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.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1:

Morning

  • 8:00 am - 9:30 am: Start the day with a traditional Ethiopian breakfast at Tibs Restaurant, known for its delicious Injera (Ethiopian flatbread) and spicy stews.
  • 10:00 am - 12:00 pm: Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia, which houses an extensive collection of artifacts, including Lucy, the 3.2 million-year-old hominid fossil.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm: Head to Addis Mercato, one of Africa’s largest markets, for Ethiopian spices, fruits, and handicrafts. Go in daytime with a guide and minimal valuables; pickpocketing and bag snatching are common, so avoid it after dark.
  • 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm: Drive up to the Entoto Hills for panoramic views of Addis Ababa. The FCDO names Entoto as a crime hotspot, so go by car in daytime and in company.

Evening

  • 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at 2000 Habesha, a popular restaurant serving traditional Ethiopian cuisine.
  • 10:00 pm: Return to your hotel by car; the FCDO names Bole Medhanealem and Bole Atlas as crime hotspots, so avoid walking alone after dark.

Day 2:

Morning

  • 8:00 am - 9:30 am: Visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, a beautiful Orthodox church with stunning stained-glass windows.
  • 10:00 am - 12:00 pm: Explore the Ethnological Museum, which showcases Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm: Grab lunch at Gusto Ristorante, an Italian-Ethiopian fusion restaurant with delicious pasta dishes.
  • 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Visit the Addis Ababa University, one of Africa’s oldest and most prestigious institutions.

Evening

  • 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm: Enjoy a farewell dinner at YOD Abyssinia Cultural Restaurant, which offers traditional Ethiopian cuisine and live music.
  • 10:00 pm: Return to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Where to Stay:

  • Sheraton Addis Hotel: A luxurious hotel with comfortable rooms and excellent service.
  • Radisson Blu Hotel: A modern hotel with amenities like a fitness center and outdoor pool.
  • Budget-friendly options: Consider staying at local guesthouses or hostels, such as Mr. Martin’s Cozy Guest House or Addis Ababa Backpackers.

Transportation:

  • Taxis: Use hotel transfers or yellow or app-based taxis rather than blue-and-white ones. Agree on a fare before you start your journey.
  • Minivans: Shared minivans (called “blue donkeys”) operate on fixed routes and are an affordable way to get around.
  • Walking: Keep to short daytime walks, and be mindful of heavy traffic and hazardous crossings.

Things to Know:

  • Language: Amharic is the official language, but many Ethiopians speak English.
  • Currency: The Ethiopian birr (ETB) is the local currency, at about 160 to 165 birr to the US dollar in October 2026. You can exchange money at banks or use ATMs.
  • Safety: The UK FCDO warns of a high terrorism threat, crime hotspots including Bole Medhanealem, Bole Atlas, Meskel Square and Entoto, and security checkpoints. Travel door to door by car after dark.
  • Culture: Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites.

Tips:

  • Haggling: Expect to haggle over prices at markets and from street vendors.
  • Dress modestly: Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially in the high altitude.

Other Things of Interest:

  • Markets: Visit the smaller, more specialized markets like the Shiro Meda spice market or the Piassa handicraft market.
  • Day Trips: Consider a day trip to the Bishoftu crater lakes, about 48 to 62 km southeast on the Addis-Adama Expressway; stay on that corridor. Debre Libanos monastery lies on the A3 in North Shewa, where the UK FCDO advises against all travel, so it is not a day-trip option.
  • Festivals: Check if any festivals or events are happening during your visit, such as the Enkutatesh (Ethiopian New Year) celebrations.

Enjoy your time in Addis Ababa!