Addis Ababa City Tours
Explore the Heart of Ethiopia: Your Ultimate One-Day Guide to Addis Ababa City Tours
Have a glance at our programs, prices and packages of what you can do with a tour guide in Addis Ababa.
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Let us get started with the most common questions visitors ask
BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE CITY OF ADDIS ABABA, FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS, AND HOW TO VISIT IT BEST
ADDIS ABABA – ADDIS ABEBA - አዲስ አበባ
✱ Planning a unique trip of a day to Addis Ababa?
✱ Looking for the best tourist spots to visit while in Addis Ababa?
✱ Wondering which top attractions to add to your itinerary?
Of course, you want to make the most of your vacation time in Addis Ababa. We tune everything we do to enhance your experience in Addis.
Please, read travelers' reviews on our city tours in Addis Ababa on TripAdvisor how we did it. And come back to this page for details.
If you decide to visit Addis Ababa at the last minute, don't feel like you're missing out on much. We offer last-minute bookings for one day tours of Addis Ababa and day trips nearby. Please contact us for our last-minute travel deals. Or book 12 to 6 hours before tour start time.
Keep on reading and anytime if you have any questions. For more details or booking our 1-day tours in or near Addis Ababa, contact us now.
Get a list of must-see sights and things to do in Addis Ababa City Tour. Learn why Addis Ababa is worth visiting and make your explorations of our city special with us. Contact us for free consultations on how to spend one day exploring Addis.
Our Addis Ababa hop on hop off bus tours follow a scheduled route with carefully chosen stops. As it is still a private trip, you are free to decide what to do in Addis Ababa in one day.
"Excelente tour por Adis Ababa. Ótima experiência."
Encontrei esse tour no Tripadvisor e achei muito interessante. Foi uma excelente escolha. O guia Yohannes foi extremamente atencioso e fala muito bem o espanhol. As visitas aos museus foram bastante instrutivas. O ponto alto do passeio foi comparecer a um almoço e cerimônia do café na casa de uma família etíope, experiência inesquecível. A família foi acolhedora: eu e minhas amigas nos sentimos bem-vindas. Depois o passeio pelo Mercato para sentir a intensidade do comércio local, finalizando com um excelente café. Muito bom. Recomendo.
Review by Cibelli Rosa on Sep 15, 2024
Tripadvisor review: Full-Day Private City Tour of Addis Ababa
Let us begin with common questions visitors ask about Addis Ababa. Find short, helpful answers for frequently asked questions of fellow travelers.
When was Addis Ababa founded? – Addis Ababa City was established in 1886 Gregorian Calendar or 1879 Ethiopian Calendar.
Who founded Addis Ababa? Empress Taitu (Emperor Menelik II’s wife) loved the area Addis Ababa is set at now. With Taitu's suggestion, Emperor Menelik II established Addis Ababa.
What achievements did Emperor Menelik II bring to Addis Ababa or Ethiopia? After its establishment, Emperor Menelik II introduced new technologies to Ethiopia. Train, telephone, postal services, electricity, automobile, and roads are Menelik's initiatives.
Menelik II also introduced water pipelines, hospitals, pharmacy, bank, and paper money. Other advancements include newspapers, hotel (Taitu Hotel), police, cinema, telegraph, and eucalyptus trees.
Where was the capital of Ethiopia before Addis Ababa? – It was at Entoto Mountain. Visit Emperor Menelik II's grass-roofed palace and St. Mary's Church on Mount Entoto.
Why did they move from Mount Entoto to Addis Ababa? - Push factors to move the capital city from Entoto Mountain to Addis Ababa were lack of firewood and water. Dangers of thunderstorms during the rainy season at Mount Entoto were another reason.
Bringing eucalyptus trees from Australia to Ethiopia made Addis Ababa a stable capital. Eucalyptus trees grow faster and solved the shortage of firewood. Addis Ababa has ample water resources including natural hot springs (Filwoha). Water availability was an important factor to move from Entoto to Addis Ababa.
What does “Addis Ababa” mean? What is behind its name? Addis Ababa, meaning "New Flower" in Amharic. It is named after the yellow daisy flower known as Adey Abeba or Meskel Flower.
Which flower is Addis Ababa named after? - Addis Ababa gets its name from a yellow daisy flower. It is, in Amharic language, ADEY ABEBA (Bidens Macroptera). Adey Abeba is known as Meskel Flower.
What is Addis Ababa's elevation? - Addis's altitude is 3,200 meters or 10,500 ft at Mount Entoto. Average elevation of Addis Ababa City is 2,400 meters or 7,900 ft above sea level.
This elevation qualifies Addis Ababa as the highest capital city in Africa in altitude. Addis Ababa is World’s third ranking capital city in altitude. The two highest cities are La Paz, Bolivia and Quito, Ecuador.
How big is Addis Ababa? – Addis Ababa is Ethiopia’s biggest city with over 5 Million inhabitants (2020). It covers an area of about 527 Square kilometers.
What is Addis Ababa known for? – Addis Ababa is the Political Capital of Africa. Because, it is the seat of the headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). And the headquarters of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) (Now African Union (AU). Addis Ababa is the biggest diplomatic seat in Africa.
How is the weather in Addis Ababa generally? - As it is surrounded with mountains, Addis enjoys a mild climate most of the year. Northern and Central parts of Ethiopia, including Addis Ababa, have two general seasons.
The Dry Season is from end of September to beginning of June. The Wet or Rainy Season is from beginning of June to mid-September. The coldest month in Addis Abeba is November. Night temperature can be as low as 10 °C (50 °F) and average daytime temperature of 24 °C (75 °F).
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What is best to buy from Addis Ababa?
1. Ethiopian Coffee - Tomoca Coffee Shop in Addis Ababa sells one of the best quality Ethiopian Coffee.
2. Handwoven cotton scarves and dresses – Shiro Meda local market in Addis Ababa is the best place for these.
3. Locally produced Leather Products - Zaaf Leathers has great reputation for quality leather products from Ethiopia. Leather shops around the stadium are also the best places to buy these items in Addis Ababa. -
Where to buy souvenirs and gift items in Addis Ababa?
The best market for local crafts and cultural dresses is Shiro Meda. This market is near Mount Entoto. If you are comfortable with crowds, shop at Addis Mercato. Bargain for price and be cautious of pickpockets in Addis Mercato.
Addis Ababa sightseeing tours with us are flexible to take you to other shopping areas in the city. Gift shops near the main Ethiopian Postal Office are good option for small gift items. Zebra Gallery, near on Churchill Street, is perfect for shopping antiques.
- Is Addis Ababa safe for tourists?
In compared with many African cities, Addis is safe for visitors. It is among the least crime rates capital cities in Africa. Addis Ababa was among the 10 safest cities in Africa in 2019 as to Safari Bookings rating.
To make the best use of your time in Addis Ababa and stay safe, take appropriate cautions. Especially beware of pickpockets when visiting crowded places like Merkato Market.
Asking permissions before you take photos of individuals to avoid unwanted argument, in case. Be cautious of strangers offering tour guide service or coffee ceremonies.
- How many days do you need to visit Addis Ababa?
You can visit a few important places in the city of Addis in half day tour. 4 to 5 hours is enough for highlights of Addis. If you want a comprehensive city tour in Addis Ababa, you need two days (2-days).
Combine best places of visits and things to do in Addis Ababa with our comprehensive 1-say tour. This full-day tour in Addis Ababa is best for first-time visitors of the city.
- What to do in Addis Ababa at night?
Should you be in Addis during the nighttime, we have something for you. We offer 4-6 hour evening city tours in Addis Ababa. This overnight tour is ideal for transit passengers wanting a glimpse of the city.
Check out cultural restaurants to eat local Ethiopian food. Watch LIVE dance show. Drive in Addis Ababa and see its iconic monuments. And go shopping in Addis for coffee, spices, and traditional Ethiopian costumes.
If a layover keeps you in Addis for a few hours, check things you can do and your options of Addis Ababa stopover tours.
WHAT TO VISIT, DO AND SEE IN ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia?
Points of interest and attractions to visit in Addis Ababa, local activities to try, and things to do in Addis Ababa
Merit Ethiopian Experience Tours organizes private trips in Addis Ababa. Choose the short highlights (about 4 hours) or the complete city visit (about 9 hours).
Itineraries of all our Addis Ababa City Tours include visiting: -
- Holy Trinity Cathedral is the primary religious site in Addis Ababa for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians. Holy Trinity Cathedral is the second highest in rank after Saint May of Zion in Axum, North Ethiopia.
- Merkato (Addis Mercato) local market - the biggest outdoor (open-air) market in the African Continent. Merkato has a wide variety of items for sale you can imagine. Walking in the Ethiopian spices and used times selling area in Merkato is worth trying.
- National Museum of Ethiopia – the most predominant museum in Addis Ababa. The National Museum is most renowned for housing the fossils of Lucy (3.2 million years old). Lucy or Dinknesh is the oldest potential ancestor for every known hominin species discovered in Ethiopia.
Typical Addis Ababa City Tour Itinerary includes visiting popular sights of the city. With private tour, see churches of the Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity.
Holy Trinity Cathedral and St. George are among them. With Addis Ababa City Tour, visit the famous local market of Merkato (the biggest in Africa).
Visit National Museum of Ethiopia and Ethnological Museum (Ethnographic Museum). Drive to Entoto Mountain for the panoramic view of Addis Ababa.
City tours in Addis Ababa, common places/activities visitors would see, visit and experience are: -
National Museum of Ethiopia has many historical, archaeological and cultural artifacts. Here, visit some of the oldest stone tools human beings ever used. National Museum is home to ancient hominids. The most famous is the fossil remains of Lucy (3.18 million years old).
Mount Entoto is one of the highest peaks surrounding Addis. Take in the spectacular cityscapes to Addis Ababa from Mount Entoto. Entoto Park has a great outlook for viewing Addis Ababa.
Visitors to Addis Ababa can visit the Church of St. Mary at Entoto. Also see how hard life is for women carrying firewood.
St. Raguel or Elias church at Mount Entoto – This is Addis Ababa's oldest church (built 140 years ago). It is famous for its old and beautiful hand-painted murals.
The wall paintings inside St. Raguel Church are as old as the church. These colorful paintings have never been restored.
With our half-day or full day private guided tours to Addis Ababa, discover fascinating places like Elias church.
You can book Merit’s Addis Ababa city tours on Viator travel website.
Entoto Maryam Church - The octagonal Entoto Maryam Church was built by Menelik II in 1882. It is the second-oldest church in the Addis Ababa region after Entoto Saint Raguel Church.
Emperor Menelik II was coronated at Entoto Mariam church. He was crowned King of Kings and Emperor of Ethiopia.
On the grounds of the Entoto Maryam, visit the small church museum. It focuses on the reign of Menelik II. You can also see the ruins of the grass-covered palace of Menelik II.
Holy Trinity Cathedral is the highest-ranking religious site in Addis Ababa City. It is the second most important in the country
Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity followers. Holy Trinity dates back to the beginning of the 1940s.
Trinity Cathedral is unique for its beautiful Baroque style architecture, and stained-glass windows. Its museum has a great collection of manuscripts, icons, and crosses. See old holy books written on goatskin and royal crowns of Emperor Haile Selassie I.
Ethnological Museum - also known as Ethnographic Museum is one of the best museums in East Africa. It is at the main campus of Addis Ababa University. This museum was the former house Emperor Haile Selassie I. Ethnological Museum is one of the top places to visit in Addis Ababa. Here, you'll learn about Ethiopia’s history, culture, nature, people and religion.
Merkato (Addis Mercato) Market (መርካቶ ገበያ) – is the biggest outdoor market in Africa. The Spice Market and the False Banana Tree Market are the best of Merkato.
The Second hand items market and the recycling section of Merkato are worth visiting. Merkato (Addis Mercato) is a great place to meet people from more than 80 different ethnic groups of Ethiopia.
Merkato is one of the main attractions in Addis Ababa. This busy market is among the top places to include in Addis Ababa City Tour Itinerary. If you are interested in walking tour to visit this market, check our Addis Mercato Walking Tour on GetYourGuide.
Red Terror Martyrs’ Memorial Museum is located near Meskel Square. This Museum honors "Red Terror" Military Campaign victims of the Communist regime. This regime, known as DERG, ruled Ethiopia from 1974 to 1991. It is one of Addis Ababa’s museums to learn about the modern history of Ethiopia.
St. George's Cathedral is one of the oldest and historical churches in Addis Ababa. The copy of the Ark of the Covenant from St. George Cathedral is vital for Ethiopia. It accompanied Ethiopians during the Victory of Adwa (1896). At the battle of Adowa Ethiopians defeated Italian invaders. They made Ethiopia the only not colonized African country.
Visit Merit’s Addis Ababa Tours Showcase on LinkedIn to learn more specific sites you can explore.
St. George Cathedral is prominent for its octagonal architecture. The cathedral has a small museum displaying a collection of ancient religious and historical antiques. St. George Cathedral is located in Piazza area of Addis. Emperor Haile Selassie I was crowned at this cathedral.
MESKEL SQUARE - Sometimes written as MASKAL SQUARE, it is also known as "Abiyot Adebabay" in Amharic language. Meskel Square is the biggest and central square in Addis Ababa city. The word "Meskel" means cross in Amharic (Ethiopia's official language). The famous colorful religious festival of Meskel honors the finding of the True Cross of Jesus Christ.
In Addis Ababa, Meskel celebration takes place at Meskel Square on September 26th and 27th. Meskel Celebration is in UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (2013).
Today, Meskel Square is the central place in Addis Ababa for public demonstrations and gatherings.
It is a morning fun, at Meskel Square in Addis Ababa, to
♥ take part in sport activities with locals at Meskel Square,
♥ experience Addis Ababa’s morning rush-hour traffic, and
♥ see how travelers catch long-distance buses and metro
Sightseeings with Merit Ethiopian Experience Tours takes you to Meskel Square - besides other engaging experiences.
Drive in Addis Ababa to see the Headquarters of the UN Economic Commission for Africa. Then see the HQ of the African Union, and the Lion of Judah Monument. Pass by Yekatit 12 Monument, and Meskel Square are few places to check out.
You'll also take in the recent changes of the Addis Ababa Corridor Development Project. The aims of this initiative are improving slum areas, fulfilling infrastructure, and enhancing living conditions of locals.
The Grand Addis Ababa Corridor Project provides wider sidewalks and upgrades Addis Ababa to worldwide accepted standards. Be part of Addis Ababa’s progress!
The Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony is a cultural activity you shouldn’t miss. Consider including this experience in your Addis Ababa itinerary. Read our blog post for details of how to perform the Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony.
Attend Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony, and learn how to cook Enjera or Injera (local Ethiopian flatbread). See how Ethiopians make local beer (known as Tella) at home.
These are some cultural experiences visitors take part in city tour of Addis Ababa. Read our cultural activities and local things-to-do in Addis Ababa for better planning of visiting Addis.
Don't miss out on these incredible sights - book your spot on our Half Day Addis Ababa City Tour. The layover private tour of Addis Ababa is best if you are in short of time.
We help you choose what to see in Addis Ababa on a day transit visit. If you are on a 1-day transit, take our Full–Day City Tour in Addis Ababa.
Besides our regular sightseeing tours, we organize private visits especially planned for returning visitors to Addis Ababa. Our curated custom tours take frequent visitors of Addis Ababa to uncommon destinations. These are unique, less visited and interesting sites of the city.
A few places repeat visitors to Addis Ababa can visit are Unity Park and Zoma Museum.
Sholla Market, Addis Ababa Science Museum, and Friendship Park are other best sites for second times and expats in Addis Ababa.
Please check must-see places in Addis Ababa on reputable travel website – LonelyPlanet.
And, book our 1-Day City tour in Addis Ababa to discover these places of interest.
Our city tour packages of Addis allow visitors maximum flexibility. Tourists with more than a day can book one of our day trips near Addis Ababa.
A few worth-visiting sites with our private excursions from Addis Ababa are: -
♥ Debre Libanos Monastery
♥ Jemma River Gorge
♥ Adadi Mariam Rock Church
♥ Crater lakes of Bishoftu (Debre Zeit), and
♥ the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Steles of Tiya
We also host travelers on two days tour from Addis Ababa by drive and domestic flight.
If you have 2 days in Addis Ababa, take one of our tours to visit: -
♥ the Rift Valley Lakes of southern Ethiopia
♥ the walled city of Harar (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
♥ Awash National Park and
♥ the impressive rock churches of Lalibela
Do you prefer to get around and visit Addis Ababa independently?
To create your own schedule to explore Addis Abeba, get our free advice.
We can assist you in curating your Addis Ababa to-do list as you plan your itinerary. We give you expert local advice on the city's must-see tourist attractions and undiscovered gems.
What is your pricing plan of visiting Addis Ababa on your tours?
Pricing Overview
When planning your tours, it's natural to compare prices. Service fee of Merit's private city tours in Addis Ababa depend on different factors. Our site works considering duration, inclusions, number of sites to visit, and additional services provided.
To help you budget your trip, here's a sample pricing breakdown our city tours:
Half-Day City Tour: This tour usually covers major attractions of Addis. You'll visit the National Museum, Ethiopian Cultural Coffee Ceremony, and Addis Mercato. The cost for a half-day city tour can range from $40 to $110 per person, contingent upon the group size.
Full-Day City Tour: Going beyond the half-day tour, the long city tour includes additional sites. With this version, you’ll see Ethnological Museum, Entoto Hill, and other destinations based on your preferences. Prices for a full-day tour in Addis Ababa typically range from $60 to $150 per person.
Our tours in Addis Ababa are adaptable to accommodate:
- luxury travel experiences,
- transit passengers in Addis Ababa on stopover,
- tours for solo female travelers with female tour guides, and
- family-friendly adventures with children.
Email us or text us using WhatsApp for details!
How to visit Addis Ababa Science Museum?
We are excited to have Ethiopia’s first science museum in Addis Ababa. Our escorts adapt your trip by including visits to Addis Ababa Science Museum.
Tell us your expectations of your preferred destinations in Addis Ababa. Visit top attractions of the city including the new Science and Technology Museum of Ethiopia. We plan the city visit to allow you visit Addis Ababa Science Museum.
Can I include a visit to Adwa Memorial Museum?
Yes, your guide can take you to the newly built Adwa Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa. Touring Adwa Museum is a powerful journey into Ethiopian anti-colonialism resilience.
Get confronted with the struggles and triumphs of Ethiopia’s resistance to fascist Italy. Learn about the pivotal victory at the Battle of Adwa (1896). The museum's immersive displays reveal the immense sacrifices Ethiopians made for their independence.
To explore the hidden gems of Addis Abeba with a local tour guide, contact us at any time. Go to the specific DAY TOURS section to find how much we charge for our services. Get updated pricing for the day tours we offer from Addis Ababa.
Steer clear of the typical tourist circuits and experience Addis Ababa's real charm with us. Just discover Ethiopia's capital city authentically with our escorted private trips.
NOTE - Our tour bus picks visitors from all hotels in the city. We arrange free pickups from Bole International Airport. We offer flexible departure time and place for our Addis Ababa City Tours. Book Now and Pay Later after experience.
Contact us to book or schedule city tour of Addis Ababa with us! We are also glad to help with free advices on what to do and where to go for visitors who have only one day in Addis Ababa.
If you booked one of our Addis Ababa City Tours with us, please share your experience on TripAdvisor.com by clicking the following link.
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