Full-Day Private City Tour of Addis Ababa
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Full-Day Private City Tour of Addis Ababa

Active
(172 reviews)
7h - 9h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This Viator’s “Badge of Excellence” awardee tour is prefect for stopover travelers at Addis Ababa.

With expert local tour guide, customize and enjoy the best first-time visitors’ overview to Addis Ababa.

Explore top things to do in the city with flexible airport pick up and/or hotel drop off.

Use a private air-conditioned vehicle on this door-to-door city tour.

Highlights include:
- Experience Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony and learn cooking Ethiopian cuisine
- Savour home cooked meals for lunch at a local family house
- See the fossil remains of Lucy at the National Museum of Ethiopia
- Visit Holy Trinity Cathedral or Saint George Cathedral, Addis Ababa’s most notable religious sites
- Enjoy stunning city views from Mount Entoto
- City sightseeing drive to view notable landmarks
- Visit Merkato Market and Ethnological Museum
- Taste Tej - Ethiopian Honey Wine

Available in English, Spanish, German and French speaking guides, book this tour for a memorable experience in Addis Ababa.

Available options

Full-Day Private City Tour of Addis Ababa

Pickup included

What's included

Traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony Experience
A glass of Tej (Ethiopian Honey Wine), similar to mead. It is the national drink of Ethiopia.
Air-conditioned vehicle
Hotel/Airport pickup and drop-off with private air conditioned vehicle
Professional experienced English speaking tour guide
Home cooked Ethiopian meals

Detailed itinerary

1

Step inside St. George’s Cathedral, one of Addis Ababa’s historical religious sites, built to commemorate Ethiopia's victory over Italians at the Battle of Adwa.

On this private guided tour to Addis, examine its stunning octagonal architecture. Inside, admire vivid mosaics and paintings by Afework Tekle. With a professional guide, enjoy exclusive insider access to St. George’s Cathedral Museum.

2

Enjoy a scenic city sightseeing drive through Addis Ababa to see landmarks like the Lion of Judah.
Standing as a bronze sentinel, the Lion of Judah Monument captures Ethiopia’s spirit of strength and freedom.

Our Full-Day City tour in Addis Ababa offers a unique emotional connection with expert guidance revealing the monument’s deep roots in Ethiopia’s antifascist resistance and cultural heritage.

3
Stop 3

Ascend to Mount Entoto in Addis Ababa. From the summit, enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Addis Ababa—a perfect moment for reflection and photography.

At Entoto, take time for a cultural experience for a warm, personal Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony in a local family visit. Learn baking Enjera (Injera) bread.

During this flexible tour in Addis Ababa, have home cooked Ethiopian lunch with locals.

4

Enjoy a guided walking tour through the lively Mercato Market in Addis Ababa, the largest open-air market in Africa. Follow your local guide to discover sections selling spices, traditional foods, woven dresses, and handmade baskets.

Shop while practicing friendly bargaining. This local market exploration a cultural experience for a deeper insight into everyday Ethiopian life. Benefit from guidance by someone who knows Merkato well, ensures you are safe and your visit to Addis Mercato is worthwhile.

5
Stop 5

Experience a captivating guided museum tour through the Ethnological Museum in Addis Ababa. Learn about Ethiopia's diverse peoples, their traditions, and history.

This visit offers a unique, emotional connection to history, including insider access to Emperor Haile Selassie I's private bedroom. Your time at the Ethnological Museum will deepen your understanding and appreciation for Ethiopia's rich heritage.

6
Stop 6

Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa, a must-see stop for first-time visitors eager to explore the country’s ancient past. Walk with your guide among ruins of great archaeological merit.

Examine and photograph a remarkable series of artifacts that trace Ethiopia’s story from ancient kingdoms to modern times.

The focal point of the museum’s archaeological interest is Lucy, the 3.2-million-year-old fossil whose presence touches every visitor with a powerful sense of human connection and wonder.

7
Stop 7

Visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Addis Ababa for a memorable religious and cultural experience. Step inside to admire its magnificent stained-glass windows, royal crowns, and historic paintings that echo Ethiopia’s spiritual heritage.

Walk through the peaceful grounds where Emperor Haile Selassie I, Empress Menen Asfaw, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, and Sylvia Pankhurst rest—making the Holy Trinity Cathedral a powerful place of faith, history, and national pride.

You can include visiting the Holy Trinity Cathedral in your full-day city tour in Addis Ababa with us.

Entrance fee to visit this cathedral is 1,500 Ethiopian Birr (~10 United States Dollar) per person.

8
Stop 8

Take short walks or drive by Meskel Square in Addis Ababa, the city’s cosmopolitan urban centre. During your city sightseeing tour, stand where grand celebrations, concerts, and the colorful religious Meskel Festival ignite the spirit of unity and joy.

Near Meskel Square, you may want to take a quick visit to the Red Terror Martyrs’ Memorial Museum. Just ask your tour guide.

What's not included

Gratuities
Merkato Market is CLOSED on Sundays. National Museum of Ethiopia is NOT OPEN on MONDAYS.
This is extra payment for entrance fees at Holy Trinity Cathedral (~$12), Saint George Cathedral (~$3), and Ethnological Museum (~$2).

Available languages

Guide guide
DE EN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8
47 reviews
5★
42
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3
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0
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2
1★
0
Tripadvisor 4.9
125 reviews
5★
120
4★
4
3★
0
2★
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1★
1

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, is a vibrant and historically rich city nestled in the highlands of the Horn of Africa. Known as the political, cultural, and economic heart of the country, it offers a unique blend of modern amenities and traditional Ethiopian culture.

Top Attractions

Entoto Mountain

A scenic mountain offering panoramic views of Addis Ababa and the surrounding highlands. It's a great spot for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the region.

Nature Half day to full day Free (some attractions may have entry fees)

Addis Ababa Museum

A museum showcasing the history and cultural heritage of Ethiopia, including artifacts from the ancient kingdom of Aksum and the medieval Solomonic dynasty.

Historical 1-2 hours Moderate (around 100 ETB or 3 USD)

Mercato

One of the largest open-air markets in Africa, offering a vast array of goods, from spices and textiles to handmade crafts and livestock.

Market Half day Free to enter, prices vary for purchases

St. George's Cathedral

A historic cathedral built in the 19th century, known for its beautiful stained-glass windows and intricate architecture.

Religious 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (donations welcome)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Doro Wat

A spicy chicken stew made with berbere spice, onions, and hard-boiled eggs.

Main Dish Contains meat and spices

Injera

A sourdough flatbread made from teff flour, used as both a utensil and a base for other dishes.

Staple Vegan

Tibs

Sautéed cubes of meat, often served with vegetables and spices.

Main Dish Contains meat and spices

Shiro

A chickpea or lentil-based stew, often spiced with berbere or mitmita.

Stew Vegetarian and vegan options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in Entoto Mountain Boating in Lake Bishoftu Coffee ceremony Spa and wellness treatments Visiting museums and historical sites Attending traditional music and dance performances N/A Participating in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony

Best Time to Visit

October to June

This period offers the best weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures.

12°C to 26°C (54°F to 79°F) 54°F to 79°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Amharic
  • Widely spoken: English, Oromo
  • English: Moderately spoken in urban areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Ethiopian Birr (ETB)

Time Zone

GMT+3

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Addis Ababa is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night.

Important Precautions:
  • • Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night
  • • Use reputable tour operators and guides
  • • Avoid walking alone at night in less crowded areas

Getting there

By air
  • Addis Ababa Bole International Airport • 8 km (5 miles) from city center
By bus

Addis Ababa Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable but can be crowded. Tickets are purchased on board.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Ride

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Piazza District Bole District Mercato District

Day trips

Debre Berhan
130 km (80 miles) from Addis Ababa • Full day

A historic town known for its beautiful church and traditional Ethiopian architecture.

Lake Bishoftu
40 km (25 miles) from Addis Ababa • Half day to full day

A series of volcanic lakes known for their scenic beauty and birdlife.

Festivals

Timket (Epiphany) • January 19 Meskel (Finding of the True Cross) • September 27

Pro tips

  • Learn a few basic phrases in Amharic to enhance your experience and connect with locals
  • Hire a local guide for a more authentic and insightful experience, especially when visiting historical and cultural sites
  • Try traditional Ethiopian coffee and participate in a coffee ceremony for a unique cultural experience
  • Bargain politely when shopping in markets, as it is a common practice
  • Be patient and flexible, as punctuality and schedules can be more relaxed in Ethiopia
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 6
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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