Addis Ababa

"Red Terror" Martyrs Memorial Museum

About those who lost their lives in the time of the Derg. Opened in 2010 with an excellent, modern style of display. Visited in 2019 the building was in a fairly poor state with none of the lights seemingly working. Worth a quick visit, won’t take more than 15 minutes. The memorial does not set out to be an encyclopaedic collection but to be a simple and powerful reminder.

Daily 08:00–18:30·Donation

2000 Habesha Cultural Restaurant

Habesha 2000

One of Addis Ababa's famous cultural restaurants, it has traditional singing and dancing at night. If you're feeling brave, try the gored gored (cubes of heavily salted and spiced raw beef). Waiters are well mannered and kind, and most are very talented dancers. Features a large buffet with many kinds of wat/wot (Ethiopian stew), injera, shiro, vegetables, and other dishes. Their "fasting" menu (meatless or vegan dishes typically served to religiously observant diners) is excellent and will satisfy most vegetarians and vegans.

Addis Ababa Museum

Focuses on artefacts and exhibits from Addis Ababa. The building was once a palace where Ras Biru Habte-Gabriel, a former Minister of War, resided.

Tue–Fri 08:30–12:30, 13:30–17:30; Sat 08:30–11:30

Africa Hall

This is where the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa is headquartered as well as most UN offices in Ethiopia. It is also the site of the founding of the Organization for African Unity (OAU) which eventually became the African Union. Security is tight and you won't be admitted unless you have an appointment.

Aladdin restaurant

Armenian and Mediterranean restaurant. Serves fine Middle-Eastern food, various mezzes including a gorgeous tabbouleh. In quiet atmosphere, perfect for a romantic diner. Very expensive but authentic and delicious.

290 birr

Antica

Decent pizza, and one of the only delivery services available in Addis that does not require bulk orders. Pizza tends to arrive cold.

Anwar Mosque

It's quite impressive, with its arcades and several minarets. Has been repainted at least twice in the 2010s and early 2020s.

Asli Mendi Ethio-Arabic Restaurant

Yemeni-style cuisine, decorated as a Bedouin tent, quiet ambiance.

190 birr

BailAmor Dance Group

Pick up some dance lessons in salsa and bachata here so that you can impress the world later.

Bambis department store

Bambis Super, Lewis retails

Expensive euro-style supermarket located in Kazanchis, near the Radisson, Hilton, and Sheraton hotels. Features an extensive selection of imported products, and high quality fresh/frozen meats, including pork.

Bata Maryam Church

Also known as the Menelik mausoleum, is located just south of the Menelik palace.

Beemnet

Restaurant by day, bar by night, usually with a great DJ and fun dance scene.

Black Rose Lounge

The energetic atmosphere is dark yet comfortable and fashionable, and the bar serves a variety of drinks. Live jazz jam session every Th night.

Bruno's

A quiet, tucked-away Italian restaurant, it has some of the best pizza in the city, on a beautiful compound. Parking is extremely limited both on the street and within the restaurant; if you plan on dining in, take a taxi.

Café du Louvre

A French restaurant decoration them on old Paris. Special dish is Coucous every Thursday for 350 birr. In 2020 the hotel was a pleasant spot but the food was not exciting best to come here for red wine and cheese.

220 birr

Castellis in Piazza

Top Italian restaurant here since 1942. With famous guests such as Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt there is a reason that Castelli's manages to attract such a crowd. This is where the Italian embassy staff goes to eat. Amazing food, amazing desserts, call for a reservation or risk disappointment, even at lunch time, as this is a trendy place to be seen.

China Bar and Restaurant

Chinese restaurant with various dishes and soups, sometimes pork is also available.

260 birr

Cupcake Delight Bakery

A bright, vibrant, bustling cafe serving cupcakes, cakes, fruit juices and coffees.

20–30 birr per baked product

Dashen Terara Traditional Restaurant

High-quality traditional Ethiopian cuisine, in a nice house and garden. One of the oldest restaurant in Addis Ababa, it was relocated in 2015. Probably one of the best option for farenjis to discover in quiet ambiance Ethiopian dishes: chikena tibs, beyayentu.

210 birr

Dembel City Center

Build around 2000, the mall clam 105 stores and a total surface of, with numerous jewellery.

Edna Mall (closed for refurbishment)

Contains a large book store, and Ethiopia's only 3D multiplex cinema "Matti Multiplex" (three screens), which plays both Amharic and English-language films. Western films typically are shown within a week to a month of their U.S. release, though occasionally they may operate on European release schedules. The centre of the mall features an arcade zone and an indoor amusement park with carousel, pinballs, bull-riding, climbing tubes, 3D cinema, and bumper cars; it's a fun place for small children, but really crowded on the weekends and holidays. Include several restaurants. Also located nearby are several dance clubs. As of February 2026 the inside is closed for refurbishment but a few outdoor dining establishments are open.

Entoto Mountain

እንጦጦ

Walk from St. Mary church, the first church of Addis, and St Urael church and see the city from the top of the mountain.

Ethiopian National Library

The national library and archives of the country was opened by Emperor Haile Selassie in 1944, who also donated the first books.

Ethiopian Railway Museum

In the old French-built railway station of the city. There is no formal office within, but you can see 1930s carriages and locomotives on display outside. There is also a restaurant and a cafe. Much of the area around the station are under construction for a new high-rise residential district.

Ethnological Museum

Also known as the Museum and Library of the Institute of Ethiopian Studies, this is a fascinating museum with exhibits about the history and culture of Ethiopia. There are many displays of the various ethnic groups found in Ethiopia with information about each of their lifestyles. Ethnic outfits, instruments, tools, and other artefacts accompany each ethnic exhibit, making it one of the most interesting museums in the city. It is housed in the former palace of the Emperor Haile Selassie, and you can visit his bedroom. The museum is on the university campus.

Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00; Sat Sun 09:00–17:00·250 birr for adults, 150 birr for students (for foreigners)

Fantu Supermarket

Has relatively cheaper products of the same quality and is located on Bole road and also near the Canadian Embassy in Old Airport.

Five Loaves Bistro and Bakery

A bakery which also propose lunch with high quality product, including strawberry tartlets, French cheese, hams and a "Gorgonzola burger". Brunch on Sunday.

Wed-Mon, closed on Tue·250 birr

Friendship Hypermarket

Well-stocked western-style supermarket, and they accept Mastercard and Visa.

Gaslight

Fancy nightclub at the Sheraton. Inside it feels like an upscale Western disco. Don't wear jeans or trainers/sneakers, as they have a fairly strict dress code. Although there is no entrance fee, be prepared to pay heavily for drinks.

Gola Saint Michael Church

Very interesting place and one of the many old churches in Addis Ababa. One can see old paintings by many Ethiopian celebrity artists. Has a museum displaying church articles given by many famous people of the country including the emperor Haile Selassie and his Empress.