| 4 mins read
Whether your interests lie in cultural attractions, historical monuments, beautiful landscapes or delicious coffee, Ethiopia’s capital city of Addis Ababa has it all. Situated amidst the country’s Abyssinian highlands, Addis Ababa’s temperate climate makes it an enjoyable place to visit regardless of the time of year. One of the most important international hubs in the entire continent (and the home base of the African Union), Addis Ababa often gets coined the “Political Capital of Africa”. For first-time visitors looking to explore this thriving Ethiopian hub, here are some of the things you cannot miss.
The Cultural Sites of Addis Ababa
Some of the main attractions within Addis Ababa are its historical and cultural sites. A great way for first-time visitors to get acquainted with the capital’s extensive history is through its museums. The Ethiopian Ethnological Museum, National Museum of Ethiopia (home to “Lucy”, the world’s oldest humanoid) and the Zoological Natural History Museum are three must-visit galleries, each giving interesting insights into the roots of both the capital and the country as a whole. The Red Terror Martyr’s Memorial Museum is another poignant visit in the capital, giving visitor’s a glimpse into a lesser-known, darker period in the nation’s not so distant past.
A walk through Addis Ababa’s religious side
Addis Ababa’s religious sites reflect its unique, multicultural heritage. Saint George’s Cathedral, the Roman Catholic Cathedral, the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Medhane Alem and Saint Michael’s Church each boast some unique architecture, beautiful local artwork, mosaics and informative museums, reflecting the rich Christian heritage of the country. The Anwar Mosque in Addis Ababa’s Mercato District is the largest mosque in the entire country and not only reflects the country’s Islamic roots, but also represents the peaceful coexistence of the two religions throughout Ethiopia’s history.
Gathering Points in the City
The Mercato District is one of the capital’s main attractions, and is supposedly the largest open-air market in all of Africa. Explore this bustling corner of the capital with an Addis Ababa tour guide to show you all the best sites, shops, flavors and observation points. Ensure your safety in this hectic marketplace, known for its extremely talented pickpockets. Another central point in the city (extremely useful for orientation purposes) is Meskel Square. A lively area during local festivals or political events, the square is otherwise relatively uneventful. A few other important sites within the city are the National Palace, old Imperial Palace, Lion of Judah of Menelik and Lion of Judah of Haile Selassie, both commemorating deceased Emperors.
Getting Outdoors in Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa sits at the foot of Entoto Mountain, a 3,200-meter tall peak. Visitors can climb or bus to the top of this mountain, which has a number of interesting & colorful markets, monasteries and museums to explore. Covered in imported eucalyptus trees and boasting some incredible views of the city below, a visit to Mount Entoto is a must do for anyone touring Addis Ababa.
Ethiopian Coffee & Cuisine
If there’s one more thing that first-time visitors simply MUST experience… it’s the food! Ethiopian cuisine is a mouthwatering combination of meats, spices, vegetables and stews. Mix it all together with the country’s famous fermented flatbread (Injera) and you are guaranteed to be reaching for more! Also home to some of the world’s most delicious coffee, first-timers mustn’t forget to sample some of the city’s finest Arabica during their visit! No matter how long you’re visiting for, Addis Ababa will have you pleasantly surprised with its culture, natural and historic attractions, activities and unforgettable flavors.
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