AddisStride Private Half-Day Walking Tour in Addis Ababa

Skip the Traffic and Discover Addis Ababa on Foot

⭐ Is this your first city visit to Addis Ababa?

⭐ Eager to get the most value from your tour?

⭐ And, you have limited time in the city?

 

If so, you don't want to waste your precious time stuck in Addis Ababa's traffic. That is why we created AddisStride: A Private Half-Day Walking Tour in Addis Ababa. Let our tour guides walk you straight to the city's best sights in just a few hours.

What makes this walking tour the perfect choice for you?

You will experience Addis Ababa in a well-rounded mix of activities and sites.

💡 Culture & History: Visit two of Addis Ababa's top museums.

💡 Spirituality: See the city's holiest religious site.

💡 Local Taste: Savor delicious Ethiopian coffee in a cultural setting.

💡 City Life: Witness recent developments in Addis.

💡 Expert Guidance: Benefit from famous local expertise.

“Best tour to Addis Ababa!”

An amazing, eye-opening and informative tour. Our guide Biruk was the perfect guide! Not only was he extremely knowledgeable about Addis Ababa and all of its wonders, Biruk was extremely kind and hospitable the entire tour. Definitely a tour that’s worth your time!

Tripadvisor review on October 10, 2025

An African proverb says 'If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk together.'

But, with a private guide from Merit Ethiopian Experience Tours, you don’t have to choose. You set the pace and we adjust the walk so you explore Addis Ababa in comfort.

Take the first step – reach out on WhatsApp

TOUR SUMMARY

This walking tour is great for short visits or layovers. Spend a few hours in Addis for a brief yet in-depth introduction to Ethiopia. You will see its top museums, famous monuments, and a celebrated cathedral. We’ll also enjoy a genuine Ethiopian coffee break.

Tour Highlights

🏛️ Ethnological Museum - Explore Emperor Haile Selassie’s former palace

👣 Walk by the historic Yekatit 12 and Meyazia 27 monuments

☕ Experience Traditional Ethiopian coffee culture

🦴 National Museum of Ethiopia – See “Lucy” fossil

⛪ Holy Trinity Cathedral – Admire the grand Ethiopian Orthodox architecture

ADDIS ABABA WALKING TOUR PRICING

Here are two easy pricing options for your private guided walking tour.

1. Meet your guide at the tour’s starting point in Addis Ababa
2. Or have your guide meet and pick you from Bole Airport or at your hotel

All prices listed are per person in US Dollars. Prices decrease significantly with group size, offering the best value for families and small groups.

Option 1: Walking Tour Starting at the Ethnological Museum

Budget-Friendly (Self-Transfer)

Perfect for guests with flexible transportation, such as layover/stopover travelers who can use taxis or ride shares.

Meeting Point: Ethnological Museum, Addis Ababa.

Specific meeting location with the guide is in front of the main gate of Addis Ababa University, 6 Kilo Campus.

End Point: Holy Trinity Cathedral

Transportation: Guests arrange their own transport to and from the meeting location

Tour Price (per person in USD)

1 person – $70

2 people – $45 per person

3 people – $40 per person

4 people – $35 per person

5 people – $30 per person

6 people – $25 per person

Option 2: Walking Tour with Private Transportation

All-Inclusive (Private Transport)

Includes convenient hotel or airport pickup and drop-off anywhere in Addis Ababa.

The most comfortable option, including private vehicle service for seamless airport or hotel transfers.

Pickup & Drop-off: Any hotel or Bole International Airport

Start & Finish: Flexible – as preferred by guests

Tour Price (per person in USD)

1 person – $110

2 people – $70 per person

3 people – $60 per person

4 people – $50 per person

5 people – $45 per person

6 people – $40 per person

What's Included:

✅ Airport/Hotel Pickup & Drop-off (Option 2)
✅ Private Transportation (Option 2)
✅ Entrance Fees
✅ Professional Local Guide Service
✅ Ethiopian cultural coffee
✅ Bottled Water

What's Not Included:

❌ Meals
❌ Tipping/Gratuities
❌ Personal Souvenir Shopping
❌ Other fees

IMPORTANT: The admission fees for foreign visitors are already included in both choices: Ethnographic Museum ~$1.64 (250 ETB), National Museum ~$0.33 (50 ETB), Holy Trinity Cathedral ~$9.86 (1,500 ETB)

WALKING ADDIS ABABA - ESSENTIAL TOUR INFORMATION

On this page, we answer the following questions. Click a question to jump directly to the answer. Scroll down for visitor questions and our walking tour tips.

🔍 What is the AddisStride walking tour in Addis Ababa all about?

🔍 Which sights, landmarks or neighborhoods do we visit on Addis walking tour?

🔍 How many hours does AddisStride half-day tour take?

🔍 Where does the Addis Stride tour start and end?

🔍 What makes the AddisStride tour different from other walking tours in Addis Ababa?

🔍 What do I need to know to get ready for this sightseeing walk?

What is the AddisStride walking tour in Addis Ababa all about?

‘AddisStride’ = Addis + Stride, is a term we coined for our brief tour to Addis Ababa by stride.
Merit Ethiopian Experience Tours (MEET) offers AddisStride. It is a guided half-day city walking visit in Addis Ababa.

You’ll visit two major museums, two important monuments, and a sacred religious site. Take a break to enjoy the Ethiopian coffee rituals.

This private urban guided walk is suitable for most fitness levels.

Check our other tours in Addis Ababa

Which sights, landmarks or neighborhoods do we visit on Addis walking tour?

Things you do during this walking tour in Addis Ababa are:

Ethnological Museum (የኢትኖሎጂ ሙዚየም)

Learn about Ethiopia’s diverse cultures at the Ethnographic Museum.  Walk in the former palace of Haile Selassie at Addis Ababa University.

Yekatit 12 Monument (የካቲት ፲፪ አደባባይ)

Take a stroll around the Martyrs’ Monument. Discover Ethiopia’s WWII history and Italian occupation resistance. Then, walk down King George VI Street to the National Museum of Ethiopia.

National Museum of Ethiopia (የኢትዮጵያ ብሔራዊ ሙዚየም)

Visit some of humanity’s oldest ancestors and discover more about early human evolution.

See the world-famous fossils of Lucy, known locally as Dinknesh (“you are wonderful”). Australopithecus afarensis lived over 3 million years ago in Ethiopia, and Lucy’s discovery redefined what we know about early human walking and upright posture.

Lucy’s fossils provide early evidence that humans began walking on two legs more than 3 million years ago. Understand how bipedalism — walking on two feet — set humans apart from other primates.

At the National Museum, observe clear evidence of bipedal anatomy in Lucy’s pelvic bones, leg structure, and knee joints, which show she walked upright.

Traditional Ethiopian coffee break: Pause for a freshly brewed cup at a local café.

As proceeding from the museum to Meyazia 27 Square, pass by the Kideste Kidusan Mariyam Church at 5 Kilo. In a walking distance from the church, keep an eye out to the Patriarch Residence (መንበረ ፓትርያርክ). This is the official home of the Patriarch, the head of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.

Meyazia 27 Square or Victory Monument (አራት ኪሎ አርበኞች ሃውልት)

Then, leisurely, stroll over to Meyazia 27 Square, known among Addis Ababans as “Arat Kilo.” See the Victory Monument which commemorates Ethiopia’s liberation from Italians in 1941. Meyazia 27, 1933 E.C. (May 5, 1941 G.C.) is the date Emperor Haile Selassie returned from five years of exile.

Did you know? ‘Arat Kilo’ means "Four Kilo", in Amharic language. It refers either to its distance of 4 kilometers from the main palace or the four roads that meet at this square.

Holy Trinity Cathedral (ቅድስት ሥላሴ ካቴድራል)

Explore this grand Ethiopian Orthodox church decorated with stained-glass windows. See the tombs of Haile Selassie I and his wife, and a religious museum.

Inside the Cathedral

Step inside to admire the colorful stained-glass windows that depict stories from both the Old and New Testaments. When sunlight filters through them, colorful patterns illuminate the interior, creating a breathtaking glow throughout the cathedral.

In the Cathedral Compound

Outside, take time to explore the Holy Trinity Cathedral compound, where several notable Ethiopians are laid to rest. Near the main gate, you’ll find the tombs of Richard Pankhurst, the renowned Ethiopian historian, and his mother Sylvia Pankhurst.

Richard was the grandson of Emmeline Pankhurst, the famous English suffragette, and the son of Sylvia Pankhurst, who passionately supported Ethiopia’s struggle against the Italian occupation in the 1930s.

In short, you’ll experience the best of Addis Ababa's culture, history, and local life in just a few hours. Book this tour to explore fascinating museums of Addis. Reflect on Ethiopia’s occupational history while taking photos of iconic monuments. Know about Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity at one of the city's most important churches.

Explore other attractions of Addis Ababa on Full Day tour

How many hours does AddisStride half-day tour take?

Total Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Overview: AddisStride Walks offers two tour choices: self-arrival or a package with transportation. The basic walking tour runs for about 4 hours. It starts at the Ethnological Museum and ends at the Holy Trinity Cathedral.

Including door-to-door transportation, the total time is about 5 hours. This extended option is convenient for layover travelers in Addis Ababa.

Breakdown of the walking tour activities with duration (visiting time)

1. Ethnological Museum (1 hour)
2. Yekatit 12 Monument (10 - 15 minutes)
3. National Museum of Ethiopia (1 hour)
4. Traditional Ethiopian coffee break (30 minutes)
5. Meyazia 27 Square (Victory Monument) (10 - 15 minutes)
6. Holy Trinity Cathedral (45–60 minutes)

AddisStride is a private, half-day walking tour of Addis Ababa. The total duration is 4 to 5 hours, which includes transfers. The walking and visiting itself lasts approximately 4 hours at a comfortable pace.

Want fewer walks?

Book our guided half Addis tour by driving

Where does the Addis Stride tour start and end?

Choose tour meeting (pickup) locations from these options:

Option 1 - Meet tour guide at Ethnological Museum (main gate)

Option 2 - Hotel pickup in Addis Ababa (flexible time and location)

Option 3 - Addis Ababa Bole International Airport pickup (ideal for layovers)

The basic walking tour ends after visiting the Holy Trinity Cathedral and Trinity Museum. But we offer optional drop-off service at your hotel in Addis Ababa or Bole airport after tour.

What makes the AddisStride tour different from other walking tours in Addis Ababa?

It is a great mix of things to do and activities. The tour also allows meeting locals on the streets of Addis Ababa. Other best features of AddisStride are it is

1.Guided by licensed, knowledgeable, multilingual locals

2.Includes an authentic Ethiopian coffee experience

3.Available year-round with flexible start times

4.Combines walking and optional vehicle transfers for convenience

5.Get the chance to see the new Corridor Development project in Addis Ababa

Unlike standard tours, it’s tailored to your walking pace. An authentic Ethiopian coffee experience is its cultural touch. And seeing Addis Ababa city’s new Corridor Development project makes it different.

It allows flexible start times. Optional vehicle transfers for convenience is an extra feature of this walking tour.

Read more on what to do in Addis Ababa by walking

What do I need to know to get ready for this sightseeing walk?

Tour Type: Private walking tour

Group Size: private or small group 1–6 guests

Tour start time: Every hour between 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM

Language: English (other languages on request)

Level: Easy to moderate walking; suitable for most ages

Bring: Comfortable shoes, hat, camera

Rainy Season Tip: From June–September, dress for wet weather. During the rainy season, consider optional car (transportation) support for comfort.

Do you have any question unanswered?

Email Merit Ethiopian Experience Tours

Know Before You Go Walking

👉 The National Museum of Ethiopia is closed Mondays.

👉 The Ethnographic Museum is closed on public holidays.

👉 This walking city sightseeing allows customization. Contact us for details

Read online reviews about us on TrustPilot

ADDISSTRIDE WALKING TOUR: COMMON QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Is this Addis Ababa walking tour suitable for first-time visitors?

AddisStride partial-day walking experience is a great choice for newcomers to Addis Ababa. It covers top museums, historic monuments, and a cathedral. This walking tour gives you a quick but full look at the city. The tour is also suitable for families, solo travelers, and groups visiting Addis.

What is the recommended attire or dress code for the tour?

Wear comfortable walking shoes, as this is a walking tour. Since the tour includes a religious site, visitors should respect local customs.

Women should wear modest clothing (no shorts). They halve also to cover their hair when entering the Holy Trinity Cathedral. During the rainy season, bring suitable clothing for wet weather.

Can I take photos during the tour?

Absolutely, participants can take photos throughout the walking tour. The tour offers excellent photography opportunities. Take photos at historic sites, museums, churches, and the streets of Addis Ababa.

What is the payment terms and means of payments for booking Addis Stride Walking Tour?

For tour confirmation, you need to make at least 20% of the tour price online. We support different convenient payment methods. Contact us for details!

What is the cancellation policy for the paid walking tours?

We provide a full refund if you cancel the tour with at least 24 hours' notice before the start time.

Is it safe to walk around Addis Ababa, especially on a tour?

Addis Ababa is a safe city to visit. For extra peace of mind and security, you will walk with our prudent, professional guide. Choose your tour guide to walk Addis Ababa with.

What other places and things to do in Addis Ababa do you suggest to visit by walking?

Merit Ethiopian Experience Tours suggests the following other sites and activities to visit on foot.

1.Combination of Historical & Spiritual Addis Walk

Visit St. George Cathedral to explore its beautiful architecture and learn about Ethiopia’s rich history. Continue to Adwa Victory Museum to gain deeper insight into the Battle of Adwa and the great price Ethiopians paid for their freedom. Then, enjoy a pleasant walk down the famous Churchill Street and stop at Tomoca Coffee for a delicious cup of authentic Ethiopian coffee.

2. For Market Life & Local Flavors Walk

Visit Addis Mercato to discover Africa’s largest open-air market. Walk at the spice and coffee sections of the market to learn about local ingredients.

Consider riding taxi to go the Main Post Office and wander around the several souvenir shops around.

Shiro Meda is another market in Addis Ababa to shop for handwoven clothing.

3. For Everyday Addis Experience

Take a leisurely walking tour through Piazza neighborhood in Addis Ababa. Stroll along its historic streets lined with old cafés. Continue your walk to Menelik II Square to observe the vibrant city life surrounding the emperor’s statue.

From there, walk down to La Gare area to admire the heritage railway station buildings, a reminder of Addis Ababa’s early modernization. Finish your walk at Meskel Square, the bustling central square of Addis Ababa, where locals gather for daily activities and national celebrations.

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Book your private half-day walking tour in Addis Ababa with Merit Ethiopian Experience Tours