Addis Ababa Hotels

Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia and also the headquarters of the African Union. This majestic city is situated at the foot of the high-altitude Mount Entoto and is a fascinating destination with its rich history and cultural diversity. Addis Ababa boasts a dynamic metropolitan atmosphere, blending modern buildings with traditional Ethiopian architecture. 

Addis Ababa is known for its vibrant markets, where visitors can experience the colorful array of goods and the bustling local life. Additionally, the city offers a variety of museums and art galleries that showcase Ethiopia's ancient civilizations and contemporary artistic expressions, making it a hub of cultural exploration in East Africa.

Things to Know Before Going to Addis Ababa

• Locating places with free WiFi can be challenging in Addis Ababa.
• Cash is widely used for transactions; be prepared to pay for everything in local currency.
• Keep track of local holidays and festivals when planning your trip to Addis Ababa.
• It is advisable to get vaccinated for yellow fever and other relevant diseases before traveling to Ethiopia.
• International cards may not be accepted at most ATMs in the city. Consider visiting the National Bank for currency exchange or find a bank branch that supports foreign exchange services.

Addis Ababa Tips From Locals

• Easily navigate Addis Ababa and beyond by downloading apps like Ride or Feres for convenient ride-sharing services.
• Consider hiring a local travel guide when exploring destinations like Abay/Nile River or Gonder from Addis Ababa.
• Exercise caution when traveling through parts of Oromia. Some areas, like Welega, are considered unsafe, even for locals.
• English may not be widely understood, even in hotels. It's helpful to have basic local phrases or use translation apps.
• Avoid drinking tap water; opt for bottled water to stay safe during your stay in Ethiopia.

Where is Addis Ababa?

Addis Ababa is the capital city of Ethiopia, located in the eastern part of Africa. It is situated in the central highlands of the country.

Where to Stay in Addis Ababa?

Here’s a quick table of which areas in Addis Ababa are great for tourists:

Best Hotels in Addis Ababa 

Addis Ababa hotels offer a blend of luxury and convenience, providing exceptional services and amenities for your trip to be more comfortable. Even though luxury hotels in Addis Ababa may make you break the bank, they will be worth every penny thanks to their services. However, there are always mid-range and budget hotels in Addis Ababa to enhance your days and make your city tour seamless. Tailored for everyone, finding what kind of accommodation you want won’t be as hard as you think. Now, here are some of the best hotels in Addis Ababa we recommend and why:

Find best hotels in Addis Ababa here!

Best Addis Ababa Attractions

Here are the must-see attractions in Addis Ababa:

• National Museum of Ethiopia: Home to ancient artifacts, including the famous fossilized remains of "Lucy."
• Holy Trinity Cathedral: A magnificent church known for its beautiful architecture and historical significance.
• Ethnological Museum: Located within the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie, showcasing Ethiopia's cultural heritage.
• Unity Park: Recently opened park offering insights into Ethiopian history, culture, and natural beauty.
• Merkato: One of Africa's largest open-air markets, offering a bustling atmosphere and a wide array of goods.
• Entoto Hill: Offers panoramic views of Addis Ababa and houses the historic Entoto Maryam Church.
• Addis Mercato: A vibrant marketplace where you can find everything from local crafts to fresh produce.
• Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum: Commemorates victims of Ethiopia's political violence during the Derg regime.
• Addis Ababa Museum: Chronicles the history of the city and its development over the years.
• Shola Market: Known for its traditional Ethiopian handicrafts, textiles, and cultural artifacts.

Is Addis Ababa Safe for Tourists?

Addis Ababa is generally safe if visitors take normal precautions. Many tourists visit safely each year by taking normal urban precautions.

Is Addis Ababa Expensive to Visit?

Ethiopia is considered a budget-friendly destination, with relatively low costs for accommodations, transportation, and food.

Currency & Exchange in Addis Ababa

• The official currency used in Addis Ababa is the Ethiopian Birr (ETB).
  • 1 United States Dollar (USD) = 57.76 Ethiopian Birr (ETB) 
  • 1 Euro (EUR) = 63.41 Ethiopian Birr (ETB)
• The best options for exchanging currency in Addis Ababa are at banks or authorized foreign exchange bureaus, using the official exchange rates. 

Spoken Languages in Addis Ababa

Ethiopia recognizes multiple official languages. Amharic is the designated official working language used in the capital city of Addis Ababa and is spoken natively by the majority of its residents. Here are the most spoken languages spoken in Addis Ababa:

• Amharic - 70.99% (official working language, written in Ge'ez script)
• Afaan Oromo - 10.72%
• Gurage - 8.37%
• Tigrinya - 3.60% (also spoken in Eritrea)
• Silt'e - 1.82%
• Gamo - 1.03%

How Many Days Are Enough to Visit Addis Ababa?

2 or 3 days will be enough to visit Addis Ababa and see the most popular highlights. However, if you want to explore the city more thoroughly, you can spend 4 or 5 days.

What to Do in Addis Ababa?

• Take a hot air balloon ride over the city for panoramic views.
• Explore the historic Entoto Hills and visit the former palace of Emperor Menelik II.
• Tour the National Museum of Ethiopia to see the famous "Lucy" fossil and cultural exhibits.
• Immerse yourself in the lively Merkato Market, the largest open-air market in Africa.
• Browse the stalls at the Shiro Meda textile market for traditional Ethiopian fabrics and clothing.
• Visit Edna Mall for a more modern shopping experience with international brands.
• Attend a traditional Ethiopian music and dance performance.
• Explore the historic Holy Trinity Cathedral and other Orthodox churches.
• Visit the Ethnological Museum to learn about Ethiopia's diverse ethnic groups.
• Hike in the scenic Entoto Mountains just north of the city.
• Visit the Entoto Natural Park for hiking trails and wildlife viewing.
• Take a day trip to see the cave churches and rock-hewn monasteries in the surrounding region.
• Sample authentic Ethiopian cuisine like injera, wat, and tej (honey wine).
• Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional dishes.
• Enjoy coffee at one of Addis Ababa's many cafes and coffee houses.

When is the Best Time to Stay in Addis Ababa?

The best time to visit Ethiopia is between October and May. During this period, you'll encounter warm, dry, and sunny weather, ideal for hiking, wildlife viewing, and sightseeing across most of the country. However, it's important to note that these months are the peak season, so there will be crowds.

What to Pack for Addis Ababa Trip?

Dry Season (October to May)

• Light, breathable clothing like t-shirts, shorts, dresses
• Long pants and long-sleeved shirts for cooler evenings
• Lightweight jacket or sweater
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sandals
• Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
• Swimsuit if your hotel has a pool

Rainy Season (June to September)

• Lightweight rain jacket or umbrella
• Pants and long-sleeved shirts to protect against mosquitoes
• Closed-toe shoes or hiking boots
• Socks
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent

Year-Round Essentials

• Passport and copies of important documents
• Cash in Ethiopian Birr for shopping and tipping
• Credit/debit cards (limited acceptance)
• Adapter/converter for electrical outlets
• Reusable water bottle
• Toilet paper and wet wipes
• Medications and first aid supplies
• Camera and chargers

What to Eat in Addis Ababa?

Here are the must-try foods in Addis Ababa:

• Fitfit: It is a typical Ethiopian food served for breakfast. It is made with clarified spiced butter and berbere spices.
• Kitfo: It is a popular Ethiopian dish consisting of raw beef that is freshly ground and combined with Ethiopian butter and spices.
• Tibs: It is an Ethiopian dish consisting of stir-fried meat and vegetables.
• Fatila: It is a street food item commonly consumed for breakfast. It consists of a large, crispy wheat flour pancake.
• Sambusa: It is filled with chicken or meat in a crispy triangle-shaped dough.

Addis Ababa Nightlife

• Atmosphere: A popular pre-drinking spot with games, Iranian food, and a chill vibe.
• Zoya Addis: One of the best and most popular nightclubs in the city.
• Wakanda Ultra Lounge: A trendy club with a great atmosphere and music.
• Vardas Lounge: Known for its lively parties and diverse music selection.
• Pandora Addis: A modern club with a sleek interior and popular with the younger crowd.
• The Cage Lounge: A club with a unique cage-like design and a fun party atmosphere.
• The GreenHouse: A bar with a cozy, greenhouse-like setting and good food.
• Midtown Ultra Lounge: A lounge bar with a modern, upscale vibe.
• The Club Addis: A popular bar and lounge on Cameroon Street.
• The Cave: A unique bar located in a cave-like setting.
• Gold City: A bar known for its lively atmosphere and good drinks.