Things to do in Addis Ababa

Activities, attractions and tours

Photo by Chris Thompson
Photo by Chris Thompson
Photo by Marion MacQueen
Photo by Marion MacQueen
Photo by Travelholic Path
Photo by Travelholic Path
Photo by Discover Near and Far
Photo by Discover Near and Far
Photo by Travelholic Path
Photo by Travelholic Path

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Most popular experiences in Addis Ababa

Tours & day trips

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Layover in Addis: Tailored Tours for Transit Passengers

Layover in Addis: Tailored Tours for Transit Passengers

Activity duration is 4 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is P 2,571 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Addis Ababa city Tour

Addis Ababa city Tour

Activity duration is 8 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is P 3,427 per adult
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Wildlife & nature

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Omo valley Tour: Discover unique 0 century 🕛 tribes culture

Omo valley Tour: Discover unique 0 century 🕛 tribes culture

Activity duration is 3 days
Free cancellation available
Price is P 34,217 per adult
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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 11 activities
4 Day Ethiopia and Tigray Churches Tour

4 Day Ethiopia and Tigray Churches Tour

Activity duration is 4 days
Free cancellation available
Price is P 22,850 per adult
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Shopping & fashion

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Addis Ababa City Tour

Addis Ababa City Tour

Activity duration is 7 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is P 4,570 per adult
Addis Ababa City TourOpens in new tab

What to do in Addis Ababa

Popular places to visit

Entoto Maryam Church

Entoto Maryam Church

Entoto Maryam Church is just one of the places to see in Addis Ababa, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While in the area, you can find time to visit its spas.

Entoto Maryam Church
Holy Trinity Cathedral

Holy Trinity Cathedral

After visiting Holy Trinity Cathedral, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Addis Ababa. Find some time to visit the cathedral or monuments in this culturally rich area.

Holy Trinity Cathedral
Addis Merkato

Addis Merkato

You can enjoy retail therapy at Addis Merkato during your visit to Addis Ababa. Discover the art scene and cathedral in this culturally rich area.

Addis Merkato

African Union Headquarters

African Union Headquarters is just one of the places to see in Addis Ababa, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the mountain views and cathedral in this culturally rich area.

African Union Headquarters

Edna Mall

You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Edna Mall during your stay in Addis Ababa. Visit the area's spas, or simply enjoy its bars.

Edna Mall

Addis Ababa University

Enjoy the collegiate vibe when you visit Addis Ababa University, during your trip to Addis Ababa. Take in the art scene and mountain views in this culturally rich area.

Addis Ababa University

U.S. Embassy

After visiting U.S. Embassy, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Addis Ababa. Take some time to visit the spas in this culturally rich area.

U.S. Embassy

Addis Ababa Stadium

Catch an event at Addis Ababa Stadium during your trip to Addis Ababa. Take in the art scene and mountain views in this culturally rich area.

Addis Ababa Stadium

Nigeria Embassy

Nigeria Embassy is just one of the places to see in Addis Ababa, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Find some time to visit the cathedral or monuments in this culturally rich area.

Nigeria Embassy

Areas of Addis Ababa

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Bole

Unique features of Bole include the spas and bars. Make a stop by Edna Mall or Selam City Mall while you're exploring the area.

Bole
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Kirkos

You'll enjoy the mountain views and museums in Kirkos. You might want to make time for a stop at Meskel Square or Addis Ababa Stadium.

Kirkos
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Yeka

Yeka is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Shola Market and Zefmesh Grand Mall.

Yeka
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Nifas Silk-Lafto

Travelers like the art galleries in Nifas Silk-Lafto, and Zoma Museum is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Nifas Silk-Lafto
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Kazanchis

While visiting Kazanchis, you might make a stop by sights like ECA Conference Center and Africa Hall.

Kazanchis
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Arada

Arada is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like National Museum of Ethiopia and Friendship Park.

Arada
Photo by Discover Near and Far

Bishoftu

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 travelers 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 neighborhoods, Bole is 3 kilometers away from downtown, while Kirkos is 2 kilometers away from the center 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 neighborhoods 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.