It is time to go on vacation again! How about making Addis Ababa, Africa’s diplomatic capital, your first stop in your next sightseeing? Do you know the 10 best things to do in Addis Ababa in 2022?
Addis has a lot to offer to tourists like you – from the historical artifacts and monuments to its public parks, the city is full of wonders that make you fall in love with it. Here are just a few of the attractions awaiting you.
1. The National Museum
Located in the heart of Addis around Arat Kilo, the National Museum of Ethiopia houses many priceless historical collections, most notably the skeleton of Lucy, our human ancestor who lived around 3.2 million years ago. The museum is full of artifacts that showcase the rich history, art, and culture of Ethiopia.
2. Unity Park
Housed within the Grand National Palace, Unity Park is one of the handfuls of public parks initiated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The sprawling park features a mix of attractions including a zoo, aquarium, the banquet hall of Emperor Menelik ll, and a pavilion dedicated to the diverse ethnic groups of Ethiopia.
3. Entoto Park
Entoto Park is a multi-purpose park built at the heart of the lush eucalyptus forest on Mount Entoto. The park’s amenities include cafes, restaurants, spas, an artificial lake, a library, a cinema, and sports centers. It is ideal for tourists like you to enjoy various indoor and outdoor activities.
4. Holy Trinity Cathedral
It is an age-old architectural masterpiece located near the Ethiopian parliament, with dazzling exterior design and mural arts. Many high-profile government officials and famous Ethiopians are laid to rest in the cemetery within the cathedral’s compound.
5. Addis Mercato
If you’re a market lover, one place you can’t miss when you visit Addis Ababa is Addis Mercato. It’s considered Africa’s biggest market, an open-air sprawl of vendors that goes on for kilometers; It’s one of those markets that weaves in all directions and you never know what you’re going to stumble into or what you’re going to find.
At the market, there’s a section for just about anything you can imagine.
6. Tiya – UNESCO World Heritage Centre
Located 80 km south of Addis Ababa, Tiya Stelae Field is a cemetery dating back to the 14th century AD. At this UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site, you will see 41 stelae up to 5m in height, engraved with enigmatic symbols.
7. Debre Libanos Monastery
The 13th century AD monastery of Debre Libanos is found 130 km from the capital Addis Ababa. The trip to this old monastery gives a myriad of experiences for travelers. Apart from its golden and stellar medieval Ethiopia history, the area is famed for its stunning scenic view, abundant bird species, and a chance for hiking. Nestled within a steep riverine canyon, the monastery has been a center of monastic order and Ethiopian Orthodox Church education.
The Portuguese Bridge near the monastery offers a chance to hike and enjoy the picturesque Jemma River valley. Although the locals believe the stone-arch Portuguese bridge was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, it was actually built in the 1890s by Ras Darge in the Old Portuguese style. The narrow span makes a spectacular picture and the gushing (in the rainy season) cascade just below it is very impressive.
8. Wonchi Crater Lake
Formed by a volcano erupting in the Tertiary period of the Cenozoic era and found 155 km west of Addis Ababa between Ambo and Welliso towns, Wonchi Crater Lake is an ideal weekend retreat spot. The crater which lay 2800 meters above the sea level contains a large lake, lush valley, hot mineral springs, waterfalls, beautiful valleys, farmland, and an old monastery with a church situated on one of the lake islands. Always referred to as a paradise for trekkers, this majestic place gives plenty of options to enjoy. You will relish the downhill trek which is full of varied green trees. Don’t miss indulging in the naturally moderated hot spring. After an hour of trek, a field opens to the shore and a small dock. Take in views of the lakeshore from a peaceful dock, with the chance to hike or ride a mule along the shore, or set out by boat to explore the lake’s small islands.
9. Menagesha Suba Forest Park
Dubbed to be the oldest park in Africa, Menagesha has been a state forest since the 15 century AD. Emperor Zere Yacob is credited for the protection of this fascinating ecosystem during his time. The total area of the park is around 2500 hectares which keeps important natural big trees like juniper and Eric arboreal and endemic antelopes like Minilik Bushbuck. As the forest is home to many endemic animals, bird species, and vast forests, the area is one of the ideal spots for bird watching, hiking, and mountain climbing in the vicinity of Addis Ababa.
The above are just some of the attractions in and around Addis. Make this bustling city your next vacation destination, and see for yourself what it has to offer!
10. Nightlife in Addis
Nightlife in Addis Ababa is even more enjoyable than your daytime city tour. Addis is full of delightful cultural and modern nightclubs that make your stay in the city complete. Here are just a few of the top clubs in town.
Club Illusion: This is one of the most boisterous clubs in Addis. It is housed in the basement of the Ambassador Cinema and features DJ-spun music and occasional live music.
Club H2O: Housed downstairs from Yoly Hotel, Club H2O features live jazz and Afro-Western mix. JD-led tunes are also played until close to dawn.
Beer Garden Inn: The German-flavoured Beer Garden, situated in the Bole neighborhood, could be your favorite inn if you are a beer lover. At Beer Garden, you sit on a long bench and gulp down the golden liquid along with lip-smacking German snacks.
While the nightclubs of Addis are truly enjoyable, visiting one of the top cultural restaurants in the city is more rewarding as it allows you to experience the indigenous cuisine, music, and dance of Ethiopia’s diverse ethnic groups. Here are some of the top cultural restaurants in Addis.
Yod Abyssinia: With branches in Bole and the Old Airport area, Yod Abyssinia is one of the ideal places to enjoy live cultural music while savoring delicious Ethiopian cuisine and the locally famous honey beer. The friendly cultural dancers will likely invite you to try one of the local dances, which you will surely enjoy.
2000 Habesha: This is a popular cultural restaurant located in the Atlas neighborhood around Bole. The restaurant serves a delicious buffet as well as live cultural music and dance.
Ethiopian Ta’em: Housed within Ethiopian Skylight Hotel near Bole International Airport, Ethiopian Ta’em cultural restaurant is a newer addition to the city. The hotel serves delicious cultural dishes and traditional alcohol, plus live cultural music and dance.