Addis Ababa, Ethiopia-3-day-itinerary

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: History, Culture, and Entertainment

  • Morning: Start at the National Museum of Ethiopia (open daily from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm) to learn about the country’s rich history and culture. (~150 ETB / $5 USD per person)
  • Lunch: Head to Yod Abyssinia Cultural Restaurant for traditional Ethiopian cuisine and a lively atmosphere. Try their famous “Tibs” (stir-fried meat) and “Injera” (sourdough flatbread). (~200-300 ETB / $7-10 USD per meal)
  • Afternoon: Visit the Trinity Cathedral, a beautiful Orthodox church with stunning stained-glass windows. (~50 ETB / $2 USD per person)
  • Evening: Enjoy traditional Ethiopian music and dance at the Hager Fikir Theatre or Alliance Ethio-Française.

Day 2: Markets, Views, and Nightlife

  • Morning: Explore the bustling Merkato Market, one of Africa’s largest outdoor markets. Be prepared to haggle and try local snacks like “Chewa” (fried doughnuts) and “Kolo” (roasted barley). (~free entrance, but be mindful of your belongings)
  • Lunch: Grab a bite at Addis’ oldest café, Café Roma, serving Italian-inspired dishes. (~150-250 ETB / $5-8 USD per meal)
  • Afternoon: Take in the panoramic views of the city from the Entoto Hill viewpoint (entrance ~50 ETB / $2 USD per person). You can also hike to the top for breathtaking views.
  • Evening: Experience Addis’ vibrant nightlife at spots like Black Rose, Gaslight, or Fendika Azmari Bet.

Day 3: Nature and Relaxation

  • Morning: Visit the Addis Ababa Zoo (open daily from 8 am to 5 pm) to see native Ethiopian animals like the Walia ibex. (~50 ETB / $2 USD per person)
  • Lunch: Treat yourself to a delicious Italian meal at Gusto Ristorante or La Parisienne.
  • Afternoon: Unwind at the Ghion Hotel’s poolside bar, offering stunning views of the city. (~non-guests can pay ~200 ETB / $7 USD for pool access)
  • Evening: Enjoy a relaxing dinner at 2000 Habesha, serving traditional Ethiopian cuisine in a cozy setting.

Accommodation

  • Budget: Addis Rega Guest House (starts from ~800 ETB / $25 USD per night) or similar options
  • Mid-range: Ghion Hotel (starts from ~2,500 ETB / $90 USD per night) or similar options
  • Luxury: Sheraton Addis Hotel (starts from ~6,000 ETB / $220 USD per night) or similar options

Transportation

  • Taxi: Yellow cabs are readily available, but agree on the fare beforehand. (~20-50 ETB / $0.70-1.70 USD for short trips)
  • Ride-hailing apps: Use services like Addis Taxi or Ride to book a ride.
  • Walking: Explore the city center on foot, but be mindful of traffic and pedestrian infrastructure.

Tips and Essentials

  • Language: Amharic is the official language, but many locals speak English. Learn basic phrases like “Hello” (Selam) and “Thank you” ( Amesegenalehu).
  • Currency: Ethiopian Birr (ETB). You can exchange currency at banks or use ATMs.
  • Safety: Avoid traveling alone at night, keep valuables secure, and be cautious of pickpocketing in crowded areas.
  • Health: Addis Ababa is at high altitude (~2,350 meters), so drink plenty of water and take breaks to acclimate.
  • Respect local customs: Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and remove your shoes when entering traditional homes or churches.

Other Things of Interest

  • Visit the Imperial Palace, the former residence of Emperor Haile Selassie (open daily from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm, ~150 ETB / $5 USD per person)
  • Explore the Anwar Mosque, one of the city’s oldest and most beautiful mosques
  • Take a day trip to the nearby Debre Libanos Monastery or the crater lake, Bishoftu

Enjoy your time in Addis Ababa!