Addis Ababa is a city of surprises characterized by remarkable diversity and contrast. Abundant eucalyptus trees and crisp clear mountain air endow the Ethiopian capital city with the bracing atmosphere of a highland summer resort. Its cozy espresso bars and patisseries are reminiscent of Rome or the Mediterranean, whereas its bustling outdoor markets are colorful reminders of more traditional ways of life such as those found in Delhi or Bombay. Addis Abba is as vibrant and cosmopolitan as any of the world’s great metropolises.

The architecture is as varied as the city itself. Tall office buildings, elegant villas, functional bungalows, flats, fashionable hotels, conference centers, and theatres vie for space alongside traditional homes surrounded by cattle, sheep, goats and chickens. Being the third highest capital city in the world means that it enjoys a mild climate with an average temperature of 16 oC despite its proximity to the equator.

Sites

National Museum Of Ethiopia – majorly artefacts several Ethiopia’s artistic treasures. It also features many local archaeological findings such as fossil remains and skeletons. At present, it has four major exhibition sections. The basement of the museum is solely dedicated to archaeological and paleontological sections. The first floor contains objects from the ancient and the medieval period. The second floor contains artwork in a chronological manner. The third floor contains some ethnographic display. The museum tries to give an overlook about the cultural richness of Ethiopia.

Ethnographic Museum – housed in the former palace of Haile Selassie, which is now on the grounds of Addis Ababa University, is one of the well-organized museums in the country. It was established in 1968) ‘upon the idea of preserving the nation’s heritage, conduct research and education as well as assist the teaching-learning process at the AAU’.

The collection was acquired from donations by various benefactors, through purchase as well as through inheritance. Collections are well kept and displayed in good showcases for easy viewing by visitors and handled by trained conservationists.

The Holy Trinity ( Sielasie ) Cathedral – one of the main Orthodox structures in the city, indeed in the whole of the country. uilt in 1942, it was constructed to commemorate Ethiopia’s liberation from the Italian invasion which began just before the Second World War in 1936.

Before this, the same site was home to the Holy Trinity Monastery Church, which dates back to the reign of the Emperor Menelik II – another prolific ruler in this country’s history, who actually founded the city of Addis Ababa.

Buried in the Cathedral now are Emperor Haile Selassie and Empress Menen Asfaw, whose tombs can be found in the northern section of the building. Then, outside, the Cathedral’s graveyard is also the resting place of the famous British suffragette, Sylvia Pankhurst.

St George Cathedral & Museum – Located on the northern edge of Piazza, at Menelik Square, this religious structure is famous for its octagonal shape, as well as for the numbers of devotees who come here each day to pray and pay their respects.

Often found in silent contemplation at the gates of the church, as well as inside, visiting this place of worship is certainly one of the best things to do in Addis Ababa, because of the fascinating insight it provides into Ethiopian culture, which is still deeply religious in an almost mystical way.

With its importance as a historical site too, due to the fact it was the coronation location for some of this country’s most famous rulers, the St George Cathedral also has a museum attached to it, with an imperial throne on display and some beautiful stained glass window artwork.

Merkato – Rumored to be the largest street market in the whole of Africa – and this really is quite a title – this huge sprawling mass of street sellers is a feast for the senses as the smells, tastes, sights and sounds of Ethiopian culture waft towards you.

With all the hustle and bustle here, it’s hard to guard your pockets all the time, but if you leave everything of value at your hotel and simply venture to this insanely large marketplace with a sense of adventure and discovery, you’ll find a rich and wonderful travel experience worth unearthing.

Unity Park – The newly opened boutique park within the Grand National palace of Ethiopia ,was officially inaugurated and opened to the public in 2019. Visiting the park gives myriad of options to visit which ranges from the black manned Ethiopian lion zoo to the banquet hall of Emperor Menelik ll the founder of the palace, from the throne hall to gesturing the ostrich and unity zoo which keeps Meerkat, Aquarium, Peacocks, Cheetah, White Lions, and Wild dogs, Gelada Baboons, Aviary and Safari. Apart from that, the park boasts a pavilion dedicated to the various people and ethnic groups of Ethiopia. One can learn the highlight of Ethiopian history to the present time with an electronic display within the banquet hall.

Entoto Park – Located around mount Entoto, Addis Ababa’s highest peak, is a must-see for every wildlife enthusiast. In addition to paved roads with the bike lanes and running trucks besides hiking paths, it offers a zip lines, a rope course, spa, and archery facility. The All School of Fine Arts and Deign at Addis Ababa University operates an art gallery and number of neighborhood restaurants in the park. Most importantly, the mountain’s summit offers a stunning panorama of the city.

Entoto park is one of the mega projects which aims to renovate Addis Ababa. Ethiopian PM Dr. Abiy Ahmed officially start the project on tikimt, 2012 (Ethiopian calendar). It only takes 9 months to complete the main parts of the operation. The whole project was built by Ethiopian engineers and labor workers.

Friendship Park – One of the bigger park in the city, Friendship Park, has a lots of features that make it worthwhile to visit, like a lovely lake teeming with fish, water lilies, and occasionally eve a duck. Thanks to the paved roads that are good for jogging and the lengthy staircases for some vigorous cardio, it’s also a terrific area to go for an early morning run. Early morning yoga classes are also accessible in the park by arrangement.

Cultural Restaurants – A slice of Ethiopian culture that is more known about however is the highly unique food and form of dancing encountered across this country. With deeply historical roots, it’s amazing that such strong traditional culinary and performance styles are maintained so fiercely throughout Ethiopia in modern times. And one of the best places to experience both these facets together is at a traditional restaurant.

Scattered across this country, these are eating establishments that provide entertainment in the form of local song and dance performances every evening… but amazingly it’s not a tourist trap and is largely frequented by locals!

Fendika – an evening idea centered on local arts and culture, Fendika, however, provides a very different experience to cultural restaurants, in that it fuses traditional performance elements and styles with modern international influences.

This is the primary modern arts centre in Addis Ababa and is an absolutely incredible place to check out, especially on a Friday, which is the busiest night of the week here.

Established by famous contemporary dance performer and choreographer Melaku Belay, this is an extraordinarily visionary artistic hub, situated in a country with an already highly unique cultural heritage.

There’s a bar at Fendika too, which means entertainment evenings take place in a casual and social environment and a small gallery space also features a revolving exhibition of local artists’ work.

A little, but full of fun, Fendika is the one place you must spend an evening when you visit Addis Ababa, especially if you’re looking to understand how the rich, cultural identity of this nation can combine with the strong influences of its African neighbors as well as western globalizing forces.

 Places for a day Excursion –

Bishoftu – formerly known as Debre Zeyit, this is an area of natural significance that lies to the south-east of the city. Famous for its array of lakes, some of which vary in colours and all of which are home to some incredible birdlife, this is a spectacular destination for those looking to get their wildlife fix in Ethiopia.

Five crater lakes dominate the scenery here and many upscale resorts provide weary citizens from Addis Ababa with the perfect excuse for a weekend retreat.

Join them here for a quieter trip to this area of stunning natural beauty.

Debre Libanos Monastery – is a monastery in Ethiopia, lying northwest of Addis Ababa Founded in the 13th century by Saint Tekle Haymanot, according to myth, he meditated in a cave for 29 years. The present name Debre Libanos was given by Zara Yaqob in 1445. During this time Debre Libanos and Hayek Istifanos served as the political centre of the church. Of course, it retained its political significance until the Italian second time occupation and use as a shelter for many pilgrimage of Orthodox Christian. The modern church was built in the 1950 by Emperor Haile Selassie to replace the one which is destroyed by the fascist Italian during their occupation on 20 May 1937 furthermore they shot 297 and 100 young deacons within short period of time.

Tiya & Melka Kunture –  Tiya is best known for its archeological site, which is distinguished by 36 standing stones or stelae, “32 of which are engraved with enigmatic symbols, notably swords, ” marks a large, prehistoric burial complex. Tiya is one of Ethiopia’s UNESCO World heritage site registered on 15 September, 1980.

The Melka Kunture prehistoric site, where many stone tools and fossils, dating back 1. 8 million years, have been found. Examples are displayed in four tukuls (huts), including tools used by the Homo erectus who once inhabited the area, and there’s also an open excavation site down a sometimes muddy path.