Cheap flights to Addis Ababa

You'll arrive at Bole International Airport, some 5 miles south-east of the city centre. There are no bus services from the airport to the city, but you can use the National Tour Operator taxi service, look for the official cream vehicles and prepare to pay around Birr 60 (around £5). Or, arrange a private transfer before you depart.

For modern, spacious rooms in a central location stay at the well-priced Adot-Tina hotel. Perfect for business travellers with free Internet, the service is impeccable and the fresh food is clearly prepared with care. A luxury alternative is the 5-star Sheraton Addis. With warm and friendly staff, this elegant hotel has wonderful spa facilities, beautifully landscaped gardens and a large swimming pool.

Spend a day at Merkato. This large and eclectic street market is the place to buy anything from spices to leather; you can definitely bag a bargain if you're prepared to haggle. Stay safe, it's very busy and can seem intimidating; do watch your pockets and remain vigilant. To fully appreciate the Ethiopian culture, pay a visit to the National Museum.  See Lucy (named after the famous Beatles song ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds'), the skeleton that was discovered in 1974 and said to be over 3 million years old. 

Call into Tomoca to taste the best coffee in the world, enjoy a delicious Macchiato as you watch the world go by. For a relaxed yet delicious meal, make reservations at the Lime Tree restaurant in the heart of the Bole area. The vegetarian choices are particularly good (try the taboulleh or the mezze platter) and the lime and mint juice is wonderfully refreshing on a hot day.

Addis Ababa is a city of varied architecture, mixing modern high-rise tower blocks with traditional African homes.  That said, it's a thriving, cosmopolitan city and definitely worth a visit. Book your flights with bmi now and experience the extremes of Ethiopia.