Things to Do in Addis Ababa

About Addis Ababa

Travel Tips

• Altitude Adjustment: Addis Ababa sits at 2,355 meters (7,726 feet) above sea level, so take it easy for the first day or two to avoid altitude sickness—stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity until you've acclimatized.

• Cash and Currency: While hotels and upscale restaurants accept cards, most businesses operate on cash only, so exchange money at banks or authorized forex bureaus (avoid street exchangers) and always carry small Ethiopian Birr notes for taxis, markets, and local eateries.

• Blue Taxi Navigation: Use the light-blue contract taxis instead of white taxis, and always agree on the fare before departing (50-200 Birr for most trips within the city), or download the Ride app, Ethiopia's local ride-hailing service that's more reliable than international alternatives.

• Coffee Ceremony Timing: If invited to a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, know that it's a 2-3 hour social ritual with three rounds of coffee—accept the invitation as it's an honor, but plan your schedule accordingly as leaving early is considered rude.

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Addis Ababa is October through February, when the city enjoys its dry season with clear skies, comfortable daytime temperatures of 20-25°C, and crisp evenings dropping to 5-10°C—though you'll need warm layers as the 2,355-meter altitude makes mornings genuinely cold. September marks the spectacular end of the rainy season when the surrounding highlands burst into wildflower blooms and features Meskel (Finding of the True Cross, September 27th), Ethiopia's most visually stunning festival with massive bonfires and processions, though expect some lingering afternoon showers. Avoid June through August unless you're prepared for the main rainy season (kiremt) when 200-250mm monthly rainfall creates muddy streets, disrupts transportation, and limits outdoor exploration, though budget travelers benefit from significantly lower hotel rates during this low season. January is particularly ideal, coinciding with Timkat (Ethiopian Epiphany, January 19th), a three-day celebration featuring elaborate religious processions and baptismal ceremonies with locals dressed in traditional white netela robes, while Ethiopian Christmas (Genna, January 7th) offers authentic cultural immersion. Be aware that March-May constitutes the short rainy season (belg) with unpredictable afternoon thunderstorms averaging 100mm monthly, creating humid 18-23°C conditions that make outdoor markets less pleasant, though this period sees fewer tourists and the Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash, September 11th) brings celebratory atmosphere if your dates align.