Addis Ababa Ethiopia 7 Day Itinerary
7-Day Itinerary for Travelling in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatization
- Arrival: Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD)
- Accommodation: Check-in to Hotel Harmony or similar
- Lunch: Head to 2000 Habesha for traditional Ethiopian cuisine
- Afternoon: Explore the nearby Merkato Market, one of Africa’s largest markets
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional coffee ceremony at Tommoca Coffee
Day 2: History and Culture
- Morning: Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia to learn about the country’s rich history
- Lunch: Try some local street food at Anghereb Restaurant
- Afternoon: Explore the Ethnological Museum to discover Ethiopia’s diverse cultures
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional dinner and live music at Yod Abyssinia
Day 3: Nature and Scenic Views
- Morning: Take a hike up Entoto Hill for panoramic views of the city
- Lunch: Head to Gusto Ristorante for Italian cuisine
- Afternoon: Visit the Addis Ababa Botanical Garden
- Evening: Enjoy a drink at Sky Bar with stunning views of the city
Day 4: Day Trip to Debre Libanos
- Morning: Take a day trip to Debre Libanos, a historic monastery and scenic viewpoint ( approx. 2 hours drive)
- Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch or try some local food at one of the nearby restaurants
- Afternoon: Explore the monastery and take in the stunning views
- Evening: Return to Addis Ababa and enjoy dinner at La Parisienne
Day 5: Markets and Shopping
- Morning: Visit the vibrant Piassa Market for souvenirs and local goods
- Lunch: Try some international cuisine at The Greek Club
- Afternoon: Explore the Edna Mall for modern shopping and entertainment
- Evening: Enjoy a cocktail at The View Bar
Day 6: Outdoor Activities
- Morning: Take a horseback ride or hike in the scenic Menagesha Forest
- Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch or try some local food at one of the nearby restaurants
- Afternoon: Visit the Addis Ababa Zoo for a unique wildlife experience
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Office Bar and Grill
Day 7: Departure
- Morning: Spend the morning shopping for last-minute souvenirs or exploring a local market
- Departure: Depart from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD)
Things to Know
- Ethiopia has its own calendar, with 13 months in a year. Make sure to adjust your travel plans accordingly.
- The local currency is the Ethiopian Birr (ETB). You can exchange currency at banks or use ATMs.
- Respect for elders and traditional customs is highly valued in Ethiopian culture.
Transportation
- Taxis are widely available, but agree on the fare before you start your journey.
- Ride-hailing apps like Ride and ZayRide are popular alternatives.
- For longer trips, consider hiring a private car or driver for the day.
Tips
- Learn some basic Amharic phrases to show respect for the local culture.
- Be prepared for crowds and long lines at markets and attractions.
- Try to avoid traveling during peak hours (7-9 am and 4-6 pm) to minimize traffic congestion.
Other Things of Interest
- The Addis Ababa Light Rail is a convenient way to travel around the city.
- The Ethiopian Airlines Aviation Academy offers guided tours of their facilities.
- For adventure seekers, consider taking a hot air balloon ride over Addis Ababa.
Enjoy your trip to Addis Ababa!