Addis Ababa Ethiopia 7 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa

  • Morning: Arrive at Bole International Airport
  • Activity: Check into your hotel (see below for recommendations) and rest after the long flight
  • Lunch: Head to Abyssinia Restaurant, a popular spot for traditional Ethiopian cuisine
  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby National Museum of Ethiopia to learn about the country’s history and culture
  • Evening: Explore the bustling streets of Merkato, Addis Ababa’s largest market

Places to Go:

  • National Museum of Ethiopia (morning)
  • Merkato Market (evening)

Activities:

  • Rest at hotel after flight arrival
  • Lunch at Abyssinia Restaurant
  • Visit National Museum of Ethiopia
  • Explore Merkato Market in the evening

Where to Eat:

  • Abyssinia Restaurant (traditional Ethiopian cuisine)
  • Kuzina (Ethiopian and international dishes)
  • Wakiso Cafe (coffee and light bites)

Where to Stay:

  • Sheraton Addis Hotel (5-star luxury)
  • Radisson Blu Addis Ababa (4-star comfort)
  • Zuri Boutique Hotel (3-star charm)

Things to Know:

  • Ethiopia is a predominantly Christian country, but there are also significant Muslim and Jewish communities
  • The local currency is the Birr (ETB), although US dollars are widely accepted
  • Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service

Transportation:

  • Taxi: The most convenient way to get around Addis Ababa
  • Public Bus: A budget-friendly option, but be prepared for crowded and sometimes chaotic conditions
  • Walk or Bike: Explore the city on foot or by bike for a more local experience

Tips:

  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions
  • Try some traditional Ethiopian coffee at one of the many cafes
  • Learn a few basic Amharic phrases to communicate with locals
  • Don’t drink tap water, and stick to bottled or filtered water

Day 2: Explore Addis Ababa

  • Morning: Visit the Unity Park, a beautiful green oasis in the heart of the city
  • Activity: Take a stroll through the park’s gardens and enjoy the views from the lookout point
  • Lunch: Head to Kuzina, a popular spot for both Ethiopian and international dishes
  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby Ethiopian National Archives to learn about the country’s history and culture
  • Evening: Explore the city’s nightlife by visiting one of the many bars or clubs

Places to Go:

  • Unity Park (morning)
  • Ethiopian National Archives (afternoon)

Activities:

  • Take a stroll through Unity Park gardens
  • Lunch at Kuzina
  • Visit Ethiopian National Archives
  • Explore Addis Ababa’s nightlife

Where to Eat:

  • Kuzina (Ethiopian and international dishes)
  • Wakiso Cafe (coffee and light bites)
  • Abyssinia Restaurant (traditional Ethiopian cuisine)

Transportation:

  • Taxi: Convenient for getting around the city
  • Public Bus: A budget-friendly option, but be prepared for crowded conditions

Tips:

  • Try some traditional Ethiopian injera bread at Kuzina or Abyssinia Restaurant
  • Learn a few basic Amharic phrases to communicate with locals
  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Don’t drink tap water, and stick to bottled or filtered water

Day 3: Visit the Surroundings

  • Morning: Take a day trip to the nearby Mount Tabor, a historic site with stunning views
  • Activity: Explore the mountaintop and take in the breathtaking views of Addis Ababa
  • Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch on the mountain or head back to Addis Ababa for lunch at one of the many restaurants
  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby Lake Bishoftu, a scenic spot with a picturesque lake and surrounding hills
  • Evening: Return to Addis Ababa and enjoy the city’s nightlife

Places to Go:

  • Mount Tabor (morning)
  • Lake Bishoftu (afternoon)

Activities:

  • Take in the views from Mount Tabor
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch or head back to Addis Ababa for lunch
  • Visit Lake Bishoftu
  • Explore Addis Ababa’s nightlife

Transportation:

  • Taxi: Convenient for getting around the city and surrounding areas
  • Public Bus: A budget-friendly option, but be prepared for crowded conditions

Tips:

  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions when visiting Mount Tabor
  • Try some traditional Ethiopian coffee at one of the many cafes in Addis Ababa
  • Learn a few basic Amharic phrases to communicate with locals
  • Don’t drink tap water, and stick to bottled or filtered water

Day 4: Explore Merkato

  • Morning: Visit the bustling Merkato Market, a great place to experience local culture and try some traditional food
  • Activity: Take in the sights and sounds of the market, try some injera bread, and explore the stalls selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts
  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants or cafes within the market
  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby Merkato Museum, a small museum showcasing local art and artifacts
  • Evening: Return to Addis Ababa and enjoy the city’s nightlife

Places to Go:

  • Merkato Market (morning)
  • Merkato Museum (afternoon)

Activities:

  • Explore Merkato Market and try some traditional food
  • Visit Merkato Museum to learn about local art and artifacts
  • Enjoy lunch at a restaurant or cafe within the market

Where to Eat:

  • Abyssinia Restaurant (traditional Ethiopian cuisine)
  • Kuzina (Ethiopian and international dishes)
  • Wakiso Cafe (coffee and light bites)

Transportation:

  • Taxi: Convenient for getting around the city
  • Public Bus: A budget-friendly option, but be prepared for crowded conditions

Tips:

  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions when visiting Merkato Market
  • Try some traditional Ethiopian coffee at one of the many cafes in Addis Ababa
  • Learn a few basic Amharic phrases to communicate with locals
  • Don’t drink tap water, and stick to bottled or filtered water

Day 5: Relax at Your Hotel

  • Morning: Spend the day relaxing at your hotel, whether it’s lounging by the pool or getting a massage at the spa
  • Activity: Take some time to explore the surrounding area, visit a local market, or go for a walk in the nearby hills
  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants or cafes near your hotel
  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby Ethiopian National Library, a great place to learn about local culture and history
  • Evening: Return to Addis Ababa and enjoy the city’s nightlife

Places to Go:

  • Ethiopian National Library (afternoon)

Activities:

  • Relax at your hotel
  • Explore the surrounding area or go for a walk in the nearby hills
  • Visit Ethiopian National Library
  • Enjoy lunch at a restaurant or cafe near your hotel

Where to Eat:

  • Abyssinia Restaurant (traditional Ethiopian cuisine)
  • Kuzina (Ethiopian and international dishes)
  • Wakiso Cafe (coffee and light bites)

Transportation:

  • Taxi: Convenient for getting around the city
  • Public Bus: A budget-friendly option, but be prepared for crowded conditions

Tips:

  • Take some time to relax at your hotel or go for a walk in the nearby hills
  • Visit Ethiopian National Library to learn about local culture and history
  • Try some traditional Ethiopian coffee at one of the many cafes in Addis Ababa
  • Don’t drink tap water, and stick to bottled or filtered water

Day 6: Explore More of Addis Ababa

  • Morning: Visit the nearby National Palace, a historic site with stunning views of the city
  • Activity: Take a stroll through the palace gardens and enjoy the views from the lookout point
  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants or cafes near your hotel
  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby Ethiopian National Gallery, a great place to learn about local art and culture
  • Evening: Return to Addis Ababa and enjoy the city’s nightlife

Places to Go:

  • National Palace (morning)
  • Ethiopian National Gallery (afternoon)

Activities:

  • Take a stroll through the palace gardens
  • Visit Ethiopian National Gallery
  • Enjoy lunch at a restaurant or cafe near your hotel

Where to Eat:

  • Abyssinia Restaurant (traditional Ethiopian cuisine)
  • Kuzina (Ethiopian and international dishes)
  • Wakiso Cafe (coffee and light bites)

Transportation:

  • Taxi: Convenient for getting around the city
  • Public Bus: A budget-friendly option, but be prepared for crowded conditions

Tips:

  • Visit National Palace to take in the views of Addis Ababa
  • Learn a few basic Amharic phrases to communicate with locals
  • Don’t drink tap water, and stick to bottled or filtered water
  • Try some traditional Ethiopian coffee at one of the many cafes in Addis Ababa

Day 7: Depart for Home

  • Morning: Spend the morning relaxing at your hotel or exploring the surrounding area
  • Activity: Take a final stroll around the city or visit any last-minute attractions
  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants or cafes in Addis Ababa
  • Afternoon: Depart for home, bringing back memories and souvenirs from your trip

Activities:

  • Relax at your hotel
  • Explore the surrounding area or go for a walk in the nearby hills
  • Visit any last-minute attractions
  • Enjoy lunch at a restaurant or cafe in Addis Ababa

Transportation:

  • Taxi: Convenient for getting to the airport
  • Public Bus: A budget-friendly option, but be prepared for crowded conditions

Tips:

  • Be sure to check out of your hotel and depart for home on time
  • Try some traditional Ethiopian coffee at one of the many cafes in Addis Ababa before departing
  • Bring back memories and souvenirs from your trip