Parks and the outdoors in Addis Ababa

Parks and the outdoors in Addis Ababa

1. Eat

   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

2. Buy

   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.

3. Do

   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.

4. Buy

   Shiromeda Market

   If the madness of Mercato isn't for you, Chiromeda is a pleasant alternative. Haggling and bargaining is still the status quo, but you could walk away with a traditional dress from as cheap as 100 birr.

5. See

   St George's Cathedral

   Built in 1896 to commemorate Ethiopia's victory over the Italians. The cathedral is an octagonal building. As you walk around it, you will notice people praying beside the walls, but it is unlikely that you will find an entrance. The Cathedral can only be visited with a guide. The interior is nicely decorated with huge paintings and mosaics. The near museum has an interesting and well displayed collection including ceremonial clothes and ancient manuscripts. No photography is allowed in the museum, but you can take photos inside the cathedral without flash

   Museum: 09:00–12:00, 14:00–18:00·200 birr for museum, another 200 birr or more for a guide for museum and cathedral entry

6. See

   Unity Park

   Opened in October 2019 this is one of the must see sights in Addis Ababa. The expansive site is home to the Palace of Emperor Menelik II, including his Throne Room and Banquet Hall, along with a zoo, exhibitions, sculptures, and wonderful beds of flowers. It is probably the best presented site in Ethiopia, the pet project of the Prime Minister, whose office is also on the site. Allow 2-3 hours to visit. Security is extremely strict, with no food or water allowed to be brought in (but can be bought inside) and cameras and power banks have to be left in a cloakroom, but mobile phones are fine. You will need to show your passport to enter.

   09:00–16:00 daily, last entry at 15:00·For non-Ethiopians US$20 for normal entry, or US$70 for VIP entry with a guide allowing access into the Palace on a three-hour tour. Payment in both US dollars and birr are accepted, with the daily exchange rate applied. Credit card payments are done in US dollars

7. Do

   Bihere Tsige Recreation Center

   Bihere Tsige Public Park

   Green area in southern Addis, bisected by the Akaki stream.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Addis Ababa (CC BY-SA 4.0).