Timeline
17:34
Arrive at Meskel Square an hour before sunset. The square is a central gathering point for festivals and demonstrations, offering a wide, open space to watch the sky change color. The sun sets toward the W, providing a clear view from this eastern-facing area.
18:34
Stay for the sunset at 18:34. The golden light fades into twilight, and the square begins to fill with locals. It is a calm, spacious way to end the day.
19:04
Walk back toward the Lion of Judah landmark (10 minutes) and head to National Cafe for dinner. It is a reliable spot for reasonable prices and good food, serving everything from traditional injera to club sandwiches. It is open late, making it a perfect post-sunset stop.
19:49
End the night at Illusion, a nightclub near the landmark. If you want to dance, arrive early as it gets very crowded on weekends. The energy picks up after dinner, and you can dance until 05:00.
Local tip
Meskel Square is a public space that hosts major events. Check if there are any large gatherings or festivals planned, as this can affect access and atmosphere.
Check before you go
- National Cafe does not list specific opening hours, but it is a restaurant that serves dinner, so it will be open in the evening.
- Illusion is open until 05:00, but it is very crowded on weekends. If visiting on a weekend, expect a busy scene.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Addis Ababa (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).