Addis Ababa Layover, Addis Ababa

About this activity

What sets our Addis Ababa city tour apart is our focus on providing a deep, authentic experience that goes beyond the usual tourist spots. We offer a personalized approach, taking you through both well-known landmarks and hidden gems of the city, like the historic Bata Mariam Church with its underground crypts, and the bustling local markets where you can experience daily life firsthand. Our knowledgeable guides share insights into the rich history, culture, and traditions of Addis Ababa, giving you a deeper understanding of Ethiopia’s capital. Whether you're visiting historic sites, exploring vibrant neighborhoods, or enjoying traditional Ethiopian cuisine, our tours are designed to give you a truly immersive and memorable experience of the city.

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At a glance

Duration: 4–8 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: German, English, Italian, French, Spanish
Operated by: GishAbay Ethiopia Tours

Ages: Children (7–17 years) · Adults (18–90 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Tour guide
Included: National Museum is closed every monday but we can replace it by another museum
Included: All Fees and Taxes
Included: Entry/Admission Meskel square
Included: Bottled water
Included: Entry/Admission Merkato
Included: Ethiopian coffee
Included: Entry/Admission Yekatit 12 monument
Included: Entry/Admission Bata Mariam church
Included: Admission/entry Entoto not in the park
Included: Experienced driver
Included: Entry/Admission National museum

Not included

Not included: Drinks
Not included: Food and drinks
Not included: Lunch

Itinerary

Meskel Square

Passing by

Meskel Square is a public square in the city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It is often a site for public gatherings or for demonstrations and festivals, notably, the Meskel Festival from which it takes its name.
Addis Ababa

2 hours

Visit Bata Mariam Church in Addis Ababa, a historic Ethiopian Orthodox church known for its unique circular design and vibrant frescoes. Explore its peaceful atmosphere and admire the detailed murals depicting biblical scenes. Learn about the church’s significance in Ethiopian religious life and its architectural heritage. This visit offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s deep-rooted Christian traditions and cultural history.

The church also features underground crypts for Menelik and wife Empress Taitu, his daughter Empress Zewditu, and Emperor Haile Selassie’s daughter, who died at the young age of only 22.
National Museum of Ethiopia

one hour Admission included

This is Ethiopia’s primary Museum and houses the nation's artistic treasures. This is one of the best museums in the diversity of the exhibits and your visit will give you a glimpse of Ethiopia. The museum has four main exhibition sections and the most famous exhibit is the Paleontological showcase where you can see the 3.5 million-year-old fossil of Lucy, ‘ Dinkinesh’ in Amharic meaning ‘wonderful’, a hominoid woman of the specious of Australopithecus Afarensis. Lucy’s fossil was discovered in 1974 at Hadar, Afar Region and this big discovery changed the way we understand Human Evolution. The exhibit on the first floor contains objects from ancient and medieval periods, as well as regalia and memorabilia from former rulers including the famous Emperor Haile Selassie. The other Exhibit contains artwork in chronological order, from traditional to contemporary works while the third floor comprises rich ethnographic displays.
Mercato Market

one hour Admission included

Short drive to the north of the capital and take in the panoramic view of Addis Ababa from Mount Entoto, the highest peak in the city. Entoto Mountain was the site of a palace and the royal court to Emperor Menelik in the 1800s. The Entoto Mountain is known as the “lung of Addis Ababa” because the dense forest regulates the climate condition of the city. On top of this mountain, you will visit the palace of the Mighty King Menelik II who kept Ethiopia independent from Colonial Powers. Also, you will explore the Entoto Maryam Church museum. One the way down from the mountains, stop at Shiro Meda to visit Ethiopia’s largest local market for Traditional Clothes with displays of Ethiopia's finest hand craftsmanship.
Yekatit 12 Martyrs Square

Passing by

The Yekatit 12 is a monument in Addis Ababa commemorating victims of Italian reprisals following an attempt to kill the Marshal Rodolfo Graziani, marchese di Neghelli, Viceroy of Italian East Africa, on 19 February 1937, or Yekatit 12 in the Ethiopian calendar
Menelik II Square

Passing by

Menelik II Statue is a statue of the emperor sitting gloriously on a horse, and has been standing there since 1930. The statue was erected in memory of the battle of Adowa. This was the only major battle in the history of Africa, when Emperor Menelik and his army defeated the Italian army.
Tiglachin Memorial

Passing by

The Tiglachin Monument, also known as the Derg Monument, is a memorial to Ethiopian and Cuban soldiers involved in the Ogaden War. It was built during the rule of Mengistu Haile Mariam and is located on Churchill Avenue in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Ramada by Wyndham Addis Ababa
Bole Airport
Hilton Addis Ababa
Sheraton Addis, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Addis Ababa
Saro Maria Hotel

Airport

Using your ticket

A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
U.S and Canadian Citizens: Must bring a government issued photo ID and proof of citizenship (U.S birth certificate or naturalization certificate) or a passport for re-entry to the United States. Children, ages 18 and under only require a birth certificate. Non-U.S. Citizens: Either a Passport, I-94, Multiple Entry Visa or Resident Alien Card is required for re-entry to the United States.
You MUST confirm and obtain any visa requirements prior to border crossing. All visa requirements are the sole responsibility of the traveler