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Addis Ababa

Tourist Attractions in Addis Ababa

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Addis Ababa. Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps.

16 Attractions
★4.3 Average rating
7 Categories

About Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, perched high in the Ethiopian plateau, blends grand historic institutions with a bustling modern pulse. Visit the National Museum to meet Lucy and other treasures, the Ethnological Museum housed in Haile Selassie’s former palace, and the solemn Red Terror Memorial. Wander through the expansive Mercato, one of Africa’s largest markets, or sip coffee in a traditional café and watch city life unfold. Take a panoramic day trip to Entoto Hills, frame the skyline, or descend into the revamped Unity Park near the National Palace. The city hosts lively restaurants, sermons, and music that anchor Ethiopia’s contemporary culture.

Top-16 Tourist Attractions in Addis Ababa

Unity Park — Park, rated 4.5/5 1
Park City ParkGardenHistorical LandmarkZoo

Unity Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 1,739 reviews

Unity Park is a newly developed urban oasis set within Addis Ababa’s Grand Palace complex, designed to celebrate Ethiopian unity and heritage. The grounds unfold across expansive green spaces framed by modern pavilions, sculpted pathways, and sweeping viewpoints that overlook the surrounding city. Inside, visitors can explore a dynamic museum and cultural exhibitions that illuminate Ethiopia’s history, achievements, and diverse communities, complemented by cafes and family-friendly areas. Expect guided tours, interactive displays, and photo opportunities amid contemporary architecture fused with landscaped gardens, making the park a memorable centerpiece for a city visit.

2QF7+7H, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Closed now
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Friday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Sunday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Good for kids Restroom Cards accepted
Entrance Parking Seating
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Friendship Park — Park, rated 4.6/5 2
Park City Park

Friendship Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 1,339 reviews

Friendship Park in Addis Ababa is a welcoming green oasis nestled in the capital’s bustle, a place where locals and visitors slow down to enjoy a break from city life. The park offers shaded avenues, grassy lawns, and plenty of benches for relaxing and people-watching, with informal paths perfect for a casual stroll or a family outing. Expect a friendly, low-key atmosphere, some birdlife and city views, and convenient access for a quick afternoon escape or a sunset walk before you explore the surrounding neighborhoods and markets.

2QF5+C9, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Opening hours · Today: 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM Open now
  • Monday6:00 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Tuesday6:00 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Wednesday6:00 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Thursday6:00 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Friday6:00 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Saturday6:00 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Sunday6:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Good for kids Cards accepted
Entrance Parking
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Meskel Square — Historic site, rated 4.4/5 3
Historic site Historical LandmarkHistorical Place

Meskel Square

4.4 ★★★★★ 1,694 reviews

Meskel Square is Addis Ababa’s expansive central gathering place, named for the Meskel festival that lights up Ethiopian culture each year. This historic crossroads has long hosted parades, political rallies and public celebrations, making it a pulse point for city life. Today visitors stroll the broad avenues, watch street performances, and feel the energy of a capital in motion as drivers weave around the square’s wide open space. Nearby hotels, markets and city landmarks add to the experience, offering a window into modern Ethiopia alongside its storied past.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Opening hours · Today: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Open now
  • Monday8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Tuesday8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Wednesday8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Thursday8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Friday8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Saturday8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Sunday8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking
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National Museum of Ethiopia — Museum, rated 4.1/5 4
Museum

National Museum of Ethiopia

4.1 ★★★★★ 1,864 reviews

The National Museum of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa is the country’s premier cultural archive, housed in a modern building that unfolds a sweeping timeline from ancient civilizations to contemporary life. Visitors encounter iconic finds such as the 3.2 million-year-old Lucy skeleton and a rich display of fossil hominins, early tools, medieval manuscripts, and Ethiopian art. The museum offers engaging temporary exhibitions, interactive displays, and informative galleries that illuminate Ethiopia’s role as a cradle of humanity and trade. Expect thoughtful pacing, educated guides, and a quiet backdrop for reflection.

185 Haile Selassie St, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Closed now
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Good for kids
Parking Restroom
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Entoto Park — Park, rated 4.4/5 5
Park

Entoto Park

4.4 ★★★★★ 772 reviews

Entoto Park is a green hilltop getaway on the Entoto Mountains just north of Addis Ababa. It preserves forested slopes, viewpoints, and rebuilt walking trails that wind through eucalyptus and acacia, offering fresh air and sweeping city panoramas. Visitors can stroll, picnic, and watch the sunrise over Addis Ababa, with well-marked paths suitable for all fitness levels. The park sits near historic Entoto, making it easy to combine a forest escape with cultural sites, coffee stops, and photo opportunities, all while escaping the bustle below.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Opening hours · Today: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Open now
  • Monday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Good for kids Cards accepted
Entrance Parking
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Holy Trinity Cathedral — Religious site, rated 4.4/5 6
Religious site ChurchPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or Organization

Holy Trinity Cathedral

4.4 ★★★★★ 589 reviews

Holy Trinity Cathedral in Addis Ababa is one of Ethiopia’s most important religious landmarks and a serene city-center sanctuary dedicated to the Holy Trinity. Visitors come to admire its distinctive octagonal dome, elegant Ethiopian Orthodox interior, and the peaceful hilltop setting that overlooks the capital. The site includes the royal tombs of Emperor Haile Selassie and Emperor Menelik II, a revered cemetery, and a small museum with ecclesiastical artifacts. Expect marble, gold accents, and gospel chants; guided tours illuminate Ethiopia’s monarchy, faith, and panoramic city views.

2QJ7+JWJ Arat Kilo area, Queen Elizabeth St, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Opening hours · Today: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Closed now
  • Monday8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Entrance Parking Restroom
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Zoma Museum — Museum, rated 4.3/5 7
Museum CafeRestaurantFood

Zoma Museum

4.3 ★★★★★ 619 reviews

Zoma Museum in Addis Ababa is a leading contemporary art venue housed in a striking, purpose-built space that blends indoors and outdoor areas. Founded by artist Zoma, it showcases innovative Ethiopian and international works across sculpture, installation, and sound pieces, inviting visitors into immersive environments that provoke reflection on culture and identity. Expect thoughtfully curated exhibitions, intimate gallery rooms, and tranquil courtyards where sculpture and architecture interact. The setting provides a refreshing contrast to the city’s bustle, with chances to encounter artists at work and to experience a evolving, cutting-edge creative scene.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM Open now
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Wednesday10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Thursday10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Friday10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Saturday10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Sunday10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom
Open on map Website ↗
Shola Market — Market, rated 4.2/5 8
Market

Shola Market

4.2 ★★★★★ 749 reviews

Shola Market in Addis Ababa is a lively, labyrinthine bazaar where locals go for textiles, ready-made garments, spices, crafts, and everyday wares. Wander through narrow stalls, hear friendly haggling, and catch whiffs of roasted coffee and fresh berbere. The market offers a window into daily Ethiopian life, from bargaining tips to traditional scarves and colorful beadwork. It's ideal for visitors who want authentic souvenirs and a taste of street food culture, with approachable vendors, affordable prices, and an energetic, photogenic atmosphere that rewards curious explorers.

2QHX+8VG, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Opening hours · Today: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM Open now
  • Monday7:00 AM – 9:30 PM
  • Tuesday7:00 AM – 9:30 PM
  • Wednesday7:00 AM – 9:30 PM
  • Thursday7:00 AM – 9:30 PM
  • Friday7:00 AM – 9:30 PM
  • Saturday7:00 AM – 9:30 PM
  • Sunday7:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Cards accepted
Entrance Parking Restroom
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Merkato — Market, rated 4/5 9
Market

Merkato

4 ★★★★★ 812 reviews

Merkato in Addis Ababa is one of Africa’s largest open-air markets, a vast maze of stalls, shopfronts and narrow lanes that hum with daily commerce. Visitors come to bargain for spices, coffee, leather, gold, fabrics and footwear, and to soak up the sensory swirl of color, sound and steam. It’s a place to observe Ethiopian life up close, sample street food, and watch traders strike quick deals. Expect crowded alleys, lively negotiation, and inevitable surprises, from hidden courtyards to rooftop panoramas over the city.

Dubai tera building, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Open now
  • Monday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Cards accepted
Entrance Parking Restroom
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Emperor Tewodros II Square — Historic site, rated 4.5/5 10
Historic site Historical LandmarkHistorical Place

Emperor Tewodros II Square

4.5 ★★★★★ 238 reviews

Emperor Tewodros II Square is a historic public plaza in the heart of Addis Ababa named in honor of Ethiopia’s famed 19th‑century reformer, Emperor Tewodros II. Visitors come for a sense of the city’s past amid busy urban life, with colonial-era façades, nearby government buildings, and a backdrop of daily Ethiopian activity. Expect shaded benches, local vendors, and chances to mingle with residents as you walk toward cultural landmarks, markets, and cafés. It’s an atmospheric entry point for a stroll through central Addis and a photo-worthy slice of history.

2QG2+RMF, Mahatma Gandhi St, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Good for kids
Entrance Parking
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Gulele Botanical Garden — Garden, rated 4.4/5 11
Garden Botanical Garden

Gulele Botanical Garden

4.4 ★★★★★ 306 reviews

Gulele Botanical Garden in Addis Ababa is a leafy, oasis-like retreat showcasing Ethiopia’s diverse flora through winding paths, orderly displays, and shaded seating areas. The garden highlights indigenous plants alongside cultivated varieties, making it a gentle introduction to the country’s unique botany and horticultural research. Visitors can expect a peaceful stroll, birdwatching, and photo-worthy viewpoints amid flowering trees and well-kept lawns, plus educational signs that illuminate local ecosystems. It’s a family-friendly spot for a relaxed afternoon, offering fresh air, picnics, and a respite from the city bustle.

3PHC+C92, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Opening hours · Today: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Open now
  • Monday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom
Open on map
Ethnological Museum — Museum, rated 4.3/5 12
Museum

Ethnological Museum

4.3 ★★★★★ 387 reviews

The Ethnological Museum in Addis Ababa is a premier cultural museum housed on the Addis Ababa University campus in the former royal palace complex. It chronicles Ethiopia’s rich ethnic and historical tapestry through well-curated ethnographic displays, tools, clothing, jewelry, musical instruments, and dioramas from dozens of communities. Visitors can expect immersive reconstructions of traditional life, including a recreated village scene and famed royal artifacts from the imperial era. It’s a must for first‑time visitors seeking context for Ethiopian art, language, and daily life across the country.

Algeria St, Addis amama, Ethiopia
Opening hours · Today: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM Open now
  • Monday8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Tuesday8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Wednesday8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Thursday8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Friday8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Saturday8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Sunday8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom
Open on map
Sheger park — Park, rated 4.3/5 13
Park

Sheger park

4.3 ★★★★★ 249 reviews

Sheger Park is Addis Ababa’s expansive urban green space, created to give residents and visitors a true outdoor retreat in the heart of the capital. The park blends shaded lawns, scenic promenades along the landscape, and thoughtfully landscaped gardens with kid-friendly areas, jogging paths, and casual cafés. Visitors can expect relaxed picnics, sunset strolls, and chances to glimpse daily life and city views from elevated overlooks. It’s ideal for families, couples, and travelers seeking a tranquil break from bustling streets, plus opportunities for photography and informal cultural gatherings.

Behind sheger park, 3P5Q+4MX, አዲስ አበባ, Ethiopia
Opening hours · Today: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM Open now
  • Monday6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Tuesday6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Wednesday6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Thursday6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Friday6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Good for kids Cards accepted
Entrance Parking
Open on map Website ↗
Unity Park Zoo — Zoo, rated 4.3/5 14
Zoo

Unity Park Zoo

4.3 ★★★★★ 145 reviews

Unity Park Zoo in Addis Ababa sits inside the modern Unity Park complex, offering a compact yet diverse wildlife experience in the Ethiopian capital. Visitors can expect well-designed enclosures, a mix of local and exotic species, and thoughtful, educational displays that bring conservation to life for families and curious travelers alike. The zoo combines shaded walking paths, themed habitats, and interactive spots, making it easy to spend a relaxed afternoon. With city views on one side and lush greenery on the other, it’s a convenient, family-friendly stop for a balanced urban outing.

2QF6+XV3, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Closed now
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Friday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Sunday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking
Open on map
Addis Ababa Museum | መስቀል አደባባይ — Museum, rated 4.3/5 15
Museum

Addis Ababa Museum | መስቀል አደባባይ

4.3 ★★★★★ 143 reviews

Addis Ababa Museum, housed near the bustling Meskel Square, is a welcoming, modern museum that chronicles the Ethiopian capital’s evolution from a small trading outpost to a vibrant cosmopolitan city. Visitors encounter curated displays of urban history, architecture, photography, and everyday life, alongside rotating exhibitions that spotlight Ethiopian art and culture. The airy galleries, clear signage, and engaging interpretive panels make it accessible for families and solo travelers alike. Expect thoughtful storytelling, occasional temporary showcases, and a chance to grasp Addis Ababa’s diverse heritage in a single, central visit.

2Q57+239, Bole Road, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Opening hours · Today: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM Open now
  • Monday8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Tuesday8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Wednesday8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Thursday8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Friday8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Saturday8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Sunday8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Restroom
Open on map
Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum የቀይ ሽብር መታሰቢያ ሙዚየም — Museum, rated 4.1/5 16
Museum

Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum የቀይ ሽብር መታሰቢያ ሙዚየም

4.1 ★★★★★ 219 reviews

The Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa is a powerful, somber museum that commemorates the victims of Ethiopia’s Red Terror era under the Derg. Housed in a building linked to that turbulent period, it presents documentary displays, photographs, personal testimonies, and artifacts that recount the 1970s–1980s repression and the resilience of survivors. Visitors gain a stark, intimate view of Ethiopia’s recent history and the sacrifices made for democracy. Expect a reflective, educational experience with guided context that helps place the dramatic events within the broader arc of Ethiopian politics.

2Q67+272, Africa Ave, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Opening hours · Today: Closed Closed now
  • Monday8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Tuesday8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Wednesday8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Thursday8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Friday8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Saturday8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
  • SundayClosed
Entrance Parking Restroom
Open on map Website ↗