Addis Ababa

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Top 10 attractions in Addis Ababa

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Mount Entoto
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Ethiopia

Mount Entoto

5.9
4.9/5
29 reviews
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 · 13.3 km from Addis Ababa
Meskel Square

Meskel Square

3
Meskel Square is a major transportation hub in Addis Ababa. It is next to the Red Horror Museum and the Estfanos light rail station, so the transportation is very convenient, and you can use public transportation to come here. This square is mainly used for special events, so it is usually very quiet, and there are many small cafes where you can go to sit, have a cup of coffee, and have a snack. During festivals, there will be many celebrations in Meskel Square, which is more lively and the atmosphere will be very good.Addis Ababa · 2.5 km from downtown
Menelik II Square

Menelik II Square

2.8
5.0/5
1 reviews
Addis Ababa · 5.3 km from downtown
Bole Airport Square

Bole Airport Square

2.8
Addis Ababa · 1.9 km from downtown
Gulele Botanical Garden

Gulele Botanical Garden

2.5
Addis Ababa · 11.2 km from downtown
Tafo Square

Tafo Square

2.4
Addis Ababa · 12.8 km from downtown
Emperor Tewodros II Square

Emperor Tewodros II Square

2.4
Addis Ababa · 4.6 km from downtown
Abune Petros Memorial | Piazza | የአቡነ ጴጥሮስ ሐውልት | ፒያሳ

Abune Petros Memorial | Piazza | የአቡነ ጴጥሮስ ሐውልት | ፒያሳ

2.1
Addis Ababa · 5.4 km from downtown
Adwa Bridge

Adwa Bridge

2
Addis Ababa · 3.1 km from downtown
American Gibi | አሜሪካን ጊቢ, aka FITAWRARI HABTEGIORGIS/Yemeni SCHOOL

American Gibi | አሜሪካን ጊቢ, aka FITAWRARI HABTEGIORGIS/Yemeni SCHOOL

1.5
Addis Ababa · 5.8 km from downtown

Experiences you can't miss in Addis Ababa

Featured Cultural experiences in Addis Ababa

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Addis Ababa: Ethiopian History, Culture and Coffee Day Trip
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Duration: 9 hrs
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Discover Addis Ababa:Museums,Churche,Markets,Landmarks & Coffee
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Duration: 1–6 hrs
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Addis Ababa: From Local Markets to National Museums
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Duration: 4 hrs
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Addis Ababa City Tour: History, Markets & Coffee
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Duration: 8 hrs
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Addis Ababa: National Museum Guided Tour with Lucy Fossil
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Addis Ababa & Mount Entoto View Point, Museums Palace,Market Tour
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Duration: 4–6 hrs
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Addis Ababa: Flexible Walking Tour with Museums & Mercato
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Duration: 3 hrs
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Featured Food & drink in Addis Ababa

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City Tour with Cooking Class & Meal
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Duration: 7 hrs
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1-day tour to Bishoftu Volcanic Lakes in Ethiopia
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Taste of Ethiopia
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· 23 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
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Vintage Coffee Shops, Restaurants, Sightseeing in Addis Ababa
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Duration: 2–8 hrs
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Addis Ababa: Ethiopian Food and Nightlife Tour with Show
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Duration: 4 hrs
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Addis Eats Food Tour with 12+ Tastings
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Featured Outdoor experiences in Addis Ababa

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Addis Ababa: Debre Libanos, Blue Nile Gorge, and Cave Tour
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· 63 reviews
Duration: 7–8 hrs
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Day Trip From Addis Ababa See Historical Monastery,Stunning Nature,Animals,Birds
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Duration: 8–9 hrs
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Stunning Views Wonchi Crater Lake a Private Day Trip
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Danakil & Beyond: Ethiopia's Wild South to Sacred North
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Free things to do in Addis Ababa

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What travelers say about Addis Ababa

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Pakistani TravelerDecember 24, 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

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_We***05February 5, 2021
5.0
it's a very nice status, if you visit it with a guide, he will tell you its story

Menelik II Square

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Addis Ababa?

Don't miss these attractions in Addis Ababa: Mount Entoto, Meskel Square, and Menelik II Square. If you like Cultural experiences, try Addis Ababa city culture and National Museum of Ethiopia 1-day tour. If you enjoy Food & drink, try City Tour with Cooking Class & Meal.

You can give City Tour with Cooking Class & Meal and 1-day tour to Bishoftu Volcanic Lakes in Ethiopia a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

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