Things to do in Addis Ababa

Find and book activities, attractions and tours
Photo by Chris Thompson
Photo by Chris Thompson

Addis Ababa Attractions

Addis Ababa has loads to offer. Whether you're seeking adventure or you're hoping to brush up on the local history, it'll take no time to fall in love with this place. With numerous sights to explore in this buzzing capital, we recommend you start planning your to-do list as soon as you can.

Discover the best sights in Addis Ababa with some unique tours & day trips, or try out our list of 165 fun activities in Addis Ababa. We have no booking fees as well as free cancellation, so you can rest easy and concentrate on planning the ultimate vacation.

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Most popular activities in Addis Ababa

History & culture

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Debre Libanos Monastery & Portuguese Bridge Excursion

Debre Libanos Monastery & Portuguese Bridge Excursion

Activity duration is 8 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $135 per adult
Debre Libanos Monastery & Portuguese Bridge Excursion

Food, drink & nightlife

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Coffee Cupping Tour in Addis Ababa

Coffee Cupping Tour in Addis Ababa

Activity duration is 6 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $200 per adult
Coffee Cupping Tour in Addis Ababa

Cruises & boat tours

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2 Days Wildlife Safari to Awash National Park

2 Days Wildlife Safari to Awash National Park

Activity duration is 2 days
Free cancellation available
Price is $359 per adult
2 Days Wildlife Safari to Awash National Park

Shopping & fashion

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Explore Addis Ababa Tours

Explore Addis Ababa Tours

Activity duration is 8 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $150 per adult
Explore Addis Ababa Tours

What to do in Addis Ababa

Free Things to Do in Addis Ababa

Some say the best things in life are free. Make sure you explore the following around Addis Ababa:

Addis Ababa University - Appreciate the design and ingenuity of this fantastic example of modern architecture.

World Bank Ethiopia - Get ready to feel like you've taken a step back in time while discovering the secrets of this historic attraction.

Meskel Square - Amble down the sidewalks and get lost in the ambiance of this buzzing area.

Lion of Judah Monument - Dig out your guidebook and discover why this place deserves a spot on your itinerary.

Holy Trinity Cathedral - No matter your religious leanings, this site is sure to inspire a sense of reverence in you.

Things to Do in Addis Ababa with Kids

There's fun for the entire family no matter where you go in Addis Ababa. Here are a few family friendly experiences you can enjoy together that are certain to make your getaway a blast:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Addis Ababa? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Addis Ababa on a sunny day?
If you’re after some fun under the sun, you’ll love these outdoor experiences:


What to do in Addis Ababa on a rainy day?
There’s no need to splish, splash and splosh your way through a wet day when there are plenty of great indoor activities like these to try:


Are there cheap things to do in Addis Ababa?
Keep more of your hard-earned pennies in your pocket with these fun and frugal activities:


What can you do in Addis Ababa for free?
You’ll barely have time to pull your wallet out of your backpack with so many wonderful free attractions:

  • Addis Ababa University
  • Lake Bishoftu
  • Edna Mall
  • Holy Trinity Cathedral

Discover the most popular places to visit in Addis Ababa

Image for Entoto Maryam Church

Entoto Maryam Church

3.5/5(10 reviews)

You can find out about the history of Addis Ababa with a stop at Entoto Maryam Church. While in the area, you can find time to visit its spas.

Entoto Maryam Church
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Holy Trinity Cathedral

4.5/5(64 reviews)

You can learn about the history of Addis Ababa with a trip to Holy Trinity Cathedral. Discover the art scene and cathedral in this culturally rich area.

Holy Trinity Cathedral
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Addis Merkato

4/5(28 reviews)

You can enjoy retail therapy at Addis Merkato during your visit to Addis Ababa. Discover the art scene and cathedral in this culturally rich area.

Addis Merkato
Image for African Union Headquarters

African Union Headquarters

4.5/5(39 reviews)

African Union Headquarters is just one of the places to see in Addis Ababa, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the mountain views and cathedral in this culturally rich area.

African Union Headquarters
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Edna Mall

4/5(84 reviews)

You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Edna Mall during your stay in Addis Ababa. Visit the area's spas, or simply enjoy its bars.

Edna Mall
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U.S. Embassy

4/5(28 reviews)

After visiting U.S. Embassy, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Addis Ababa. Take some time to visit the spas in this culturally rich area.

U.S. Embassy
Image for Meskel Square

Meskel Square

4/5(69 reviews)

You can learn about the history of Addis Ababa with a trip to Meskel Square. Experience the art scene and museums in this culturally rich area.

Meskel Square
Image for Addis Ababa Stadium

Addis Ababa Stadium

4/5(29 reviews)

Catch an event at Addis Ababa Stadium during your trip to Addis Ababa. Take in the art scene and mountain views in this culturally rich area.

Addis Ababa Stadium
Image for Medhane Alem Church

Medhane Alem Church

4.5/5(25 reviews)

Find out about the history of Addis Ababa when you spend time at Medhane Alem Church. Visit the area's spas, or simply enjoy its bars.

Medhane Alem Church

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Addis Ababa

Going home for Christmas!!!!

Bole

4/5(258 area reviews)

Unique features of Bole include the spas and bars. Make a stop by Medhane Alem Church or Edna Mall while you're exploring the area.

Bole
Beautiful spiral today in my hot chocolate. Made with chocolate syrup oftwn used for Ice Cream. Turns out, it tastes better in a hot chocolate! #LifeAtExpedia #patterns #nofilter

Kirkos

3.5/5(59 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the mountain views and museums in Kirkos. You might want to make time for a stop at Meskel Square or Addis Ababa Stadium.

Kirkos
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Bishoftu

While visiting Bishoftu, you might make a stop by sights like Debre Zeyit Market and Lake Bishoftu.

Bishoftu
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Yeka

3.5/5(25 area reviews)

Yeka is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Shola Market and Zefmesh Grand Mall.

Yeka
Outside the St. George Church in Addis on festival day a large number of vendors are selling colorful umbrellas. #LifeAtExpedia

Arada

3/5(4 area reviews)

Arada is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like National Museum of Ethiopia and Holy Trinity Cathedral.

Arada
Outside the St. George Church in Addis on festival day a large number of vendors are selling colorful umbrellas. #LifeAtExpedia

Piazza

2.5/5(5 area reviews)

Piazza is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like National Museum of Ethiopia and St. George's Cathedral.

Piazza
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Addis Ababa

Photo by Discover Near and Far

Bishoftu