Addis Ababa

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 at 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.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Ethnological Museum

    Ethnological Museum

    Addis Ababa

    Set within Haile Selassie’s former palace, and surrounded by the beautiful gardens and fountains of the university’s main campus, is the enthralling…

  • National Museum of Ethiopia.

    National Museum

    Addis Ababa

    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 labelled…

  • Saint George Church

    St George Cathedral & Museum

    Addis Ababa

    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),…

  • Coffins filled with possessions of victims of Derg, Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum.

    'Red Terror' Martyrs Memorial Museum

    Addis Ababa

    ‘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…

  • Holy Trinity Cathedral, Arat Kilo.

    Holy Trinity Cathedral

    Addis Ababa

    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)…

  • Shoppers in Merkato (market).

    Merkato

    Addis Ababa

    Wading into the market chaos known as Merkato, just west of Addis' centre, can be as rewarding as it is exasperating. You may find the most eloquent aroma…

  • Interior of Africa Hall, the seat of the Organisation of African Unity, and home to one of the largest stained-glass window in the world, designed by local artist Afewerk Tekle

    Africa Hall

    Addis Ababa

    Built in 1961 by Emperor Haile Selassie, Africa Hall (near Meskal Sq) is the seat of the UN’s Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). The Italian-designed…

  • Yekatit 12 Martyrs Square, Sidist Kilo.

    Yekatit 12 Monument

    Addis Ababa

    Rising dramatically from the roundabout Siddist Kilo is this moving monument, dedicated to the thousands of innocent Ethiopians killed by the Italians as…

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Articles

Latest stories from Addis Ababa

Hidden in plain sight are some of Addis Ababa's best local restaurants © Jakob Polacsek / Getty

Food

The five best restaurants in Addis Ababa that only locals know about

Jan 23, 2017 • 5 min read

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