Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa
Capital of one the world's fastest-growing economies, Addis Ababa (also spelled Addis Abeba) is a city in motion, catching up to Ethiopia's zooming commercial development in its stride. At times gauche and somewhat rough around the edges, it is nonetheless worth more than a single night in transit, if only for the country's finest dining, shopping, and of-the-moment urban developments.Hitta resa
The capital's Ethnological Museum is considered to be one of the finest on the continent. Intricately arranged exhibits narrate the story of Ethiopia and its peoples, all spanning two floors of the former residence of Emperor Haile Selassie, whose rooms are preserved in nearly their original state and open to visitors. Detailed written explanations are provided.
Although the National Museum contains a plethora of cultural artefacts, its most notable exhibit is the cast of Lucy, a female skeleton of the Australopithecus afarensis species, discovered in Ethiopia in 1974 and dating back as far as 3.2 million years. The museum also contains Ethiopian art from the 14th to the 20th centuries.
The chilling, heartbreaking exhibits of the Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum are guaranteed to leave no visitor indifferent. Atrocities commuted during Mengistu’s Derg regime are laid bare, to be processed independently or with an English-speaking guide. The museum operates on donations alone; entry is free of charge.
A steep climb (or car ride) up Entoto Hill is worth the time if only for the spectacular views over sprawling Addis Ababa unfolding from the top. On Sunday, the hilltop Maryam Church is open for mass (closed other days of the week), and the Entoto Maryam Museum showcases artefacts and personal belongings of Emperor Menelik, whose humble palace still stands not too far away.
Typically octagonal, the stern-looking, neoclassical St George Cathedral was where Ethiopian rulers were inaugurated ever since its construction by the order of Emperor Menelik II, who dedicated the church to Ethiopia's patron saint, St George. Adjacent to the church is a museum containing religious paraphernalia.
It takes heart to venture into the chaotic-looking, sprawling marketplace of Addis Ababa, but despite what it may seem at first glance, the market is very much organised, subdivided into "quarters" dedicated to a specific kind of wares. Come with a guide to help you navigate; many vendors keep goods inside permanent stalls, so what it is that is being sold might not be apparent at first glance. Items worth browsing for are leather goods, silver jewellery, spices, and more.
The second in importance house of worship in Ethiopia, the Holy Trinity Cathedral contains the tombs of Haile Selassie and his wife; many more prominent figures of the country's history are buried on its compounds. The building itself is a curious mix of international styles.
The capital's atmospheric "old town" is known as the Piazza, its name gesturing towards the brief period of Italian presence in the country. The area still breathes an Italian air today, and there are a few landmarks remaining from the first half of the 20th century. A few good places to eat and budget accommodation are also to be found here.
The capital's Ethnological Museum is considered to be one of the finest on the continent. Intricately arranged exhibits narrate the story of Ethiopia and its peoples, all spanning two floors of the former residence of Emperor Haile Selassie, whose rooms are preserved in nearly their original state and open to visitors. Detailed written explanations are provided.
Although the National Museum contains a plethora of cultural artefacts, its most notable exhibit is the cast of Lucy, a female skeleton of the Australopithecus afarensis species, discovered in Ethiopia in 1974 and dating back as far as 3.2 million years. The museum also contains Ethiopian art from the 14th to the 20th centuries.
A stone's throw away from the airport is Yod Abyssinia, an experience restaurant known equally for its culinary offerings and traditional performances (the latter start at 7.30pm and gather a sizeable audience). The menu is illustrated to help guide you to the desired dish.
French dining doesn't get any better than this in Addis Ababa, a state of affairs carefully maintained by the restaurant's skilled French chef and owner. The menu lists everything from beef carpaccio to crepe suzette to specialities like beef fondue. Credit cards not accepted.
Excellent Ethiopian cuisine is the prime reason of Kategna's success with both locals and tourists. The menu lists a plethora of local specialities, including the ubiquitous injera and kitfo, a local take on tartar. They also do full traditional coffee ceremonies.
The treat of Habesha is doubled if you pay a visit for dinner (from 8pm onward), for it is then that the incredibly entertaining Ethiopian culture show starts, complete with music and performers clad in traditional local clothing dancing on stage. It is enjoyed by both locals and guests alike, and is an absolute must for first-time visitors.
This lush garden restaurant is a favourite for visitors concluding their tour of the National Museum, located only steps away. The breezy, refreshing setting is one of the restaurant's main draws, along with a wide selection of local and international dishes.
Among the capital's several Italian restaurants, Gusto is the one that arguably best pays homage to Italian presence in the Ethiopian culinary scene. Gusto is an upscale establishment, so the bill can get hefty by local standards, but quality and execution are above par.
The restaurant continuously receives rave reviews from patrons, and for good reason - dishes served here might not exactly replicate ones from their country of origin, but are an exciting break from the ubiquitous injera, and service is commendable.
A stone's throw away from the airport is Yod Abyssinia, an experience restaurant known equally for its culinary offerings and traditional performances (the latter start at 7.30pm and gather a sizeable audience). The menu is illustrated to help guide you to the desired dish.
French dining doesn't get any better than this in Addis Ababa, a state of affairs carefully maintained by the restaurant's skilled French chef and owner. The menu lists everything from beef carpaccio to crepe suzette to specialities like beef fondue. Credit cards not accepted.
It takes heart to venture into the chaotic-looking, sprawling marketplace of Addis Ababa, but despite what it may seem at first glance, the market is very much organised, subdivided into "quarters" dedicated to a specific kind of ware. Come with a guide to help you navigate; many vendors keep goods inside permanent stalls, so what it is that is being sold might not be apparent at first glance. Items worth browsing for are leather goods, silver jewellery, spices, and more.
The first footwear producer to receive certification from the World Fair Trade Organisation, soleRebels' cause is to provide its workers with honest compensation and contribute to sustainable development by using recycled car tires and natural fabrics in shoe production. And it's not just shoes, but clothing and accessories too.
The art gallery and shop hybrid, St George is definitely not for travellers on a budget, but those looking to purchase Ethiopian antiques or artwork (which ranges from scarves and bed linens to paintings by celebrated artists) will hardly find a better place to do so. Also stocks jewellery and books.
Much more modest in size, but with that also a lot more manageable, the Shiro Meda Market (also spelled "Chiromeda") sells Ethiopian textiles in all their forms, from Ethiopian wedding dresses to various types of clothing, linens, and fabrics. Make use of a guide if you can.
This quiet oasis of a workshop, only a stone's throw away from the Addis Ababa airport, is a great place to shop if the Mercato proves to be a tad overwhelming. Salem's is a much more relaxed experience that allows you to browse at your own leisure, selecting from fabrics, clothing, jewellery, woven items, and other crafts produced directly on site.
The remarkably stylish bags of this Ethiopian label are a treat one really shouldn't deny themselves when in Addis. Functional and modern, the brand's pieces all contain a slither of traditional ornament, giving the items individual character.
T&H Designs offers high-quality, original jewellery and accessories, all sourced by the founding twin sisters, who have earned themselves an impeccable reputation and stable client base over the years of the shop's existence. Prices are reasonable, and service above par.
The bi-annual happening that is Anbar Marketplace (locations vary) gathers the best of local producers, many without brick-and-mortar shops, to showcase and sell their wares, from clothing and jewellery to all manner of edibles. There is a small entrance fee; live music plays and dining options are abundant.
It takes heart to venture into the chaotic-looking, sprawling marketplace of Addis Ababa, but despite what it may seem at first glance, the market is very much organised, subdivided into "quarters" dedicated to a specific kind of ware. Come with a guide to help you navigate; many vendors keep goods inside permanent stalls, so what it is that is being sold might not be apparent at first glance. Items worth browsing for are leather goods, silver jewellery, spices, and more.
The first footwear producer to receive certification from the World Fair Trade Organisation, soleRebels' cause is to provide its workers with honest compensation and contribute to sustainable development by using recycled car tires and natural fabrics in shoe production. And it's not just shoes, but clothing and accessories too.
Travel Advice
Addis Ababa is a rather safe city where violent crime is uncommon, but travellers are advised to exercise vigilance and be weary of pick-pocketing and muggings which occur fairly frequently, and are not exclusively targeted at tourists (these have been especially common along Churchill Ave, in Piazza and Meskal Square). If invited for an unsolicited "culture show" decline politely but firmly, and continue on your way; this is one scam to which tourists have often fallen prey. Avoid talking to anyone approaching to sell you things in the street. Homosexuality remains both illegal (with punishments of up to 10 years imprisonment if convicted) and severely morally condemned in Ethiopia. So strong is the sentiment, that some hotels may refuse business to clients suspected of being in a same-sex relationship. It is strongly advised that same-sex couples keep a very low profile and avoid any form of public displays of affection.
Passport / Visa
Entry visas to Ethiopia are necessary for citizens of all countries with the exception of Djibouti and Kenya. Travellers must apply for visas in advance, but visas on arrival are issued at the Addis Ababa International Airport to nationals of 40 countries: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Macau, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Korea, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States. As of 2017, nationals of most countries eligible for visa on arrival can also apply for eVisa (first point of entry for eVisa holders must be Addis Ababa Bole International Airport).
Best Time to Visit
Although the sun shines nearly all year in Addis Ababa, the absolute best time to visit is during the dry season, roughly from September to March. This period is also when two of Ethiopia's major festivals (Meskel and Timkat) are celebrated, which is done with great swing and accompanied by major processions. The summer months (June to August, the "rainy season") aren't the most favourable, especially for trips to elsewhere in the country.
Airport
Although the Bole International Airport is only a few kilometres away from the city centre, it can get quite costly to reach Addis Ababa if no prior transfer arrangements are made. It is strongly recommended to inquire with your hotel about possible pick-up/transfer service (these are offered by most lodgings). Yellow taxis can be hired at the airport arrivals area. Make sure the fare is agreed upon before departure.
Public Transport
Public busses aren't the most efficient way of getting around; instead, most locals use the smaller, faster blue-and-white mini-busses. Fares in these are very moderate and normally fixed. Destinations will often be yelled out by staff on board the mini bus at major intersections/hubs. Addis Ababa now also has a light rail system, with lines connecting north and south (stops at Merkato, Meskal Square, and Menelik II Square), and east and west (stops at Meskal Square and Mexico Square). Tickets may be purchased at stations.
Taxi
Most taxis in Addis operate from 6am to 11pm. Short journeys (up to 3km) usually cost foreigners Birr60 to Birr80 (more at night). Medium/long journeys cost Birr100/140. If you share a taxi with strangers, the normal fare is split between the group. If you want to visit a lot of places in Addis Ababa, negotiate with a driver for a half- or full-day fare (Birr600 for a full day is pretty reasonable). A ‘city tour’ lasting a couple of hours should cost around Birr300 to Birr350. Taxis can be found outside larger hotels, as well as the National Theatre, national stadium and on De Gaulle Sq in the Piazza. At night, many line up outside the nightclubs.
Pharmacy
Gishen Pharmacy +251 11 661 1717 Ras Desta Damtew St, Addis Ababa Lion Pharmacy +251 11 155 1893 Mahatma Gandhi St, Addis Ababa
Post
There are several post offices around Addis Ababa, the main branch being on Churchill Avenue, next to the Derg Monument (parcels can only be sent from this post office location). Post boxes are yellow in colour. Stamps and post cards may be bought at post offices.
Travel Advice
Addis Ababa is a rather safe city where violent crime is uncommon, but travellers are advised to exercise vigilance and be weary of pick-pocketing and muggings which occur fairly frequently, and are not exclusively targeted at tourists (these have been especially common along Churchill Ave, in Piazza and Meskal Square). If invited for an unsolicited "culture show" decline politely but firmly, and continue on your way; this is one scam to which tourists have often fallen prey. Avoid talking to anyone approaching to sell you things in the street. Homosexuality remains both illegal (with punishments of up to 10 years imprisonment if convicted) and severely morally condemned in Ethiopia. So strong is the sentiment, that some hotels may refuse business to clients suspected of being in a same-sex relationship. It is strongly advised that same-sex couples keep a very low profile and avoid any form of public displays of affection.
Passport / Visa
Entry visas to Ethiopia are necessary for citizens of all countries with the exception of Djibouti and Kenya. Travellers must apply for visas in advance, but visas on arrival are issued at the Addis Ababa International Airport to nationals of 40 countries: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Macau, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Korea, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States. As of 2017, nationals of most countries eligible for visa on arrival can also apply for eVisa (first point of entry for eVisa holders must be Addis Ababa Bole International Airport).
