This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.
Planning a trip to Addis Ababa? You’ve come to the experts!
As Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa is a city where history and culture collide to make for an unforgettable trip. From ancient churches and bustling markets to rich coffee and delicious cuisine, there’s so much to explore.
Below you’ll find all of the best tours we did during our time here and everything you need to know to see which ones are best for you. So keep scrolling to see the best things to do in Addis Ababa!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Addis Ababa is this full-day tour! Our local guide took us to all the highlights like the National Museum of Ethiopia, Mount Entoto, and the huge Mercato Market.
We felt so safe with our guide and it was the perfect introduction to the city!
Things to do in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
1. Taste authentic Ethiopian food
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 4 pm
- Highlights: Taste Ethiopia’s most famous culinary dishes, enjoy complimentary beverages like coffee, beer, and fruit juice, learn about Ethiopian culture as you walk through the iconic Atlas neighborhood with a local guide
- Inclusions: English-speaking guide, all food tastings and beverages
- Rating: 4.9 Stars (Read the 400+ reviews here!)
- Free Cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re in Addis Ababa, this food tour is the perfect way to taste your way through Ethiopian food culture.
I loved how immersive this tour was from start to finish. With Birhanu as our guide, we got to explore traditional Ethiopian dishes, and he made sure we understood the cultural significance behind every bite. From the tangy injera (a type of flatbread) to a variety of flavorful vegetarian, beef, and fish dishes, the only issue was that I needed a bigger stomach!
One of my favorite moments from the evening was trying local Ethiopian beer. It was the perfect way to complement the bold flavor of the dishes we sampled. Soaking in the lively atmosphere as we learned about Ethiopian history was such a fun way to end the night.
What I really appreciated was how laid-back and stress-free the tour felt. Birhanu took care of everything, guiding us to the best spots while sharing stories about the local way of life. It didn’t feel rushed – just a fun and delicious way to learn about Ethiopian culture.
If you’re looking for an authentic foodie experience in Addis Ababa, this tour is a must! Plus, with so many glowing reviews, you know you’re in for a treat.
Easily book this food tour here and you can pay later!
2. See Addis Ababa’s best sights with a local
- Duration: 6 to 7 hours
- Time: 9 am to 2 pm
- Highlights: Go inside the National and Ethnological Museums, visit the largest open-air market in Africa, see the city from the top of Mount Entoto (if chosen), see the oldest hotel in Ethiopia, go to a Rastafarian pilgrimage site
- Inclusions: English-speaking guide, airport/hotel transportation, all entrance fees (except Entoto National Park)
- Rating: 4.9 Stars (Read the 390+ reviews here!)
- Free Cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Do you want to see why Addis Ababa is one of Ethiopia’s most traveled destinations? This full-day city tour is the way to go!
I loved how comprehensive and engaging this tour was. Our guide led us through some of the city’s most iconic spots, providing insights at every turn. We kicked off the day with a visit to the National Museum, home to the famous 3 million-year-old fossil, Lucy, which we got to see up close.
One of the most memorable moments was at the Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market. While wandering through the stalls I saw craftsmen making traditional baskets and even watched spices blended right before my eyes. The colors, smells, and energy of the market were unforgettable!
Another highlight was ascending Mount Entoto. The panoramic views of the city from the top were incredible. It offered a unique perspective and a moment to appreciate the sprawling beauty of Addis Ababa.
Even though lunch isn’t included, it’s incredibly cheap to eat in the city. I highly recommend that when you get the munchies you ask your guide to take you to their favorite local spot to eat. We did and it was like we got a mini food tour!
If you’re keen to immerse yourself in the culture and history of Ethiopia’s capital, this tour is a must-do. It’s well-organized, informative, and truly captures the essence of Addis Ababa.
Book our favorite tour in the city easily here!
3. Visit the Debre Libanos Monastery and the Portuguese Bridge
- Duration: 8 to 9 hours
- Time: 7am, 8am
- Highlights: Explore the ancient monastery and tombs of Debre Libanos, see the iconic Portuguese Bridge, go bird watching, and see Ethiopias Gelada Baboons up close
- Inclusions: English-speaking guide, all entrance fees, round-trip transportation, coffee, water, lunch
- Rating: 4.9 Stars (Read the 290+ reviews here!)
- Free Cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re looking for an unforgettable day trip from Addis Ababa, I wouldn’t leave Ethiopia without taking this Debre Libanos and Portuguese Bridge experience!
The journey began with a scenic drive through the Ethiopian countryside as our guide shared stories about the region. Our first stop was the Debre Libanos Monastery, a 13th-century site still significant to Ethiopian Orthodox Christians. To say it’s rich in history would be an understatement and it’s believed that there is a fragment of the True Cross located here.
Next, we headed to the historic Portuguese Bridge, a 17th-century stone bridge offering incredible views of a nearby waterfall. It was the perfect spot for photos and a short, enjoyable hike.
However, one of my favorite parts was visiting the Blue Nile Gorge, often called “Africa’s Grand Canyon.” The dramatic cliffs and valleys were stunning, and I was lucky enough to spot Gelada monkeys up close!
It was a busy afternoon and by the end of it, we were starving. So wrapping it all up with a traditional Ethiopian dinner and coffee ceremony was the perfect end to the day.
With a knowledgeable guide and a well-thought-out itinerary, this tour was one of the best things we did on our trip to Ethiopia!
Don’t miss out on this epic day trip, book your spot now!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
4. Experience Ethiopian culture – Africa’s largest market, cooking class, and coffee ceremony
- Duration: 5 to 6 hours
- Time: 9 am, 9:30 am
- Highlights: Learn how to make injera, visit Africa’s largest open-air market, eat a traditional lunch in the city’s oldest hotel, take part in an authentic coffee ceremony, and sample honey wine
- Inclusions: English-speaking guide, round-trip transportation, food and drinks
- Rating: 4.9 Stars (Read the reviews here!)
- Free Cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re the kind of person who travels to eat amazing food, this full-day culinary tour is for you.
The day starts with a visit to Atkilt Tera, the city’s largest produce market where locals come for fresh ingredients, some of which will be used in your food later! Next, we explored Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market. And let me tell you, am I glad we had our guide with us. This place is incredible, but can be quite overwhelming.
For me, the most memorable experience was learning to make injera, Ethiopia’s traditional sourdough flatbread. With the help of local women, we mixed the teff flour batter and cooked it on a griddle as we tried (and failed) to speak Amharic, the local language. Regardless, I think my injera turned out pretty good!
In the afternoon, we ventured to Sululta for a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. This is a must-have experience in Ethiopia! We also had the chance to taste organic honey wine, a sweet local specialty.
Lunch was at the historic Taitu Hotel, the oldest in Addis Ababa. The meal featured a variety of traditional dishes that were made with ingredients we saw at the markets that morning. It was SO good!
If you love food and culture, reserve your spot here with FREE cancellation!
Where to Stay in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Now that you have your itinerary all planned, it’s time to find the perfect place to stay! The accommodation you choose can make a big difference in your trip, so to help you out, I’ve rounded up the I’ve rounded up the best places to stay in Addis Ababa for every budget!
Luxury – $$$
For a luxurious stay in Addis Ababa, the Sheraton Addis has it all! This 5-star hotel features elegant rooms and top-notch amenities, including two swimming pools, a wellness spa, and a fitness center. With 11 restaurants and bars, plus nightly entertainment like karaoke and a nightclub, there’s always something to do. Add in its prime city-center location and world-class service, and you’ve got the perfect place to stay in Addis!
Rooms are around $340 USD per night on average. You can check all the room options and book this luxury stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
For a comfortable and stylish mid-range stay, the Haile Grand Addis Ababa is a fantastic option! This modern hotel features spacious rooms with city views, an on-site restaurant and bar, and great amenities like a fitness center, wellness spa, and sauna. Guests can start their day with an included buffet breakfast, relax by the outdoor pool, or unwind in the peaceful garden – it’s like a retreat right within the city!
Prices start around $160 USD per night and you can check availability for your travel dates on Booking.com.
Budget – $
If you’re after an affordable stay with a view, the Hayes Hotel is a solid choice. All rooms come with private balconies and city views, plus free Wi-Fi and a private bathroom. Guests can start their day with complimentary breakfast, and the on-site restaurant and bar make grabbing a meal easy. With a central location near shops, restaurants, and public transport, it’s a convenient and budget-friendly option for exploring Addis Ababa!
You can grab a private room for as low as $59 USD per night. Visit Booking.com to make your reservation.
For more options, see all of Addis Ababa’s hotels listed here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
That’s our short and sweet guide on the best things to do in Addis Ababa! This city had so much to see, so we were really glad we booked these great tours with local guides. It made all the difference for our trip here!
Wherever your travels are taking you, we want to help! Have a look through all our travel blogs for the need-to-know tips and experiences to take your trip to the next level.
10 Best Things to do in Marrakech, Morocco