Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 7 Day Itinerary

Addis Ababa 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & City Orientation

  • Arrive at Bole International Airport.
  • Check-in at your hotel (recommended: Sheraton Addis or Intercontinental Hotel for comfort and convenience).
  • Lunch at Yod Abyssinia, a popular Ethiopian restaurant offering traditional dishes.
  • Rest and acclimatize to the altitude.
  • Evening stroll around Bole Medhanialem, home to St. Raguel Church and the monument of Menelik II, the first king of Ethiopia.

Day 2: Historic Area & National Museum

  • Breakfast at Tomoca Coffee, a local roastery with a rich history.
  • Visit the historic area, including Emperor Menelik’s Palace, Holy Trinity Cathedral, and the nearby Ras Desta Damtew Square.
  • Lunch at Yod Abyssinia or Taitu Hotel, one of the oldest hotels in Africa.
  • Afternoon visit to the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to Lucy, a 3.2 million years old hominid fossil.
  • Dinner at Ayer Mena, an Italian restaurant with excellent views of Addis Ababa.

Day 3: Market & Art Galleries Exploration

  • Breakfast at your hotel.
  • Visit the bustling Mercato, Africa’s largest open-air market, for a taste of local life and shopping.
  • Lunch at Dahlia Bakery & Bistro for sandwiches or salads.
  • Afternoon visit to Addis Fine Art Gallery and Red Hall Art Gallery to appreciate Ethiopian contemporary art.
  • Dinner at Maitre Chocolat, a French restaurant with an excellent wine list.

Day 4: Scenic View & Local Life

  • Breakfast at your hotel.
  • Morning trip to Entoto Mountain for panoramic views of the city and a visit to the Church of Mary, Queen of Kings.
  • Lunch at Entoto Saint Raphael Restaurant.
  • Afternoon visit to the Jan Meda Market (Sundays only) or Adama Science and Technology University if it’s not Sunday.
  • Dinner at Yod Abyssinia or Kosh E Kosh, another traditional Ethiopian restaurant.

Day 5: Excursion to the Blue Nile Falls

  • Early breakfast at your hotel.
  • Depart for a day trip to the Blue Nile Falls (Tis Abay) in Bahir Dar.
  • Lunch en route or at the falls.
  • Afternoon spent exploring the falls and its surroundings.
  • Return to Addis Ababa in the evening.
  • Dinner at Yod Abyssinia or Fanat Lalibela, an Ethiopian chain restaurant known for its vegan options.

Day 6: Visit Trinity Cathedral & Shopping

  • Breakfast at your hotel.
  • Morning visit to the Holy Trinity Cathedral (closed on Saturdays and Sundays).
  • Spend the afternoon shopping for souvenirs, traditional crafts, or handmade jewelry in areas like Piazza or along Charles Street.
  • Farewell dinner at Yod Abyssinia or Lucy Restaurant & Sky Bar, with stunning views of Addis Ababa.

Day 7: Departure

  • Breakfast at your hotel.
  • Depending on your flight schedule, explore any remaining parts of the city or visit a local cafĂ© for a final taste of Ethiopian coffee.
  • Transfer to Bole International Airport for your departure.

Things to Know

  • The official language is Amharic, but English is widely spoken in businesses and among younger generations.
  • Tipping is customary; 5-10% is appropriate in restaurants, hotels, and for tour guides.
  • ATMs are widely available, but it’s a good idea to carry some cash (preferably USD) as a backup.
  • Internet access is generally good throughout the city.
  • Be respectful of local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

Transportation

  • Taxis are readily available throughout the city. Uber and other ride-hailing apps operate in Addis Ababa.
  • Bole Road, Africa Avenue, and Churchill Road are main streets connecting popular destinations.
  • Public transportation is limited, but you can find shared taxis (known as “blue-blue” or “microbuses”) that travel specific routes.