Full Day City Tour in Addis Ababa
Your Ultimate 8-Hour Private Addis Ababa Urban Experience: history, culture, museums, markets & local life within 8 - 9 hours
What is more? This tour is flexible, customizable, private, and led by a professional local guide.
Experience a tour that countless satisfied travelers have enjoyed, with every detail tailored to your needs.
Book your long layover 8-hour tour to Addis Ababa with free airport/hotel pickup and drop-offs
Here is your ideal entire day sightseeing city trip in Addis Ababa with Merit Ethiopian Experience Tours
"Nice Day in Addis Ababa!"
"Nice car, amazing guide very funny and flexible. Lovely experience by visiting the locals. Everything on time."
Viator review: Full-Day Private City Tour of Addis Ababa
By Ibrahim H on Jan 30, 2025
"ቀስ በቀስ እንቁላል በእግሩ ይሄዳል"
"Slowly but surely, an egg learns to walk"
Amharic proverb which emphasizes the significance of persistence, patience, and
perseverance in achieving one's goals.
Take the first step in planning your visit today. We'll walk with you every step of the way.
Let's work on what you have in mind
🤔 ONLY HAVE ONE DAY TO EXPLORE THE SIGHTS OF ADDIS ABABA?
🤔 YOU WANT TO MAKE THE BEST USE OF YOUR DAY?
🤔 DO YOU WISH TO CREATE AND ENJOY YOUR TOUR YOUR WAY?
🤔 EM…, YOU ARE NOT QUITE SURE ON “HOW”? 
Our expertise and experience in local tourism enable us to provide you with an exceptional tour. We are here to help you create your personalized day-long tour itinerary to explore Ethiopia’s capital. We specialize in customizing private excursions in and around Addis Ababa.
YES! It is what we do best and sets us atop the rest!
MƎET travel professionals, MEƎT your travel dreams – MEET the best and discover Addis with MERIT.
See why TripAdvisor highly ranks our Full–Day City Tour in Addis Ababa.
Interested in what past customers have to say about Merit Ethiopian Experience Tours?
Please click on the image below to check out our Google reviews. We are thrilled to share our tour services with 5-star rated reviews!
Keep reading to find out how we do it. And if you have any questions or for booking this tour.
IN BRIEF
Duration - 8 to 9 hours
What To Do (See) - Top sites you visit and local activities you will experience with us
Addis Ababa City Tour Itinerary
MORNING:
National Museum of Ethiopia - Step into Ethiopia’s fascinating history
St. George’s Cathedral – Discover the architectural masterpiece
The Ethnological Museum - Unveil the Ethiopian ethnic tapestry
LUNCH: Flexible lunch stop as per your choice
AFTERNOON:
Merkato Market – Indulge yourself in the buzzing mix of cultures
Holy Trinity Cathedral – Learn why it is a Symbol of Faith and Resilience
Scenic Driving around Addis Ababa City - Enjoy a picturesque joyride
Cultural Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony - A Unique Communal Experience
Price (per person) in US Dollars - 1 = $150, 2 = $80, 3 = $95, 4 = $80, 5 = $65, 6 = $60
Service inclusions: The price includes a vehicle with fuel, a private driver, and a tour guide. It also covers all entrance fees, hotel/airport pick up and drop offs, local family visits with lunch, and an Ethiopian Traditional Coffee Ceremony Experience. Local snacks, bottled water, tea/coffee, and all applicable taxes are included as well.
Prices DON'T INCLUDE expenses not mentioned above
NOTE – This page was last updated on January 19, 2025. The magnificent Holy Trinity Cathedral is NOW OPEN FOR PUBLIC VISITS after recent restoration.
NOTE - You can choose Holy Trinity (for extra $12 per person fee) instead of St. George.
If you're looking for alternative attractions, we suggest other captivating sites like Entoto St. Maryam Church or Entoto St. Raguel Church.
What makes your private tour of Addis Ababa extraordinary with Merit Ethiopian Experience? Keep reading!
DESCRIPTION
“Addis Ababa, written as "አዲስ አበባ” in Ethiopia's Amharic language, it means “New Flower”. The 1880s mark the foundation of the city. Emperor Menelik II is credited with its foundation. This is the step-by-step schedule of touring Addis in a day.
This comprehensive sightseeing tour covers the top places of interest in Addis Ababa. With our customizable trip, see Addis's best tourist attractions (see below).
Discover all that our city has to offer, just like our happy TripAdvisor reviewers! Secure your spot on our private full-day city tour today! We're excited to plan your magnificent tour in Addis Ababa.
Read visitors' feedback on TripAdvisor
But first, we'd like you to enlighten us about your travel preferences, interests and budget. This will help us design the best tour just for you!
As an independent tour, it allows flexible tour start and end times. Get a free pick-up from your hotel or Bole International Airport. You are free to create your custom itinerary for visiting Addis.
Do you have a long layover at Bole Int’l Airport? No worries! We can customize this transit day trip as per your requirements.
We are a team of Ethiopian tour operators qualified to create your individual city tours. Fine-tune your stay and have a glimpse of the huge Ethiopian nation.
This tour is perfect for first-time sightseers to Addis Ababa. Its itinerary is planned to explore the best museums, churches, and local markets in one full day.
First-time visitors benefit from our list of layover tours to Addis Ababa. With our stopover tours, explore scenic routes & experience unique Ethiopian activities.
You'll spend your day with one of our skilled local tour guides from Addis Ababa. The tour is conducted using a regularly sanitized private vehicle.
The all-day long tour is the extended version of our Addis Ababa Half-Day City Sightseeing. You’ll double the time to dive deeper, discover more, and explore hidden gems of the city.
Merit Ethiopian Experience Tours offers this flexible #sightseeing #tour of #Addis #Ababa. Shop for interesting local markets like Merkato (or Addis Mercato). Learn Ethiopian history by visiting top museums and famous monuments in Addis Ababa.
Cultural activities include the traditional coffee ceremony of Ethiopia and learning to cook local meals.
TOUR DETAILS
Addis Ababa City Tour Itinerary
Duration – 8 to 9 hours
Means of Transport – For 1 or 2 travelers - Toyota Corolla and for 3 to 6 travelers – Toyota Minivan of 2016 Model
We operate with insured, clean, and comfortable vehicles for our Addis Ababa guided city tour. All of our vehicles have air conditioning and seat belts.
Below are places to visit and things to do in Addis Ababa:
- Merkato (Addis Mercato) Market
- A picturesque driving through Addis Ababa city
Road map showing place to visit
☀ Flexibility in choosing what to do or where to go in Addis Ababa
☀ Visit your preferred sites at your own pace and travel style
☀ Set your day tour pick-up and drop off time and location
☀ Start day tour from any hotel OR at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa
The tour kicks off at the renowned Ethnographic Museum. It is one of Africa's finest museums. Then, visit Saint George Cathedral to delve deeper into Ethiopia’s rich heritage. It is one of Addis Ababa's oldest and most revered churches.
This 1-day trip also includes driving to Mount Entoto for the panoramic view of Addis. Make the most of your 8-hour city break in Addis Ababa, led by expert tour guides fluent in French, German, or English.
Our Addis Ababa guided city tour is ideal for transit passengers at Bole International Airport. If you are flying Ethiopian ET575 with a stopover at Addis, make the best use of your stay in city.
Craft your ideal experience with our flexible city tour! Your guides don’t just take you to the visited sites. They are cultural bridges expert in unlocking deeper insights into each stop. Family visits, coffee ceremonies, scenic drives – it's your Addis, your way.
WHY BOOK AND VISIT ADDIS ABABA WITH US?
✔ Free airport pick up and drop off
✔ Flexible tour start and end time
✔ Visit sites of your preference
✔ Experience the diverse cultures and traditions of Ethiopians
✔ Gain insight into Ethiopian History and way of life from knowledgeable tour guide
✔ See Lucy at the National Museum to learn why Ethiopia is the "Cradle of Mankind"
✔ Get an unforgettable experience by visiting Merkato or Addis Mercato Market
✔ Learn about Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity at the Holy Trinity Cathedral
✔ Drive to Mount Entoto (3,200 meters above sea level) for the panoramic views of Addis Ababa
✔ Take a scenic drive for a photo shoot of the city's historical monuments
✔ See also major international buildings and the main squares of Addis Ababa city
Click below to book your full-day flexible tour in Addis Ababa on GETYOURGUIDE
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All in all, our private citywide tour is your complete experience of Addis Ababa. We offer you unique discovery options, as per your choice. You’ll explore beyond the mainstream. Like, visiting Sholla Market, a local favorite, instead of bustling Merkato. You can always adjust this guided sightseeing event with us.
ITINERARY
Your tour will commence in the morning where a tour guide will meet you at your hotel. You wish to start the tour from the airport? Indeed, our guide will be excitedly waiting for you at Bole International Airport (ADD).
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ETHIOPIA (የኢትዮጵያ ብሔራዊ ሙዚየም)
With our guided tour, explore the four sections of the National Museum of Ethiopia. Explore Ethiopian history through humanity's oldest fossils and artifacts. Here, you’ll see ancient archaeological findings and learn about early hominids. Know more of typical Ethiopian art and culture.
The underground floor features archaeological exhibits. Come face-to-face with Ethiopia's past through material remains of past civilizations. See 'Dinknesh (ድንቅነሽ)' - the famous 3.2-million-year-old Lucy fossil. Appreciate Ethiopia's place in human evolution.
Learn How Lucy Changed Our Understanding of Humanity – Read Lucy's Story
At the ground floor - Learn more about Ethiopian history through findings from the Axumite Kingdom. Travel back in time to the legendary times of the Queen of Sheba.
These displays take you back to Ethiopia's rich past. Learn more about Ethiopian history through findings from the Axumite Kingdom and even the legendary times of the Queen of Sheba.
On the first floor, see Ethiopia through the eyes of local artists. Marvel at the artistic beauty of Ethiopia. Witness ancient paintings and sculptures to contemporary masterpieces.
The top floor of the National Museum is all about culture. Deepen your appreciation for the unique cultural heritage and traditions of Ethiopia. Understand Ethiopian society through clothing, tools, and household items from various regions. Discover unique customs, practices, and ways of life that showcase Ethiopia's vibrant diversity.
National Museum Entry: 50 ETB (approx. $1 USD) for adult foreign tourists.
PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ETHIOPIA IS CLOSED ON MONDAYS
HOLY TRINITY CATHEDRAL (ቅድስት ሥላሴ ካቴድራል)
Holy Trinity Cathedral is the highest-ranking religious site in Addis Ababa.
Emperor Haile Selassie I is the founder of Holy Trinity Cathedral. Its architecture and beautiful stained glass windows make it unique and worth visiting.
Feel the spirit of paying homage to Emperor Haile Selassie I and his wife, Empress Menen. Their resting place is located within the cathedral's building.
Visit also the small museum of the cathedral – Trinity Museum. See ancient religious artifacts. Have a look at the real royal seats of Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taitu. See the crowns of Emperor Haile Selassie I and Empress Menen.
ETHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM
Before lunch, take a guided tour of the Ethnological (or Ethnographic) Museum. It was the former house of Emperor Haile Selassie I.
Ethnological Museum is in the compound of Addis Ababa University (አዲስ አበባ ዩኒቨርሲቲ). This university is Ethiopia's first university opened on March 20, 1950. 'Haile Selassie I University' was the first name of Addis Ababa University as he founded it. This museum is a great place to learn about Ethiopia’s history, culture, religion, and people.
At Ethnological Museum, learn about the cultural backgrounds of the people of Ethiopia. You will also visit the bedroom of Emperor Haile Selassie I.
LUNCH BREAK
Fuel your exploration with the healthiest, most flavorful Ethiopian dishes for lunch! Immerse yourself in Ethiopian cuisine for lunch at Addis Ababa Restaurant. Finfine Adarash and Taitu Hotel are also great for authentic delicious traditional dishes.
MOUNT ENTOTO
After lunch, head north of Addis Ababa to the peak of Mount Entoto (3,200 Meters above sea level). Enjoy a birds-eye view of Addis Ababa. At Mount Entoto, visit a family where you learn how to bake Enjera (Injera) – the flat Ethiopian bread. See how locals brew Tella – an Ethiopian home-brewed beer.
This visit immerses you in Ethiopia's cultural and culinary delights in a short time.
Visit locals at Mount Entoto and experience Cultural Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony. The traditional Ethiopian coffee-making ceremony starts with washing and roasting the coffee beans.
After presenting the aroma of the roasting coffee to visitors, it is pounded by hand. Enjoy the best Ethiopian Coffee with a cultural ceremony. Contact us now to book Addis Ababa tours and experience the Ethiopian coffee culture.
SAINT GEORGE’S CATHEDRAL (አራዳ ቅዱስ ጊዮርጊስ ቤተክርስቲያን)
Continue Addis discovery with visiting the Cathedral of Saint George. Emperor Menelik II founded St. George Cathedral to mark Ethiopia's victory over Italy. This historic cathedral is among the oldest in Addis Ababa.
St. George’s Cathedral is notable for its octagonal architecture. The copy of the ark from this cathedral accompanied the Ethiopian army. St. George, hence, helped Ethiopians defeat invading Italians in 1896 at the Battle of Adowa.
Inside Saint George Cathedral
📙admire mosaics depicting biblical scenes. They include the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and the visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon
📙see hand paintings showing significant historical/political scenes. Some show events related with Emperor Haile Sillassie and Ethio-Italo II War
📙appreciate the intricate masterpieces by the famous Ethiopian artist Afework Tekle
Visiting Saint George Cathedral Museum
📙 have intriguing glimpses into Ethiopia's past
📙 see the coronation seats of Empress Zewditu and Emperor Haile Selassie
📙 look at the treasure trove of religious and historical artifacts
Walk around the cathedral and take photos of the statue of Emperor Menelik II - the founder of Addis Ababa.
MERKATO (ADDIS MERCATO) MARKET
After visiting St. George Cathedral, head to Merkato Market (መርካቶ). Immerse yourself in the vibrant sights, sounds, and smells of Africa's largest open-air market. Visit the spice market to buy Ethiopian spices.
Enjoy exotic sights walking and shopping for handwoven baskets. Continue to the Chat (Mild Stimulant Chewed by Locals) Market. Then, explore the secondhand stuff market.
Take half an hour's walk to Merkato market. Learn what life is like for the people who live/trade/work at Merkato Market. For local market enthusiasts, shopping at Merkato is a heaven. Enjoy this extra experience on the full-day Addis tour.
Spice up your Addis city sightseeing and discover with our 3-hour walking tour to Mercato. Book on GetYourGuide
Click here to book now on WhatsApp
SCENIC DRIVE IN ADDIS ABABA
Unwind Tour on a Scenic Addis Ababa Drive. Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Addis Ababa on a captivating scenic drive! Cruise along iconic avenues taking in the city's historical attractions.
Witness the Majesty of History and Grand Ongoing Developments.
The Lion of Judah Statue: Gape in awe at this symbol of Ethiopian royalty, a powerful reminder of the nation's rich heritage.
Headquartered Diplomacy: Drive by the imposing structures of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the African Union (AU), hubs of international collaboration.
Addis Ababa Corridor Development Project: See the recent changes made possible with the Grand Corridor Development in Addis Ababa.
Started with the general goal of uplifting Addis Ababa images, the Corridor Dev't aims to meet international smart city standards. See key routes upgraded and connectivity boosted between city corridors, creating a smoother and more modern Addis Ababa.
Book Tour of Addis on GetYourGuide
OTHER POPULAR ATTRACTIONS
Discover beyond the main sights in Addis incorporating exploration of these sites:
- Red Terror Martyrs’ Memorial Museum
- Addis Ababa Museum
- Mausoleum of Emperor Menelik II and Be'atta Mariam church
- Shiro Meda Market
- Unity Park (አንድነት ፓርክ)
- Zoma Museum
- Medhane Alem Cathedral
- Entoto Maryam Church
- Adwa Museum or Adwa Victory Memorial - አድዋ ድል መታሰቢያ - the newest museum in Addis Ababa
Have an extra day or two? Consider our 1-day tours from Addis Ababa and 2-days/1-night private trips.
Our tours and activities can be reserved in advance for 6 months. Travelers have a choice of free cancellation of our tours 12 hours before tour start times.
OUR FULL-DAY TOUR COSTS
Per-person tour price in US Dollars
| Visitors in Group | Price per person |
| 1 person | 150 US Dollars |
| 2 people | 80 US Dollars |
| 3 people | 95 US Dollars |
| 4 people | 80 US Dollars |
| 5 people | 65 US Dollars |
| 6 people | 60 US Dollars |
What's included in your Addis Ababa Full-Day Adventure:
- ✔ Insured private vehicle with AC – Toyota Minivan (3 to 6 visitors) or Toyota Corolla (1 or 2 travelers)
- ✔ Fuel (gasoline), private driver, and insurance
- ✔ English-speaking local tour guide
- ✔ All Entrance (Admission) fees
- ✔ Local family visits
- ✔ Lunch (home cooked Ethiopian food)
- ✔ Hotel/Airport pick up and drop offs
- ✔ Ethiopian Traditional Coffee Ceremony Experience
- ✔ Local snacks and bottled water
- ✔ Tea/Coffee
- ✔ And, all applicable taxes
Price DOES NOT INCLUDE: -
- Entrance fees to any other places of visits
- Meals
- And, any other expenses not mentioned in the “Included” list above
NOTE - Contact us for the updated Addis Ababa full-day tour price conforming to your private visits with us. The specific price of the tour depends on the places you visit, tour duration, and services included and excluded.
Checking these items into your luggage for your next destination from Addis Ababa.
Arranging for safe storage at the custom’s office at the airport.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
WHAT TIME DOES THE FULL DAY TOUR STARTS AND ENDS?
This tour takes 8 to 9 hours according to the itinerary above. You wish to book this tour and start from your hotel in Addis Ababa? We recommend you to start at 8:00 AM, 8:30 AM, or 9:00 AM. This way the tour ends between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM at your preferred destination in Addis Ababa.
Short on time? Our Addis Ababa half-day tour is perfect for those with tight schedules.
DO YOU PICK ME UP FROM MY HOTEL? AND DROP ME OFF AT BOLE AIRPORT AT THE END OF THE TOUR?
YES, it is possible to start the full day trip from any hotel in Addis Ababa or Bole Airport. And, finish the tour at Bole International Airport or any place in Addis Ababa you want. This tour allows flexible start and end times.
IS IT SAFE TO WALK IN MERKATO MARKET IN ADDIS ABABA?
Merkato is a busy local market in Addis Ababa. It is repeatedly related with its ‘smart’ pickpockets. Generally, aggressive crimes or robberies are very rare (or not) in Addis Ababa.
We always advise you to leave items you don’t want for immediate use in the vehicle. The tour bus driver is by the vehicle at all times and keeps visitors’ properties safe.
For details, read our informative article about Addis Merkato Market.
For safe walking and a pleasant visit to Merkato (Addis Merkato),
✺ Hang your cameras in the neck.
✺ Ensure to safely store your phone in your pocket or purse when not in usage for capturing photographs. It should only be retrieved when you intend to use it. Merkato is also popular for snatch-and-run thieves.
✺ Ask permission in advance if you are taking portraits of people.
✺ Ask your tour guide how to bargain for a price if you want to shop at Merkato. Bargaining for buying price is the rule of the game at Merkato.
✺ Practicing a few common Amharic words with locals at Merkato makes your visit more interesting.
✺ Don’t spend too long at one spot as you draw people’s attention and attract the crowd around you. Move around.
✺ If you are not sure about doing anything in Merkato, ask your local tour guide.
HOW FLEXIBLE IS THE TOUR?
It is fully-adaptable. Swap sightseeing locations, adjust meeting times and choose pick-up/drop-off locations. You can even combine this activity with a short Addis Ababa getaway.
WHICH ATTRACTIONS IN ADDIS ABABA ARE LESS CROWDED MARKETS TO VISIT?
Shola (Sholla) market is less crowded to visit than the gigantic and busy Merkato Market. If you are not comfortable with big crowds, visit Shola market during your full-day sightseeing in Addis Ababa.
IS ENTOTO PARK INCLUDED?
This scheduled tour to Addis Ababa does NOT include a complete visit to Entoto Park. But, the tour has a stop at Entoto Park to enjoy/take snapshots of Addis Ababa City. If interested in visiting Entoto Park, let us know so that we customize the tour for you.
HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED TO VISIT ADDIS ABABA?
You can visit the top attractions of Addis Ababa city for half a day (4 to 5 hours) to two days. In just 5 hours, visitors can explore the key attractions of Addis Ababa. This includes the National Museum of Ethiopia, the Holy Trinity, and the Merkato Market. For a comprehensive citywide tour of the famous tourist attractions in Addis Ababa, you need at least two days.
HOW TO EXTEND THIS ACTIVITY?
Of course, you may want to extend your regular tour. Or you probably missed out on exploring Addis during daylight hours? No worries! We're offering an enticing night layover tour in Addis Ababa where you can enjoy the city's sparkling vibe after sunset.
Plan your custom travel to experience Addis’s cultural nightlife activities. Your tour guide in Addis Ababa helps to extend your tour giving it a personalized twist. Just reach out to us on WhatsApp. We customize this evening excursion to suit your time in Addis and your interests.
HOW DO I BOOK THIS TOUR?
For reservations, contact Merit Ethiopian Experience Tours by email or WhatsApp. You can also book online this Full-day Private City Tour of Addis Ababa via Viator.
Email us for more information and to book your full-day city tour in Addis Ababa
READ MORE ONLINE CUSTOMER FEEDBACK
“A day in Addis-Ababa”
Great experience!! We could get a glimpse of Addis-Ababa from very different angles! A perfect choice for a one day stay in the capital of Ethiopia: a drive through the city main sites, a panoramic view, museums, churches, coffee ceremony and some shopping options:)
Many thanks to Muluken - a tour manager, our guide Biruk and driver Sirak!
The guiding was wonderful - Biruk did his best to show us as much as possible considering our requests. He could answer all our questions and gave us thoughtful recommendations along the whole trip, also advised a nice place to spend our time in eve: 2000 Habesha restaurant with entertainment))
Tripadvisor review: Full-Day Private City Tour of Addis Ababa
Oct 31, 2024 by annadeconte21
Did you explore Addis with Merit Ethiopian Experience Tours? Take a moment to share your unique adventures with us on TripAdvisor!
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