Set high on the Ethiopian plateau, Addis Ababa is young by African standards—founded in 1886 by Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu—but it hums with history. It’s home to the African Union, the headquarters of the UN Economic Commission for Africa, and a museum that guards one of humanity’s oldest icons: “Lucy,” the 3.2-million-year-old Australopithecus afarensis.

Beyond the big names, everyday Addis is a city of aromas—berbere and frankincense in churches, roasting coffee on street corners, fresh injera in family kitchens. From the sprawling Merkato to mountaintop views on Entoto, it’s a capital that rewards curiosity and an appetite.

Practical notes: Addis sits around 2,355 meters (7,726 ft), so take it easy the first day, hydrate, and wear sun protection. ATMs are common in Bole and Kazanchis; cards are accepted at major hotels and restaurants. Dress modestly for churches, and keep valuables secure in busy markets.

Addis Ababa

Addis is a kaleidoscope: Orthodox domes beside modern skylines, vintage cafés next to contemporary art, and a music scene that still riffs on Ethio-jazz. Top sights include the National Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Unity Park (inside the palace complex), Mount Entoto’s forests, and the Ethnological Museum housed in Haile Selassie’s former palace.

Food-wise, prepare for feasts. Share injera piled with spicy wats, buttery kitfo, and sizzling tibs. Then slow down for an Ethiopian coffee ceremony—green beans roasted, ground, and brewed in a jebena, with popcorn on the side.

Where to stay (Bole for dining and nightlife; Kazanchis for business and quick city access):

• Search hotels: Hotels.com – Addis Ababa (great for Hyatt Regency, Radisson Blu, Hilton, Ethiopian Skylight, Marriott Executive Apartments).
• Apartment-style stays: VRBO – Addis Ababa (ideal if you want a kitchen and extra space).

Getting there: Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) is the gateway. Compare flights on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. Nonstops and one-stops via Ethiopian Airlines and major Gulf hubs are common (e.g., ~4–5 hours from Nairobi, ~5–6 hours from Doha, 13–18 hours from many U.S. cities with a connection).

Local transport: Airport to Bole hotels is ~10–20 minutes in light traffic. Use registered taxis or reputable ride-hailing apps; typical cross-town fares run the equivalent of a few U.S. dollars. For Merkato, consider going with a guide.

Day 1: Arrival, First Coffee, and Addis Essentials

Morning: Travel day. Aim to land with daylight to get your bearings and adjust to the altitude. On arrival, change a small amount of cash, pick up a local SIM at the airport shop, and arrange a hotel pickup or taxi.

Afternoon: Drop bags at your hotel, then make a beeline for Tomoca Coffee (Piazza), a 1953 roaster pouring fragrant macchiatos and jebena brews—an Addis rite of passage. If you prefer a modern roastery vibe, try Garden of Coffee or a neighborhood branch of Kaldi’s.

Next, get oriented with a guided half-day that mixes museums and daily life: Addis Ababa Uncovered: A Journey through Ethiopian Heart. You’ll meet “Lucy,” sample coffee, and explore key neighborhoods in just a few hours.

Evening: Welcome dinner with culture. Book a table at Yod Abyssinia (Bole) or 2000 Habesha for live traditional music and dances from across Ethiopia. Share platters of doro wat (spiced chicken stew), tibs (seared beef or lamb), and shiro (chickpea stew). Prefer a quieter sit-down? Kategna excels at regional specialties and house-made injera.

Nightcap ideas: a mellow drink at the Hyatt Regency’s bar, or a craft lager at the long-running Beer Garden Inn in Bole.

Day 2: Mountains, Museums, Markets—and A Feast

Morning: Head uphill for sweeping views at Mount Entoto (bring a light layer; it’s cooler). Many tours pair Entoto with church and museum stops—easy for first-time visitors. A popular option with hotel pickup is the Full Day Tour of Addis Ababa with Hotel Pickup and Drop-off, which typically covers Entoto, the National Museum, St. George’s Cathedral, and more in one go.

If churches are your thing, don’t miss Holy Trinity Cathedral, resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie. Modest dress is appreciated; small entrance fees apply.

Afternoon: Browse the Ethnological Museum at Addis Ababa University, a thoughtful walk through Ethiopia’s cultures inside the former imperial palace. Then dip into the bustle of Merkato, often called Africa’s largest open-air market—go with a guide, keep your phone zipped away, and enjoy the spice lanes, coffee sellers, and woven baskets. For lunch, try Lucy Gazebo near the National Museum for tasty wats and fresh juices, or circle back to Kategna for a hearty lineup of fasting (vegan) dishes.

Evening: One delicious way to cap your stay is a guided food walk: Ethiopian Culinary Tour – Market, Food, Coffee Ceremony & more. Expect market tastings, a coffee ceremony, and stops for classics like firfir and kitfo.

If you’re DIY-ing dinner, alternatives include Totot Traditional Restaurant (warm, local vibe) or a break from injera with wood-fired pies at Effoi Pizza. End with gelato on Bole Road or a last espresso at Mokarar.

Prefer nature for Day 2? Swap today’s city plan for a countryside adventure to cliff-top monasteries and the Blue Nile Gorge: Day Trip From Addis Ababa To Debre Libanos & Portuguese Bridge. Expect scenic highlands, the 13th‑century Debre Libanos Monastery, and chances to spot endemic gelada baboons; total driving is about 5–6 hours round-trip.

Coffee, breakfast, and snack picks (sprinkle these across both days):

• Tomoca Coffee (Piazza): Old-school espresso and jebena brews; take home beans.
• Garden of Coffee (Kazanchis/Bole): Single-origin tastings and roastery vibes.
• Mulmul Bakery: Fresh rolls, pastries, and quick sandwiches for early starts.
• Kaldi’s Coffee: Reliable lattes and light bites, with branches across the city.

Dinner short list (reserve for dance shows):

• Yod Abyssinia (Bole): High-energy performances and regional specialties.
• 2000 Habesha: Another festive option for music and dance with hearty wats.
• Kategna: Consistent, bright flavors—with excellent vegetarian fasting platters.

Good to know:

• Altitude and sun are real—pace yourself and hydrate.
• Small entrance fees (roughly $3–$10) apply at major museums and cathedrals; carry cash.
• For evenings, smart-casual is fine. Shoulders and knees covered for churches.
• In Merkato, go with a guide and keep valuables out of sight.
• Flights home or onward: compare on Trip.com and Kiwi.com.

Sample costs and timing (subject to change): Airport–Bole hotels 10–20 minutes; cross-town rides $3–$10 equivalent; guided city tours from half-day to full-day; day trip to Debre Libanos runs ~9–10 hours.

With mountain air, museum treasures, and unforgettable meals, Addis Ababa rewards even a short stay. Two days are enough to savor coffee at its source, see the city from Entoto, and end with dance and drums echoing in your ears—until you return for a longer journey into Ethiopia’s highlands.