunning panorama from the top that you shouldn’t miss! From here, you can see the city, Lake Hora, and the Blue Nile River, which makes for a breathtaking scene. Along the way, there are plenty of vendors selling traditional Ethiopian souvenirs. You can also stop to take a look at the Ethnological Museum of Ethiopia, which houses a wide variety of fascinating artifacts and relics.
Also read: Tourist Attractions in Ethiopia
2. National Museum of Ethiopia
The National Museum of Ethiopia is a must-see attraction in Addis Ababa that has a wide collection of exquisite and fascinating artifacts that you should not miss! This museum is the largest in Africa and houses over 100,000 Artifacts, including some of the most treasured articles related to the history of Ethiopia, including the famous Lucy, who is one of the oldest skeletons ever discovered. In addition, you can also see other discoveries, such as the complete skeleton of a child dating back to the ancient Stone Age, pottery, ancient coins, jewellery, and many other items.
3. Addis Ababa Train Museum
The Addis Ababa Train Museum is a must-see attraction in Addis Ababa that offers a fascinating look at the city’s railway history. The history of the railway in Ethiopia dates back to 1896 when Ethiopia’s first railway line was built between the port of Djibouti and the city of Harar, which was later connected to Addis Ababa. Over the years, the railway network has expanded, and it currently serves as an important transportation link in the country. This museum has some of the most iconic and historic pieces of trains in Ethiopia, including old steam engines, steam cars, diesel engines, and a 1950s passenger car. In addition, there are also multiple artifacts related to the railway’s history and operation, including photographs of famous trains and tracks, uniforms, and many other items.
4. Holy Trinity Cathedral
The Holy Trinity Cathedral is a stunning example of traditional Coptic architecture. This cathedral was built in the 1950s by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, which is the largest Christian denomination in the country. It is worth mentioning that the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, which was founded in the 4th century, is one of the oldest Christian churches in the world. This cathedral has beautiful stained-glass windows and a large bell tower, while the inside is decorated with stunning mosaics. You can also visit the adjacent museum, which has many interesting artifacts and relics related to the church.
5. Merkato Ethiopia
Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market, is a must-see attraction in Addis Ababa. This market is so large that it is divided into three main sections, each of which is dedicated to a different type of product. The livestock section is on the western side of Merkato, while the eastern side is reserved for spices and herbs. The central section is where most of the action takes place! Here, you can find an endless supply of souvenirs, clothing, artwork, and traditional Ethiopian items. If you’re looking for something specific, be sure to bargain with the sellers so that you can get a good deal. While the market may appear chaotic at first, it’s actually very organized and easy to navigate.
6. Addis Ababa Planetarium
The Addis Ababa Planetarium offers educational programs and shows. This planetarium is the first and only one in all of Africa and is owned and operated by the Ethiopian Department of Astronomy. The shows are in both English and Amharic and discuss a wide variety of topics, including the history of astronomy, the formation of galaxies, and the Solar System. In addition, there are programs and lectures related to Ethiopian holidays and traditions, such as Timket (Ethiopian Epiphany), Meskel, and the Ethiopian New Year. If you have children, the planetarium also offers fun and educational programs for kids.
7. Yerer Mountain
Yerer Mountain is both a hiking trail and a spectacular view. This mountain is located 25 kilometres southeast of Addis Ababa, making it a great day trip from the city. The hike to the top is fairly easy, taking about four hours, and there are various guide services that can help you along the way. Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the city! It’s definitely worth the trek!
8. Shola Market Addis Ababa
Shola Market is great for shopping and getting a taste of the local street food. This market has a wide variety of products available for purchase, including jewellery, handicrafts, souvenirs, clothing, and more. There are also many cafes and restaurants at Shola Market where you can grab a quick bite to eat. You can find everything from traditional Ethiopian food to coffee and desserts. The market is open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and it’s a great place to shop and explore while getting a taste of the culture.
9. Addis Ababa Zoo
The Addis Ababa Zoo is a fun place to visit for the whole family. This zoo is home to over 1,000 animals, with about 300 of them being indigenous to Ethiopia. You can see everything from crocodiles and hippopotamuses to lions, zebras, and giraffes, making it a great place to learn about different species and see some of Ethiopia’s most iconic animals. In addition, the zoo also hosts special exhibits and educational programs for children, making it a great family day out.
10. Addis Ababa Museum
The Addis Ababa Museum is a must-see attraction in Addis Ababa that is full of art and culture. This museum houses many artifacts and relics, including Ethiopian art, sculptures, textiles, ceramics, coins, and tools. It also has information about the Axumite Kingdom and other significant eras in Ethiopia’s history. If you’re interested in Ethiopian culture, this is a great place to learn more and explore the country’s history.
Tourist Attractions in Addis Ababa: What’s Next?
Now that you’ve read about the top tourist attractions in Addis Ababa, we hope you’re even more excited to visit Addis Ababa. This stunning city is full of incredible sights and sounds that are sure to keep you entertained for hours. Not only is this an amazing place for culture buffs, but it’s also great for families and couples.
