Things to do in Addis Ababa

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Photo by Chris Thompson
Photo by Chris Thompson
Photo by Marion MacQueen
Photo by Marion MacQueen
Photo by Travelholic Path
Photo by Travelholic Path
Photo by Discover Near and Far
Photo by Discover Near and Far
Photo by Travelholic Path
Photo by Travelholic Path

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 189 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

Tours & day trips

See all 186 activities
Addis Ababa City Tour

Addis Ababa City Tour

Activity duration is 7 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $46 per adult
Addis Ababa City TourOpens in new tab

Wildlife & nature

See all 14 activities
Addis Ababa: Monasteries, Wildlife, & Hike Private Day Trip

Addis Ababa: Monasteries, Wildlife, & Hike Private Day Trip

Activity duration is 7 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $114 per adult*
Addis Ababa: Monasteries, Wildlife, & Hike Private Day TripOpens in new tab

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 11 activities
12- Day Historical Route of Ethiopia

12- Day Historical Route of Ethiopia

Activity duration is 12 days
Free cancellation available
Price is $2,597 per adult
12- Day Historical Route of EthiopiaOpens in new tab

Shopping & fashion

See all 7 activities
Addis Ababa Highlights Full day Tour with Coffee Test

Addis Ababa Highlights Full day Tour with Coffee Test

Activity duration is 10 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $85 per adult
Addis Ababa Highlights Full day Tour with Coffee TestOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 3 activities
Ethiopian Cooking Class and Coffee Ceremony with a Local in Addis with tran...

Ethiopian Cooking Class and Coffee Ceremony with a Local in Addis with tran...

Activity duration is 4 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $226 per adult*
Ethiopian Cooking Class and Coffee Ceremony with a Local in Addis with tran...Opens in new tab

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!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Addis Ababa

Ethiopian espresso! Always time for a lil macchiato in a #red room.

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
Holy Trinity Church is a well known sight in Addis Ababa and arguably one the most important churches in Ethiopia. You can entered the church and pictures are allowed but you'll need to leave your shoes at the door. The middle door is considered the men's entrance and the one to the far right the woman's. Don't forget to take a walk behind the church to see the site of the old round church and this colorful gate.

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
I was driving up the steep hill just out of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to visit the Christian churches at the top. There were many women bowed over by their heavy loads of sticks going down to sell their wood. One of the many reminders of how tough life can be for many women around the world. #ontheroad

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

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

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

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

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

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

National Museum of Ethiopia

4.5/5(71 reviews)

You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at National Museum of Ethiopia during your trip to Addis Ababa. Discover the museums and cathedral in this culturally rich area.

National Museum of Ethiopia

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
Go to any Ethiopian restaurant across the country and ask for a beyayenetu aka fasting platter... so many flavours in one meal 😋 I learnt that for almost 200 days of the year, people across Ethiopia fast - which basically means they eat no animal products. Vegans

Nifas Silk-Lafto

5/5(4 area reviews)

Travelers like the art galleries in Nifas Silk-Lafto, and Zoma Museum is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Nifas Silk-Lafto
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
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
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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
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

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