Must-see attractions in Addis Ababa

  • Ethnological Museum

    Addis Ababa

    Set within Haile Selassie’s former palace, and surrounded by the beautiful gardens and fountains of the university’s main campus, is the enthralling…

  • National Museum of Ethiopia.

    National Museum

    Addis Ababa

    The collection on show at the National Museum is ranked among the most important in sub-Saharan Africa, but sadly many of its exhibits are poorly labelled…

  • Saint George Church

    St George Cathedral & Museum

    Addis Ababa

    Commissioned by Emperor Menelik II to commemorate his stunning 1896 defeat of the Italians in Adwa, and dedicated to St George (Ethiopia’s patron saint),…

  • Coffins filled with possessions of victims of Derg, Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum.

    'Red Terror' Martyrs Memorial Museum

    Addis Ababa

    ‘As if I bore them all in one night, they slew them in a single night.’ These were the words spoken by the mother of four teenage children all killed on…

  • Holy Trinity Cathedral, Arat Kilo.

    Holy Trinity Cathedral

    Addis Ababa

    This massive and ornate cathedral is the second-most important place of worship in Ethiopia (ranking behind the Old Church of St Mary of Zion in Aksum)…

  • Shoppers in Merkato (market).

    Merkato

    Addis Ababa

    Wading into the market chaos known as Merkato, just west of Addis' centre, can be as rewarding as it is exasperating. You may find the most eloquent aroma…

  • Interior of  Africa Hall, the seat of the Organisation of African Unity, and home to one of the largest stained-glass window in the world, designed by local artist Afewerk Tekle

    Africa Hall

    Addis Ababa

    Built in 1961 by Emperor Haile Selassie, Africa Hall (near Meskal Sq) is the seat of the UN’s Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). The Italian-designed…

  • Yekatit 12 Martyrs Square, Sidist Kilo.

    Yekatit 12 Monument

    Addis Ababa

    Rising dramatically from the roundabout Siddist Kilo is this moving monument, dedicated to the thousands of innocent Ethiopians killed by the Italians as…

  • Lion of Judah Monument

    Addis Ababa

    Long the symbol of Ethiopia’s monarchy, the Lion of Judah is ubiquitous throughout the country – and although images of the almighty animal abound in…

  • Bete Maryam Mausoleum

    Addis Ababa

    The Bete Maryam Mausoleum is located just south of Menelik’s palace and offers what could be an enchantingly eerie experience for travellers (were it not…

  • Addis Ababa Museum

    Addis Ababa

    Despite only being founded on Addis' centenary in 1986, the Addis Ababa Museum is the city’s scruffiest museum. That said, perusing candid portraits of…

  • Washa Mikael Church

    Addis Ababa

    The Washa Mikael Church is a few kilometres east of Addis Ababa's town centre. Though local priests date it back to the 3rd century AD, it most probably…

  • Afewerk Tekle’s Home & Studio

    Addis Ababa

    A member of several international academies and with a drawer full of international decorations – about 100 at last count, including the British Order of…

  • Natural History Museum

    Addis Ababa

    Unless you've a particular interest in Ethiopia's animals and birdlife, this is more a case of rainy day tourism. Go eye to eye with a bloated leopard –…

  • Entoto Maryam Church

    Addis Ababa

    The octagonal Entoto Maryam Church hosted Menelik’s coronation, but sadly for a church of such historical significance, the only time you can catch a…

  • Derg Monument

    Addis Ababa

    The towering Derg Monument is one of the more poignant reminders of the country’s painful communist rule. Topped by a massive red star and emblazoned with…

  • Institute of Ethiopian Studies

    Addis Ababa

    Inside the grounds of Addis Ababa University, this institute boasts the world’s best collection of books in English on Ethiopia. It’s free for a half-day…

  • Tomb of Sylvia Pankhurst

    Addis Ababa

    Facing the entrance to the Holy Trinity Cathedral is the tomb of the famous British suffragette Sylvia Pankhurst. Pankhurst was one of the very few people…

  • Addis Ababa University

    Addis Ababa

    Addis Ababa's expansive university is the country's largest and most prestigious. The academic year runs roughly from October to May. The university also…

  • Entoto Maryam Museum

    Addis Ababa

    This rather dusty museum has the usual collection of royal garments, valuable coins, ceremonial drums, poor lighting and bored-looking attendants, but…

  • Kidane Mehret Church

    Addis Ababa

    The unremarkable new church on this site is far less interesting than the reconstructed original, complete with Aksumite architectural traces, alongside…

  • Entoto Panoramic Viewpoint

    Addis Ababa

    High on Entoto Mountain, there’s a terrific but windy panoramic view of Ethiopia's modern capital spread out below through the towering eucalyptus trees.

  • Addis Ababa Park

    Addis Ababa

    A thin stand of greenery opposite the presidential palace.

  • Jan Meda Sports Ground

    Addis Ababa

    Stadium in the north of Addis Ababa, where major celebrations and horse races take place.

  • Presidential Palace

    Addis Ababa

    This is where the Ethiopian president lives. Don't even think of taking a photo.

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