Itinerary Addis Ababa

November is an excellent month to visit Addis Ababa: mild temperatures (18–23°C), little rain, and vibrant local life. It’s a great season for cultural discovery and exploring Ethiopia’s capital.

💰 Budget overview

Category	Amount
✈️ Transport	1100 USD
🏨 Accommodations	500 USD
🧳 Gear	50 USD
🗺️ On-site	300 USD
Total	1950 USD

🗺️ Activities & landmarks

🇪🇹 Addis Ababa - 4 days

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🏛️ National Museum of Ethiopia ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Home of the famous fossil “Lucy” and many treasures of ancient Ethiopia — tips: go early to avoid crowds.
• [ ] 🏛️ Ethnological Museum ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)
  • Excellent displays on Ethiopia’s diverse cultures; set in Haile Selassie’s former palace.
• [ ] 🌳 Mount Entoto Park & Entoto Maryam Church ⭐⭐⭐ (~3h)
  • Sweeping city views, fresh air, and an iconic church — tips: bring a light jacket, can be cool.
• [ ] 🌳 Addis Ababa Botanical Garden ⭐ (~1.5h)
  • Pleasant stroll among native plants, great for relaxation between museums.
• [ ] 🏙️ Piassa district ⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Explore Art Deco buildings, lively markets, and classic cafés in the city’s old heart.
• [ ] 🛕 Holy Trinity Cathedral ⭐⭐⭐ (~1h)
  • Ethiopia’s most important church; final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie.
• [ ] 🏛️ Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum ⭐⭐ (~1h)
  • Moving memorial to Ethiopia’s turbulent recent history — tips: guides are available and recommended.
• [ ] 🏛️ “Unity Park” at the Grand Palace ⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Palace gardens, restored royal buildings, and animals: a window into Ethiopia’s royal history.
• [ ] 🏙️ Mercato (Addis Mercato) ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Africa’s largest open-air market, bustling with energy and wares — tips: stay with your guide, keep valuables secure.
• [ ] 🗺️ Meskel Square ⭐ (~0.5h)
  • Central landmark of Addis; great for people-watching and city photography.
• [ ] 🎨 Addis Fine Art Gallery ⭐ (~1h)
  • Leading modern art gallery showcasing contemporary Ethiopian artists.
• [ ] 🏛️ Africa Hall (exterior only) ⭐ (~0.5h)
  • Headquarters of the UN Economic Commission for Africa; significant for African unity history.
• [ ] 🌳 Gullele Botanical Garden ⭐ (~1.5h)
  • Quiet, large park on the city’s outskirts — best in mornings.
• [ ] 🏙️ Kazanchis & Churchill Avenue ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)
  • Commercial and diplomatic hub with modern cafés and shops.
• [ ] 🎨 Zoma Museum ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)
  • Innovative eco-arts centre and garden, combining art, culture, and architecture.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🍸 Teddy Afro Lounge ⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Vibrant Ethiopian music, relaxed vibe, excellent cocktails — especially lively weekends.
• [ ] 🍸 Jams Addis ⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Jazz and Ethiopian fusion bands, casual crowd; sometimes has live local dance performances.
• [ ] 🍸 Black Rose Bar & Lounge ⭐ (~1.5h)
  • Chic atmosphere, good spot for people-watching and winding down after sightseeing.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🍜 Kategna Restaurant ⭐⭐⭐
  • Traditional Ethiopian cuisine, known for injera and doro wat — 15 USD/person.
• [ ] 🍜 Yod Abyssinia Cultural Restaurant ⭐⭐⭐
  • Dinner & folkloric dance shows; buffet of local specialties — 35 USD/person.
• [ ] 🍜 Aladdin Restaurant ⭐⭐
  • Pan-Ethiopian and Middle Eastern dishes; budget-friendly, lively ambiance.
• [ ] 🍜 Taitu Hotel Restaurant ⭐⭐
  • Historic spot for legendary vegan buffet and art deco nostalgia.
• [ ] 🍜 Romina Restaurant ⭐
  • Local favourite, simple Ethiopian fare.

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🏙️ Day trip: Debre Libanos Monastery (~1.5h drive)
  • Stunning 13th-century monastery and dramatic gorge views — best with a private driver or day tour.
• [ ] 🎨 Makush Art Gallery Café
  • Browse or buy local art while sipping coffee.

🎬 Films & series to watch

🇪🇹 Addis Ababa

• [ ] 🎬 Difret (2014) — ⭐ 7.2 — Drama on Ethiopian women’s rights, produced by Angelina Jolie — Netflix
• [ ] 🎬 Lamb (2015) — ⭐ 6.8 — Award-winning tale of a boy and his sheep amidst Ethiopia’s landscapes — Prime Video
• [ ] 📺 Eregnaye (2021) — ⭐ 8.2 — Popular Ethiopian drama series, modern Addis and tradition — YouTube
• [ ] 🎬 Teza (2008) — ⭐ 7.2 — Political thriller set in Addis Ababa during and post-Red Terror — DVD

🍜 Local specialties

🇪🇹 Addis Ababa

• [ ] Injera (sourdough flatbread, main staple served with all stews)
• [ ] Doro wat (spicy chicken stew)
• [ ] Kitfo (minced beef with spices, often raw or rare)
• [ ] Shiro wat (spiced chickpea stew)
• [ ] Tibs (sautéed chunks of beef or lamb)
• [ ] T’ej (honey wine)

📍 Maps - places to pin

🇪🇹 Addis Ababa

1. 🌤️ National Museum of Ethiopia
2. 🌙 Teddy Afro Lounge
3. 🛍️ Addis Mercato
4. 🏨 Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa (example comfort hotel)
5. 🍽️ Kategna Restaurant

✈️ Transport to book

• [ ] ✈️ London → Addis Ababa
• [ ] ✈️ Addis Ababa → London

🏨 Accommodations

City	Nights	Accommodation	Price
Addis Ababa	4	Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa (4-star)	500 USD
Total	4		500 USD