Mid-Range Travel Guide: Addisababa

Accommodation

$35-85 per night

Mid-range hotels, boutique guesthouses, private rooms with ensuite bathrooms, decent amenities

Food & Dining

$15-35 per day

Mix of local restaurants, hotel dining, traditional Ethiopian cuisine, international options, coffee ceremonies

Transportation

$8-25 per day

Mix of taxis, ride-sharing apps, occasional private car hire, some public transport

Activities

$20-50 per day

Guided city tours, museum entries, cultural experiences, day trips to nearby attractions, entertainment

Eat at local markets and street food stalls instead of tourist restaurants (typically 60-80% cheaper)

Use public minibuses and city buses instead of taxis for daily transport (usually 70-85% savings)

Stay in neighborhoods like Kazanchis or CMC areas rather than Bole for accommodation (generally 30-50% less expensive)

Book domestic flights and tours during weekdays rather than weekends (typically 15-25% cheaper)

Buy bottled water and snacks from local shops instead of hotels (usually 200-400% markup at hotels)

Join group tours instead of private tours when possible (generally 40-60% cost reduction)

Exchange money at banks or official exchange bureaus rather than hotels (typically better rates by 5-15%)

Taking taxis everywhere instead of learning the public transport system (can cost 3-5x more daily)

Eating only in Bole or tourist areas instead of exploring local neighborhoods (typically 100-200% markup)

Not negotiating prices for tours and activities (missing potential 20-40% savings)

Exchanging money at the airport or hotels instead of banks (losing 10-20% on exchange rates)

Booking last-minute accommodation during peak seasons (often paying 50-100% premium)