1-Day Addis Ababa City Tour Itinerary
🕘 9:00 AM – National Museum of Ethiopia
Start your day by visiting the National Museum, home to the famous “Lucy” (Dinkinesh)—a 3.2-million-year-old hominid fossil.
Explore ancient artifacts, royal regalia, and Ethiopian art.
🕚 11:00 AM – Holy Trinity Cathedral
Visit Holy Trinity Cathedral, an important Ethiopian Orthodox church.
See the tomb of Emperor Haile Selassie and beautiful stained-glass windows.
🕛 12:00 PM – Entoto Park & Mountain View
Drive up to Mount Entoto, the highest point in Addis Ababa (3,200m).
Enjoy breathtaking views of the city and visit Entoto Maryam Church & Museum.
Optional: Visit Entoto Park for a short walk and coffee break.
🕐 1:30 PM – Traditional Ethiopian Lunch
Enjoy lunch at Yod Abyssinia, Totot or other Cultural restaurants
Try injera with dishes like doro wat (spicy chicken stew) or kitfo (Ethiopian-style minced meat).
🕒 3:00 PM – Merkato (Africa’s Largest Open Market)
Explore Merkato, a vibrant marketplace with spices, coffee, and handmade crafts.
Visit the Ater Gebeya (spice market) and Shiro Meda (traditional clothing market).
🕔 5:00 PM – Red Terror Martyrs’ Memorial Museum
Learn about Ethiopia’s modern history at this museum, dedicated to victims of the Derg regime.
A moving yet insightful experience about Ethiopia’s past.
🕕 6:30 PM – Coffee & Sunset at Kuriftu Entoto
Experience Ethiopia’s famous coffee ceremony at Tomoca Coffee or Kuriftu Entoto.
Enjoy a sunset view over Addis Ababa.
🕖 7:30 PM – Traditional Dinner & Cultural Dance
End the day with an Ethiopian dinner at Yod Abyssinia or Habesha 2000.
Enjoy live traditional Ethiopian music and dance performances.
Optional:
Unity Park (Government Palace, Zoo, and museums)
St. George’s Cathedral (Ethiopian Orthodox site with a museum)
Addis Ababa University’s Ethnological Museum
🌍 2-Day Addis Ababa & Surroundings Tour Itinerary
📅 Day 1: Exploring Addis Ababa
🕘 9:00 AM – National Museum of Ethiopia
See the famous “Lucy” (Dinkinesh) fossil (3.2 million years old).
Explore Ethiopian history, ancient artifacts, and modern art.
🕚 11:00 AM – Holy Trinity Cathedral
Visit this iconic Ethiopian Orthodox church, home to the tomb of Emperor Haile Selassie.
Admire its beautiful stained-glass windows and rich religious history.
🕛 12:00 PM – Entoto Park & Mount Entoto
Drive to Mount Entoto (3,200m) for stunning city views.
Visit Entoto Maryam Church & Museum, home of Emperor Menelik II.
Relax at Kuriftu Entoto Park for coffee or a light snack.
🕐 1:30 PM – Traditional Ethiopian Lunch
Recommended: Yod Abyssinia or Lucy Lounge
Enjoy injera with dishes like doro wat (spicy chicken stew) and kitfo (Ethiopian minced meat).
🕒 3:00 PM – Merkato (Africa’s Largest Open-Air Market)
Visit Ater Gebeya (spice market) for Ethiopian spices and coffee.
Explore Shiro Meda for traditional Ethiopian clothing.
🕔 5:00 PM – Red Terror Martyrs’ Memorial Museum
A moving museum that tells the story of Ethiopia’s modern history during the Derg regime.
🕕 6:30 PM – Coffee & Sunset at Tomoca Coffee or Kuriftu Entoto
Experience Ethiopia’s world-famous coffee ceremony.
Enjoy a panoramic sunset view of Addis Ababa.
🕖 7:30 PM – Dinner with Cultural Dance Show
Recommended: Yod Abyssinia or Habesha 2000
Enjoy traditional Ethiopian music, dance, and cuisine.
📅 Day 2: Day Trip to Debre Libanos & Portuguese Bridge
🕘 8:00 AM – Drive to Debre Libanos Monastery (110 km from Addis, ~2-hour drive)
Visit the famous 13th-century monastery founded by Saint Tekle Haymanot.
Explore its museum, ancient manuscripts, and spiritual significance.
🕚 11:00 AM – Explore Portuguese Bridge & Jemma River Gorge
Walk across the Portuguese Bridge, built in the 17th century.
See stunning views of the Jemma River Gorge and waterfalls.
Spot Gelada baboons in their natural habitat.
🕛 12:30 PM – Traditional Ethiopian Lunch
Recommended: Ras Darge Lodge (near the monastery).
Enjoy local dishes while overlooking the scenic valley.
🕒 2:00 PM – Drive Back to Addis Ababa
🕔 4:00 PM – Visit Unity Park (Optional Stop in Addis Ababa)
Explore Ethiopia’s Presidential Palace, museums, and a mini-zoo with lions and zebras.
🕕 6:00 PM – Relaxing Coffee or Dinner Before Departure
Tomoca Coffee or a rooftop café like The Vault Addis.
Optional: Last-minute souvenir shopping at Friendship Mall or Sabahar (handwoven textiles).
