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, Ethiopia’s vibrant capital stitched between volcanic hills and modern boulevards, welcomes visitors with a rich tapestry of history, culture, and cuisine. From the National Museum, home to Lucy the Australopithecus skeleton, to the lively Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market, the city blends ancient heritage with contemporary flair. Sample injera and spicy wat in neighborhood eateries, sip coffee at traditional beans-and-brew cafes, and marvel at striking Orthodox churches and panoramic lookouts over Entoto Hills. Seasonal festivals, art galleries, and buzzing nightlife complement tranquil green spaces like the enormous Unity Park. A gateway to the Ethiopian highlands, Addis Ababa truly embodies warmth, hospitality, and discovery.

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
  • 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
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 urban oasis that blends green space, modern sculpture, and community activity along the city’s expanding network of promenades. Visitors can stroll shaded paths, relax by fountains, and admire contemporary Ethiopian art installments that reflect national unity and cooperative spirit. The park hosts occasional concerts, cultural events, and kid-friendly zones, making it ideal for a family outing or a peaceful pause amid busy city life. Expect tidy lawns, scenic viewpoints, and a brisk, refreshing start or end to a day in the Ethiopian capital.

2QF5+C9, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Opening hours · Today: 6:00 AM – 7:30 PM
  • 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
Meskel Square — Historic site, rated 4.4/5 3
Historic site Historical LandmarkHistorical Place

Meskel Square

4.4 ★★★★★ 1,694 reviews

Meskel Square in Addis Ababa is a bustling historic and cultural crossroads, stretching from the city’s heart to its outskirts with a grand central space flanked by the iconic Menelik II and nearby administrative buildings. Visitors come for the square’s storied past, its seasonal Meskel festival bonfire, and the sense of urban life on display—from street vendors to public events and cheers at football matches. Expect wide perspectives, a mix of modern Ethiopian energy and heritage, and easy access to surrounding museums, markets, and cafes that showcase Addis Ababa’s vibrant rhythm.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Opening hours · Today: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • 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
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 a premier cultural heartbeat housing rich archaeological and artistic treasures, including ancient fossil remains, ethnographic artifacts, and evolving contemporary works. Visitors can explore humanity’s ancestral dawn, from Lucy the Australopithecus replicas to remarkable Ethiopian icons, alongside rotating exhibitions on geology, history, and medieval Christian art. The museum’s modern galleries, informative displays, and well-curated timelines offer an engaging narrative of Ethiopia’s diverse heritage. Expect thoughtfully preserved exhibits, occasional temporary shows, and a gateway to understanding East Africa’s long, storied past.

185 Haile Selassie St, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • 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
Entoto Park — Park, rated 4.4/5 5
Park

Entoto Park

4.4 ★★★★★ 772 reviews

Entoto Park, perched on the pine-clad hills above Addis Ababa, offers a refreshing escape from the city’s bustle with sweeping views of the Ethiopian capital and rolling highland terrain. Opened as a modern green space, it blends scenic trails, picnic areas, and botanical displays with cultural insights from nearby UNESCO-listed Entoto Maryam Church and historical royal connections. Visitors can expect cool air, photo-worthy overlooks, and pathways suitable for families and hikers alike, plus nearby cafes and well-marked routes that showcase Addis Ababa’s natural beauty and surrounding forested escarpments.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Opening hours · Today: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • 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
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 stands as Ethiopia’s spiritual and national landmark, renowned for its graceful neo-Gothic architecture and serene hilltop setting. Commissioned in 1940, it honors Emperor Haile Selassie and the fallen heroes of the anti-fascist struggle, with the churchyard housing dignified graves and a museum chronicling the country’s modern history. Visitors admire the elegant stained glass, intricate woodwork, and the shrine to the emperor’s memory, while the surrounding grounds offer peaceful courtyards, a vibrant religious rite atmosphere, and sweeping views of the city—an essential stop for history buffs and worshippers alike.

2QJ7+JWJ Arat Kilo area, Queen Elizabeth St, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Opening hours · Today: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • 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
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
  • 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
Shola Market — Market, rated 4.2/5 8
Market

Shola Market

4.2 ★★★★★ 749 reviews

Shola Market in Addis Ababa is a bustling, multi-story bazaar known for its vast array of fabrics, traditional clothing, accessories, spices, and household goods, drawing both locals and visitors into a lively, sensory shopping experience. Travelers treasure its colorful stalls, bargaining culture, and a glimpse of daily Ethiopian life, from tailors crafting garments to aromatic coffee redolent with berbere scents wafting through the aisles. Expect crowded, vibrant corridors, helpful vendors, and unique finds—from handwoven textiles to handmade jewelry—making Shola Market a genuine pulse point of the city.

2QHX+8VG, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Opening hours · Today: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM
  • 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
Merkato — Market, rated 4/5 9
Market

Merkato

4 ★★★★★ 812 reviews

Merkato, Addis Ababa’s vast open-air market, sprawls across multiple neighborhoods and is one of Africa’s largest trading hubs. Visitors can wander a labyrinth of stalls selling textiles, spices, coffee, livestock, crafts, and electronics, feeling the city’s pulse as sellers barter with a chorus of languages. Beyond shopping, it’s a cultural immersion: colorful sights, sizzling street food, and the scent of roasting coffee. Prepare for crowds and winding lanes, negotiate politely, and bring cash. A morning or late-afternoon visit offers the best light and energy as traders bustle and locals go about daily commerce.

Dubai tera building, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • 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
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
  • 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
Gulele Botanical Garden — Garden, rated 4.4/5 11
Garden Botanical Garden

Gulele Botanical Garden

4.4 ★★★★★ 306 reviews

Gulele Botanical Garden, nestled in Addis Ababa’s foothills, is a tranquil oasis where Ethiopia’s diverse flora meets inviting walking trails and shaded picnic spots. Established to showcase native plants, medicinal herbs, and ornamental species, the garden offers a relaxing escape from city bustle, with seasonal blossoms and panoramic views of the capital. Visitors can stroll the well-marked paths, enjoy educational signage, and observe birds fluttering through the trees. It’s ideal for families, photography lovers, and nature enthusiasts seeking a calm, accessible introduction to Ethiopia’s botanical richness right in the city.

3PHC+C92, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Opening hours · Today: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • 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
Ethnological Museum — Museum, rated 4.3/5 12
Museum

Ethnological Museum

4.3 ★★★★★ 387 reviews

The Ethnological Museum in Addis Ababa is a renowned cultural hub housed within the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie, a gateway to Ethiopia’s rich social tapestry. Its thoughtfully arranged galleries trace the daily lives, traditions, and artistic expressions of diverse Ethiopian communities, from ancient artifacts to textiles, tools, and ceremonial objects. Visitors can expect insightful exhibits, informative captions, and a serene courtyard that fosters reflection. Situated on the University of Addis Ababa campus, the museum combines accessible architecture with compelling storytelling, making it a must-see for history lovers and curious travelers alike.

Algeria St, Addis amama, Ethiopia
Opening hours · Today: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
  • 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
Sheger park — Park, rated 4.3/5 13
Park

Sheger park

4.3 ★★★★★ 249 reviews

Sheger Park, a beloved green lungs of Addis Ababa, sits along the city’s scenic riverfront and blends expansive lawns, shaded groves, and family-friendly spaces into a lively urban oasis. Visitors can stroll winding paths, enjoy outdoor concerts and cultural performances, or picnic beneath acacia trees while city views unfold beyond the skyline. With playgrounds, art installations, and frequent events, it offers a welcoming slice of Ethiopian life for travelers seeking relaxation, sunset scenery, and a chance to observe local leisure culture in a refreshing, accessible setting.

Behind sheger park, 3P5Q+4MX, አዲስ አበባ, Ethiopia
Opening hours · Today: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • 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
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
  • 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
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
  • 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
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: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
  • 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