Why Addis Ababa Should Be Your Next Cultural Adventure

Addis Ababa is now a metropolis with more than 4 million inhabitants, located in the heart of Ethiopia, of which it is the historical capital. Another title held by the city is that of the capital of the African Union, a supranational organization that includes almost all African states, with the exception of Morocco.

Famous especially in Italy for events related to the Second World War, Addis Ababa is today a cosmopolitan metropolis, in which approximately 80 different nationalities coexist, with Muslim, Christian, and Jewish communities living in close contact. Geographically, the city stands at the foot of Mount Entoto, a hill that exceeds 3,000 meters in height, with an altitude varying between around 2,300 meters on the southern outskirts and almost 3,000 meters in the area north of the center.

The City of Contrasts

Like many African capitals, Addis Ababa also lives in a balance between poverty and wealth, between modernity and that overall touch of precariousness that makes it a lively, true, but also full of contradictions.

The mix between the new that advances and the decay of the old makes it a particularly interesting city, rich in colors and contrasts. Street vendors, shops of all kinds rich in colors and scents, alternate with glass buildings and state buildings, and expanses of shacks that will be eliminated little by little, all surrounded by chaotic traffic that fills the air with smog.

To many, the first impact with the city may seem disorienting, but in a few hours, you will get used to all this, and this too is Africa!

A Brief History of Addis Ababa

Founded by Emperor Menelik II towards the end of the nineteenth century on the advice of his wife, Addis Ababa, which means New Flower, was entirely occupied by Italian troops in May 1936, when Mussolini decided to expand Italy’s ambitions up to Ethiopia’s borders. In the same year, the city became the capital of Italian East Africa, becoming part of the Governorate of Addis Ababa on 1 June 1936. In November 1938, Addis Ababa was annexed to the Government of Shoah, which led to the immigration of tens of thousands of Italians. By 1941, almost 40,000 Italians lived in the city. Ethiopia regained independence under Emperor Haile Selassie I after liberation by the British.

Exploring the City

Visiting Addis Ababa today means discovering an important page of recent history, a history that has left a tangible mark on the city, both architecturally and culturally. The main square is Meskel Square, an immense area located right in the heart of the city where every year, towards the end of September, the Meskel Festival is held, the most important religious event in Addis Ababa, attracting tens of thousands of people to celebrate the discovery of the True Cross by Queen Eleni.

Museums and Historical Sites

Addis Ababa boasts one of the richest and most varied museum landscapes in East Africa. In addition to the Ethiopian National Library, which houses Haile Selassie’s imperial archives, must-see exhibits include the Ethnographic Museum, the Addis Ababa Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Ethiopian Railway Museum, and the National Postal Museum. Among the historically significant sites is the Mausoleum of Menelik II, founder of the city, who in the same years built the Imperial Palace, still used today as the seat of the national government.

Ethnographic Museum and National Museum

The Ethnographic Museum and the archaeological section of the National Museum are particularly noteworthy. The Ethnographic Museum is located in the residence of Haile Selassie and displays a beautiful collection of artifacts that offer an extraordinary cultural cross-section of the Ethiopian people. The National Museum is a must-see for anyone wanting a comprehensive understanding of the cradle of humanity—the northernmost regions of Ethiopia, where the first hominids lived over 3 million years ago. The museum focuses on Lucy, the small female Australopithecus whose remains were discovered in the 1970s. Though only a replica of her skeletal fragments is displayed here, numerous reconstructions provide insight into the development of these early hominids.

Religious Architecture

Addis Ababa is rich in religious architecture, including the Cathedral of St. George, founded in 1896 and now home to a museum on its history, and the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, which was once the largest Orthodox cathedral in Ethiopia and houses the tomb of Sylvia Pankhurst. Another historically significant site is the Hager Fikir Theatre, located in the neighborhood overlooking the square, which is the oldest theater in the country.

The Addis Ababa Market

Addis Ababa is also Ethiopia’s commercial hub, and its market—considered the largest in Africa—is not to be missed. Located in the north-western part of the city, between the neighborhoods of Aba Koran and Geja Sefer, the market is like a city within a city. Covering over 10 square kilometers, it is a network of streets packed with shops and street vendors, each street specializing in different products. The traffic and crowds create an almost Dante-esque scene, full of color, smells, and humanity. Photographers will find exceptional opportunities here, but be cautious of pickpockets—avoid carrying valuables, and keep your camera secured.

What is the best time of the year to visit Addis Ababa?

Addis Ababa has a particular climate, mild almost all year thanks to the altitude, which moderates the typical heat of the region. Average temperatures are around 15°C in December and 18°C in May, while July and August—the rainiest months—see averages between 15°C and 16°C, with minimums that never fall below 10°C. Annual rainfall exceeds 1,000 mm due to the summer rains.

Transportation and Travel Tips

Bole International Airport is the main airport of Ethiopia, located in the southern part of the city, and is served by numerous European airlines. In 2003, a new terminal was inaugurated, bringing passenger traffic to over one and a half million travelers per year.

Local public transport is provided by several bus lines with a dusty yellow livery, though many tourists prefer to use private collective taxis. For extra-urban travel, you can take the train from the central station, which is connected to Djibouti via Debra Zeyit and Dire Dawa.

Organized Tours and Visits

To organize your visit to Addis Ababa and Ethiopia, ilTurista.info recommends the Tour Operator I Viaggi di Maurizio Levi. During the summer season, they offer a tour starting from Addis to discover the primitive peoples of the Omo Valley. In winter, the tours include the Historical Route, the Churches and Peoples of the Plateau, and the Dancalia and Unknown Peoples Tour along the path of the Blue Nile.

Where to eat and sleep in Addis Ababa

Dining and lodging in Addis Ababa will provide a range of tastes and experiences reminiscent of the city’s particular diversity. Regarding dining, seek something really local—visit a classic Ethiopian restaurant such as 2000 Habesha Cultural Restaurant or Yod Abyssinia. Often accompanied by live music or dance events, these locations offer injera and that real Ethiopian warmth. See the buzzing bistros in Bole like Effoi Pizza or The Coffee House, where international fusion meets local appeal, for a more modern spin.

Regarding sleep, Addis Ababa provides a spectrum of reasonably priced guesthouses as well as luxury resorts. Radisson Blu or Hyatt Regency offer high-end conveniences if you’re looking for comfort and style; but, for a more personal and local vibe, choose a boutique like Taitu Hotel—one of the oldest in town. Try guesthouses like Zola International without delay; you will meet other guests, learn about their experiences, and get a first-hand view of the city.