One of Africa’s most important cities, Addis Ababa is home to nearly 3.5 million people. Sitting atop the highlands next to the Great Rift Valley, the city sprawls over more than 200 square miles, housing a startling variety of historical and cultural attractions. And, if you want to get out, there are the massive Entoto Mountains to explore right above Addis Ababa.

Within the city center, Addis Ababa boasts monumental architecture and all of the grandeur that can be expected from any national capital. Great churches, mosques, and museums offer respite, solace, education, and inspiration to travelers from around the world. Meanwhile, traditional Ethiopian food and dance are on constant display throughout the city.

Addis Ababa, while cosmopolitan, is still a place where authentic Ethiopian culture is on full display. Whether you’re drawn by its history, its art, or its cuisine, there’s plenty to be surprised by here.

Best Breakfast in town

I would recommend Qawa Traditional restaurant. First of all I think it is an easy dive into Ethiopian food, secondly they have a variety of delicious food of course vegan included. Thirdly, it’s affordable and can be found in the centre of the city where you definitely walk around.

One Museum not to miss

Unity park – it is a set of museums and park. There is a lot to see there including 3 different palaces it’s pretty much little Ethiopia. You will get to see what to choose from to travel around Ethiopia. Unity Park is located within the National Palace of Ethiopia, which embodies generational legacy of Ethiopia and Ethiopians. 

Best place to grab a drink

I would recommend Effoy Rooftop Bar (Address: Cape Verde Street) around Atlas since you will get sunset view and good music. It is part of the Effoy Boutique Hotel. But if it is Thursday join the regular Thursday Couchsurfing hangout and you will make long lasting friends.

Where to dance

There are plenty of nightlife areas to check out if you want something fancy go to Club Obsession (Address: Mickey Leland St) or Luxx Addis (Address: unnamed road). If you want to check out a proper traditional Ethiopian dance, go to Habesha 2000 (Address: Namibia St), although it’s not necessary a dance for you, but you will witness something cultural and unique while having our famous honey wine called tej.

A treat-yourself-meal

If you are looking for Ethiopian food, it is recommended to visit Katega Restaurant II (Address: Cameroon St) you will definitely love it. Kategna is Ethiopian traditional restaurant known for its way of valuing tradition with international service standards. Another place is Wabi Sheble Hotel (Address: Ras Abebe Aregay Ave) which is a very old hotel but they have a very interesting view of Addis Ababa.

Atelefugne Bar (Address: House# 418 Tanzania Street) serves great local dishes for less than Br50. Meanwhile, dinner and a show await at Bole Mini (Address: 4449 Airport Road), and YOD Abyssinia (Address: Bole Medhaniyalem Area) also dishes up highly rated local food.

Where to sweat

Addis has a lot of places to hike , but Entoto mountain park is really nice as it has the whole view of the city you can either bike or hike or run or just enjoy the view. Entoto Park is situated in a densely forested area, often called the lungs of Addis Ababa. Many of Ethiopia’s legendary long distance runners have been using Entoto forest for their training. The park has cafés, restaurants, and resorts in it. Visitors can have a taste of authentic Ethiopian coffee at the park served by major brands of the country such as Kaldis and Tomoca.

Nice Cafes

Tomoca Coffee (Address: Wawel St) is a nice coffee place to check out. It is found across the city. It’s an authentic coffee place as Ethiopia is known for its coffee. Coffee is serious business at this great high-stooled Italian cafe (around since 1953) in Piazza. The beans are roasted on-site (you can literally smell them from a block away) and Tomoca serves some of the capital’s best coffee. Beans are also sold by the half-kilo and there’s an Ethiopian coffee map on the wall.

Best View in the City

Face of Addis restaurant (Address: High above Megananya Upper Roundabout)

Best day-trip out of town

I would recommend visiting the Portuguese bridge around 3 hours drive. It was built around the turn of the 20th century. The bridge spans the small Gur River which, just a few meters further, pours into a 600 meter high waterfall down into the canyon. You would be able to see different waterfalls, caves and also hike on this day trip, returning to the city back in the evening.

Where to try the local delicacy

Anything Ethiopian is highly recommended! Definitely try out shiro and beyanetu ( if you are vegan) if not go for shekila tibis you will fail in love with it. Beyanetu is made up of a mix of vegan curries and vegetables served on a plate of injera. Yetsom means fasting and beyaynetu means combination platter. 

For family fun, visit Entoto park as it is suitable for kids and families.

Historic Moment

Menelik Square or Piyassa you will see a monument of a king who defeated colonization. Menelik II was a highly significant emperor in Ethiopian history. Under his leadership the Ethiopians defeated the invading Italians at the Battle of Adwa in 1895. 

One experience not to miss

I would highly recommend checking out Fendika it is more of a jazz place but Ethiopian jazz is a dope scenario. Fendika has survived until today thanks to Melaku’s passion for Ethiopian music and dance, his belief in the power of art and creativity in building communities, enthusiastic attendance of concerts and events by local and international friends.

Tourist trap to avoid

Don’t use the blue taxis as they are prone to scamming tourists. Download the app RIDE Passenger ET which is similar to the concept of Uber. It is the #1 ride hailing and booking platform in Ethiopia. Don’t take the minibus alone for your own safety. If there are people on board, and it’s on its normal route, then the maximum you should pay is 0.25 cents USD.

Addis – Africa’s fourth-largest city and its diplomatic capital – is also a traffic-choked, sprawling city of no discernible beauty that many foreign visitors try to transit as quickly as possible. You will definitely have to get out of Addis Ababa and explore Ethiopia because the beauty of the country lies outside the capital city.