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New to Addis?

Are you moving to Addis Ababa with your family? You are like many other families who move to Ethiopia every year for private or business reasons.

Addis Ababa (“The New Flower”) is situated 2400 m above sea level and therefore, despite its geographical proximity to the equator, has a spring-like, subtropical mountain climate with cool nights and warm days.

Outside the rainy season – February/March and late June to early October – there is almost no precipitation, so outdoor activities can be planned well in advance during the day. The evenings and nights, however, become sensitively cool to cold, especially around Christmas, and in the higher altitudes around the city they can approach freezing point.

The city with about 5.5 million inhabitants is spacious, with lush vegetation and considerable differences in altitude. Amharic is one of the most spoken languages in Ethiopia, but there are over 80 different languages with more than 200 dialects spoken in the country. However, many people also understand English, especially in the big cities.

Learn more about the diversity of Ethiopia! Here is a link to a great BBC article:

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-46508070

Addis Ababa is a relatively safe city, although petty crime has increased in recent years. The number of “petty thefts”, including robberies and pickpocketing, has increased significantly. The vast majority of incidents are non-violent, although in a few cases people have been beaten, injured or threatened with weapons. Petty theft is highly organised in Addis Ababa. The perpetrators often work in groups and rely on distraction. The people involved are mostly young men and young people. Don’t let this intimidate you, life in Addis is nevertheless beautiful and among our Helpful Tips you will find valuable advice that can save you some embarrasment !

Explore the city and discover new places. 
Addis has a lot to offer. Here we have put together some sights that you can explore in the city.

Churches

Entoto Mariam and Entoto Raguel


These churches stand on the original site of Addis Ababa and can be reached by travelling north past the US Embassy to the summit of Entoto Mountain. Both churches are open for services on Sunday morning. If you visit them, it is customary to leave a donation. To reach Entoto Raguel, pass Entoto Mariam and stay on the main road.

St. George Cathedral

St. George is the patron saint of Ethiopia. St. George Cathedral was built in 1906 by Menelik II to commemorate Ethiopia’s victory over the Italian invaders in the Battle of Adwa in 1896. The cathedral is located on Menelik II Square and has an octagonal shape with a high dome.

St. Stephen's Church

This contemporary style church is open to visitors and is located on Meskel Road.

Grand Mosque (Al Anwar)

The Grand Mosque (Al Anwar) is located in the Mercato area and was built in 1922. Al Anwar is the largest mosque in the city and an important landmark of the Mercato.

Holy Trinity Cathedral

This is the most magnificent church in Addis Ababa. Its large dome and slender battlements are important landmarks of the city. Empress Menen is buried here, while the churchyard is the burial place of many patriots who lost their lives during the Italian occupation (1936-1941).

Kidist Mariam

The church of Kidist Mariam serves as the chapel of the patriarch and is particularly interesting for its paintings and bell towers.

Interesting buildings

Town Hall (Municipality)

The Town Hall is located in Menelik II Square, the municipality that was built in 1965 and symbolically embraces the town. It occupies a dominant position opposite the railway station.

Railway Station

The railway station, built by the French in 1929, is located at the foot of Churchill Road. A bronze statue “Lion of Judah” stands in the square in front of the station.

Africa Hall

The Africa Hall is located north of Meskel Square on the right side of the road leading to the Hilton Hotel. This is the headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). Guided tours of the Africa Hall can be arranged by telephone at the ECA Information Office.

University of Addis Ababa

The University of Addis Ababa is located on the left side of Entoto Road, just after Siddist Kilo on the way to the American Embassy. The University is housed in the Genete Leul (Prince’s Paradise) Palace, once owned by the late Emperor Haile Selassie.

Talaku Betemengist/The Grand Palace (Menelik's Palace)

In the large reception hall, Menelik II received the first American diplomatic envoy to Ethiopia in 1903. On the grounds is also the mausoleum where Menelik and other members of the royal family are buried. The church of Kidane Mehret, built in the traditional Tukul style with a thatched pointed roof, is also located on the grounds.

The Addis Ababa Stadium

The Addis Ababa Stadium, built in 1968 and located next to Meskel Square, has a capacity of 36,000 seats. Sports competitions and concerts take place in the stadium. Around the stadium there are numerous shops selling leather goods.

Museums

Ethiopian Postal Museum

It is located on Churchill Road, next to the main post office. The Post Museum’s exhibition includes copies of all stamps ever issued in Ethiopia, the original drawings, designs and proofs of each stamp minted.

Ethnographic Museum of the Institute of Ethiopian Studies on the campus of Addis Ababa University near Sidist Kilo

This museum has a large collection of Ethiopian ceramics, baskets, shields, furniture, jewelry and paintings. It is the Smithsonian of Addis Ababa, and offers well presented exhibits with descriptions in English. The opening hours are from 8:30 to 16:30, Monday to Sunday. The museum closes for lunch, so please plan your visit accordingly.

Baata, Menelik's mausoleum

Baata, Menelik’s mausoleum Taaka Negest Beata Mariam Church is located east of Menelik’s Grand Palace (now the Prime Minister’s Palace). It houses beautiful murals, a garden with 17 large turtles and the tomb of Menelik, Etege Taitu and Queen Zewditu. Phone 011-551-5278.

Addis Abeba Museum Former residence of Ras Birru

Addis Abeba Museum Former residence of Ras Birru, Minister of War in Menelik’s time, the museum is the large yellow mansion behind the exhibition centre in Meskel Square. The exhibits are in Amharic, but there are English speaking guides 011 123 9739.

Talaku Betemengist/The Grand Palace (Menelik's Palace)

In the large reception hall, Menelik II received the first American diplomatic envoy to Ethiopia in 1903. On the grounds is also the mausoleum where Menelik and other members of the royal family are buried. The church of Kidane Mehret, built in the traditional Tukul style with a thatched pointed roof, is also located on the grounds.

National Museum of Ethiopia

The museum is located on Entoto Road, opposite the Blue Tops Restaurant. This museum has a large archaeological exhibition with artifacts from the northern provinces of Ethiopia. The exhibition “Lucy” is located here, but only one replica is on display. A collection of crowns and costumes is on display as well as contemporary paintings by Ethiopian artists. This museum is also known as the National Archaeological Institute and Museum.

The zoological natural history museum

The zoological natural history museum within the scientific faculty of the University of Addis Ababa, Arat Kilo

Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum

Located on Bole Road, the museum opened in May 2010. Open from monday to sunday from 8 to 17 pm. http://rtmmm.org/

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