Addis Ababa Ethiopia 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Addis Ababa

Morning:

  • Breakfast at Tomoca Coffee, a historic café known for its Ethiopian coffee ceremonies. (Tomoca Road, Kazanchis)
  • Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia to see Lucy, the 3.2 million years old hominid fossil. (Kidist Hana Street, Addis Ababa University)

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at Yod Abyssinia Restaurant, famous for traditional Ethiopian cuisine. (Chancho Bira, Kazanchis)
  • Visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox churches in Africa. (Boyle Road, Kidist Hana Square)
  • Explore Mercato, the largest open-air market in Africa. Don’t forget to haggle! (Mercato Area, Arat Kilo)

Evening:

  • Dinner at Habesha Restaurant & Gardens, offering a variety of Ethiopian dishes and a beautiful garden setting. (Chancho Bira, Kazanchis)
  • Visit Maekelawi Memorial Park, commemorating the victims of political oppression under the Derg regime. (Maekelawi Square, Arat Kilo)

Overnight Stay:

  • Sheraton Addis, a luxury hotel offering comfort and convenience in the heart of the city. (Sheraton Road, Kazanchis)

Day 2: Discovering Addis Ababa’s Culture and Nature

Morning:

  • Breakfast at your hotel or try a local bakery like Ghebaya for some Ethiopian injera bread with eggs.
  • Visit the Addis Ababa University, one of the oldest universities in Africa. (Addis Ababa University Campus)
  • Stroll through the National Botanic Garden to enjoy Ethiopia’s diverse flora. (Entoto Mountain Road)

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at Abyssinia Restaurant, another classic choice for traditional Ethiopian dishes. (Chancho Bira, Kazanchis)
  • Visit the African Artists and Artisans Design Village to shop for unique Ethiopian art and crafts. (Ayder Street, Kazanchis)
  • Explore the Mount Entoto for a panoramic view of Addis Ababa. (Mount Entoto Road)

Evening:

  • Dinner at Yod Abyssinia or any other preferred restaurant.
  • Visit Pioneer Monument and Menelik II Palace, symbolizing Ethiopia’s rich history. (Menelik II Square, Arat Kilo)

Overnight Stay:

  • Continue your stay at Sheraton Addis or consider switching to another hotel based on preference and location.

Things to Know:

  1. English is widely spoken in Addis Ababa, making communication easier for tourists.
  2. BIRR (ETB) is the local currency. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops but it’s good to have cash on hand.
  3. Taxis are readily available, but it’s best to agree on a price before starting your journey. Uber is also available in Addis Ababa.
  4. The city can be quite polluted, so it’s advisable to carry face masks.
  5. Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
  6. Ethiopia uses the Julian calendar, which is seven years and three months behind the Gregorian calendar, so keep this in mind when planning your visit.