Addis Ababa Layover

4.9
(129 reviews)

4 to 8 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: German and 4 more

What sets our Addis Ababa city tour apart is our focus on providing a deep, authentic experience that goes beyond the usual tourist spots. We offer a personalized approach, taking you through both well-known landmarks and hidden gems of the city, like the historic Bata Mariam Church with its underground crypts, and the bustling local markets where you can experience daily life firsthand. Our knowledgeable guides share insights into the rich history, culture, and traditions of Addis Ababa, giving you a deeper understanding of Ethiopia’s capital. Whether you're visiting historic sites, exploring vibrant neighborhoods, or enjoying traditional Ethiopian cuisine, our tours are designed to give you a truly immersive and memorable experience of the city.

What's Included

Tour guide
All Fees and Taxes
Entry/Admission Meskel square
Bottled water
Entry/Admission Merkato
Ethiopian coffee
Entry/Admission Yekatit 12 monument
Entry/Admission Bata Mariam church
Admission/entry Entoto not in the park
Experienced driver
Entry/Admission National museum
Drinks
Food and drinks
Lunch

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Airport

Itinerary

Duration: 4 to 8 hours (approximately)
  • Meskel Square (Pass by)

    Meskel Square is a public square in the city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It is often a site for public gatherings or for demonstrations and festivals, notably, the Meskel Festival from which it takes its name.

    Admission ticket free
  • 1
    Addis Ababa

    Visit Bata Mariam Church in Addis Ababa, a historic Ethiopian Orthodox church known for its unique circular design and vibrant frescoes. Explore its peaceful atmosphere and admire the detailed murals depicting biblical scenes. Learn about the church’s significance in Ethiopian religious life and its architectural heritage. This visit offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s deep-rooted Christian traditions and cultural history. The church also features underground crypts for Menelik and wife Empress Taitu, his daughter Empress Zewditu, and Emperor Haile Selassie’s daughter, who died at the young age of only 22.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 2
    National Museum of Ethiopia

    This is Ethiopia’s primary Museum and houses the nation's artistic treasures. This is one of the best museums in the diversity of the exhibits and your visit will give you a glimpse of Ethiopia. The museum has four main exhibition sections and the most famous exhibit is the Paleontological showcase where you can see the 3.5 million-year-old fossil of Lucy, ‘ Dinkinesh’ in Amharic meaning ‘wonderful’, a hominoid woman of the specious of Australopithecus Afarensis. Lucy’s fossil was discovered in 1974 at Hadar, Afar Region and this big discovery changed the way we understand Human Evolution. The exhibit on the first floor contains objects from ancient and medieval periods, as well as regalia and memorabilia from former rulers including the famous Emperor Haile Selassie. The other Exhibit contains artwork in chronological order, from traditional to contemporary works while the third floor comprises rich ethnographic displays.

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • 3
    Mercato Market

    Short drive to the north of the capital and take in the panoramic view of Addis Ababa from Mount Entoto, the highest peak in the city. Entoto Mountain was the site of a palace and the royal court to Emperor Menelik in the 1800s. The Entoto Mountain is known as the “lung of Addis Ababa” because the dense forest regulates the climate condition of the city. On top of this mountain, you will visit the palace of the Mighty King Menelik II who kept Ethiopia independent from Colonial Powers. Also, you will explore the Entoto Maryam Church museum. One the way down from the mountains, stop at Shiro Meda to visit Ethiopia’s largest local market for Traditional Clothes with displays of Ethiopia's finest hand craftsmanship.

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • Yekatit 12 Martyrs Square (Pass by)

    The Yekatit 12 is a monument in Addis Ababa commemorating victims of Italian reprisals following an attempt to kill the Marshal Rodolfo Graziani, marchese di Neghelli, Viceroy of Italian East Africa, on 19 February 1937, or Yekatit 12 in the Ethiopian calendar

    Admission ticket free
  • Menelik II Square (Pass by)

    Menelik II Statue is a statue of the emperor sitting gloriously on a horse, and has been standing there since 1930. The statue was erected in memory of the battle of Adowa. This was the only major battle in the history of Africa, when Emperor Menelik and his army defeated the Italian army.

    Admission ticket free
  • Tiglachin Memorial (Pass by)

    The Tiglachin Monument, also known as the Derg Monument, is a memorial to Ethiopian and Cuban soldiers involved in the Ogaden War. It was built during the rule of Mengistu Haile Mariam and is located on Churchill Avenue in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Specialized infant seats are available
Supplied by GishAbay Ethiopia Tours

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Tags

Bus Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
4WD Tours
Walking Tours
City Tours
Layover Tours
Car Tours
Excellent Quality
Top Product
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
Curated Catalog
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.9 Based on 129 129 reviews
5 stars
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