Experience the best of Addis Ababa on a private full-day tour. Discover the city’s history, culture, and cuisine with an expert guide. Visit top attractions, enjoy stunning views, and immerse yourself in the local way of life. Customize the tour to suit your interests.
- St. George’s Cathedral - Saint George Cathedral stands as one of the oldest religious landmarks in Addis Ababa, renowned for its unique octagonal design.
Inside, marvel at mosaics illustrating biblical stories, including the Queen of Sheba’s visit to King Solomon.
Discover hand-painted artworks depicting historical and political events related to Emperor Haile Selassie and the Ethio-Italian War.
These exquisite paintings and mosaics were created by the celebrated Ethiopian artist, Afework Tekle.
You can also explore the Saint George Cathedral museum, which houses numerous historical and religious artifacts.
- National Museum of Ethiopia - Delve into the history of human evolution at the National Museum of Ethiopia. View the famous Lucy fossil, a 3.2 million-year-old Australopithecus Afarensis, and learn about Ethiopia’s pivotal role in the study of human origins.
In the museum’s historical evolution section, trace the rise and fall of the powerful Aksumite Empire, understand the influence of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and explore the complexities of modern Ethiopian history.
On the first floor, admire Ethiopian artistic talents, from ancient paintings and sculptures to contemporary works.
The second floor offers a broader perspective on Ethiopia’s diverse cultures and traditions, showcasing traditional clothing, tools, and household items from various regions.
- Mount Entoto - Drive through a Eucalyptus forest to reach Entoto Hill. At an elevation of 3,200 meters, enjoy panoramic views of Addis Ababa. For a cultural experience, visit a local family and participate in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony.
As this is a flexible private tour, you can choose to:
- Take a leisurely hike in Entoto Park
- Visit the Entoto Maryam Church
- Explore the palace of Emperor Menelik II, the oldest in Addis Ababa
Near Mount Entoto, stop by Shiro Meda Market. Browse stalls offering a variety of goods, from colorful textiles and spices to handmade crafts and souvenirs. At Chiromeda Market, shop for beautiful pottery, woven baskets, intricate jewelry, and other unique Ethiopian items.
- Mercato Market - With the assistance of your tour guide, explore the most scenic and cultural parts of Merkato, the largest market in Africa. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, bustling energy, and sensory overload of the local market.
Discover unique sections of Merkato where items like False Banana Tree bread, traditional Ethiopian food ingredients, and spices are sold.
Bargaining is customary at Merkato. With your tour guide, practice your bargaining skills in a friendly and culturally appropriate manner.
At Addis Mercato, shop for handwoven dresses, grass baskets, and other authentic souvenirs that represent Ethiopian culture.
Exploring the Chat (mild stimulant leaves) section, browsing the second-hand goods market, and checking out the recycling sections are all worthwhile experiences at Merkato.
- Ethnological Museum - Enjoy a one-hour guided tour of the Ethnological Museum, located within the Addis Ababa University campus. This museum is considered one of the best in Africa.
On the ground floor, visit two exhibition rooms. The first is dedicated to Ethiopia’s victory over the Italians at the Battle of Adwa (1896). The second honors influential Ethiopian poets, writers, and translators.
The main exhibits are on the first floor, showcasing the diverse ethnic groups of Ethiopia. Learn about the life cycle of Ethiopian people, from birth and childhood to adulthood and death.
See the bedrooms and bathrooms of Emperor Haile Selassie I and Empress Menen.
On the second floor, explore Ethiopia’s religious art and traditional musical instruments.
Entrance fee is 200 ETB per adult.
- Lion of Judah - Drive through the main streets of Addis Ababa to visit historical monuments such as the Lion of Judah.
- Meskel Square - Stop at Meskel Square, the main square in Addis Ababa, named after the colorful religious ceremony of Meskel (the finding of the True Cross of Jesus Christ).
- Tour escort/host
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Hotel/Airport pickup and drop-off with private air conditioned vehicle
- Bottled water
- Professional experienced English speaking tour guide
- Lunch
- Traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony Attendance
- Gratuities
- Visits to Merkato Market on Sundays and National Museum of Ethiopia on Mondays. They are closed.
With expert tour guide, get the best first-time visitors’ orientation to Addis Ababa’s history, culture, food, and sights.
Explore Addis Ababa from a local’s perspective visiting popular sites. With a private air-conditioned vehicle, drive through both Addis’s most scenic and unique areas only locals know.
Customize this 8 - 9 hours private tour in Addis Ababa including
- Seeing the fossil remains of Lucy at the National Museum of Ethiopia
- Visiting Holy Trinity Cathedral or Saint George Cathedral
- Enjoying stunning views of Addis Ababa from Mount Entoto
- Driving on main streets in Addis to see the city’s popular monuments, squares, landmarks, and
- Visiting Merkato Market and the Ethnological Museum
With this Viator’s “Badge of Excellence” awardee tour, meet locals in Addis Ababa at their home. Attend a traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony and learn preparing Ethiopian cuisine.
This tour is flexible to customize to your interests.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
