Addis Ababa In A Day

Quick answer: You can see Addis Ababa in a day by starting at Medhane Alem Cathedral at 9 AM, then visiting Arat Kilo, Holy Trinity Cathedral, the National Museum, Meskel Square, St. George Brewery and Merkato, before watching the sunset from Mount Entoto and ending with dinner and live music at Yod Abyssinia. One day in the Ethiopian capital gives you enough time to absorb what this mystical city has to offer.

About Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, is sometimes referred to as “the Dubai of Africa”. Its name translates locally as “new flower”, and the city is in many ways blooming like one, with eye-catching buildings and skyscrapers going up, each with a unique architectural design.

Addis Ababa International Airport (ADD), the country’s only international airport, serves as the gateway to Ethiopia.

Visa tip: Ethiopia offers a visa on arrival to many nationalities, but it is strongly recommended that you check with the nearest Ethiopian consulate before you travel.

Addis Ababa in a Day: The Itinerary

09:00 AM: Medhane Alem Cathedral

This is just the right time to avoid the morning rush hour. Start your day at the famous Medhane Alem Cathedral, an Orthodox cathedral described as the second largest in Africa and the largest in Ethiopia. Its name means “Saviour of the World” in English.

09:45 AM: Meyazia 27 Square (Arat Kilo)

Hop on a minibus to Meyazia 27 Square, locally known as “Arat Kilo”. Minibuses run frequently, and a one-way ride costs around 3 ETB.

Treat yourself to a warm cup of “bunna”, traditional Ethiopian coffee; bunna stalls can be found on almost every corner of the city. Then walk to the Meyazia 27 monument in the middle of the square, which commemorates Ethiopia’s liberation from Italy.

10:30 AM: Holy Trinity Cathedral

Visit the famous Holy Trinity Cathedral, the highest-ranking Orthodox cathedral in Addis Ababa and the second most important place of worship in Ethiopia. There is an entrance fee of 100 ETB to walk through this interesting historic cathedral.

11:30 AM: National Museum

Head to the National Museum, which houses Ethiopia’s exquisite treasures and many invaluable archaeological finds. The highlight is “Lucy”, the most famous partial skeleton of Australopithecus afarensis, along with the fossilised remains of early hominids.

A small restaurant in the museum compound is a good place to try local cuisine for lunch.

01:00 PM: Meskel Square and St. George Brewery

Take a minibus to Meskel Square, a prominent landmark used for public gatherings, demonstrations and festivals, most notably the Meskel Festival from which it takes its name.

From there, it is a 30-minute walk to Mexico Square and the famous St. George Brewery. Visitors are not allowed inside the brewery, but its big beer hall offers a real experience: buy fresh meat from the carcass and have it cooked and served with injera and dips.

03:00 PM: Merkato

Take a 30-minute walk to Merkato, a large open-air marketplace considered Africa’s biggest market. It is a sprawl of vendors that goes on for kilometres and weaves in all directions, so you never know what you will stumble into or find.

05:00 PM: Mount Entoto

Take a minibus to Mount Entoto, the highest peak overlooking Addis Ababa. The old palace where Emperor Menelik II lived now serves as a museum, with a USD 10 entrance fee; it is recommended only if you are interested in Ethiopian history. The museum guide gives some background on Ethiopia’s past under Emperor Menelik.

The mountain is densely covered with eucalyptus trees imported from Australia, which is why Mount Entoto is called “the Lung of Addis Ababa”.

07:00 PM: Dinner at Yod Abyssinia

Stop by Yod Abyssinia Restaurant for a traditional dinner. Highly talented men and women perform live music and dances showcasing Ethiopia’s diverse ethnic groups. Don’t miss “tej”, the local honey wine, a rewarding way to wind up your day in Addis Ababa.

One Day in Addis Ababa: Costs at a Glance

Item	Cost
Minibus ride, one way	Around 3 ETB
Holy Trinity Cathedral	100 ETB
Entoto palace museum	USD 10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is one day enough in Addis Ababa?

A day gives you enough time to see the main cathedrals, the National Museum, Merkato and Mount Entoto if you follow a tight itinerary.

How do you get around Addis Ababa?

Minibuses run frequently and cost around 3 ETB one way, and several stops are within a 30-minute walk of each other.

Where can I see Lucy in Addis Ababa?

Lucy, the famous Australopithecus afarensis skeleton, is at the National Museum.

Do I need a visa for Ethiopia?

Many nationalities can get a visa on arrival, but check with the nearest Ethiopian consulate first.

Conclusion

From cathedrals and fossils to coffee, markets and honey wine, Addis Ababa packs a lot into a single day. Follow this itinerary and you will leave with a real taste of Ethiopia’s blooming “new flower”.