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World / Africa / Ethiopia / Addis-Ababa

Founded by the Emperor Menelik II in the 1880s, Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia, and home to the African Union (AU). The city's sprawling, dusty streets may not be beautiful, but the blend of colonial architecture, traditional settlements and cosmopolitan verve is exhilarating.

Currency

Birr (ETB)

Visa Requirements

All visitors require a visa. EU nationals, Australians, New Zealanders, Canadians and Americans can obtain a one-month entry visa on arrival at Bole International Airport

Language

Timezone

Weather

Addis Ababa's high elevation gives it a pleasant, mild climate, with average daily temperatures of around 25°C. June to September is the rainy season

Dialling Code

00 251

Electricity

220V European two-pin plugs are common

Health and Safety

Hepatitis A, cholera, typhoid and yellow fever vaccines are recommended. Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is also advised. Violent crime is rare but visitors should watch out for petty theft. It's also advisable to steer clear of public demonstrations and large crowds

Useful Links

Hepatitis A, cholera, typhoid and yellow fever vaccines are recommended. Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is also advised. Violent crime is rare but visitors should watch out for petty theft. It's also advisable to steer clear of public demonstrations and large crowds

Flights to Addis arrive at Bole International Airport, situated five miles south east of the city centre. There is no public bus service into the city centre but taxis are available and cost 30 -50 Birr.

The Ethnological Museum

The Ethnological Museum (Algeria St): Stroll through the lush gardens of Addis Ababa University to this fascinating museum, set within a grand palace that once belonged to Haile Selassie. Here, you'll find vibrant displays on the art and culture of the majority of Ethiopia's local ethnic groups.

The National Museum

The National Museum (King George VI St): Some of the most important collections in sub-Saharan Africa are to be found here. They include wonderful Ethiopian art, Axumite statues, and a fascinating palaeontology exhibition containing a fully reconstructed skeleton of Lucy (known to the Ethiopians as Dinquinesh, meaning 'wonderful one'), a 3.2 million year old hominid, discovered in the Ethiopian Rift Valley in 1974.

Holy Trinity Cathedral

Holy Trinity Cathedral (Piazza): This imposing, intricately decorated cathedral, which is the second most important place of worship in Ethiopia, looms large over the surrounding streets. Built to commemorate Ethiopia's liberation from Italian rule, the lavish interior features stunning ecclesiastical paintings and stained glass windows. It's here that the Emperor Haile Selassie was laid to rest. Look out for his majestic granite tomb.

Quick Lunch - Ristorante Castelli

Ristorante Castelli, which dishes up homemade pasta in an old-fashioned Italian trattoria, is reputed to be the best in Addis. Locals are very fond of this place and it has hosted celebrities from Bob Geldof, to former President Jimmy Carter.

Top Table - Habesha Restaurant

You can tell Habesha Restaurant (Bole Rd) is special as soon as you walk into the candlelit, incense-scented dining room. For delicious and beautifully presented food, live music and traditional dancing, this place really hits the spot.

Cheap Eat - Evian's

Evian's (Hailesilase St) is a welcoming, bustling cafe which serves cheap and tasty burgers, sandwiches, chips and coffees.

On Business - Addis Ababa Hilton

The modern, centrally located Addis Ababa Hilton has good quality rooms, Wi-Fi Internet access in public areas, excellent business facilities and a couple of good restaurants.
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Lap Of Luxury - Sheraton Hotel

The opulent Sheraton Hotel has serious wow factor including elaborate landscaped grounds, an impossibly grand ballroom, gold plated furnishings, excellent restaurants and a top-class spa.
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Cheap Sleep - Extreme Hotel

Extreme Hotel is not the cheapest in the city but offers the best value for money. This crisp, clean hotel has great rooms, Internet access and a fitness centre.
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Coffee And Chat - City Caf and Pastry

Sip on aromatic Ethiopian coffee and much top-notch pastries at City Caf and Pastry (Bole Rd). Perfect for an early morning chat, it opens at 7am.

Formal Presentation - Addis Ababa Hilton

The Addis Ababa Hilton (Menelik II Ave, 00 251 11 517 0000), opposite the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has four meeting rooms and an executive lounge.

Evening Drinks - Top View Restaurant

Enjoy an Ethiopian beer with a view on the terrace of the stylish Top View Restaurant (Bole Rd, 00 251 11 551 4193).

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