Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Historical and Cultural Sites

Morning:

  • Start your day with a traditional Ethiopian breakfast at Yod Abyssinia, a popular restaurant offering a variety of Injera (sourdough flatbread) dishes.
  • Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to Lucy, a 3.2 million-year-old hominid fossil, and exhibits showcasing Ethiopian history and culture.
  • Stroll around the Trinity Cathedral, an iconic Orthodox Christian church known for its unique architecture and colorful murals.

Afternoon:

  • Head to the Menelik II Mausoleum to pay respects to Emperor Menelik II, who unified Ethiopia in the late 19th century.
  • Explore the Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market, where you can find a wide variety of goods including traditional crafts, textiles, spices, and coffee.

Evening:

  • Dine at Ye Asteria, offering a great selection of Ethiopian dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
  • Relax at Tomoca Coffee, one of the oldest coffee roasters in Addis Ababa, to enjoy a cup of Ethiopian coffee or tea before retiring for the night.

Day 2: Modern Addis Ababa and Scenic Views

Morning:

  • Begin your day with breakfast at Selam Restaurant, serving a mix of Ethiopian and international cuisine.
  • Visit the Addis Ababa University Campus to experience the academic and cultural hub of the city.
  • Stop by the Ethiopian Natural History Museum to learn about Ethiopia’s diverse wildlife.

Afternoon:

  • Take a trip up Mount Entoto for panoramic views of Addis Ababa, and visit the nearby Church of Mary built by Emperor Menelik II.
  • Explore the Museum of African Art, showcasing art from various African cultures.

Evening:

  • Dine at Taste of Roma, an Italian restaurant offering a variety of pasta dishes and pizzas, for those seeking a change from Ethiopian food.
  • Visit the African Unions Square (Maison de l’AUB), lit up at night, to experience the vibrant city life and socialize with locals.

Things to Know:

  1. The official language is Amharic, but English is widely spoken in Addis Ababa.
  2. Tipping is customary in Ethiopia, usually around 5-10% of the bill.
  3. Bargaining is expected when shopping at markets and souvenir shops.
  4. The currency used in Ethiopia is the Birr (ETB). Credit cards are accepted in many restaurants and hotels, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand.
  5. Traffic can be chaotic, so be aware and patient when crossing streets or using public transportation.
  6. Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

Transportation:

  • Taxis (either conventional taxis or app-based services like TaxiMelash) are readily available in Addis Ababa.
  • The city also has a bus system, but it may be more challenging for tourists to navigate.
  • Consider hiring a car with a driver if you prefer a more hassle-free experience.