What to do in Addis Ababa

Activities, attractions and tours

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Addis Ababa Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Addis Ababa has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Addis Ababa, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Addis Ababa with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Addis Ababa, and make it a breeze to explore Addis Ababa and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Addis Ababa to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Addis Ababa, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Addis Ababa.

Addis Ababa attractions

Addis Ababa has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Addis Ababa to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Addis Ababa.

Looking for things to do in Addis Ababa can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Addis Ababa or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Addis Ababa attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

Things to do

Addis Ababa City Tours

Addis Ababa City Tours Full Day With Hotel Pickup And Drop Off

£73
per adult
Addis Ababa City Tours Full Day With Hotel Pickup And Drop Off
Plaza Premium Lounge at Addis Ababa Bole International Airpor

Plaza Premium Lounge at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport(ADD)

£28
per adult
Plaza Premium Lounge at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport(ADD)
Addis Ababa: Half-Day Shopping and City Tour

Addis Ababa: Half-Day Shopping and City Tour

£28
per adult
Addis Ababa: Half-Day Shopping and City Tour
Addis Ababa & Mount Entoto View Point, Museums Palace,Market Tour

Addis Ababa & Mount Entoto View Point, Museums Palace,Market Tour

£54
per adult
Addis Ababa & Mount Entoto View Point, Museums Palace,Market Tour
Addis Ababa Cooking, Coffee & Traditional Drink Tasting

Addis Ababa Cooking, Coffee & Traditional Drink Tasting

£48
per adult
Addis Ababa Cooking, Coffee & Traditional Drink Tasting
Addis Ababa: Guided Night Walking Tour with Local Guide

Addis Ababa: Guided Night Walking Tour with Local Guide

£40
per adult
Addis Ababa: Guided Night Walking Tour with Local Guide
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Recommended things to do in Addis Ababa

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What to do in Addis Ababa

Stay near popular Addis Ababa attractions

Medhane Alem Church

9.0/10 (162 reviews)
This grand Ethiopian Orthodox cathedral, among Africa's largest churches, features impressive domes and stained glass. Inside, beautiful murals reveal Ethiopia's rich religious traditions and artistic heritage.
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Where to stay in Addis Ababa

Find the best Addis Ababa areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Addis Ababa
Learn more about Addis Ababa
A cityscape with a mix of modern and older buildings, a clear sky, and distant mountains.

Bole

Spas and bars are highlights of Bole. Make a stop by Century Mall or Selam City Mall while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Ayat Station to get around town.

A large building with a green dome and multiple arches.

Kazanchis

If you're spending time in Kazanchis, check out sights like ECA Conference Center or Africa Hall and hop on the metro to see more of the city at St. Urael Station or Hayahulet 2 Station.

A cityscape at night with illuminated buildings, a roundabout, and a large central plaza.

Piazza

You might enjoy the restaurants on your visit to Piazza. Visitors recommend a visit to National Museum of Ethiopia, and you can get around town on the metro at Menelik II Square Station.

A modern cityscape with a prominent curved building and a tall skyscraper.

Kirkos

Kirkos is well liked for its mountain views and museums. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Meskel Square and Addis Ababa Stadium are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Riche Station or Meshwalekya Station to get around.

A statue of a man on horseback, with trees and a clear sky in the background.

Arada

Arada is a destination travellers like for its restaurants, and you might hop aboard the metro at Menelik II Square Station or Atikilt Tera Station to explore sights like National Museum of Ethiopia.

 

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.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Addis Ababa

A large lake surrounded by lush green hills and a mountain in the distance.

Bishoftu

Frequently asked questions

Is Addis Ababa worth visiting?
Famous for its history and culture, finding awesome things to do in Addis Ababa is a cinch. Be sure to add Medhane Alem Church to your trip itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Addis Ababa?
After you've visited major attractions like National Museum of Ethiopia and Lela Gallery, spend the rest of your day experiencing the retail and food options in Addis Ababa.
What is the top tourist attraction in Addis Ababa?
Medhane Alem Church is one of the top tourist attractions in Addis Ababa and should be high on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Addis Ababa?
You can easily tour leading sights like Medhane Alem Church, National Museum of Ethiopia and Holy Trinity Cathedral with a three-day stay in Addis Ababa. On average, many travellers book four days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stay a while longer and head to Bishoftu.
Is Addis Ababa a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you'd like to see and do in Addis Ababa. Several sights, including Medhane Alem Church and National Museum of Ethiopia, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Addis Ababa's best neighbourhoods, Bole is 3 kms (2 miles) away from downtown, while Kirkos is 2 kms (1 mile) away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Addis Ababa with kids?
Planning what to do in Addis Ababa with kids has never been easier. Whether you're taking a trip with teenagers or toddlers, there are loads of family-friendly sights to keep them happy here.
What to do in Addis Ababa for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Addis Ababa, with experiences for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to African Union Headquarters or World Bank Ethiopia.
Are there free things to do in Addis Ababa?
In Addis Ababa, Medhane Alem Church is a must-see spot for anyone wishing to see the city without opening their wallet. Also, check out the local neighbourhoods and parks, and ask for ideas from a local tour guide. It's a simple way to learn about the best free things to do in Addis Ababa.