Addis Ababa, Ethiopia-3-day-itinerary

Day 1: Explore the City

  • Morning: Start your day with a visit to the National Museum of Ethiopia, which is home to some of the country’s most important archaeological finds, including the famous fossilized bones of Lucy (3.2 million years old).
    • Address: Churchill Avenue, Addis Ababa
    • Hours: 9am-12pm, 2pm-5pm
    • Admission: 100 ETB (~ $4 USD)
  • Lunch: Head to the nearby Tikku Restaurant, which serves a mix of traditional Ethiopian and international cuisine. Try their famous injera bread with various stews.
    • Address: Tikku St, Addis Ababa
    • Hours: 9am-10pm
    • Price range: ~$10-$20 USD per meal
  • Afternoon: Visit the Addis Ababa City Hall, a beautiful colonial-era building that now serves as the city’s administrative center.
    • Address: Meskel Square, Addis Ababa
    • Hours: 9am-5pm
    • Admission: free
  • Evening: Enjoy traditional Ethiopian coffee and snacks at the Jazz House Cafe, which features live music and a cozy atmosphere.
    • Address: Africa Avenue, Addis Ababa
    • Hours: 8am-11pm
    • Price range: ~$5-$10 USD per person

Day 2: Cultural Experiences

  • Morning: Visit the Ethiopian Orthodox Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion, a historic church that dates back to the 14th century.
    • Address: Meskel Square, Addis Ababa
    • Hours: 9am-12pm, 2pm-5pm
    • Admission: free (donations welcome)
  • Lunch: Try traditional Ethiopian cuisine at the Aster Restaurant, which offers a wide range of stews and injera bread.
    • Address: Aster St, Addis Ababa
    • Hours: 9am-10pm
    • Price range: ~$15-$30 USD per meal
  • Afternoon: Visit the Addis Ababa University Museum, which features a collection of art, artifacts, and cultural exhibits.
    • Address: Addis Ababa University campus, Addis Ababa
    • Hours: 9am-5pm
    • Admission: free (donations welcome)
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Ethiopian dinner at the Ginger Restaurant, which offers live music and a cozy atmosphere.
    • Address: Ginger St, Addis Ababa
    • Hours: 8am-11pm
    • Price range: ~$20-$40 USD per meal

Day 3: Nature Escapes

  • Morning: Visit the Entoto Hill, which offers panoramic views of the city and is a great spot for hiking and picnicking.
    • Address: Entoto St, Addis Ababa
    • Hours: 9am-5pm
    • Admission: free (donations welcome)
  • Lunch: Try traditional Ethiopian cuisine at the Menelik Restaurant, which offers a wide range of stews and injera bread.
    • Address: Menelik Square, Addis Ababa
    • Hours: 9am-10pm
    • Price range: ~$15-$30 USD per meal
  • Afternoon: Visit the Addis Ababa Waterfront, which offers beautiful views of the city and a peaceful atmosphere.
    • Address: Addis Ababa waterfront, Addis Ababa
    • Hours: 9am-5pm
    • Admission: free (donations welcome)
  • Evening: Enjoy traditional Ethiopian coffee and snacks at the Coffee Shop, which features live music and a cozy atmosphere.
    • Address: Coffee St, Addis Ababa
    • Hours: 8am-11pm
    • Price range: ~$5-$10 USD per person

Accommodations

  • Budget: Try the Yared Guest House, which offers simple but clean rooms and a great location.
    • Address: Yared St, Addis Ababa
    • Price range: ~$15-$25 USD per night
  • Mid-range: Stay at the Tikku Hotel, which offers comfortable rooms and a great restaurant.
    • Address: Tikku St, Addis Ababa
    • Price range: ~$30-$50 USD per night
  • Luxury: Enjoy the JW Marriott Hotel, which offers luxurious rooms and a great location.
    • Address: Africa Avenue, Addis Ababa
    • Price range: ~$100-$200 USD per night

Transportation

  • Taxi: Taxis are widely available in Addis Ababa. Make sure to agree on the price before starting your journey.
    • Price range: ~$5-$10 USD for short distances
  • Tuk-Tuks: Try a traditional tuk-tuk ride, which offers a fun and affordable way to get around the city.
    • Price range: ~$2-$5 USD per ride
  • Walking: Walking is a great way to explore the city, especially in the historic areas.

Tips

  • Bargain: Bargaining is a common practice in Ethiopia. Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices for goods and services.
  • Respect: Show respect for local customs and traditions. Dress modestly and remove your shoes when visiting churches or mosques.
  • Safety: Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Avoid traveling alone and keep valuables secure.

Language

  • Amharic: Amharic is the official language of Ethiopia. Many locals also speak English, but it’s still a good idea to learn some basic phrases in Amharic.
  • Tigrinya: Tigrinya is another major language spoken in Ethiopia. You may hear it spoken by locals, especially in the northern regions.

Currency

  • Birr (ETB): The birr is the official currency of Ethiopia. Make sure to exchange your money for birr before arriving in Addis Ababa.
  • Credit cards: Credit cards are widely accepted in major hotels and tourist areas, but it’s still a good idea to have some cash on hand.

Weather

  • Temperature: The temperature in Addis Ababa varies throughout the year. Average temperatures range from 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F).
  • Rainfall: There are two rainy seasons in Addis Ababa: the short rainy season from March to May and the long rainy season from June to August.

Health

  • Vaccinations: Make sure to get vaccinated against diseases such as yellow fever, typhoid, and cholera before traveling to Ethiopia.
  • Medications: Consult your doctor before taking any medications while in Ethiopia. Some medications may not be available or may have different names.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Addis Ababa! Remember to always research and book accommodations, transportation, and activities in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.