What to do in Addis Ababa

Activities, attractions and tours

A cityscape with a prominent building with a dome, surrounded by various other buildings and a bridge in the foreground.
Shalla, Abijatta and Langano Lakes
Holy Trinity Cathedral, (Kiddist Selassie),Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
A church interior with red drapery, religious paintings, a wooden altar, and floral arrangements.
Entoto chain mountains and Jemma Valley in Oromo Region of Ethiopia

Things to do

Addis Ababa City Tours

Addis Ababa City Tours Full Day With Hotel Pickup And Drop Off

฿3,276
per adult
Addis Ababa City Tours Full Day With Hotel Pickup And Drop Off
Plaza Premium Lounge at Addis Ababa Bole International Airpor

Plaza Premium Lounge at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport(ADD)

฿1,285
per adult
Plaza Premium Lounge at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport(ADD)
Picture 25 for Activity Addis Ababa: Guided City Tour with Coffee Ceremony and diffe

Addis Ababa City Tour & Coffee Ceremony with Shopping areas

฿596
per adult
Addis Ababa City Tour & Coffee Ceremony with Shopping areas
Addis Ababa & Mount Entoto View Point, Museums Palace,Market Tour

Addis Ababa & Mount Entoto View Point, Museums Palace,Market Tour

฿2,449
per adult
Addis Ababa & Mount Entoto View Point, Museums Palace,Market Tour
Prepare for the Best Day Tour in Addis Ababa

Prepare for the Best Day Tour in Addis Ababa

฿2,978
per adult
Prepare for the Best Day Tour in Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa Museums Tour

Addis Ababa Museums Tour

฿2,283
per adult
Addis Ababa Museums Tour
pick up and drop off from your hotel

Addis Ababa Full Day Tour with hotel pickup and drop off

฿3,309
per adult
Addis Ababa Full Day Tour with hotel pickup and drop off
See all activities in Addis Ababa

What to do in Addis Ababa

Stay near popular Addis Ababa attractions

Holy Trinity Cathedral

8.6/10 (182 reviews)
Holy Trinity Cathedral houses Emperor Haile Selassie's tomb, blending European and Ethiopian architectural styles. Admire its intricate stained-glass windows while exploring the adjacent museum of religious artefacts.
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Where to stay in Addis Ababa

Find the best Addis Ababa areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Addis Ababa
Learn more about Addis Ababa
A cityscape with a mix of modern and older buildings, a clear sky, and distant mountains.

Bole

Unique features of Bole include the spas and bars. Make a stop by Selam City Mall or Century Mall while you're exploring the area.

A large building with a green dome and multiple arches.

Kazanchis

If you're spending some time in Kazanchis, ECA Conference Center and Africa Hall are top sights worth seeing.

A cityscape at night with illuminated buildings, a roundabout, and a large central plaza.

Piazza

Visitors to Piazza enjoy its restaurants, and if you want to do some exploring, National Museum of Ethiopia is worth a stop.

A modern cityscape with a prominent curved building and a tall skyscraper.

Kirkos

You'll enjoy the mountain views and museums in Kirkos. You might want to make time for a stop at Meskel Square or Addis Ababa Stadium.

A statue of a man on horseback, with trees and a clear sky in the background.

Arada

Arada is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like National Museum of Ethiopia and Yekatit 12 Monument.

Day trip destinations from Addis Ababa

A large lake surrounded by lush green hills and a mountain in the distance.

Bishoftu

Frequently asked questions

Is Addis Ababa worth visiting?
Famous for its history and culture, finding awesome things to do in Addis Ababa is a cinch. Be sure to add Medhane Alem Church to your trip itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Addis Ababa?
After you've visited major attractions like National Museum of Ethiopia and Lela Gallery, spend the rest of your day experiencing the retail and food options in Addis Ababa.
What is the top tourist attraction in Addis Ababa?
Medhane Alem Church is one of the top tourist attractions in Addis Ababa and should be high on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Addis Ababa?
You can easily tour leading sights like Medhane Alem Church, National Museum of Ethiopia and Holy Trinity Cathedral with a three-day stay in Addis Ababa. On average, many travellers book four days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stay a while longer and head to Bishoftu.
Is Addis Ababa a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you'd like to see and do in Addis Ababa. Several sights, including Medhane Alem Church and National Museum of Ethiopia, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Addis Ababa's best neighbourhoods, Bole is 3 kilometres away from downtown, while Kirkos is 2 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Addis Ababa with kids?
Planning what to do in Addis Ababa with kids has never been easier. Whether you're taking a trip with teenagers or toddlers, there are loads of family-friendly sights to keep them happy here.

What to do in Addis Ababa for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Addis Ababa, with experiences for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to African Union Headquarters or World Bank Ethiopia.
Are there free things to do in Addis Ababa?
In Addis Ababa, Medhane Alem Church is a must-see spot for anyone wishing to see the city without opening their wallet. Also, check out the local neighbourhoods and parks, and ask for ideas from a local tour guide. It's a simple way to learn about the best free things to do in Addis Ababa.