Addis Ababa Ethiopia 6 Day Itinerary

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and City Introduction

• Morning: Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Take a taxi or shuttle to your hotel.
• Hotel: Stay at the Hotel Monarch or similar, located in the heart of the city.
• Afternoon: Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia to learn about the country’s rich history and culture.
• Evening: Head to Yod Abyssinia Cultural Restaurant for a traditional Ethiopian dinner and cultural show.

Day 2: Historical Landmarks

• Morning: Visit the Trinity Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox churches in Africa.
• Afternoon: Explore the Ethiopian Parliament Building and the surrounding gardens.
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony at Tomo Coffee.

Day 3: Markets and Shopping

• Morning: Visit the vibrant Merkato Market, one of Africa’s largest markets.
• Afternoon: Explore the Piassa Shopping District for souvenirs and local handicrafts.
• Evening: Dine at 2000 Habesha Restaurant, serving traditional Ethiopian cuisine.

Day 4: Nature and Entertainment

• Morning: Visit the Entoto Hill for panoramic views of the city.
• Afternoon: Relax at the Addis Ababa Zoo.
• Evening: Catch a movie or live performance at the National Theatre of Ethiopia.

Day 5: Cultural Experiences

• Morning: Attend a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony and learn about the culture at Coffee House.
• Afternoon: Visit the Ethiopian Cultural Centre to learn about traditional music, dance, and art.
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Gusto Ristorante, serving Italian cuisine.

Day 6: Departure

• Morning: Spend the morning shopping for last-minute souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions.
• Afternoon: Depart for the airport and fly back home.

Things to Know

• Ethiopia has its own unique calendar, with 13 months. Be prepared for date differences.
• The local currency is the Ethiopian Birr (ETB). You can exchange currency at banks or use ATMs.
• Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites.
• Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions.

Transportation

• Taxis are widely available, but be sure to negotiate prices before departing.
• Local buses (minivans) are a cheap and efficient way to get around the city.
• Ride-hailing apps like Anbessa and ZayRide are also available.

Tips

• Always bargain when shopping at markets or from street vendors.
• Learn some basic Amharic phrases, such as “hello” (Selam) and “thank you” (Ayzosh).
• Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, especially in the high-altitude city.

Health and Safety

• Addis Ababa is at a high altitude, so be prepared for potential altitude sickness.
• Vaccinations are recommended before traveling to Ethiopia. Consult your doctor or a travel clinic.
• Take necessary precautions against malaria and other diseases.

I hope you enjoy your trip to Addis Ababa!