Things to do in Addis Ababa
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Top 10 attractions in Addis Ababa
National Museum of Ethiopia
National Museum of Ethiopiais located in the capital, Addis Ababa, and while the building itself is unassuming, its collection is anything but. The basement exhibition hall is the museum's main highlight, where Lucy, known as the "grandmother of humanity," is displayed: This *Australopithecus afarensis* skeleton, unearthed in the Afar region of Ethiopia in 1974, dates back approximately 3.2 million years and preserves about 40% of her bones. Her name comes from the Beatles song that was played repeatedly at the camp on the night of her discovery. The museum permanently displays a high-precision replica of Lucy's skeleton, while the original is carefully preserved by the museum. However, standing before this discovery that reshaped our understanding of human evolution is still enough to make anyone pause for a long time. Omo I and Omo II on the same floor are equally renowned: These two fossils were unearthed in the Omo Valley of southern Ethiopia and are considered to belong to early anatomically modern humans. After re-dating, their age was pushed back to over 200,000 years ago, and they are regarded as important fossil evidence for the African origin of modern humans. You can also see exhibits related to "Selam," a juvenile hominin fossil unearthed in Dikika that dates back about 3.3 million years and, like Lucy, belongs to *Australopithecus afarensis*. The upper floors shift the narrative: from artifacts of ancient kingdoms like Aksum, royal costumes and memorabilia from various dynasties, to the large painting "Africa Heritage" by artist Afewerk Tekle, paintings depicting the meeting of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, and to the traditional costumes, utensils, and musical instruments in the ethnographic display, all of which unfold the life scenes of Ethiopia's diverse ethnic groups. The museum is not large and has a clear layout, so you can comfortably view the main exhibits in one or two hours. We recommend starting from the basement and moving upwards. The Lucy exhibition area is often crowded, so linger a while to listen to the on-site commentary for a more rewarding experience.Addis Ababa · 5.1km from downtown
Holy Trinity Cathedral
Holy Trinity Cathedralis located in Addis Ababa and serves as the main cathedral of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in the capital. Known in Amharic as "Kidist Selassie," it is where the enthronement ceremonies of successive patriarchs are held, holding great significance for local believers. Construction of the church began in the early 1930s under the direction of Emperor Haile Selassie I, but was temporarily halted due to the Italian invasion, only to be completed in the 1940s. It was originally built to commemorate the victory against Italy and the martyrs, making it a visible piece of modern Ethiopian history. The interior is packed with highlights: the north transept houses the stone sarcophagi of the last emperor, Haile Selassie I, and Empress Menen, with large murals painted above them. Nearby, the thrones used by the emperor and empress during worship are on display. The stained-glass windows feature both biblical stories and historical scenes of Ethiopia, and you can even find images of the emperor holding a flag in the murals. The courtyard is also worth exploring; an old church built during the time of Menelik II stands quietly, and the monument nearby is the burial site for victims of the 1937 massacre. The British suffragette Sylvia Pankhurst is also laid to rest here. You can ask an on-site guide to explain the stories behind the site. The inner circle of the altar area is restricted to clergy, and modest attire is recommended. If you happen to visit during a service, you can hear the chanting accompanied by drums and experience the atmosphere of an Orthodox ritual. With its white exterior walls and large stained-glass windows, both the interior and the facade are perfect for taking photos.Addis Ababa · 4.1km from downtown
Mount Entoto
Mount Entoto is the main peak of the Entoto Mountains that surround Addis Ababa. The summit is approx. 3,200 m above sea level, nearly 1,000 m higher than the city center below. It is noticeably cooler on the mountain, making it a rare, refreshing highland near the city. It is also the starting point of the city: Emperor Menelik II once established his capital here, building palaces and churches. Later, the court moved to the valley below, which was full of hot springs, and gradually developed into the Addis Ababa of today. You could say the entire city "walked down" from this hillside. Many of the sights on the mountain are connected to this history: the Palace of Menelik II still stands today, and you can see old royal artifacts in the attached exhibition. The Entoto Maryam Church, built during the same period, along with religious buildings like the Saint Raguel Church, are scattered among the trees, making this a holy mountain in the hearts of believers. The entire hillside is covered with eucalyptus forests introduced from Australia, known as the "lungs of Addis Ababa," and the forest trails are perfect for a leisurely hike. The summit also houses an observatory for the Ethiopian Space Science Society, with a telescope set up inside the dome, serving as an important base for astronomical observation in Ethiopia. On clear days, you can take in the entire city from the summit. It is windy and cold on the mountain, with a noticeable temperature difference from the city center, so it is recommended to bring a jacket before heading up. If you want to see the city skyline clearly, it is best to visit on days with clear air.Sululta · 13.3km from Addis Ababa
AU Conference Center
AU Conference Center is the headquarters of the African Union. Located in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, it is the primary venue for summits of heads of state from over 50 AU member countries. This complex was built with aid from China at a cost of approx. US$200 million. Upon its completion in early 2012, it was handed over to the AU as a "gift." The nearly 100m-tall main office tower redefined the city's skyline at the time and remains a highly recognizable modern landmark in Addis Ababa today; many locals even use it as a reference point for directions. The architecture itself is worth a closer look. The building complex is U-shaped, symbolizing China and Africa joining hands to support Africa's future. The height of the main tower subtly references the "African Union Day" of September 9, 1999, while the circular main conference hall sits like a pearl in the center of the complex. The circular atrium uses stepped skylights to bring in natural light and ventilation, requiring almost no artificial lighting during the day. In the square in front of the building stand statues of Ghanaian Pan-Africanist pioneer Kwame Nkrumah and Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I, which are both symbols of the AU spirit and classic foreground elements for visitors' photos. The conference center is used daily for AU office work and meetings and is generally not open to individual tourists, so visits are mostly limited to viewing the exterior. If you happen to be there during a summit or other large meeting, security in the surrounding area will be significantly tighter, so just pay attention to on-site arrangements when taking photos. To capture the full main tower and conference hall, you can stand in the square in front or in the open areas on either side, framing your shot with the flags and statues for a more impressive effect.Addis Ababa · 3.8km from downtown
Ethnological Museum
The Ethnographic Museum, located at Addis Ababa University, is without a doubt one of the best monuments to explore in Ethiopia: it can broaden your horizons and allow you to explore Ethiopia deeply. The museum is the former residence of the famous Ethiopian king Hailiesillasi and the place where the kings of Solomon lived. The amount of information here is very rich, and there are many exhibits reflecting Ethiopian cultural relics and modern civilization. Outside the museum are stone materials, the second floor displays materials of natural science, anthropology, archaeology, etc., as well as art works, and the third floor is ethnological materials. You can see the lives and clothing of people in the past, as well as the history of the Ethiopians' struggle against the Italian colonists.Addis Ababa · 6.1km from downtown
Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum የቀይ ሽብር መታሰቢያ ሙዚየም
The Red Terror Victims Memorial Museum is a profound historical memorial located in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. It was established to commemorate those who lost their lives during the military regime. The exhibition in the museum brings this dark history to life through photographs, documents and personal items. Visitors can learn about the political context of the time, the stories of the victims and the profound impact this history had on Ethiopian society. The museum also has interactive areas that allow visitors to think more deeply about the importance of human rights and democracy. English guided tours are available at the entrance of the museum to help better understand the exhibition content. The atmosphere in the museum is solemn and visitors are advised to dress appropriately and keep quiet. For those who want to learn more about Ethiopia's modern history, this museum is a must-see place. It not only provides historical education, but also serves as an important place for reflection and remembrance.Addis Ababa · 2.3km from downtown
Unity Park
Unity Parkfeatures an aquarium, gardens, a zoo, a playground, and restaurants, as well as a palace. It is very beautiful.Addis Ababa · 3.4km from downtown
St. George Church
St. George's Cathedral was built in 1896, ordered by Emperor Menlinek, to commemorate the year when the heroic Ethiopians defeated the invasion of the Italian colonists and smashed the conspiracy of the Western colonists to control Ethiopia. The unique octagonal shape design deeply retains the tent shape of the ancient Ethiopian nomads and is full of local ethnic characteristics.Addis Ababa · 5.4km from downtown
Merkato
Mercato is located in Addis Ababa, Mercato is a great flea market with a lot of activities to satisfy all your shopping needs. You can wander around here slowly and discover a lot of interesting gadgets. It is also recommended that you walk in simple clothes such as jeans and comfortable shoes. The market is a bit crowded, you can choose the right time and what to enjoy shopping when there are fewer people. At the market, you can buy good spices, coffee and local clothing, and experience the local folk customs. The price here is fair, and it is a good choice to buy some interesting local souvenirs for family and friends. It's a big place, so be careful to keep your valuables safe.Addis Ababa · 6.1km from downtown
Entoto St. Maryam Church
The church is situated on Mount Entoto in the Entoto Mountains, featuring a unique architectural style that blends traditional and modern Ethiopian elements. The interior is adorned with ornate murals, sculptures, and stained glass windows, showcasing the essence of Ethiopian religious art.Addis Ababa · 10.5km from downtown
Experiences you can't miss in Addis Ababa
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More things to do
Free things to do in Addis Ababa
Ethnological Museum
Addis Ababa · 6.1km from downtownRed Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum የቀይ ሽብር መታሰቢያ ሙዚየም
Addis Ababa · 2.3km from downtownSt. George Church
Addis Ababa · 5.4km from downtownMerkato
Addis Ababa · 6.1km from downtown
Meskel Square
Addis Ababa · 2.5km from downtown
Shola Market
Addis Ababa · 3.4km from downtown
What travellers say about Addis Ababa
Jain Jil23 March 2025
5.0
The National Museum of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa houses the famous Lucy fossil, ancient artifacts, and Ethiopian art. Though small, it offers deep historical insights. Some exhibits need better maintenance. Worth a visit!
National Museum of Ethiopia
真的在一起的时候2 April 2020
5.0
The Holy Trinity Cathedral is an important religious site in Ethiopia. It was built in the early and mid-1900s. The former King of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie and his wife are buried here. The black granite mausoleum in the church is worth seeing. The church has a special tour guide to explain, there are scheduled hymns every day, and sometimes alms are given to the poor. The exterior of the church is very beautiful and suitable for taking pictures.
Holy Trinity Cathedral
Pakistani Traveler24 December 2019
5.0
A green location.. Serene and peaceful, overlooking the booming infrastructure of Addis baba, has some old churches and some traditional shops, a must visit in Addis baba
Mount Entoto
juki23521 February 2020
5.0
Addis Ababa is the headquarters of the African Union. The AU Conference Center here looks very impressive. In fact, it was built with Chinese aid. Many important meetings and decisions about Africa are made in this conference center, so it has important political significance for Africa.
AU Conference Center
乖小咪4 September 2019
5.0
The Addis Ababa National Museum is a comprehensive cultural museum that introduces the Ethiopian nation. It houses folk utensils from many tribes, as well as archaeological discoveries, as well as some local animal and plant specimens. It is the best place to fully understand Ethiopia and is definitely worth a visit.
Ethnological Museum
M35***243 July 2020
4.0
Various exhibits on the crimes and atrocities committed during the Hungarian dictatorship are displayed. Many people were detained, interrogated, tortured and even killed here. The exhibition of the famous incident in 1956 constitutes the theme of the exhibits.
Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum የቀይ ሽብር መታሰቢያ ሙዚየም
Elizadepaysement18 January 2026
5.0
Though beautiful and worth a visit (it might take a day long since it is a complex), it is quite expensive.
Unity Park
_We***053 February 2021
3.0
A big market which you can find everything, there is a lot of persons, need to pay attention to your pockets and bags when going there, there may be some pickpockets
Merkato