ADDIS ABABA ITINERARY
As the only country on the African continent that has never been colonized, Ethiopia’ s capital, Addis Ababa, functions as a gateway to a lively cultural, political, and economic center. The city is filled with historic and modern attractions. Travelers with layovers between eight to 24 hours can enjoy a free one-night hotel stay( at the largest property in Africa, with 1,024 rooms), along with free breakfast and airport transfer. Passengers can also enjoy free hotel services and cultural tours. Consider these landmarks for your one-day visit when you fly nonstop to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport( ADD) with Ethiopian Airlines from Washington Dulles International Airport( IAD), offering service seven times weekly.
MORNING: LUCY, COFFEE, & CATHEDRALS
Begin your exploration of Ethiopia’ s capital, Addis Ababa, by exploring the country’ s rich cultural and religious history. As one of the first nations to adopt Christianity in the fourth century, Ethiopia features stunning architectural landmarks worth visiting. Start your day with a guided tour of St. George’ s Cathedral, a unique octagonal building decorated with mosaics, paintings, and royal artifacts. The nearby museum provides historical context for this religious site. Next, visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, regarded as the second most sacred worship place in Ethiopia after St. Mary of Zion in Aksum. This elaborate church has a museum displaying religious artifacts and historic documents. It also serves as the burial place of Emperor Haile Selassie, the last monarch of Ethiopia’ s Solomonic dynasty and a revered figure among the Rastafarian movement.
By mid-morning, visit the National Museum of Ethiopia, where archaeology and human history come alive. The museum’ s highlight is Lucy, the famous 3.2-million-year-old skeleton that has shaped our understanding of human origins. Explore exhibits of extinct animals, 14th-century Ethiopian artwork, and ceremonial garments from the Solomonic dynasty, providing a deep insight into Ethiopia’ s long and storied past.
MIDDAY: COFFEE CEREMONY & MERKATO MARKET
No trip to Ethiopia is complete without experiencing its coffee culture. After exploring the museum, head to Tomoca Coffee, one of Ethiopia’ s oldest and most cherished coffee shops. Here, you can observe or take part in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, a slow, ceremonial process that can last up to two hours. The ceremony starts with setting up utensils, including the traditional clay brewing vessel called a jebena, small cups, and charcoal for roasting beans. Frankincense and myrrh are burned to sanctify the ceremony. Beans are roasted, ground with a mortar and pestle, then brewed in the jebena before being served to guests. This isn’ t just a drink— it’ s a social experience rooted in Ethiopian hospitality and tradition.
After enjoying your coffee, dive into the lively energy of Merkato Market, Africa’ s largest open-air market. This bustling commercial hub of Addis Ababa hosts over 7,000 vendors. Wander through busy streets filled with spices, jewelry, traditional art, and local crafts. Pick up a jebena as a keepsake, or just observe the vibrant chaos of donkeys hauling parcels, herds of goats, and locals skillfully balancing goods on their heads. Crowds and prices usually decrease in the afternoon, making midday an ideal shopping time. Remember, haggling is part of the experience.
EVENING: TRADITIONAL CUISINE & CULTURAL ENTERTAINMENT
As the day comes to an end, enjoy the culinary delights of Ethiopia’ s ancient culture with an authentic meal at one of Addis Ababa’ s wellknown traditional restaurants. Consider dining at Yod Abyssinia Traditional Restaurant or 2000 Habesha Cultural Restaurant, both celebrated for offering more than just food. These spots blend rich flavors with traditional music and dance performances, providing a lively finish to your day. Savor dishes like injera— Ethiopia’ s iconic sour flatbread— served with flavorful stews of vegetables, lentils, and meats.
GETTING THERE
Ethiopian Airlines has nonstop service from Washington Dulles International Airport( IAD) to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport( ADD) daily, and to Lome Tokoin International Airport( LFW) in Togo four times weekly. ADD is one of Africa’ s busiest and fastest-growing hubs, offering convenient connections to over 130 destinations worldwide.
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