• National Museum of Ethiopia - The National Museum of Ethiopia houses numerous valuable archaeological artifacts, including the renowned fossilized remains of “Lucy,” a partial skeleton, and Selam, discovered between 2000 and 2004. The basement is dedicated to archaeological and paleoanthropological exhibits. The first floor showcases items from ancient and medieval times, along with regalia and memorabilia from past rulers, such as Emperor Haile Selassie. The second floor presents artwork in chronological order, from traditional to contemporary pieces, with Afewerk Tekle’s impressive African Heritage being a highlight. This floor also features a collection of secular arts and crafts, including traditional weapons, jewelry, utensils, clothing, and musical instruments. The third floor offers an ethnographic display, providing an overview of the cultural diversity and richness of Ethiopia’s people.

• Mount Entoto - Mount Entoto (Amharic: እንጦጦ) is the highest peak in the Entoto Mountains, overlooking Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital. It stands at 3,200 meters above sea level.

Overview
This historical site was where Emperor Menelik II resided and built his palace after moving from Ankober and founding Addis Ababa. It is considered a sacred mountain, home to many monasteries and notable churches, including Saint Raguel and Saint Mary.

The mountain is densely forested with eucalyptus trees, imported from Australia during Menelik II’s reign and mostly planted during Emperor Haile Selassie’s time. It is often called the “lung of Addis Ababa.” The forest provides essential firewood for the city and was a source of building materials in earlier times. The Ethiopian Heritage Trust, a non-profit, non-governmental organization, is involved in its preservation.

• Shiro Meda Market - Why locals love it
  Shiro Meda, located near the US Embassy in Addis Ababa, is a popular local market for purchasing handwoven cotton clothing, primarily for women. It is also well-known for small gift items like T-shirts, necklaces, and earrings.

Why you should visit it
At Shiro Meda, visitors can purchase colorful handwoven scarves and dresses for women, made from cotton and adorned with vibrant embroidery. Bargaining is a common practice here.

Special tip
If time permits, visitors can explore the small startups involved in weaving these colorful Ethiopian traditional clothes in the yellow condominium.

• Mercato Market - Google refers to Mercato (Merkato) Market as “Merkato.” TripAdvisor’s attractions section uses the name “Mercato Market.” This post uses both common terms for the market – Mercato and Merkato.

No one disputes that Merkato is a vast trading area. Online research using Google Earth measured the area of Merkato Market (መርካቶ) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, covering at least 4.85 km² (1.87 mi²).

Mercato is one of the top-ranked attractions in Addis Ababa, with over 20,000 people shopping there daily, except on Sundays.

As a tour guide, walking tours through Merkato reveal fascinating aspects:

The variety of items available for sale
The diversity of people’s backgrounds encountered
The surprising order within the market’s chaotic and complex environment

• Menelik II Square - Menelik II Square is situated in the heart of Addis Ababa, in the area known locally as Arada. At the center of the square stands a magnificent equestrian statue of the Emperor, erected by Emperor Haile Selassie I in 1930, just before his coronation.

• Holy Trinity Cathedral - Holy Trinity Cathedral, also known in Amharic as Kidist Selassie, is the highest-ranking Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo cathedral in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It was built to commemorate Ethiopia’s victory over Italian occupation and is a significant place of worship, alongside other cathedrals like the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion in Axum. The cathedral holds the title “Menbere Tsebaot,” or “Pure Altar.” Constructed in 1942, the church compound serves as the burial site for those who fought against the Italian occupation or accompanied Emperor Haile Selassie into exile from 1936 to 1941. The Emperor and his consort, Empress Menen Asfaw, are interred in the north transept of the cathedral, with other Imperial Family members buried in the crypt below. The High Altar is dedicated to ‘Agaiste Alem Kidist Selassie’ (Sovereigns of the World the Holy Trinity), with two additional altars in the Holy of Holies on either side.

• Ethnological Museum - The Ethnological Museum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is a public institution focused on ethnology and culture. It houses anthropological, musicological, and cultural objects and is the first university museum in Ethiopia. The museum is located on the main campus of Addis Ababa University, home to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies.

Establishment
The Ethnological Museum was established in 1950, primarily based on collections of old Italian zoological specimens and ethnographic artifacts by the first graduates of the College. The idea for the museum was initiated by Stanislaw Chojnaki, the former chief librarian of the University College of Addis Ababa.

• Meskel Square - The Meskel Festival has been celebrated for over 1,600 years. The word “Meskel” means “cross,” and the festival commemorates the moment when the crucifix was revealed to Empress Helena of Constantinople, mother of Constantine the Great.

• Bottled water
• Lunch
• All fees and/or taxes
• Guide
• Tea and coffee
• Transportation
• Government tax

• personal interest souvenir

Discover the highlights of Addis Ababa on an all-encompassing full-day tour. Begin with a convenient pickup from your hotel or the airport, then visit the National Museum to see the 3-million-year-old fossils of Lucy. Explore Merkato, the vast open-air market, and take in breathtaking views of Ethiopia’s capital from Enoto. Savor the delightful flavors of Ethiopian coffee and cuisine.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.