About Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa (Amharic: አዲስ አበባ, Addis Abäba), It means "new flower"; is the capital and largest city of Ethiopia. It hosts the headquarters of the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), as well as various other continental and international organizations.

In 2015, the European Council on Tourism and Trade named Ethiopia the Number One tourist spot in the world. Addis Ababa is considered safe for travel. Click here for a brief travel and tourism video about Ethiopia and here for a brief video tour of Addis Ababa.

Places to visit in Addis Ababa

  • Ethnological Museum: Surrounded by the beautiful gardens and fountains at Addis Ababa University's main campus is the enthralling Ethnological Museum. Even if you're not a museum fan, this one is worth a bit of your time – showing the full sweep of Ethiopia's cultural and social history.
  • National Museum: The 2 million years old Lucy is the highlight of this museum. The palaeontological exhibition is the home of world-famous Lucy. Lucy as discovered in 1974 in the Afar region of northwestern Ethiopia.
  • 'Red Terror' Martyrs Memorial Museum: Officially opened in 2010, this is a small but powerful 'Red Terror' Martyrs Memorial Museum in 2010. The museum depicts the overthrow of Emperor Haile Selassie in 1974 and the terror that followed under the military regime.
  • St George Cathedral & Museum: Commissioned by Emperor Menelik II to commemorate his stunning 1896 triumph over the Italians in Adwa, and dedicated to St George (Ethiopia's patron saint), whose icon was carried into the battle.
  • Holy Trinity Cathedral: This ornate cathedral is an important place of worship in Ethiopia. The Aksumite-style granite tombs are found here. The solemnity of excites the emotions of many pilgrims.
  • Washa Mikael Church: The Washa Mikael Church is a few Kilo Meters east of downtown Addis Ababa. Local priests date it back to the 3rd century AD, and some estimate it in the 12th century.
  • Merkato(open market): Located on the west side of Addis Ababa, walking into the market you will enjoy the pleasure of shopping in the middle of chaos. You may find the most eloquent aroma wafting from precious incense. It's also said that Merkato is the largest open market in Africa where you can find pungent spices, jewelry or anything else that takes your fancy.