Addis Ababa, Ethiopia-5-day-itinerary

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City

• Morning: Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Take a taxi or shuttle to your hotel.
• Hotel: Stay at Palmoria Hotel or Tizeze Hotel, both located in the heart of the city.
• Breakfast: Head to Tomoca Coffee, a popular spot for traditional Ethiopian coffee and breakfast.
• Activity: Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia to learn about the country’s rich history and culture.
• Lunch: Enjoy traditional Ethiopian cuisine at 2000 Habesha, a local favorite.
• Afternoon: Explore the vibrant streets of Mercato, one of Africa’s largest markets.
• Dinner: Try modern Ethiopian fusion at Gusto Ristorante.

Day 2: Historical Landmarks

• Morning: Visit the impressive Trinity Cathedral, a symbol of Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity.
• Activity: Explore the ancient ruins of Menelik II’s Palace, once the residence of Emperor Menelik II.
• Lunch: Savor traditional Ethiopian injera at Yod Abyssinia.
• Afternoon: Visit the Ethiopian Orthodox Church Museum to learn about the history and traditions of the church.
• Dinner: Enjoy a delicious Italian meal at La Parisienne.

Day 3: Nature and Leisure

• Morning: Take a stroll through the beautiful Entoto Hill, offering panoramic views of the city.
• Activity: Visit the Addis Ababa Zoo to see a variety of Ethiopian wildlife.
• Lunch: Relax at Café 1881, serving international cuisine and coffee.
• Afternoon: Unwind with a spa treatment at Sapphire Hotel’s Spa.
• Dinner: Enjoy a romantic dinner at The Office Bar & Restaurant.

Day 4: Art and Culture

• Morning: Visit the National Theatre to catch a traditional Ethiopian dance performance.
• Activity: Explore the vibrant art scene at Asni Gallery, showcasing local artists’ work.
• Lunch: Savor Ethiopian and international cuisine at Sagano Restaurant.
• Afternoon: Visit the Ethnological Museum to learn about Ethiopia’s diverse ethnic groups.
• Dinner: Enjoy a lively dinner at Fendika Azmari Bet, featuring traditional music and dance.

Day 5: Departure

• Morning: Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring a local market.
• Departure: Head to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for your departure flight.

Things to Know

• Ethiopia uses its own calendar, which is 7-8 years behind the Western calendar. Dates and days may vary.
• The local currency is the Ethiopian Birr (ETB). Credit cards are not widely accepted, so have some cash on hand.
• Dress modestly when visiting churches and mosques.

Transportation

• Taxis: Yellow taxis are readily available, but agree on a fare before departing.
• Ride-hailing apps: Use ZayRide or Ride.
• Walking: Addis Ababa is relatively pedestrian-friendly, but be mindful of traffic and uneven sidewalks.

Tips

• Learn some basic Amharic phrases to show respect for the local culture.
• Be prepared for occasional power outages and internet connectivity issues.
• Respect local customs and traditions when visiting religious sites or attending cultural events.

This itinerary provides a mix of history, culture, nature, and leisure activities to help you experience the best of Addis Ababa. Enjoy your trip!