Addis Ababa, Ethiopia-7-day-itinerary

7-Day Itinerary for Travelling in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatization

  • Morning: Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Take a taxi or shuttle bus to your hotel.
  • Afternoon: Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia (entry fee: 10 ETB) to get an insight into the country’s rich history and culture.
  • Evening: Enjoy traditional Ethiopian cuisine at 2000 Habesha restaurant, known for its delicious injera and wot.

Accommodation:

Hotel options range from budget-friendly guesthouses like Mr. Martin’s Cozy Place (from $15/night) to luxurious hotels like Sheraton Addis (from $150/night).

Transportation:

Taxis are widely available, but you can also use ride-hailing apps like Ride or ZayRide.

Tips:

  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions.
  • Learn some basic Amharic phrases to interact with locals.

Day 2: History and Culture

  • Morning: Visit the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, a beautiful example of Ethiopian architecture.
  • Afternoon: Explore the ** Merkato** (entry fee: 10 ETB), one of Africa’s largest markets, where you can find everything from spices to souvenirs.
  • Evening: Enjoy live music and traditional dance performances at Yod Abyssinia.

Where to Eat:

Try Kategna Restaurant for its delicious vegetarian options or Gusto Ristorante for Italian cuisine with an Ethiopian twist.

Day 3: Nature and Recreation

  • Morning: Visit the Entoto Hill, offering stunning views of the city (entry fee: 10 ETB).
  • Afternoon: Relax at the Addis Ababa Botanical Garden (entry fee: 20 ETB), a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.
  • Evening: Enjoy a sunset cocktail at The Roof Top Bar, located on the 6th floor of the Getu Hotel.

Things to Know:

  • Ethiopia has its own calendar system, so dates may differ from Western calendars.
  • The local currency is the Ethiopian Birr (ETB).

Day 4: Modern Addis

  • Morning: Visit the Addis Ababa University, one of Africa’s oldest and most prestigious institutions.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Piassa neighborhood, known for its European-style architecture and lively atmosphere.
  • Evening: Enjoy international cuisine at The View Restaurant, located on the 11th floor of the Radisson Blu Hotel.

Transportation:

Use Anbessa City Bus or Blue Donkey buses to get around the city affordably.

Tips:

  • Be respectful when taking photos, especially in religious settings.
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak hours (7-9 am and 4-6 pm) to avoid traffic congestion.

Day 5: Day Trip

  • Full-day trip: Visit the Debre Libanos Monastery (entry fee: 20 ETB), a historic monastery located about an hour outside Addis Ababa.
  • Lunch: Enjoy traditional Ethiopian cuisine at a local restaurant in Debre Libanos.

Accommodation:

Consider staying at The Hub Hotel, which offers comfortable rooms and a relaxing atmosphere.

Day 6: Local Life

  • Morning: Attend a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony (approximately 1 hour, free).
  • Afternoon: Visit the Addis Ababa City Museum (entry fee: 10 ETB) to learn about the city’s history and development.
  • Evening: Enjoy live music and local food at Fendika Azmari Bet, a popular cultural center.

Where to Eat:

Try Sishu Restaurant for its delicious Ethiopian dishes or La Parisienne for French-inspired cuisine.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring a local market.
  • Afternoon: Depart for the airport and fly back home.

Things to Know:

  • Ethiopia is a cash-based economy, so have some local currency handy.
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites.

This itinerary provides a mix of history, culture, nature, and modern life in Addis Ababa. Be prepared for crowds, long lines, and variable weather conditions. Enjoy your trip to Ethiopia!