Addis Ababa, Ethiopia-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport. Take a taxi or shuttle bus to your hotel (see below for recommendations)
  • 10:00 am: Check-in to your hotel and freshen up
  • 11:00 am: Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia (₹50 entrance fee) to learn about the country’s rich history and see the famous fossil “Lucy”
  • 1:00 pm: Grab lunch at Fasika Restaurant, a popular spot for traditional Ethiopian cuisine
  • 2:30 pm: Explore the bustling streets of Mercato, one of Africa’s largest markets. Be prepared to haggle and try some local snacks
  • 6:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at Casa Addis, a cozy restaurant serving international cuisine

Day 2: Historical and Cultural Landmarks

  • 9:00 am: Visit the Ethiopian Orthodox Church of Our Lady Mary (free entrance), one of the oldest churches in Africa
  • 10:30 am: Explore the National Palace (₹100 entrance fee), a stunning example of modern architecture
  • 12:30 pm: Have lunch at Tsehay Restaurant, known for its delicious injera bread and traditional dishes
  • 2:00 pm: Visit the Ethiopian National Archives (free entrance) to learn about the country’s history and see rare documents
  • 5:00 pm: Enjoy a traditional coffee ceremony at Abebe’s Coffee House

Day 3: Outdoor Activities

  • 9:00 am: Hike up Entoto Hill (₹50 entrance fee), offering stunning views of the city and surrounding landscape
  • 11:30 am: Visit the Addis Ababa Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in Africa (₹100 entrance fee)
  • 1:30 pm: Have lunch at The Blue Room Restaurant, serving international cuisine with a focus on local ingredients
  • 3:00 pm: Take a leisurely walk around the city, exploring its many parks and gardens

Day 4: Shopping and Markets

  • 9:00 am: Visit the Addis Ababa Craft Shop, showcasing local artisans’ work (free entrance)
  • 10:30 am: Explore the Kulfo Market, a bustling marketplace for handicrafts, souvenirs, and more
  • 12:30 pm: Have lunch at The French Bakery Cafe, serving delicious pastries and sandwiches
  • 2:00 pm: Visit the Addis Ababa Art Gallery (free entrance), featuring local artists’ work

Day 5: Day Trip

  • 8:00 am: Take a day trip to the nearby town of Debre Zeit (₹200-300 taxi fare each way). Visit the ancient rock-hewn church of Sellassie Maryam Church
  • 12:30 pm: Have lunch in Debre Zeit
  • 3:00 pm: Return to Addis Ababa

Day 6: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for last-minute souvenirs or visiting any attractions you missed earlier
  • 11:00 am: Check-out of your hotel and head to the airport for departure

Where to Stay:

  • Budget: Hotel Bole, Addis Ababa Budget Hotel (₹3,000-4,000 per night)
  • Mid-range: Sheraton Addis, Grand Hotel Addis (₹8,000-12,000 per night)
  • Luxury: Radisson Blu Addis Ababa, Ethiopian Airlines Hotel (₹20,000-30,000 per night)

Getting Around:

  • Taxi: Use the official taxi service, or negotiate a fair price with local taxis
  • Shuttle Bus: Take a shuttle bus from your hotel to the city center (approx. ₹100-200)
  • Walking: Explore the city on foot, but be aware of traffic and safety concerns

Tips:

  • Currency: The Ethiopian Birr (ETB) is the local currency; US dollars are also widely accepted
  • Language: Amharic is the official language; English and French are also spoken
  • Weather: Addis Ababa has a mild climate year-round, with average temperatures ranging from 12-25°C

Other Things to Know:

  • Safety: Be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions, especially at night
  • Health: Consult your doctor before traveling to Ethiopia due to the risk of malaria and other diseases
  • Respect: Dress modestly when visiting churches or cultural sites; remove shoes as required

Additional Tips for Tourists:

  • Haggling: Be prepared to haggle when shopping at markets or buying souvenirs
  • Tips: Leave a tip for service staff, especially in restaurants and bars (approx. 10-20%)
  • Photography: Respect local customs and traditions; ask permission before taking photographs of people or places