• National Museum of Ethiopia - Discover Lucy, the first human, dating back 3.5 million years.

Lucy, a 3.2-million-year-old ape, is perhaps the most renowned early human ancestor. She was the first Australopithecus afarensis skeleton discovered, although only about 40% of her remains were found.

Established in 1944, the National Museum of Ethiopia houses fossilized remains of early hominids, archaeological artifacts from Ethiopia’s earliest history, regalia and memorabilia from ancient rulers like Emperor Haile Selassie, and artwork ranging from traditional to contemporary.

Duration: 1 hour

• Mercato Market - Explore Africa’s largest open market:

This expansive outdoor market features stalls selling handicrafts, jewelry, and spices. Mercato is the largest open-air market in Africa, spanning 25 square kilometers and employing approximately 13,000 people across 7,100 businesses organized into zones (agricultural products, incense, coffee, spices, jewelry, baskets, pottery, leather products, recycling metal works, and more). Duration: 1 hour

• Menelik II Square - Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Africa

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

• Mount Entoto - Enjoy a drive uphill to Entoto, once the permanent camp of Emperor Minilik II. As you ascend, experience a significant drop in altitude and breathe in the scent of the Eucalyptus trees that blanket the area. From the summit, enjoy a panoramic view of the capital and surrounding countryside. Please note that the entrance fee to Entoto Park is not included. If you wish to enter the park, the cost is $8 per person.

• Meskel Square - Meskel Square (Amharic: መስቀል አደባባይ, romanized: mesik’el ādebabay, lit. ’Cross Square’) is a public square in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It is often a venue for Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church gatherings, demonstrations, and festivals, notably the Meskel Festival, from which it derives its name.

• St. George’s Cathedral - Saint George Cathedral is one of the oldest religious sites in Addis Ababa, renowned for its octagonal architecture.

Inside, admire mosaics depicting biblical scenes such as the visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon. Also, see hand paintings illustrating historical and political events related to Emperor Haile Selassie and the Ethio-Italo II War.

These exquisite paintings and mosaics were created by the famous Ethiopian Maître Artist Afework Tekle.

Visitors can also explore the museum of Saint George Cathedral to view numerous historical and religious artifacts.

Duration: 40 minutes

• Tomoca Coffee - Situated in the Piazza area, Tomoca is Ethiopia’s oldest coffee shop, established in 1953.

Duration: 15 minutes

• Tiglachin Memorial - The Tiglachin Memorial honors Ethiopian and Cuban soldiers who participated in the Ogaden War. It was constructed under Mengistu Haile Mariam on Churchill Avenue in Addis Ababa.

• Addis Ababa - Enjoy lunch at the oldest restaurant in Ethiopia, established in 1898 E.C. The Addis Ababa restaurant offers a variety of choices, including well-known Ethiopian-style vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, as well as some Western cuisine options.

• Shiro Meda Market - Shiro Meda Market, also spelled “Chiromeda,” offers a wide range of Ethiopian textiles, from wedding dresses to various types of clothing and linens. Located near the US Embassy in Addis Ababa, it is one of the best local markets for purchasing handwoven cotton clothes, primarily for women. It is also popular for buying small gift items like bed covers, tablecloths, scarves, T-shirts, necklaces, earrings, and more.

Why visit?
At Shiro Meda, visitors can purchase colorful, handwoven, locally made scarves and dresses for women, crafted from cotton and adorned with vibrant embroidery. Bargaining for prices is customary here.

If time permits, visitors can also explore small startups working on weaving these colorful Ethiopian traditional clothes.

Duration: 35 minutes

• All taxes & service charge
• Entry/Admission - Saint George Cathedral Church and Museum
• Entry/Admission fees National Museum
• Driver and local guide
• Lunch at Addis Ababa Restaurant
• Bottled water + WiFi on board
• In-vehicle air conditioning

• Tips for your driver guide
• National Museum is temporarily closed from Dec 19, 2024.

Discover the must-see attractions of Ethiopia’s vibrant capital. From the breathtaking vantage point atop Mount Entoto, gain insights into Ethiopian culture with the guidance of a local expert on this comprehensive city tour. The typical itinerary features visits to two museums, including the National Museum of Ethiopia, and two bustling markets. Experience the largest open-air market in East Africa, Merkato Market, through engaging walking tours, and enjoy Ethiopian cultural food tours. Shiro Meda Market in Addis Ababa is renowned for its selection of handwoven cotton clothing, primarily for women, and is a great place to purchase gifts such as bed covers, tablecloths, scarves, T-shirts, necklaces, and earrings. The tour also includes a visit to St. George’s Cathedral and its museum, as well as Meskel Square. Feel free to book with us; our tours are always adaptable to suit our clients’ interests.

• per adult (price varies by group size)

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