ADDIS ABABA – 6 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN ETHIOPIA’S HUB!

The heartbeat of Ethiopia – its capital hosts a varied range of destinations to visit! From the historical marvels of the National Museum to the spiritual sanctuaries of Holy Trinity Cathedral, this post navigates you through the Places To Visit In Ethiopia, Addis Ababa.

Sign on for this adventure where we one-y-one show the cultural and historical wonders of Ethiopia Safaris!

National Museum Of Ethiopia

Tucked away within an unassuming concrete-block structure, the National Museum is one of the Best Places To Visit In Ethiopia Addis Ababa. It holds a collection of treasured artefacts – most notably the renowned Lucy.

Lucy is a 3.2-million-year-old hominid fossil.
Discovered in the remote Northwestern Afar region in 1974m Lucy’s presence casts a notable spell over the museum’s basement.
Beyond the legacy of Lucy, the upper floor also houses a collection of Ethiopian art dating back to the 1300s and artefacts that reveal tales predating the first century.

The National Museum of Ethiopia is a sanctuary where the steps of our human ancestors reverberate through time. This undoubtedly makes it an inclusion to the must-visit Places to Visit in Ethiopia Addis Ababa for individuals looking to unearth the country’s deep-rooted history.

Opening Hours – Monday to Sunday (From 10.00 am to 6.00 pm)

Entrance Fees:

Foreign Adults – 200 Ethiopian Birr (ETB)
Foreign Students – 100 ETB
Ethiopian Citizens and Residents – 10 ETB
Ethiopian Students – 5 ETB

Major Artefacts of the Museum – Lucy (Australopithecus afarensis), Selam (Australopithecus afarensis), Ethiopian Art (1300s), etc.

Holy Trinity Cathedral

Moving further in our list of the Best Places To Visit In Addis Ababa, the Holy Trinity Cathedral stands as a sacred lookout, inviting pilgrims and curious wanderers.

Surrounded by weeping pine trees, the cathedral projects a timeless air, heightened by statues and carvings that decorate its grand facade.
The grounds reveal a connection to Ethiopia’s past, with a museum showcasing historical memorabilia, crowns of former emperors, and perfectly preserved Amharic Bibles.
Venture to the front of this Historical Place to Visit in Ethiopia, and the gate opens to show the tomb of Emperor Haile Selassie.
Seeing this Ethiopian Historical Monument offers a moment of reflection amid the spiritual ambiance that envelops this respected site.

Location of this Ethiopia Tourism Destination – Arat Kilo, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Opening Hours – Everyday (From 6.00 am to 6.00 pm)

Recommended Luxury Hotels in Addis Ababa for the Holy Trinity Cathedral Tour:

Haile Grand Hotel Addis Ababa
Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa
Marriott Executive Apartments Addis Ababa

Notable Aspect of the Tour – Entrance to the cathedral is free, but donations are appreciated to support the maintenance and preservation of the site.

Unity Park

A transformative marvel made public by Nobel Peace Prize-winning Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, this Places In Ethiopia To Visit is Addis Ababa’s newest gem.

Once shrouded in secrecy within Ethiopia’s National Palace, the park now holds a cultural variety for all to explore.
One of the Most Beautiful Places in Ethiopia, the park includes a small museum, a grand banquet hall, and the former palace complex of Emperor Menelik II.
Perched on a hill, the park offers panoramic views of Addis Ababa.
The inclusion of a small zoo, home to rare black-maned lions, adds a delightful touch to this elevated haven, where green parkland mingles with the urban landscape.

Location of the Park – Menelik II Avenue, Addis Ababa

Opening Hours – Tuesday to Sunday (10.00 am to 6.00 pm)

Entrance Fees:

Foreign Adults – 200 Ethiopian Birr (ETB)
Foreign Students – 100 ETB
Ethiopian Citizens and Residents – 50 ETB
Ethiopian Students – 20 ETB
Children under 6 years – Free

Entrance fees may be subject to change, and additional fees may apply for specific attractions or guided tours within the park.

Attractions in the Park for Day Trips from Addis Ababa – National Palace Complex, Grand Palace Hall, Emperor Menelik II Statue, Zewditu Hospital Museum

Ethnological Museum

The Ethnological Museum is without any doubt one of the most Unique Places To Visit In Addis Ababa, mainly due to its cultural significance. Housed within the Haile Selassie’s former palace, this cultural haven is located on Addis Ababa’s main university campus.

There’s a captivating exhibit on the first floor that guides visitors through the human life cycle and describes the unique traits, traditions, and cultures associated with each stage.
Displays delve into religious art, traditional music instruments and the preserved bedroom of Haile Selassie.

If you want a deeper understanding of Ethiopia beyond its capital, the Ethnological Museum is an indispensable stop on the quest of What is Famous in Ethiopia.

Opening Hours – Tuesday to Sunday (9.00 am to 6.00 pm)

Entrance Fees:

Foreign Adults – 200 Ethiopian Birr (ETB)
Foreign Students – 100 ETB
Ethiopian Citizens and Residents – 10 ETB
Ethiopian Students – 5 ETB

Entrance fees may be subject to change, and additional fees may apply for specific exhibits or guided tours within the museum.

Highlighted Attractions of the Museum – Life Cycle Exhibits, Religious art and artefacts, Traditional Musical Instruments, Cultural Exhibits, and the Preserved Bedroom of Haile Selassie.

Merkato

Beyond the uproar of Addis Ababa lies Merkato, a sprawling marketplace that defies conventional definitions. One of Africa’s largest outdoor markets feels more like a vibrant village, with over 7,000 businesses engaging in all kinds of commerce.

Navigating its complex alleys, one encounters a sensory feast – from aromatic spices and jebenas to colourful shawls and bustling stalls of fresh produce.
Merkato is a great place for Entertainment in Ethiopia where the spirit of life happens amid honking vehicles, herds of livestock, and the variety of goods.
While the market’s energy can be overwhelming for newcomers, guided Addis Ababa City Tours provide a journey through this small-scale version of Ethiopian commerce and community.

Location – In the Ketema district of Addis Ababa

Highlighted Attractions – Spice Market, Textile and Fabric Section, Handicrafts and Artisanal Goods, Livestock Market.

Meskel Square

More than simply a square, this Place to Visit in Ethiopia is a crossroads that captures the pulse of Addis Ababa. This iconic landmark, part historical monument and part unofficial sports centre, is where the city’s spirit unites.

Meskel Square hosts the Meskel Festival, a yearly celebration marked by torchlight processions and an enormous bonfire on 27 September. The square offers a snapshot of Addis’s vast urban sprawl. Runners pound its terraced steps, finding tranquillity amid the city’s chaos, making Meskel Square a symbolic meeting point.

Reflecting on Addis Ababa’s Richness Through Six Destinations!

Through our exploration of the Best Places To Visit In Ethiopia Addis Ababa, you as a visitor are thoroughly prepared for a journey into its 6 gems. The National Museum’s ancient whispers set the tone, followed by the serenity of Holy Trinity Cathedral. Merkato is a vibrant market, while Unity Park represents the city’s historical chapters. Finally, at Meskel Square, witness the pulse of urban life.

Book your adventure now and witness the beauty, history, and hospitality that comes with Ethiopia Safaris!