Explore Addis Ababa – 1 Day City Tour Full of Culture, History and Charm!
Addis Ababa, meaning “New Flower” in Amharic, is Ethiopia’s vibrant capital city – well known for its deep-seated history, standing proudly as the base of Ethiopia for decades (in fact, since 1886!).
Situated in the Ethiopian highlands at an impressive elevation of 2,438 metres, it’s one of the highest capital cities in the world!
With a pleasant all-year-round climate and a range of Ethiopian landmarks, whether you’re on a layover or looking for a quick pit-stop whirlwind tour of the city – Addis Ababa offers a great balance of local experiences and an insight into Ethiopian city culture. And the beauty of this? You can explore it all in a single day!
Ready to strap yourself in for a 24-hour itinerary of Addis Ababa? Let’s go!
Start Your 1-Day Addis Ababa Adventure at the National Museum
Timeline: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
At Absolute Ethiopia Tours, we are the experts in Addis Ababa (Read our full guide here!) So, we like to typically start our tours with a visit to the famous National Museum of Ethiopia. Here you’ll find some of Ethiopia’s oldest residents… namely ‘Lucy’ – the internationally known 3.2 million-year-old hominid fossil. Alongside Lucy, you’ll discover the skeleton of Ardi, dating back 4.4 million years, and other fascinating artefacts that show the origins of the mighty nation of Ethiopia – otherwise known as the ‘cradle of humanity.’
While you’re there, check out the museum’s extensive collection of ancient relics from the Axumite Empire – the long-lost trading nation of Ethiopia or key artefacts from the Solomonic dynasty (the old ruling dynasty of Ethiopia).
History buff? Interested in the fascinating museums Ethiopia has to offer? Read our blog about the Best Museums in Ethiopia!
Discover the Church of the Holy Trinity
Timeline: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Next, we’ll visit the Church of the Holy Trinity, Ethiopia’s most important Orthodox cathedral. This architectural marvel at the heart of Addis Ababa is not only the spiritual centre of the city – but it is also the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie (the last reigning Emperor of Ethiopia) and his wife. The church, constructed in the early 20th century features a collaboration between traditional Ethiopian and Byzantine architectural styles – including intricate stonework, stained-glass windows and carved woodwork; making this site a must-see for those keen to explore some royal history.
A visit to the Church of the Holy Trinity is not only a journey through Ethiopia’s spiritual core, customs and practices – but a true opportunity for visitors to learn about Selassie’s reign and lasting impact on Ethiopian society.
Experience Local Culture and Modern Addis Ababa
Timeline: 12:45 PM – 2:00 PM
Our city tour isn’t all sites and ticket-based, it’s important for visitors to relax and take some time out to enjoy the city at its best. So while you’re in town, get a glimpse of the bustling Meskel Square, a central hub for events and gatherings. This isn’t just a busy place day-by-day for locals – it’s also the iconic site where some of the biggest public celebrations in Ethiopia happen!
The square takes its name from the public holiday of ‘Meskel’ – the Ethiopian orthodox festival which celebrates the finding of the true cross by Queen Helena in the 4th century. During the event, you can expect to see thousands gather in the square to light a large bonfire – known as the ‘Demera’!
However, on a more day-to-day level – if you’re into your fitness, this is also a great jogging spot – you’ll often see passers-by on their morning run through the square, emphasising Ethiopia’s deep-rooted running culture.
To experience the city’s art scene, you could take a quick look around NetSA Arts Village – where you can engage with contemporary Ethiopian artists and even participate in local workshops!
Discover the Most Beautiful Views in Your 1-Day Addis Ababa Trip!
Timeline: 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
For a touch of nature, we’ll take a short drive to Mount Entoto, a serene escape covered in eucalyptus forests. This area offers panoramic views over the vast Addis Ababa city skyline and is a popular spot for holidaymakers and elite Ethiopian athletes training in the high-altitude air. The area’s rich green open spaces offer a brilliant contrast to the busy city views below – on clear days, you can see little districts and neighbourhoods, winding roads through the valleys and surrounding countryside.
The mountain’s historic significance further enriches the experience for travelers, due to the fact that Mount Entoto is closely tied to the founding of Addis Ababa! In the late 19th century, Emperor Menelik II chose Mount Entoto as a strategic base for his military campaigns and later as a royal residence. He even built a palace here, which served as his imperial home before he moved the capital to the present-day location in Addis Ababa in 1889.
Getting to Mount Entoto is fairly easy. Visitors can either take a scenic drive up the mountain or, for those looking to stretch their legs, there are hiking trails that can you through lush forests and offer beautiful views along the way, too!
Mount Entoto remains a place for many Ethiopians a place of deep cultural significance – this makes it well worth the visit on your next Ethiopian trip.
End Your 24 Hours in Addis Ababa with Traditional Ethiopian Dance & Cuisine!
Timeline: 6:00 PM – LATE
No visit to Addis Ababa would be complete without experiencing Ethiopian music and dance. Depending on your schedule, you can take a visit to a traditional Ethiopian-style restaurant & bar like Fendika Azmari Bet, where you’ll witness the traditional rhymes and rhythms of dancers, with many tourists enjoying a range of live performances, including the likes of famed dancer Melaku Belay!
Here, you’ll be treated to the Azmari tradition- an age-old form of Ethiopian music, typically performed by a group of musicians who play traditional instruments like the krar (a stringed lyre), masinko (a single stringed violin) and kebero (a drum). These instruments set the stage for energetic performances – where visitors and locals alike can enjoy spontaneous and joyful outbursts of dance and song!
While you step out of your boogie shoes, you can enjoy authentic Ethiopian cuisine. The core of Ethiopian meals lies in their unique flavours, communal style of eating and the use of local, fresh ingredients. One of the most iconic dishes is ‘injera’ a large, spongy flatbread made from teff flour, a gluten-free grain native to Ethiopia. Delicious!
However, no meal in Ethiopia is a true reflection of the nation without a cup of freshly brewed Ethiopian coffee – as Ethiopia is considered the birthplace of this world-famous beverage. Coffee beans are roasted right in front of you, releasing an irresistible aroma that fills the air – beans are then ground and brewed in a special pot called a jebena. And voila, you’re very own brewed cup to round off your jam-packed 24 hours in Ethiopia!
Want a Tour Led by Experts? Join Us For Our Addis Ababa City Tour!
We offer a well-rounded, culturally immersive Addis Ababa Day Tour with the following inclusions:
- Expert guidance: English-speaking professional guides with a wealth of knowledge!
- Comfortable Transport: A/C Mini Bus for all transfers and sightseeing
If you’re interested in one of our expert-led adventures at Absolute Ethiopia Tours, get in touch today!