. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia-2-day-itinerary

Travel advisory: Ethiopia is in an active conflict, with fighting in the north resumed in late September 2026. The UK FCDO advises against all travel to Tigray, Amhara and Gambela and to parts of Oromia, Afar and other regions, and the US State Department rates Ethiopia Level 3 (Reconsider Travel). Check the current UK FCDO and US State Department advice before you book and again before you fly. Addis Ababa itself is not in the FCDO’s advise-against list, but it warns of a high terrorism threat, crime hotspots including Meskel Square, Bole and Entoto, and security checkpoints. This guide covers Addis Ababa and the Bishoftu corridor only; the northern historic sites are not currently visitable.

2-Day Itinerary for Traveling in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, is a vibrant and fascinating destination that offers a mix of traditional and modern attractions. Here’s a suggested 2-day itinerary to help you make the most of your trip:

Day 1:

Morning

  • 8:00 am - 9:00 am: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Kaffa Royal, a popular restaurant serving traditional Ethiopian cuisine.
  • 9:00 am - 10:30 am: Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia, which showcases the country’s rich history and culture.

Afternoon

  • 11:00 am - 12:30 pm: Explore the Trinity Cathedral, a beautiful Orthodox church with stunning architecture and ornate decorations.
  • 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm: Take a break for lunch at Yod Abyssinia, a local restaurant serving traditional Ethiopian dishes like injera and tibs.
  • 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm: Visit the Mercato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets, where you can find everything from souvenirs to clothing. Go in daytime with a guide and minimal valuables; pickpocketing and bag snatching are common, so avoid it after dark.

Evening

  • 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Enjoy a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony at Tomoca Coffee, a cozy café with a rich atmosphere.
  • 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm: For dinner, head to 2000 Habesha, a restaurant serving modern Ethiopian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.

Day 2:

Morning

  • 8:00 am - 9:30 am: Drive up Entoto Hill for views of the city. The FCDO names Entoto as a crime hotspot, so go by car in daytime and in company.
  • 10:00 am - 12:00 pm: Explore the Ethnological Museum, which showcases the traditional cultures of Ethiopia’s diverse ethnic groups.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm: Take a break for lunch at Gusto Ristorante, an Italian restaurant with delicious pasta dishes.
  • 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Visit the Addis Ababa Museum, which features exhibits on the city’s history and development.

Evening

  • 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Enjoy a drink at Wudasie, a trendy bar with a great selection of cocktails.
  • 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm: For dinner, head to La Parisienne, a French bakery and café serving delicious pastries and sandwiches.

Accommodation:

  • Sheraton Addis Hotel: A luxurious hotel with comfortable rooms and excellent amenities.
  • Hotel Lobelia: A budget-friendly option with clean rooms and a friendly staff.

Things to Know:

  • Ethiopia has its own calendar, which is 7-8 years behind the Western calendar.
  • The local currency is the Ethiopian birr (ETB), at about 160 to 165 birr to the US dollar in October 2026.
  • The UK FCDO warns of a high terrorism threat, crime hotspots including Bole Medhanealem, Meskel Square and Entoto, and security checkpoints. Travel door to door by car after dark.
  • Amharic is the official language, but many locals speak English.
  • Be prepared for crowds and chaos in the markets and streets.

Transportation:

  • Use hotel transfers or yellow or app-based taxis rather than blue-and-white ones, and negotiate the fare before you start your journey.
  • Local buses (minivans) are a cheap and convenient way to get around the city.
  • Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt are also available.

Tips:

  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
  • Dress modestly when visiting churches and mosques.
  • Bargain politely when shopping in markets.
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak hours (7-9 am, 4-6 pm) to avoid traffic congestion.

Other Things of Interest:

  • Addis Ababa University: A prestigious institution with a beautiful campus.
  • Piassa: A historic neighborhood with a mix of traditional and modern architecture.
  • St. George’s Cathedral: A beautiful Orthodox church with stunning stained-glass windows.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Addis Ababa!