Travel advisory: Ethiopia is in an active conflict, with fighting in the north resumed in late September 2026. The UK FCDO advises against all travel to Tigray, Amhara and Gambela and to parts of Oromia, Afar and other regions, and the US State Department rates Ethiopia Level 3 (Reconsider Travel). Check the current UK FCDO and US State Department advice before you book and again before you fly. Addis Ababa itself is not in the FCDO’s advise-against list, but it warns of a high terrorism threat, crime hotspots including Meskel Square, Bole and Entoto, and security checkpoints. This guide covers Addis Ababa and the Bishoftu corridor only; the northern historic sites are not currently visitable.

Best Photography Spots in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 📸

Explore the vibrant city of Addis Ababa and capture its unique charm with these top photography spots! 🌆

1. Menelik II Square (Megabit Yekatit Hail) 🏺

Start your journey at Menelik II Square, the heart of Addis Ababa, named after Emperor Menelik II who founded the city. The square features grand architectural structures like the Holy Trinity Cathedral and the National Museum of Ethiopia, offering a perfect blend of history and culture in one frame. 🌐

2. Mount Entoto (Entoto Mountain) 🏞️

Take a scenic drive to Mount Entoto for panoramic views of the city below. The UK FCDO names Entoto as a crime hotspot, so go by car in daytime and in company. At an elevation of 3,200 meters, you’ll be rewarded with a clear, unobstructed view of Addis Ababa and its surrounding landscapes. Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning sunrise or sunset! 🌅

3. Merkato (The largest open-air market in Africa) 🛍️

Merkato is a photographer’s dream, boasting an incredible array of colors, textures, and activities. Go in daytime with a guide and minimal valuables, keep your camera close, and ask before photographing people. Pickpocketing and bag snatching are common, so avoid the market after dark. 🌞

4. Jan Meda 🗿

Jan Meda is a large open green space on the edge of the city, with room for wide, open frames in good light. ⚱️

5. Bole Road Sunset 🌅

Take in the skyline at golden hour from a cafe or restaurant terrace along Bole Road, and travel there and back by car, as the FCDO names Bole Medhanealem and Bole Atlas as crime hotspots after dark. ☀️

6. Piazza (Pioneer Park) 🌳

Piazza, also known as Pioneer Park, is a peaceful oasis amidst the bustling city. The lush green park and colorful flowers create an ideal setting for capturing serene, picturesque scenes. 💚

7. Addis Ababa University (Addis Abeba University) 🎓

Visit Addis Ababa University’s main campus to capture the essence of student life in Ethiopia. The architecture, colorful murals, and vibrant campus atmosphere provide a wealth of photographic opportunities. 🎨

8. Tomoca Coffee (Historic Coffee Ceremony) ☕️

No trip to Ethiopia would be complete without witnessing the traditional coffee ceremony. Visit Tomoca Coffee, a popular cafe in Addis Ababa, to document this cultural tradition and indulge in some delicious Ethiopian coffee! 🇪🇹 ☕️

Photography rules

Photography is illegal near military zones, soldiers and the Presidential Palace, and wherever signs forbid it. Drones need permission from the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority and INSA.