Addis Ababa City Tours
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 32 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Addis Ababa City Tours worth booking?
Addis Ababa City Tours is a 7-hour experience in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from $75 per person. It scores 78 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 32 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 78 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (32)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $75 per person
Experience the best of Addis Ababa on a comprehensive full-day tour that begins with a convenient pickup from your hotel or the airport. Visit the National Museum, home to the famous 3 million-year-old fossils of Lucy, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Ethiopia’s capital from Enoto, and indulge in the rich flavors of traditional Ethiopian coffee and cuisine, making for a memorable exploration of the city’s cultural and historical highlights.
What you get
About this experience
Experience the best of Addis Ababa on a comprehensive full-day tour that begins with a convenient pickup from your hotel or the airport. Visit the National Museum, home to the famous 3 million-year-old fossils of Lucy, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Ethiopia’s capital from Enoto, and indulge in the rich flavors of traditional Ethiopian coffee and cuisine, making for a memorable exploration of the city’s cultural and historical highlights.
What's included
Included
- Blue Badge guide
- Entry/Admission-mercato
- All entrance fee
- Entry/Admission - Mount Entoto
- Hotel drop-off
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Driver/guide
- Hotel pickup
- Entry/Admission - Red Torror Martyrs' Memorial Museum
- Entry/Admission - St. George's Cathedral
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
- Entry/Admission - National Museum of Ethiopia
Not included
- Airport/Departure Tax
- Food and drinks (available to purchase)
- Alcoholic drinks
What you'll see and do
National Museum of Ethiopia
The National Museum of Ethiopia houses the nation’s artistic treasures as well as precious archaeological finds such as the fossilized remains of early hominids, the most famous of which is “Lucy,”. Recently added is a display on Selam, estimated to be 3.3 million years old, considered to be the earliest child. The museum exhibitions include archaeological, paleoanthropological, objects from ancient and medieval periods, regalia and memorabilia from former rulers, artwork, a collection of secular arts and crafts. The museum tries to give an overview of the cultural richness and variety of the peoples of Ethiopia.Lucy was discovered in 1974 near the village Hadar in the Awash Valley of the Afar Triangle in Ethiopia. The Lucy specimen is an early australopithecine and is dated to about 3.2 million years ago. The skeleton presents a small skull akin to that of non-hominin apes, plus evidence of a walking-gait that was bipedal and upright.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Ethnological Museum
The Ethnological Museum, Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia, is a public institution dedicated to ethnology and culture. The Ethnological Museum houses anthropological, musicological and cultural objects. The Ethnological Museum is the first university museum in Ethiopia.[1] The Museum is located in the main Campus of Addis Ababa University which houses the Institute of Ethiopian Studies.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Shiro Meda Market
Shiro Meda local market located near the US Embassy in Addis Ababa is one of the best local markets to shop handwoven cotton clothes mainly for women. It is also famous for buying small gift items like Tshirts, necklaces, earrings, etc At Shiro Meda, visitors can buy colorful handwoven locally made scarves, and dresses for women which are made from cotton and decorated with colorful embroidery. Here at Shiro Meda, bargaining for price is the order of the game.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Mercato Market
Prior to the current Mercato, there was an open marketplace in Addis Ababa near St. George Church at the site where the City Hall stands now, but it ended with the Italian occupation of the 1930s. The occupiers moved the market further west to the area around the premises of Fitawrari Habte Giyorgis Dinagde, which they named Merkato Dinagde. Thus, the present Addis Merkato was founded by the segregationist policies of the Italian occupational government. the Italians restricted the historic St. George Merkato to Europeans, renaming it Piazza, which featured European-style shops that displayed commodities through glass windows. The mostly Arab tradesmen who owned stores there eventually relocated a half-mile to the west. Over time, local shopkeepers displaced the Arab merchants and, since the 1960s, the Addis Merkato has had a mostly local flavor. The Mercato Dijino did not have any plan and gradually grew in width and breadth taking different categorical stocks called "terras".
120 minutes here
St. George's Cathedral
St George's Cathedral is an Orthodox cathedral noted for its distinctive octagonal form and is located at the northern end of Churchill Road. Designed by Sebastiano Castagna and built by Italian prisoners of war defeated at Adwa in 1896, it was named after St. George, after the ark of the church was carried to the Battle of Adwa against the Italians, during which the Ethiopians secured victory. The Italian Fascist authorities set the building on fire during the war in 1937, yet the cathedral was later restored by the Emperor following the liberation in 1941. The Cathedral has a museum where it displays an Imperial throne and weaponry used in the wars against the Italians including curved swords and tridents and giant helmets made from the manes of lions.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Meskel Square
Meskel Square (Amharic: መስቀል አደባባይ, romanized: mesik’el ādebabay, lit. 'Cross Square') is a public square in the city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It is often a site for public gatherings or for demonstrations and festivals, notably, the Meskel Festival from which it takes its name. History 2:05 Emperor Haile Selassie I seen celebrating the finding of the cross at Meskel Square in 1971. Previously it was known as Stephen Square[1] before its name was changed to Meskel Squre in the early 1950s. Traditionally, the Meskel bonfire in Addis Ababa was lit by the Emperor of Ethiopia accompanied by members of the Imperial Family, the nobility, and high officials of the Orthodox Church and the government. The bonfire was initially lit in a square near the southern gate of St George's Cathedral during the reigns of Emperor Menelik II and Empress Zewditu, but was moved to its present location in the specifically constructed Meskel Square by Emperor Haile Selassie
Pass by without stopping
Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum
The "Red Terror" Martyrs' Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa was established in 2010 as a memorial to those who died during the Red Terror under the Derg government.[1][2] The museum has displays of torture instruments, skulls and bones, coffins, bloody clothes and photographs of victims. In free tours of the museum, guides describes the history leading up to the Red Terror (starting from Haile Selassie's 80th birthday celebration), the actions taken toward citizens who opposed the Derg, how the prisoners were treated and how they secretly communicated among each other
30 minutes here · Admission included
Mount Entoto
It is a historical place where Emperor Menelik II resided and built his palace, when he came from Ankober and founded Addis Ababa. It is considered a sacred mountain and has many monasteries. Mount Entoto is also the location of a number of celebrated churches, including Saint Raguel and Saint Mary.[1] The mountain is densely covered by eucalyptus trees that were imported from Australia during the reign of Menelik II, and mostly planted during Emperor Haile Selassie's reign. Thus, it is sometimes referred to as the "lung of Addis Ababa". The forest on the mountain is an important source of firewood for the city. It was also a source of building material in earlier times. The Ethiopian Heritage Trust, a non-profit, non-governmental organization, is working actively to change part of the mountain to its old state, a natural park. Entoto Natural Park is the northeastern rim of Addis Abeba, on the southeastern slopes of Mt. Entoto, covering an area of 1,300 hectare
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Addis Ababa
We will pick clients either form hotel or any other places that are requested by our clients
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
We will pick clients either form hotel or any other places that are requested by our clients
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Danakil Depression Tours
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 31 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
7 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
5 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Pace and timing
4 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
31 verified traveler reviews for Addis Ababa City Tours. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A really enjoyable day discovering Addis Ababa
We booked an Addis Ababa city tour with Danakil Depression Tours, and it ended up being a really nice introduction to the city. We had only limited time in Addis, so having a guide who could organize the day and take us between the different places made things much easier. We started in the morning, and one thing we immediately noticed was how lively Addis is. The traffic, people, small shops, cafés and street activity made the city feel completely different from anywhere else we had visited in Ethiopia. Our guide was very friendly and didn't just give us a list of facts. He explained things as we walked and drove around, and we had plenty of opportunities to ask questions about everyday life in Addis. One of my favorite stops was Entoto, mainly because of the views. As we climbed higher, the city opened up below us. We stood there for a while just looking over Addis, taking photos and enjoying the cooler air. After spending time in the busy city, it was a nice change of atmosphere. We also visited the National Museum, where seeing the famous Lucy fossil was a highlight. Even though we had read about Lucy before the trip, seeing the exhibition in person made Ethiopian history feel much more real. Another memorable part was walking through one of the local areas and seeing everyday life. We stopped for coffee, and this ended up taking longer than planned because we were enjoying the conversation and watching people around us. Ethiopian coffee really is an experience in itself, and it was one of those simple moments that made the day feel more personal. Lunch was another highlight. Rather than rushing through a standard tourist meal, we had Ethiopian food and got to try several dishes together. Eating injera with different wot and vegetables was a fun experience, especially when our guide showed us how locals traditionally eat it. We also enjoyed visiting Mercato. It was busy, noisy and sometimes chaotic, but that's exactly what made it interesting. There were people selling almost everything you can imagine, and our guide helped us navigate the area without feeling overwhelmed. We definitely would not have known where to go on our own. What I appreciated most was that the tour wasn't just about checking off attractions. Our guide answered questions about Ethiopian culture, food, history and everyday life. At several points we ended up talking about things that weren't even on the original itinerary. The driver was also very helpful, especially with the Addis traffic. There were a few moments when we wondered how anyone manages to drive through those roads every day! By the end of the afternoon we were tired but felt that we had actually experienced a little bit of Addis rather than simply seeing it through a car window. Thank you to Danakil Depression Tours and especially our guide and driver for making the day comfortable, informative and relaxed. We appreciated their flexibility when we wanted to spend a little longer at certain places. If you're visiting Addis for the first time and only have one day, I think a guided city tour is a great way to get your bearings. The city can feel confusing at first, but having someone local explain what you're seeing makes a big difference. For us, the best memories weren't necessarily the famous sights. It was the coffee, the conversations, the busy streets, the food and those little moments where we got to see what everyday life in Addis Ababa actually feels like. A very enjoyable first introduction to Addis Ababa and a day we were genuinely happy we booked.
via Tripadvisor
Addis Ababa surprised us
We spent a few days in Addis Ababa during our Ethiopia trip, and honestly, we ended up enjoying the city much more than we expected. At first, Addis can feel a bit overwhelming — lots of traffic, people, noise and activity everywhere. But after a day or two, we started to get into the rhythm of the city and really enjoyed it. We spent time exploring different parts of Addis, visiting some of the main sights, trying local food and, of course, drinking a lot of Ethiopian coffee. The coffee was definitely a highlight for us! We also tried injera for the first time and had a lot of fun figuring out how to eat it properly. 😄 What we liked most wasn't necessarily one particular attraction. It was the everyday atmosphere. Sitting in a small café, watching people going about their day, seeing the markets and shops, and just walking around gave us a much better feeling for the city. We also had some really nice conversations with local people. Not every interaction was a big experience, but those small moments are what made Addis feel special to us. The city isn't perfect, and you should definitely expect traffic and some hectic moments. But we actually think that's part of the experience. Addis feels like a real working city rather than somewhere that has been set up for tourists. We also really enjoyed the food. There are so many different flavors, and sharing several dishes together made every meal an experience. And yes, we probably drank more coffee than we normally do! Looking back, we're glad we didn't just use Addis as a place to arrive and leave from. Spending a few days here gave us a much better understanding of Ethiopia and made the rest of our trip more meaningful. Our advice: give Addis a little time. Don't try to rush through it in a few hours. Walk around, sit in a café, try the food, talk to people and just observe the city. We left Addis with some very good memories — and a slight addiction to Ethiopian coffee. ☕😄 Definitely a city we'd be happy to visit again.
via Tripadvisor
A Full Day Discovering the History and Energy of Addis Ababa
I experienced the best of Addis Ababa on a full-day city tour that gave me a wonderful introduction to the Ethiopian capital’s history, culture, and everyday life. The day started with a convenient pickup from my hotel, which made everything easy from the beginning. I didn’t have to worry about arranging transportation, so I could simply relax and look forward to exploring the city. My first stop was the National Museum of Ethiopia, where I learned more about the country's fascinating archaeological and cultural history. One of the highlights for me was seeing the famous Lucy fossil, dating back approximately 3.2 million years. Seeing this important piece of human history in person made the museum visit especially memorable. From there, I explored Merkato, one of the largest and liveliest open-air markets in Africa. The atmosphere was completely different from the quiet museum. I walked through the busy streets, saw colorful stalls filled with spices, clothing, handicrafts, and everyday goods, and enjoyed watching the rhythm of local life. It was one of the places where I felt I was getting a genuine sense of Addis Ababa beyond the usual tourist attractions. I then traveled up to Entoto Mountain, where I enjoyed breathtaking panoramic views over Addis Ababa. The cooler mountain air and beautiful scenery gave me a chance to slow down, take photographs, and appreciate just how large and vibrant the capital is. One of my favorite parts of the day was experiencing traditional Ethiopian coffee and tasting local Ethiopian cuisine. The coffee ceremony gave me a deeper appreciation of the country's famous coffee culture, while the food added another enjoyable dimension to the experience. Throughout the tour, my guide shared interesting stories and information about the city's history, traditions, landmarks, and modern way of life. By the end of the day, I felt that I had experienced many different sides of Addis Ababa—from its ancient history and busy markets to its mountain landscapes, food, and coffee culture. It was a memorable and rewarding way to discover the Ethiopian capital in just one day.
via Tripadvisor
The Perfect Introduction to Addis Ababa That Made Me Love the City
I booked the Addis Ababa City Tour with Danakil Depression Tours, and it was the best way to discover Ethiopia's vibrant capital. As a solo traveler, I appreciated how well the tour was organized and how much I learned throughout the day. From fascinating museums and historic landmarks to bustling local markets and authentic Ethiopian coffee, every stop offered something unique. My guide was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about sharing the city's history and culture, making the experience both informative and enjoyable. The transportation was comfortable, the itinerary was perfectly paced, and I never felt rushed. Thanks to Danakil Depression Tours, I left Addis Ababa with a much deeper appreciation for the city's rich heritage and welcoming atmosphere.
Response from the operator: Thank you for leaving us a 5* review! We are thrilled that you loved your experience; our staff will definitely be happy to read what you wrote. We put customer experience and satisfaction as our priority, and your review reaffirms the hard work we put in every day. So, thanks for your kind words and we look forward to seeing you again. Managing director Yigzaw/Mickey
via Tripadvisor
The Best Way to Experience Addis Ababa with Friends in Just One Day
My friends and I booked the Addis Ababa City Tour with Danakil Depression Tours, and it gave us a fantastic introduction to Ethiopia's vibrant capital. From exploring fascinating museums and historic landmarks to wandering through lively local markets, every stop offered something new to discover. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and shared interesting stories about the city's history, culture, and traditions, making the experience much more meaningful. The tour was well organized, the transportation was comfortable, and we never felt rushed. It was the perfect mix of sightseeing, local culture, and great food, making it one of the highlights of our trip. We would definitely recommend Danakil Depression Tours to anyone wanting to experience the true spirit of Addis Ababa.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience! We're delighted to hear that you had a wonderful time traveling with Danakil Depression Tours. We appreciate your kind words and look forward to hosting you on more fantastic journeys in the future!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 11
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Danakil Depression Tours, who run 7 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 66.3.
See everything Danakil Depression Tours runsWhy this scores 78
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Addis Ababa City Tours: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Addis Ababa.
How much does Addis Ababa City Tours cost?
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Prices start at $75 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Addis Ababa usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Addis Ababa City Tours take?
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Plan for about 7 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Addis Ababa is not rushed.
Is Addis Ababa City Tours worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 78 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 32 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Addis Ababa, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Addis Ababa City Tours?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Addis Ababa City Tours suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Addis Ababa City Tours?
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Around 11 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Addis Ababa can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Addis Ababa and add a light layer if any part of the 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Addis Ababa City Tours start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Addis Ababa within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Addis Ababa?
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On Outty we rank every Addis Ababa experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Addis Ababa Authentic Private City Tour, Addis Ababa Guided City Tour With Airport & Hotel Pick Up, Full Day Tour of Addis Ababa with Hotel Pickup and Drop-off. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Addis Ababa?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Addis Ababa?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Addis Ababa City Tours?
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Included: Blue Badge guide; Entry/Admission-mercato; All entrance fee; Entry/Admission - Mount Entoto; and Hotel drop-off. Not included: Airport/Departure Tax; Food and drinks (available to purchase); and Alcoholic drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Addis Ababa City Tours include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 3 listed pickup locations in and around Addis Ababa. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Addis Ababa City Tours offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Addis Ababa City Tours?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Addis Ababa City Tours wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Addis Ababa City Tours if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Addis Ababa. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Addis Ababa City Tours?
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Across 32 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, organization, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
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