Two-Day Addis Ababa City Tour – Deep Dive into the Soul of the Capital
Experience the vibrant soul of Ethiopia with this enriching two-day city tour through Addis Ababa, a place where ancient history, diverse culture, and modern life come together in harmony.
Day One: We begin with a visit to the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to the famous fossil "Lucy" and a vast collection of ancient artifacts, royal regalia, and traditional art. From there, we continue to the Ethnological Museum, located within the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie, offering deep insight into Ethiopia’s ethnic diversity, traditions, and daily life. After a morning of culture, we’ll enjoy a traditional Ethiopian lunch at a renowned local restaurant like Yod Abyssinia or Taitu Cultural Restaurant, accompanied by live traditional music and dance. In the afternoon, we immerse ourselves in the lively chaos of Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market, where we explore stalls full of spices, coffee, handwoven baskets, incense, and traditional crafts. The day continues with a visit to the octagonal St. George’s Cathedral and its museum, before winding down with a scenic drive through Meskel Square, the African Union Headquarters, and the iconic Lion of Judah Monument. For those interested, the evening can end with dinner and live cultural performances at venues like Fendika Cultural Center or a cozy local jazz bar.
Day Two: Shifting the rhythm from culture to nature, we start with a refreshing escape to Entoto Hills, the original seat of Emperor Menelik II’s capital. We’ll explore the Entoto Maryam Church, the emperor’s historic palace, and take a peaceful walk through Entoto Natural Park, where eucalyptus forests, eco-trails, and panoramic city views offer both serenity and inspiration. A warm lunch awaits at one of the park’s scenic cafés or cultural restaurants down the hill. In the afternoon, we visit the majestic Holy Trinity Cathedral, an important spiritual site and the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie and his wife. The tour concludes with a powerful stop at the Red Terror Martyrs’ Memorial Museum, which presents Ethiopia’s modern political history through the stories of those who lived through it. We close the day with a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, sharing reflections and laughter over the aroma of freshly roasted beans—ending the journey with connection, culture, and unforgettable memories of Addis Ababa.