City Tour of Addis Ababa
Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Join us for a fun-filled day that begins with a panoramic view of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital city, and ends with a shopping in one of the largest market area in Africa, Merkato. Your chauffeur will pick you up to begin your lovely morning by gazing down on Addis Ababa from Entoto Mountain. Get ready to be rewarded with a spectacular view of the city and fresh air from the wonderful woodland.
Moreover, the journey will take you to Addis Ababa, and its various cultural heritages and historic treasures. Ethiopian art, traditional crafts, and prehistoric fossils, including replicas of the renowned early hominid “Lucy,” are on display in the National Museum to be visited. In addition, traditional Ethiopian foods and dances are constantly exhibited throughout the city; so get ready for an insightful and pleasant experience.
Available options
City Tour of Addis Ababa
Pickup included
What's included
Bottled water
Entrance fees
Hotel drop off and pick up
All Fees and Taxes
Air conditioned vehicle with an expert driver
Professional english speaking guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
You will be lucky enough to experience a panoramic view of Addis Ababa from the top of the mountain. You will also visit Menelik II's historic palace.
2
The best local markets to shop handwoven cotton clothes.
3
Stop 3
The National Museum of Ethiopia is one of Addis Ababa's must-see attractions, especially for the fossil remains of Lucy, the world's oldest hominid (3.25 mil years old).
4
If you're a market lover, the one place you can't miss is Mercato. It is regarded as Africa's largest market, an open-air sprawl of vendors that stretches for kilometers; it is one of those markets that swirls in all directions, and you never know what you’re going to stumble into or what you’re going to find. What an interesting experience!
What's not included
Alcoholic Beverages
Food and drinks
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
EN
IT
FR
Reviews breakdown
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Important information
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
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
