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Things to Do in Addis Ababa

Top attractions, best neighborhoods to wander, and the food you shouldn't skip in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — 2026 traveler picks.

Top places to see

Market

Merkato Market

40 min from ADD

Largest open-air market in Africa — coffee, spices, and textiles in a labyrinthine grid. Take a local guide.

Landmark

National Museum of Ethiopia

35 min from ADD

Home to Lucy (3.2-million-year-old Australopithecus skeleton) — the world's most important fossil. ETB 200.

Landmark

Entoto Hills & St. Mary's Church

35 min from ADD

Green eucalyptus forest above the city with panoramic views. Ethiopian women carry firewood bundles — extraordinary scenes.

Book tours + skip-the-line tickets

Compare tours + attractions in Addis Ababa across GetYourGuide, Tiqets and Trip.com — free cancellation on most, and prices match direct booking.

Things to do in Addis Ababa

Lock in a few experiences before you go — the good ones sell out.

Tours, tickets & day trips

Our pick

GetYourGuide has the deepest catalogue for Addis Ababa and free cancellation on most experiences — book now, decide later.

Browse Addis Ababa
Just need timed-entry attraction tickets? Try Tiqets.Want a private driver-guide? Trip.com Private Tours in Addis Ababa.

Eat here first

Injera tibs (fermented flatbread with sautéed meat) at Habesha 2000 restaurant — the definitive Ethiopian meal.

Local tip

Ethiopian Airlines offers free city tours for layover passengers of 4–47 hours. Register at the Transit Desk in Bole airport immediately after arrival.

Where to stay

Hotels across Addis Ababa — filter by neighborhood + budget on the map below.