City: Addis Ababa
Top Things to do in Addis Ababa
10 Free Things to do in Addis Ababa That You Shouldn't Miss
Sometimes referred to as the capital of Africa, Addis Ababa is a buzzing hub of economic, social and political activity and home to such notable offices as the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. The diversity of its people is reflected in the many churches, mosques and museums, including the Ethiopian National Museum which houses the fossilized skeleton of Dinkinesh, or Lucy, the Australopithecine discovered in the area in the 1970s.
Restaurants in Addis Ababa
1. Salem's Ethiopia
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 92 reviews
Salem's produces authentic Ethiopian handcrafts for personal and home accessories. Our main objective is to deliver quality designs that highlight the rich culture of handcrafts in Ethiopia while empowering Ethiopian craftspeople. In addition to producing on site, we also stock handcrafted items from other artisan groups. One of Salem's core values is committment to giving a fair return to all employees and co-op partners.
Reviewed By Coxfive
This is a definite stop in Addis. Salem is beautiful inside and out. The handmade products are exquisite and the store is lovely. Enjoy shopping and coffee ceremony. The absolute best!
2. T&H Designs
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
T&H Designs is a small jewelry and bag design business based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia started in 2007 by twin sisters, Tigist and Haimanot. The Gemini Trust, an organization dedicated to helping the families of twins, initially sparked the girls’ interest in making jewelry, and, since then, T&H has grown into a thriving business known for having the highest quality products in the city.
Reviewed By 423drewg - Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
One of the best shopping experiences I've had in Ethiopia. You feel very welcomed when you walk in the store, and the space let's you shop at your own pace. It's the perfect spot to find really unique and fashionable souvenirs and gifts. The jewelry is very high quality and my mom, sisters, aunts, and cousins all wear the gifts I bought them daily.
3. Sabegn
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By 850bethh
I popped into Sabegn for the first time today and am so pleased I did. The store carries beautiful Ethiopian-made goods by a variety of different artisans and brands including leather shoes, sandals, bags, wallets, notebooks and super cute baby shoes. The prices are very fair for quality goods. The attached coffee shop is spacious and peaceful. I look forward to returning.
4. Beza Entoto Workshop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Come support a local NGO, dedicated to helping a community living in the shadow of HIV/AIDs. By buying jewelry, you are providing an income to these women, as well as giving them a renewed sense of purpose. The profits go to not only their salary and health care, but also their children's education.
5. Attraction Ethiopia Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Attractions Ethiopia Tours established by tourism professional, who has many years of experience in tour organizing, our company is based in Addis Ababa
6. Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 810 reviews
Reviewed By JMCN_180 - Madrid, Spain
This museum that we visited at the end of our trip to Ethiopia, helped us to complete the circule of Ethiopia’s history: the end of the Halie Selassie’s empire and the cruel period of communist regime in Ethiopia. Being Spanish and born during the Franco Regime, unfortunately I was familiar with the hard evidences of torture, massive killings, collective graves and “missing” civilians. The museum explains and illustrate very well this sad period of Ethiopia. My take away is: 1. The communist slogan of “Ethiopia First”, which sounds very popular now a days in other countries. 2. The picture of the dictator through if the bottle with blood to threaten the population of Addis and 3. That I hope that Ethiopia will remain in peace and no civil war will take place any more. All my support the Ethiopian and the current democratic government. Finally, a museum like this should exist in Spain to leave a track record our our recent history of dictatorship, Basque terrorism and government “dirty war”, three things that like in Ethiopia should never happen any more. The local guide made a great job!
7. St. George Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
8. Sabahar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Sabahar is a Fair Trade company that produces export quality scarves, shawls and housewares out of locally sourced cotton and silk. Everything is exquisitely hand made.
Reviewed By gooseinthegrass
Sabahar’s made for a delightful family afternoon mini-outing (~1.5h). The compound is calm and peaceful and the kids (ages 10 and 7) could comfortably roam the enclosed grounds. They absolutely loved exploring the silk worm room, watching the hand spinning (the 7 year old was thrilled that she was offered a turn to work the pedals), watching the artisans work the looms, seeing how fringes were made, looking over the dye display and peeking into the dyeing room, etc. We enjoyed looking through their on-site store, and I picked up some nice items (but am pleased to say I never felt any pressure to purchase anything). Everyone in the compound was so very kind. The gentlemen at the front gate were super helpful in arranging a taxi for me to head back to my apartment. The parents in our group had a pleasant calm visit, and it seemed very educational for the children to get a front row view of artisans at work. Highly recommended family activity.
9. Sholla Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By mulukeng2016 - Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Sholla Local Market in Addis Ababa is a great market to visit. It is less crowded than the famous Merkato Market. Sholla Market is a great option for visitors who don't feel comfortable with big crowds. It is also a nice marketplace to interact with locals and make photos freely. It is still the same bargaining for price when you are shopping. If you are taking pictures of individuals, it is appropriate to ask for their permissions before. Taking photoshoots of general scenes is normally accepted.
10. Medhane Alem Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By elliottt148 - Mississauga, Canada
I was staying at the trinity hotel and walked over to this church and loved it. took my shoes off and hat and was blown away by the paintings of the ceiling. I mean nowhere have I seen a painting of God being black. I was taken aback that a christian church had an image of God as a black man. Then I thought Im in Africa so why not!
