Addis Ababa Ethiopia 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Addis Ababa Itinerary:

This itinerary offers a mix of cultural exploration, historical landmarks, natural beauty, and local experiences.

Day 1:

  • Morning: Arrive at Bole International Airport (ADD) in Addis Ababa. Settle into your hotel, like the Radisson Blu Hotel, Addis Ababa.

  • Afternoon: Explore the vibrant Merkato Market, one of the largest open-air markets in Africa. Enjoy the bustling atmosphere and discover local handicrafts, spices, textiles, and traditional Ethiopian goods.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner: Indulge in a delicious Ethiopian dinner at Yod Abyssinia Traditional Restaurant. Experience the communal dining experience with injera (traditional sourdough flatbread) and flavorful stews served on top.
    • Thing to do: After dinner, enjoy traditional Ethiopian music and dancing at the restaurant or find a local bar offering live entertainment.

Day 2:

  • Morning: Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to the famous Lucy skeleton (one of the oldest hominid fossils) and learn about the country’s rich history and cultural heritage.

  • Afternoon: Explore the Ethnological Museum at the Addis Ababa University, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the diverse cultures and traditions of Ethiopia’s many ethnic groups.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner: Enjoy Ethiopian cuisine with a modern twist at The Village, known for its creative dishes and live music.

Day 3:

  • Morning: Visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, an impressive landmark with stained-glass windows depicting biblical scenes and the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Red Terror Martyrs’ Memorial Museum to learn about the country’s dark past during the Derg regime.

Day 4:

  • Morning: Take a trip to Entoto Mountain, offering stunning views of Addis Ababa and the surrounding countryside, as well as historical sites like the palace of Emperor Menelik II.
  • Afternoon: Immerse yourself in the vibrant Addis Ababa Zoo and see native Ethiopian wildlife.

Day 5:

  • Morning: Visit the National Palace (former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie) for a glimpse into the grandeur of past eras.

  • Afternoon: Explore the historical Addis Ababa National Theatre and enjoy a performance or take a tour to learn about Ethiopian arts and culture.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner: Try the traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony at a local cafe like Tomoca Coffee.

Day 6:

  • Morning: Enjoy a relaxing walk through the National Palace: (continued) and explore the beautiful gardens, taking in the history of this iconic building.
  • Afternoon: Experience the bustling heart of Addis Ababa at Piazza, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and local cafes for a taste of the city’s everyday life.

Day 7:

  • Morning: Visit Shiro Berbere, a popular restaurant in the capital, to sample delicious Ethiopian cuisine.
  • Afternoon: Enjoy a final afternoon exploring the National Palace: (continued)

Things to do:

  • Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia: This is a great place to start your journey through Ethiopia’s history.
  • Experience the National Theatre: The National Theatre is a cultural hub in Addis Ababa, offering a variety of performances and exhibitions.
  • Discover Ethiopian art and culture: Enjoy the vibrant arts scene in Addis Ababa by visiting galleries or attending an event at the Alliance Ethio-Française.

Things to do:

  • Enjoy the traditional coffee ceremony: This is a cultural experience that shouldn’t be missed.

Accommodation:

  • The Sheraton Addis, a luxury hotel,
  • Addis Ababa Hilton, a historic landmark with modern amenities,
  • The Radisson Blu Hotel, Addis Ababa,

Food and Drink:

  • **Enjoy the flavors of Ethiopia at the Ethiopian Restaurant: Try the traditional “injera” with flavorful stews.
  • Taste Ethiopian coffee: The coffee ceremony is a traditional social event that involves roasting green coffee beans, grinding them by hand, and brewing a strong, flavorful coffee in a clay pot.

Day 7 (continued) :

  • Food: For a more authentic taste of local life, you can try the “injera” at the Addis Ababa Hilton, which often features traditional Ethiopian food options on its menu.**
  • Dinner:

Explore the bustling nightlife:

  • Enjoy live music and dancing at the jazz club Addis Jazz Village.

Day 7 (continued):

  • Experience the vibrant atmosphere of a local market, like the Village Cafe in Addis Ababa.

Things to note for your visit:

  • Visa: You’ll need a visa to enter Ethiopia.

  • Currency: Ethiopian Birr (ETB) is the currency.

  • Language: Amharic is the official language, but English is also widely spoken in Addis Ababa.

Transportation:

  • Minibuses: The most common and affordable public transportation option in Addis Ababa.

  • Taxis: Easily available and relatively inexpensive for short trips.

  • Local buses: For longer journeys within the city, these are a cheap and adventurous way to travel.**

Travel Tips:

  • Learn a few basic Amharic phrases: A simple “hello” (ሰላም - Selam) or “thank you” (አመሰግናለሁ - Amesegenalehu) can go a long way.
  • Be aware of the altitude: Addis Ababa is located at 7,726 feet above sea level, so be sure to take it easy for your first day or two and stay hydrated to avoid altitude sickness.

Transportation:

  • Culture: Embrace the local culture by learning about Ethiopian history and traditions.

Food:

  • Learn about the coffee ceremony: The national coffee culture is a big part of Ethiopia’s identity and heritage, so it’s a must-do for any visitor.
  • Experience the city like a local: Visit bustling markets, try traditional street food, and explore the vibrant cultural scene.

Other things to see:

  • Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony: Take in the cultural significance of this daily ritual at the National Museum.

Food & Drink:

  • Ethiopian Cuisine: Enjoy the unique flavors of Ethiopian cuisine like “doro wat” (chicken stew) and “injera” (traditional flatbread).

  • Traditional Coffee:

    • Transportation:

Enjoy the other things:

  • Ethiopian coffee:

Other Things to do:

  • Local Experiences: Learn about the local Ethiopian culture through interactive exhibits and demonstrations.

Day 8:

  • Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of a local market, like the Merkato Market, and explore the city’s bustling nightlife.**

Enjoy the vibrant Ethiopian culture:

  • Enjoy the traditional coffee ceremony at the Addis Ababa Hilton, a renowned cultural experience that showcases the rich tradition of coffee brewing and consumption.

Enjoy the other things:

  • Take a break:

  • Relax and enjoy the views:

  • Experience the culture:

Enjoy a relaxing day:

  • Enjoy the vibrant Ethiopian culture with a visit to a local market, like “the Village” (a cultural hub with traditional coffee ceremonies).

  • Enjoy local food:

  • For a delicious and authentic experience:

  • Try the traditional Ethiopian food:

  • Enjoy Ethiopian traditions:

Things to do:

  • Explore the vibrant culture of Addis Ababa: Visit local cafes, restaurants, or markets to experience the cultural significance of coffee in Ethiopia.

  • Experience: Take a walk through the bustling Piazza district and see how the locals enjoy their “macchiato” (a strong espresso drink)

  • Enjoy the culture:

Food & Drink:

  • Coffee: Enjoy local coffee brewing techniques, such as the “jebena” ceremony, with a visit to the Addis Ababa Hilton.

Other things:

  • National Museum of Ethiopia: Explore the origins and traditions of Ethiopian coffee culture.
  • The National Theatre: Enjoy a final afternoon enjoying the vibrant Ethiopian experience before you depart.

Things to do:

  • Visit: Enjoy the vibrant local atmosphere, try the traditional “jebena” coffee ceremony, and sample Ethiopian delicacies like injera and wat.
  • Experience the cultural significance of the coffee ceremony, which is a crucial part of Ethiopian social life.

Travel Tips:

  • Transportation: Use the bus or a taxi to get around.
  • Bargaining: It’s common practice in Addis Ababa to bargain for prices at the “Merkato” market, but remember to be respectful and polite.