Captivating Addis Ababa: Hidden Gems & Local Favorites

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Advisor - Bisaya Abdullahi
Curated By

Bisaya Abdullahi

  • City Travel

  • Active Travel

  • Arts & Culture

  • Ethiopia

  • International Travel

  • Sightseeing

  • Local Culture

  • Local Food

Aerial view of Addis Ababa, with gardens underneath a freeway and buildings and trees in the distance.
Curator’s statement

Many breeze through Addis Ababa, treating it as a quick layover on their way to other African destinations. But as someone who grew up here, I can assure you there's way more to this city than just a pit stop. Addis Ababa proudly wears the title of Africa's capital, hosting the African Union and the African CDC. Plus, the weather here? It’s temperate all year round, making it great to take advantage of this climate as you explore. Within two to three days, you can get a great taste of what Addis — and its surrounding areas — have to offer and make your time here a wonderful part of your trip to Ethiopia and beyond.

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Where to stay in Addis Ababa

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Things to do in Addis Ababa

Friendship Park in Addis Ababa, with a large body of water next to city buildings.

National Palace/Unity Park: Immerse yourself in Ethiopian history and culture at the National Palace and explore Unity Park, featuring a fascinating zoo.

Friendship Park: A serene oasis in the bustling city, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a peaceful picnic.

Addis Skatepark: Witness the talent of the Ethiopian Girl Skaters group as they showcase their skills every Saturday morning at this vibrant skatepark.

Entoto Park: Escape the city and enjoy nature at Entoto Park, offering breathtaking views of Addis Ababa, Kuriftu Spa and hiking trails.

Merkato: Dive into the vibrant chaos of Africa's largest open-air market, where you can find everything from spices to traditional handicrafts.

Day Trips:

Wenchi Crater: Embark on a day trip to Wenchi Crater, a stunning volcanic crater lake surrounded by lush landscapes, ideal for hiking.

Places to eat & drink in Addis Ababa

Ethiopian food with green garnish in a black bowl on a table.

Cascara at Hyatt Regency Addis: Indulge in exquisite cuisine and cocktails at Cascara, the Hyatt Regency's signature restaurant.

Yod Abyssinia: Experience authentic Ethiopian cuisine and traditional music and dance performances at this renowned restaurant.

Mitmita: A cozy eatery specializing in Ethiopian dishes, offering a warm atmosphere and delicious flavors.

Belvedere:
Enjoy fine dining with a European flair at Belvedere, known for its elegant ambiance and Italian menu.

Marcus Addis: Savor innovative cocktails and international cuisine at Marcus Addis, a trendy spot on the 47th floor of East Africa's tallest building.

Sishu:
Iconic, American-style casual dining with the best burgers in town!

Hotto: Serves contemporary Asian fusion with locally sourced ingredients in a relaxing and luxurious atmosphere.

Castelli: Phenomenal Italian restaurant set in one of a few remaining historic buildings in Addis.

Mamokacha: Great place for afternoon coffee on the outdoor terrace.

Advisor - Bisaya Abdullahi

Travel Advisor

Bisaya Abdullahi

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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Ethiopia. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Noni Kadara's guide, Things to Do in Lagos, Nigeria.