What to do in Addis Ababa

Activities, attractions and tours

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A historic church with a large dome, ornate columns, and a bell tower.
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Places to Visit in Addis Ababa

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Addis Ababa attractions from NZ$56, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Addis Ababa tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 513 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Addis Ababa. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

Activities

Plaza Premium Lounge at Addis Ababa Bole International Airpor

Plaza Premium Lounge at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport(ADD)

NZ$65
per adult
Plaza Premium Lounge at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport(ADD)
Addis Ababa & Mount Entoto View Point, Museums Palace,Market Tour

Addis Ababa & Mount Entoto View Point, Museums Palace,Market Tour

NZ$124
per adult
Addis Ababa & Mount Entoto View Point, Museums Palace,Market Tour
Addis Ababa City Tours

Addis Ababa City Tours Full Day With Hotel Pickup And Drop Off

NZ$166
per adult
Addis Ababa City Tours Full Day With Hotel Pickup And Drop Off
pick up and drop off from your hotel

Addis Ababa Full Day Tour with hotel pickup and drop off

NZ$167
per adult
Addis Ababa Full Day Tour with hotel pickup and drop off
AddisAbaba City Tour: Flexible&Perfect for Layover Travelers

AddisAbaba City Tour: Flexible&Perfect for Layover Travelers

NZ$76
per adult
AddisAbaba City Tour: Flexible&Perfect for Layover Travelers
Addis Ababa Cooking, Coffee & Traditional Drink Tasting

Addis Ababa Cooking, Coffee & Traditional Drink Tasting

NZ$109
per adult
Addis Ababa Cooking, Coffee & Traditional Drink Tasting
Addis Ababa: Half-Day Shopping and City Tour

Addis Ababa: Half-Day Shopping and City Tour

NZ$64
per adult
Addis Ababa: Half-Day Shopping and City Tour
Addis Ababa: Walking Tour with Lunch and Coffee

Addis Ababa: Walking Tour with Lunch and Coffee

NZ$74
per adult
Addis Ababa: Walking Tour with Lunch and Coffee
Prepare for the Best Day Tour in Addis Ababa

Prepare for the Best Day Tour in Addis Ababa

NZ$151
per adult
Prepare for the Best Day Tour in Addis Ababa
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Recommended things to do in Addis Ababa

Number of things to do
513
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Premium Addis Ababa Piassa Walking Tour with Coffee Ceremony: NZ$56
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Addis Ababa

Stay near popular Addis Ababa attractions

Medhane Alem Church

9.0/10 (162 reviews)
This grand Ethiopian Orthodox cathedral, among Africa's largest churches, features impressive domes and stained glass. Inside, beautiful murals reveal Ethiopia's rich religious traditions and artistic heritage.
See properties

Our guide on where to stay in Addis Ababa

Find the best Addis Ababa areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Addis Ababa
Learn more about Addis Ababa
A cityscape with a mix of modern and older buildings, a clear sky, and distant mountains.

Bole

Spas and bars are highlights of Bole. Make a stop by Century Mall or Selam City Mall while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Ayat Station to get around town.

A large building with a green dome and multiple arches.

Kazanchis

If you're spending time in Kazanchis, check out sights like ECA Conference Center or Africa Hall and hop on the metro to see more of the city at St. Urael Station or Hayahulet 2 Station.

A historic yellow building with a dome and a bell tower.

Piazza

You might enjoy the restaurants on your visit to Piazza. Visitors recommend a visit to National Museum of Ethiopia, and you can get around town on the metro at Menelik II Square Station.

A modern cityscape with a prominent curved building and a tall skyscraper.

Kirkos

Kirkos is well liked for its mountain views and museums. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Meskel Square and Addis Ababa Stadium are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Riche Station or Meshwalekya Station to get around.

A historic church with a large dome, ornate columns, and a bell tower.

Arada

Arada is a destination travellers like for its restaurants, and you might hop aboard the metro at Menelik II Square Station or Atikilt Tera Station to explore sights like National Museum of Ethiopia.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Addis Ababa

A large lake surrounded by lush green hills and a mountain in the distance.

Bishoftu

Frequently asked questions

Is Addis Ababa worth visiting?
Famous for its history and culture, finding awesome things to do in Addis Ababa is a cinch. Be sure to add Medhane Alem Church to your trip itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Addis Ababa?
After you've visited major attractions like National Museum of Ethiopia and Lela Gallery, spend the rest of your day experiencing the retail and food options in Addis Ababa.
What is the top tourist attraction in Addis Ababa?
Medhane Alem Church is one of the top tourist attractions in Addis Ababa and should be high on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Addis Ababa?
You can easily tour leading sights like Medhane Alem Church, National Museum of Ethiopia and Holy Trinity Cathedral with a three-day stay in Addis Ababa. On average, many travellers book four days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stay a while longer and head to Bishoftu.
Is Addis Ababa a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you'd like to see and do in Addis Ababa. Several sights, including Medhane Alem Church and National Museum of Ethiopia, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Addis Ababa's best neighbourhoods, Bole is 3 kilometres away from downtown, while Kirkos is 2 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Addis Ababa with kids?
Planning what to do in Addis Ababa with kids has never been easier. Whether you're taking a trip with teenagers or toddlers, there are loads of family-friendly sights to keep them happy here.

What to do in Addis Ababa for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Addis Ababa, with experiences for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to African Union Headquarters or World Bank Ethiopia.
Are there free things to do in Addis Ababa?
In Addis Ababa, Medhane Alem Church is a must-see spot for anyone wishing to see the city without opening their wallet. Also, check out the local neighbourhoods and parks, and ask for ideas from a local tour guide. It's a simple way to learn about the best free things to do in Addis Ababa.

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