$10 back on your first eligible booking — in the RatedOtels app only. Get the app Terms
BOOK

Addis Ababa

Ethiopia

Pace: balanced Historic Bustling Cultural Authentic
Ideal trip length
3 - 7 days
Busiest
Oct-Feb
Addis Ababa
Destination
Dates
Guests 1 room, 1 adults, 0 children
SEARCH
Where to stay

Hotels in Addis Ababa

Book direct on our own Addis Ababa hotel pages — no booking fee and instant confirmation.

At a glance

Climate
Temperate
Languages
Amharic and English and Oromo
Local currency
ETB (ETB)
Local time
(GMT+3)
Ideal trip length
3–7 days
Cost level
2 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Bole
Tap water
Bottled water recommended
Tipping
Appreciated for good service, 5-10% in restaurants.

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 55 · Moderate

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Injera Doro Wat Shiro Wot Kitfo

When to visit Addis Ababa

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: January, February, November, December Busiest: Oct-Feb
  1. Jan
    85

    Dry, sunny, pleasant

  2. Feb
    85

    Dry, sunny, pleasant

  3. Mar
    75

    Dry, warming

  4. Apr
    65

    Short rains begin

  5. May
    60

    Short rains continue

  6. Jun
    50

    Long rainy season

  7. Jul
    45

    Long rainy season

  8. Aug
    45

    Long rainy season

  9. Sept
    60

    Rains tapering off

  10. Oct
    80

    Dry, pleasant

  11. Nov
    85

    Dry, pleasant

  12. Dec
    85

    Dry, pleasant

Things to do in Addis Ababa

7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

3 places

Holy Trinity Cathedral

Arat Kilo 1.5 hrs

Visit the majestic cathedral, resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie.

Indoors

Merkato

Merkato 3 hrs

Explore Africa's largest open-air market, a sensory overload of goods.

Outdoors

Mount Entoto

Entoto 4 hrs

Enjoy panoramic city views and visit historical churches at Addis Ababa's highest peak.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the afternoon

4 places

National Museum of Ethiopia

Arat Kilo 2 hrs

Discover ancient artifacts, including the famous hominid fossil 'Lucy'.

Indoors Good for children

Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony

Any 1.5 hrs

Participate in a traditional coffee ceremony, a cornerstone of Ethiopian hospitality.

Indoors Good for children

Ethnological Museum

Sidist Kilo 2.5 hrs

Housed in Haile Selassie's former palace, showcasing Ethiopia's diverse cultures.

Indoors Good for children

Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum

Meskel Square 1.5 hrs

A poignant museum commemorating victims of the Derg regime.

Indoors

Addis Ababa itineraries

View All itineraries
Culture and history

3 Days in Addis Ababa — Culture & History

Uncover the ancient traditions, imperial legacies, and vibrant modern spirit of Ethiopia's captivating capital.

This immersive 3-day itinerary delves deep into Addis Ababa's rich cultural tapestry and profound historical narrative. Perfect for history buffs and culture enthusiasts, it guides you through ancient museums, sacred cathedrals, bustling markets, and significant memorial sites, offering an authentic glimpse into Ethiopia's past and present. Experience the heart of East Africa with a journey through its imperial grandeur and vibrant local life.

3 Days 12 Stops
See the full plan
Things to book

Tours and activities in Addis Ababa

Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.

Practical ratings

Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.

Eating & Culinary

Injera 95 · Outstanding
Doro Wat 87 · Outstanding
Shiro Wot 78 · Very good
Kitfo 70 · Good

Signature Experiences

Holy Trinity Cathedral 95 · Outstanding
National Museum Of Ethiopia 91 · Outstanding
Merkato 87 · Outstanding
Mount Entoto 83 · Very good
Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony 78 · Very good
Ethnological Museum 74 · Good
Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum 70 · Good

Best Suitable For

Solo 95 · Outstanding
Couples 91 · Outstanding
Friends 87 · Outstanding
Budget 83 · Very good
Culture 78 · Very good
History 74 · Good
Adventure 70 · Good

Planning & Tips

Bargain respectfully in markets for souvenirs and goods. 95 · Outstanding
Carry small denominations of local currency for ease of transactions. 83 · Very good
Be aware of petty crime, especially in crowded areas like Merkato. 70 · Good

Ratings and recommendations are curated from local travel data.

Near Addis Ababa

Straight-line distance from the centre of Addis Ababa.

Getaways from Addis Ababa

Places people from Addis Ababa travel to, from our own travel research.

$10 back on your 1st app booking
App bookings only · Terms
Get app