Experience Addis Ababa

A city known for its delicious Ethiopian cuisine and stunning architecture

Overview

Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, combines both modernity and tradition. It is a city that is deeply steeped in history, with its origins dating back to the 19th century. Today, Addis Ababa is a vibrant and diverse city, known for its rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality. The city is home to many museums, art galleries, and cultural institutions that showcase the country’s history and artistic traditions. Addis Ababa is also a commercial hub, with a thriving economy, and a fast-growing tech industry. Visitors to Addis Ababa will find a city that is welcoming, vibrant, and full of life – a true representation of the best of African culture.

City History

Addis Ababa, known as the “New Flower” in Amharic, is the capital city of Ethiopia and one of the largest cities in Africa. Founded in 1886 by Emperor Menelik II, it is a city with a rich and complex history. It served as the capital of the Ethiopian Empire and was a strategic location during the Italian occupation of Ethiopia in the 1930s. Today, Addis Ababa is a bustling cosmopolitan city with a thriving economy, diverse cultures, and a vibrant art and music scene. Its unique blend of traditional and modern architecture, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Africa.

Things to See

National Museum of Ethiopia: This museum is home to some of the most important artifacts and exhibits in the country, including the famous skeleton of Lucy, the earliest known human ancestor.

Holy Trinity Cathedral: This beautiful cathedral is the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie and his family. It is also one of the most important religious sites in the country.

Merkato: This sprawling open-air market is one of the largest in Africa. Here you can find anything from traditional Ethiopian clothing to fresh produce and spices.

Addis Mercato: Located in the heart of the city, this bustling market is a great place to shop for souvenirs and traditional crafts.

Entoto Hill: This scenic viewpoint offers stunning panoramic views of the city. It’s also home to several historic sites, including the Entoto Maryam Church and the Entoto Observatory and Research Center.

Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum: This museum is a sobering reminder of Ethiopia’s recent history and the atrocities committed during the Red Terror regime.

Ethnological Museum: Located on the grounds of Addis Ababa University, this museum showcases the diverse cultures and traditions of Ethiopia’s many ethnic groups.

Getting In

By Air: Addis Ababa is home to the largest airport in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. It is well-connected to major cities across the world, with several airlines operating direct flights to and from the city.

By Road: You can also reach Addis Ababa by road, either by driving yourself or taking a bus. The city is well-connected to other major cities in Ethiopia, as well as neighboring countries like Kenya and Djibouti.

By Rail: The Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway, inaugurated in 2018, offers a scenic and comfortable way to travel to and from Addis Ababa. The railway connects Ethiopia’s capital to the port city of Djibouti, and offers stunning views of the Ethiopian highlands along the way.

Currency

The currency used in Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, is the Ethiopian Birr. The Birr is the official currency of Ethiopia and is abbreviated as ETB. It is subdivided into 100 cents and comes in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, and 100 Birr notes. The currency is managed by the National Bank of Ethiopia, which is responsible for issuing and regulating the circulation of the Birr in the country. As a visitor to Addis Ababa, it’s important to note that foreign currency exchange services are widely available in the city, particularly in hotels and at the airport. However, it is advisable to carry some Ethiopian Birr with you for small transactions and in case you encounter places that don’t accept foreign currency.