Timeline
06:34
Arrive at the Ethiopian National Library. Find a quiet spot near the entrance or in the grounds to wait for the light to change. The library was opened by Emperor Haile Selassie in 1944, and the morning silence here is distinct.
06:44
Watch the sunrise. At 06:44 the sun rises toward the WSW, casting a golden glow on the building's structure. This is the peak moment for photography and quiet reflection.
07:14
Walk 8 minutes to FOOD WORLD. It opens at 07:00, just in time for a quick breakfast of injera or a local coffee. The prices are reasonable and it is a reliable stop after an early start.
07:44
Return to the Ethiopian National Library grounds or wander the nearby streets as the morning light settles. The area is calm this early, allowing for a leisurely end to the morning ritual.
Local tip
Sunrise times shift slightly throughout the year. In January the sun sets toward the WSW, but the morning light direction remains consistent for this view. Check if FOOD WORLD is open for your specific date if you arrive later in the day, as hours are listed as 07:00-15:00.
Check before you go
- FOOD WORLD opens at 07:00. If you arrive before this, the kitchen may not be ready.
- The Ethiopian National Library does not list specific opening hours for the exterior grounds, but it is accessible for viewing at sunrise.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Addis Ababa (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).