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With a population of 3,384,569 (2007 census), the city is the largest in the country. Many of the wealthiest people live in the southeast (Bole), southwest (old airport), CMC, Ayat and Lamberet parts of town. There are more than 120 international missions and embassies in Addis Ababa, making the city a hub for international diplomacy concerning [wiki=f5cd262901883dff68d06b215fb0f28e]Africa[/wiki]. The headquarters of the African Union and the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)[url=http://www.uneca.org/]]are both in the city. The [[European Union[/url]] and the [wiki=f253efe302d32ab264a76e0ce65be769]United States[/wiki] both have two delegations in Addis Ababa, one for bilateral relations with Ethiopia and one for the African Union.
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By plane
Bole International Airport , the busiest airport in East Africa and the hub of Ethiopian Airlines[url=http://www.flyethiopian.com/],]is serviced by several international airlines with daily flights to Europe, United States, and Asia as well as inter-African destinations including [[Accra[/url]], [wiki=0df54a621a4e76c1683931b70d412f17]Bamako[/wiki], [wiki=6e6dd9a489c685c2ddd5ae639f4df14e]Brazzaville[/wiki], [wiki=b181c43993de481ea462a2bfe11f0a1b]Cairo[/wiki], [wiki=08ec2b465e90b2a8de19b62a7315fc69]Dakar[/wiki], [wiki=cde2d5e4d7c441ee80fcd3d7b328bebf]Dar es Salaam[/wiki], [wiki=902f92c09660b797958acb27421fd9ac]Djibouti[/wiki], [wiki=260bbc70aae21dad4eefd307b690e2e5]Khartoum[/wiki], [wiki=b430d27fbf2eb1c3dda104005c96fa05]Harare[/wiki], [wiki=33416c1d32d3c19771d09bf215c7b514]Johannesburg[/wiki], [wiki=fc9389801935ab6476b93373f658e705]Nairobi[/wiki] and many more cities in Africa.
There are two terminals. T1 (the older, smaller one) is for all domestic flights and most flights to neighbouring nations (but not Kenya). T2 (the newer 2003 building) is for all other international flights - arrangements may change so check first.
As of July 2012 access into the terminals is restricted. Anyone at the airport to meet you, plus taxis, will be out in the carpark. A dozen of the top hotels still have a booth inside the arrivals area. Similar rules apply at the other airports in the country, for both arrivals and departures. Most hotels will pick you up for free - inquire at booking.
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By car
Most of the roads are in good condition.
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By bus
Bus terminals:
*Autobus Terra near Mercato. This is the main bus terminal where most of the national buses arrive and depart.
*Meskel Square (formerly from the railway station). Buses to/from [wiki=99efd084ba4136301aa1114bb722fa0c]Adama[/wiki] (Nazret), [wiki=534efd6530980d6a41cc056a7f950f94]Debre Zeyit[/wiki], [wiki=b0a3097d16d937b16beee5bbb27ecd19]Dire Dawa[/wiki], [wiki=fc9389801935ab6476b93373f658e705]Nairobi[/wiki], [wiki=5c7338af1f9bd2692a5fe946789ffb14]Lalibela[/wiki], [wiki=1db513146cff43249c9e5b3f9418ee82]Shahemene[/wiki], [wiki=311bea5820f528ea9a4cfc73a1f927fd]Awasa[/wiki] and [wiki=e39d14e69c6ba8404f7bcd03216ec5cf]Bahir Dar[/wiki] are here.
Buses west to Nekempte and beyond go from ASCO on the old Ambo Road.
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By train
There is no longer a train service in Addis Ababa. Only passenger train runs between Dire Dawa and Djibouti. Inter-city light-rail transport system is under construction and should be finished by 2016.
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Streets increasingly have names, but the names are not widely known or mapped; use landmarks to navigate the city.
Blue and white minibuses/taxis travel quite efficiently around the town. Since they are full of people most of the time, it is very cheap too, usually between 1-3 Birr depending on how far you are going. To catch a minibus, stand on the side of the road and hail it. This can be done anywhere it is possible for the bus to stop. The conductor inside will call out the destination, and if that's where you want to go: get on. You pay the conductor when he signals to you that he wants money (which might take a few minutes) to get change. To get out say "woraj alle", or just "woraj". It is worth having an experienced guide with you if it is your first time using these taxis, since it can be quite chaotic to find out which minibuses go where, and from what places. It is acceptable to ask if the taxi (minibus) will go by your destination on its way. For example, if you want to take a taxi from Bole road to Black Lion Hospital (Tikur Anbessa) you can hail a taxi headed to Piazza (which the conductor will be yelling out the window but it might sound like 'assa! assa!') and when he stops ask 'Tikur Anbessa?' using a rising tone to indicate the question. Usually he or another passenger will nod. Often if you do this the conductor will stop the taxi at your destination without you even needing to request the stop. It also serves to allow the conductor to determine how much to charge you. Indeed, one of the main challenges to using the taxis is recognizing the name of your destination being yelled from the window. Don't hesitate to ask folks on the street: "Taxi to Stadium?" and watch where they point.
Small, blue coloured Lada taxis are more expensive. Negotiation is the norm and you often have to press quite hard to get a bargain as a foreigner. They can be contracted for a single trip, an hour, or a full day; just negotiate. Do not be surprised if the price of the taxi increases at night for the same trip. Airport to city is now 160-250 birr (haggle!). Hiring a car for a day-trip will be quite expensive as well: 600 birr. Remember, it's only 20birr / liter for gasoline.
Yellow and green taxis usually hang around hotels like the Sheraton. They are more expensive, but reliable, and if you're willing to pay for peace of mind, slightly better drivers and a car that wasn't featured in the Flintstones (comfortable ride and vehicle usually in good working order). Use these cars.
Walking in Addis Ababa is a pleasant and sensible way of getting around. Locals will happily greet you, ask you how you are doing and so on.
Addis Ababa is the starting point of the famous Ethiopia Historical Circuit. Reasonable service providers include Ecotravel Ethiopia ☎ ++251 (0) 911-440-915" [http://www.ecotravel.ws/east-africa-safaris-ecotravels/ethiopia/lalibela/lalibela.html].
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Walking along the street starting from Meskel Sq. to Sidest Kilo is very safe and entertaining. It will give you the chance to see the Africa Hall, the palaces and the Parliament building, the Hilton Hotel, the marvelous architectural adventure of a building hosting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Sheraton Hotel, the first modern school (which Menelik the II built in the 1880s), the Trinity Orthodox Cathedral, the National Museum, and the Addis Ababa University (which also hosts a former palace and museum). Arat Kilo Avenue is marked by a statue built in commemoration of the Ethiopian V-day during the Second World War, while Sidest Kilo Avenue is marked by a statue commemorating the 39,000 residents of Addis Ababa killed by Italian fascist troops. Around Arat Kilo, you will find part of an old town known as Serategna Sefer (literally, the residential area of laborers). If you want to proceed past Sidest Kilo, the road becomes steeper and many of the attractions will be on the right side of the road. The Entoto College (previously Teferi Mekonnen School) and the American Embassy are found on this side of the street. After the American Embassy there is an open market called Shiro Meda where traditional craftsmen sell their homemade fabrics, pots and other crafts. The marketplace is at the foot of the Entoto Mountains that rise up to 3,300 m (10,827 ft) above sea level. You can take a taxi or a bus to the mountain unless you are of a mind to try it yourself. On the mountain, you will find the first churches of Addis Ababa called St. Mary and St. Raguel as well as smaller palace of Menelik the II. Walking on the mountain, especially between the churches, is refreshing and gives you the chance to see rural life, the city itself, forest and unbelievably beautiful landscape intersected by farmlands and trails of farmers. It is from here that Menelik II and Queen Taitu conceived of the establishment Addis Ababa. You can get a sense of the city plan yourself by looking from here at the current city.
* Although the museum is unknown to most, the Ethiopian National Museum is a world-class museum; truly a hidden gem! The most famous exhibit is the replica of Lucy, an early hominid, but the museum offers much more. With Ethiopian civilization being one of the oldest in the world, the artifacts within the museum span thousands of years, including some from its earliest days. A wide variety of artifacts are featured, from sculptures to clothing to artwork. Both traditional and modern art are featured. Well worth a visit.
* This is a must-see to learn about the horrors of the Derg that led to the well known famine of the 1990's. Entry is free, but well worth a donation here. Most of the employees are survivors of the regime themselves and will tell you stories about facing torture at the hands of those who still run today
* This is where the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa is headquartered as well as most UN offices in Ethiopia. It is also the site of the founding of the Organization for African Unity (OAU) which eventually became the African Union.
* Built during the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie, with its clock tower, it continues to serve as the seat of Parliament today.
* Built by the Derg regime of Mengistu Haile Mariam as its new parliament hall. The Shengo Hall was the world's largest pre-fabricated building, which was constructed in Finland before being assembled in Addis Ababa. It is used for large meetings and conventions.
* This cathedral, whose name means "Saviour of the World" is the second largest church on the continent.
* Built in 1896 to commemorate Ethiopia's victory over the Italians. The cathedral is a circular building that does not look very impressive when you approach it. As you walk around the building, you will notice people praying besides the walls, but it is unlikely that you will find an entrance. The Cathedral houses a small museum and close to it you will likely meet one of the archdeacons of the Cathedral. If he offers to be a guide, take his offer and visit the Cathedral with him. The interior is beautifully decorated with huge paintings and mosaics, and will make the trip worthwhile. It is worth visiting the museum with a guide as well to see ceremonial clothes and ancient manuscripts.
* In the Mercato district, which happens to be the largest market in Africa. It's quite impressive.
* In the Mercato district
* It remains the official seat of government.
* Formerly known as the Jubilee Palace, built to mark Emperor Haile Selassie's Silver Jubilee in 1955, which is the residence of the President of Ethiopia.
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* (located on the campus of University of Addis Ababa) Entrance fee 100birr (Jan 2015). A fascinating museum with exhibits relating to the history and culture of Ethiopia. There are many displays of the various ethnic groups found in Ethiopia with information about each of their lifestyles. A large amount of ethnic outfits, instruments, tools, and other artifacts accompany each ethnic exhibit, making it one of the most interesting museums in the city! Graduate students are available to give you a detailed tour for a donation fee.
* While the national museum houses artifacts from all over Ethiopia, this museum focuses solely on artifacts and exhibits from Addis Ababa. The building itself was once a palace where Ras Biru Habte-Gabriel, a former Minister of War, resided.
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* Next to the main post office. A small but good collection of Ethiopian stamps.
* Authentic and interesting art in a beautiful park across from the French Embassy.
* Entrance fee 100 birr (Jan 2015). It was once the largest Ethiopian Orthodox Cathedral. It was built to commemorate the country's liberation from the Italians, and many victims killed by the Italians during occupation are buried here. The locals call the church
*Haile Selassie Church, because Emperor Haile Selassie's body was moved here in 2000.
*a very interesting place to visit and it is one of the many old churches found in Addis Ababa. One can see old paintings painted by many Ethiopian celebrity artists. In addition the church has a museum displaying church articles given by many famous people of the country including the emperor Haile Selassie and his Empress.
Other features of the city include the large Mercato Market, the Jan Meda Race Ground racecourse, Bihere Tsige Recreation Centre and a railway line to [wiki=902f92c09660b797958acb27421fd9ac]Djibouti[/wiki], while the Entoto Mountains start among the northern suburbs.
*The Hager Fikir Theatre, the oldest theater in Ethiopia, is located at the Piazza district.
*Suburbs of the city include Shiro Meda and Entoto in the north, Urael and Bole (home to Bole International Airport) in the east, Nifas Silk in the south-east, Mekanisa in the south, and Keraniyo and Kolfe in the west.
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Jan Meda Race Ground.
*Bihere Tsige Recreation Center.
*Addis Ababa Golf Club.
*Entoto Mountain: walk from St. Mary's church, the first church of Addis and St Urael church and see the city itself from the top of the mountain. If planning to hiring a car - Never pay more than 300 birr for a taxi unless you hire them for the whole day and are making other stops. Walking is a great way to make it, but will take a good half day.
*Addis Eats enables tourists to eat like locals and experience Addis Ababa like few tourists ever do. Addis Eats leads walking food tours through local neighborhoods where guests sample the best dish at several restaurants so that they experience a wide range of local, traditional foods, just as Ethiopians eat them. Addis Eats also offers market tours of the city's largest fruit and vegetable market and quaint spice, textile and pottery market. Addis Eats' guides paint a picture of the culture, giving insight into everyday life. Finally, Addis Eats offers guests custom tailored day and overnight trips.
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Addis Ababa University is the largest and the oldest university in Ethiopia. It was originally named "University College of Addis Ababa" at its founding, then renamed for the former Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie I in 1962, receiving its current name in 1975. Although the university has six of its seven campuses within Addis Ababa (the seventh is located in Debre Zeit, about 45 kilometers away), it also maintains branches in many cities throughout Ethiopia, leading to the claim of being "the largest university in Africa."
The government assigns qualified students to these universities upon completion of secondary school. Students also attend other private colleges, such as Unity College featuring specialties in languages and business. MIDROC Ethiopia Technology Group has since absorbed the University as its 16th Company to be run under the leadership of the CEO,Dr. Arega Yirdaw as the President. Addis Ababa University was founded in 1950 at the request of Haile Selassie by a Canadian Jesuit, Dr Lucien Matte as a two-year college, and began operations the next year. Over the following two years an affiliation with the University of London was developed.
There is also Theological College of the Holy Trinity, a theological school of higher education located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It provides religious and secular education to both clergy and lay members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, seeking to be a center of theological and ecclesiastical study for all Oriental Orthodox Churches as well.
Originally founded as a high school by Emperor Haile Selassie in 1942, the college division was added in 5 October 1960, and the elementary education section eliminated on 18 December 1961. The college became one of the chartered units of this first National University of Ethiopia.
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There is a high demand for IT professionals.
*Many start-up companies search for individuals with computer networking and consulting backgrounds.
*Addis Ababa has the highest number of NGOs in Africa, and possibly in the entire developing world. They are well known for paying good salaries to their employees.
*Unemployment in Addis: The last official survey conducted in 2010 by the Central Statistics Agency indicates that Addis Ababa's unemployment rate stood at 27.9% and . The underemployment rate is much higher, as many people struggle to earn a living wage.
*Many expatriates work in NGOs and small start-up IT companies.
*Compared to other African cities, Addis Ababa has a high number of large, medium and small sized computer training schools, governmental and private learning institutions. Many students who attend there hope to land an IT or consulting job in the very scarce job market of the city.
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Mercato. The mercato (Italian for market, as the main covered market still in use dates from the colonial administration of the late 1930s) is the largest outdoor market in the world, and you can get anything from tourist goods (t-shirts, wood crafts, etc.) to fabric to metal goods there. Haggling and bargaining are standard procedure, and foreigners (especially those of European ancestry) should expect to be charged higher prices. To ensure a positive experience, maintain a sense of humour, don't be afraid to negotiate aggressively, and above all don't let yourself be bullied by the many "brokers" who frequent the market, and will try to steer you towards certain stores in exchange for a kick-back from the merchant. You will be able to negotiate lower prices if you can avoid brokers, and especially if you have a local friend or guide to buy things on your behalf.
*Souvenir Street. Churchill Avenue going downhill from Tomoca cafe. A string of shops as you head downhill that are very reasonably priced and full of the same goods that you'll see at the airport, in Lalilebla, etc. Not much haggling is possible, but the prices are good to begin with.
*Shiromeda Market. Between Sidist Kilo & Mt Entoto. If the madness of Mercato isn't for you, Chiromeda is a pleasant alternative. Haggling and bargaining is still the status quo, but you could walk away with a traditional dress from as cheap as 100 ETB.
*Friendship Supermarket. Bole Road (airport end). Well-stocked western-style supermarket - and they accept Visa. (Both not to be confirmed in August 2011).
*Edna Mall on Telebole. Pretty good bookshop here, along with a Cinema stocked with Popcorn & Western Films. The center of the mall features an indoor amusement park with carousel, climbing tubes, and bumper cars; it's a fun place for small children, but really crowded on the weekends and holidays.
*Dembel City Centre
*Getu Commercial Centre
*Addis Sheraton Shopping
*Loyal Shopping Centre
*Arat Kilo Shopping Centre
*Piassa Shopping Centre
*Bambis Grocery & Department Store, Greek ownership, very good product. Also in Bishoftu (Debre Zeit) and Adama (Nazret).
*New York Supermarket, near Bole & Olympia
*Shoa Supermarket on Bole Rd.
*Novis Supermarket on Bole Road, near Friendship
*T&H Designs is a jewelry and handbag store with unique products at a reasonable cost. The designers combine Ethiopian and other African elements to create one-of-a-kind jewelry and bags. Custom designs are available.
*The last Saturday of every month (except July) different NGO sponsored sellers hold a bazaar at the International Evangelical Church (IEC) in Sar Bet. Various items can be found, such as, handicrafts, art, jewelry, food, etc. The bazaars are frequented by expats and are a good place to meet people.
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Get money
ATMs/cash machines - are found throughout Addis Ababa. Dashen Bank is a principal member of both Visa and MasterCard International and has deployed 55 ATMs in Addis Ababa and around the major cites like Bahirdar, Gondar, Mekelle, Awassa, Dessies, Nazreth, Dire Dawa and Harar. Some of the ATMs found at D.H. Geda Tower (next to Friendship City Center) accept both VISA and Mastercard, Dembel City Center (quite hidden, use the main entrance, than to the left, at the window), Edna Mall , in some hotels (Hilton, Sheraton, Intercontinental, Wabi Shebelle Hotel, Ethiopia Hotel, Semein Hotel, Harmony Hotel). Also near the National Museum (Lucy Gazebo Restaurant), ground floor of Getu Commercial Center just at the entrance and some branches of Dashen Bank [http://www.dashenbanksc.com/atmnetwork/index.htm] Note that not all cards are accepted everywhere, Dashen Bank ATMs accept VISA/Mastercard/Cirrus/Plus.
CBE ATMs are now internationalised and have touch screen technology.
Hilton is the best place to change/get money. It has 4 ATMs (outside near hair salons) and inside on ground floor, two banks, Nib and United, have Forex Bureaus that are very quick when changing your hard currency cash. Travellers cheques are difficult to cash in Addis Ababa.
Cash on Credit Cards at Dashen Bank in Sheraton but at 6% and US$500 max per day.
Dashen Bank is the one setting up a wider ATM network so see their website to keep up to date.
Wegagen Bank also gives the service with its 96 ATMs.Located at branches and major malls and Hotels in Addis as well as outside Addis cities.It accepts VISA cards and master card and Union Pay is also underway.
Abyssinia Bank at Filwoha/Stadium and city end of Bole Rd are also available.
A working ATM at the airport is in the immigration area next to banks. Jan 2011
There is an ATM available in the Bole airport at the left side of the customs exit, about 10m away. At the airport CBE bank is in Baggage claim area of the Arrivals hall.
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Food is generally cheap. Make sure you try the national dish Injera at least once, since there is no other food like it. It is is a yeast-risen flat bread with a unique, slightly spongy texture. It is traditionally made out of teff flour. In making injera, teff flour is mixed with water and allowed to ferment for several days, as with sourdough starter. As a result of this process, injera has a mildly sour taste. It's what the locals eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Most ordinary Ethiopian restaurants have it, and a serving for 2 people with free refills can be as cheap as 15 birr.
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Budget
Addis has hundreds of cake and coffee cafes. They sell various coffees, tea - black unless you ask for "machiatto" - and sometimes fruit juices. There are also juice beits.
The cafes along Bole Road and around the Piassa area are of a high standard and relatively inexpensive. Most are very similar to each other. Most cafes serve the common drink called 'sprice juice' (which is just fruit pulp served in layers in a glass). There are usually three layers from a selection of avocado, mango, papaya, banana, guava etc. The juice is eaten with a spoon. It is colorful and tastes delicious. Single fruit juices are also great, such as orange, papaya, mango, and pineapple - beautifully fresh. 7 birr up to 25 birr in Hilton.
*Atelefugne Bar, Restaurant & Rooms- Kera, Bulgaria area exactly across from Dashen Bank. Beyaynetu (Veggie Combo), Lamb Stew (mild or spicy), Tegabino (smoothed out chickpeas). All meals are less than 50 Birr. Definitely more for your money!
*Mili Firfir Ye Fikir Maad- Megenagna/Sholla, Opposite of British Embassy. Take a taxi from Megenagna towards British Embassy. Mili is on the opposite side of the road towards Sholla Market. On fasting days Firfir, Shirro and other vegan dishes. Normal days best kitfo for budget price (2 people - 125 ETB). Mili is a great host and will make you feel home fast. Mili has a facebook page (mili firfir) - you can check out the location and some pictures.
*Yemi Burger- Haya Hulet. Burger, Fries & Mirinda/Coca Cola for 23 ETB. Wonderful staff! Known by many expats. The best chips in Addis.
* Cafe Chocolata on Victory Road (near Shoppers Mart supermarket) serves drinks and snacks and is very nice. All the staff are former street girls and prostitutes who are trying to make something of their lives.
* City Cafe on Bole has delicious cakes and pastries as well as high quality Ethiopian espresso coffees. You can sit on the porch and watch the activity on one of the main roads in Addis.
* National Cafe in the National Theater building, at the end of Churchill Ave. Reasonable prices and good food. From Injera to Club Sandwich.
Restaurants that do not have an English menu are cheaper. Example: Connection between Bole Road and Tele-Bole, next to Bole roundabout, at NOC-Fuelstation, close to German Kantine. You can have lunch (local food, spaghetti) for less then 20 birr. If you don't have a translator, ordering is a lot of fun.
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Mid-range
Lucy's Restaurant Outside of the National Museum. This pleasant restaurant offers surprisingly good Ethiopian food and great juices at reasonable prices. A great place to stop for lunch after visiting the museum.
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*The friendly Giordana is a well known TV chef. This place is worth seeking out for its excellent pasta and other Italian food.
*Habesha. Bole Rd. This cultural restaurant has traditional singing and dancing at night. If you're feeling brave, try the gored gored (cubes of heavily salted and spiced raw beef). Waiters are well mannered and kind, and most are very talented dancers.
*Sana's place on Gabon Street near Bole road is a very popular restaurant with amazing Yemeni food.
* Meda Bar and Grill, (on the way from Addis Ababa Stadium to Gotera around Lancha). Bar and restaurant, clean with many selections of meals, cocktails and a wine bar.
* Team Mini Bole Rd. Friendly, high quality restaurant with traditional Ethiopian food. Try the mesir besiga (ground meat with lentils). Performances by traditional singers and dancers at night. The entertainment is not as good as that at Habesha, but the food is generally better.
*The Limetree. Bole Rd, Boston Partners Building. While Ethiopian food is delicious there comes a time when you might want to try something else. Extensive menu, ranging from Arabic to Ethiopian food. They do have a consistency which is quite hard to find here. Own brand of coffee, which is a bitter version of the Ethiopian coffee you find, but if this appeals to you then you can not find this coffee anywhere else.
*Fabulous burgers. A local favourite. New location in Kera neighbourhood.
* Addis Cuisine. Wollo Sefer. (Bole end of Ethio Chinese Friendship Rd,on the north side of 6 lane road). Good western and Ethiopian food.
* Canaan, (from the airport-roundabout, down Bole Rd, turn left (before Bole Mini). Very nice pizza. Less then mid-range, a bit more than budget
* Pizza Deli Roma. Bole Rd, (coming from airport, go to the right (pass Alizee Club), after about 50 m on the right side; Bole Road on the left side on the way from Demble building to Meskal square). A chain with at least 3 locations. One of the best pizzas in town.
* Brick-oven Pizza across the street from Wanza Hotel has an amazing green chili sauce.
*Kaldi Coffee with a sign similar to Starbucks on Bole Road has great porridge.
*Liquid Lounge* Located at Nigist Towers near the intercontinental hotel at Kazanches, they have taken the approach that people want a quick but delicious lunch with lots of variety. outdoor cooking on the stir fry wok allows you to assemble your own dishes, while the ala carte menu offers a few burgers, sandwiches and other lunch items. The portions are sized to fill you up, and if you want a lighter lunch the soup of the day, or anything from the tapas menu will leave you waiting for lunch time the next day. The food is great during the night and day but the atmosphere changes from a casual patio lunch with the outdoor BBQ and draft beer during the day, to a more hip, smart casual lounge at night.
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Splurge
Yod's Abyssinia. A well-known dinner theatre that is full most nights and popular with both the middle class and tourists (buses pile in here). Food is not very good and highly overpriced (3x other restaurants), but the reason you come here is for the show that features 12 different dances and live music from the different cultures across the country. Very out of the way and will require a taxi, but worth it for the show (get a coffee ceremony here, not dinner).
*Fisherman Restaurant. Mickey Leland St, (near Atlas Hotel). Is a half-Chinese, half-Tibetan restaurant specialising in seafood and serving an excellent range of Asian cuisine..
*Aladdin Restaurant. Bole Rwanda. Serves Middle-Eastern food. Very expensive but authentic and delicious.
*Castellis in Piazza. Top Italian restaurant here since 1942. With famous guests like Angelina Jolie, and Brad Pitt, there is a reason that Castelli's manages to draw in such a crowd. Amazing food, amazing desserts, call for a reservation or risk disappointment, even at lunch time, as this is a trendy place to be seen.
*Top View Restaurant. (past Bole airport near Gutara). Very good food but can be expensive for a dinner meal.
*Green View Italian Restaurant / Pizzeria Bole Mickey Leland St, (near Atlas Hotel). For an excellent pizza. There is another location near CMC.
*Serenade Restaurant, (in the Ammest Kilo area, close to Nazareth School, yet a difficult place to find) Will need a reservation. Amazing cous-cous. This has a middle eastern influence, but the desserts western and are amazing.
*Liquid Lounge: Teppanyaki, Bar and Grill. Opened in 2011. The food is impeccable. Tibs and the beef satay. They also have fresh sushi everyday. This place incorporates Japanese food, Tapas (appetiser plates) and the teppanyaki cooking where the Japanese trained chef cooks in front of you. The kitchen is open all night. Surprisingly, you get more then you pay for here..
*Dreamliner Hotel. Best place for Indian food (although Sheraton is close). Decent variety of dishes, all cooked well. Luxury atmosphere.
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If you want to drink the national drink of Ethiopia, you have to try the 'tej' which brewed from honey. You can also try 'tela' which is like a beer.
*Tomoca Cafe. A small coffee shop near the peak of Churchill street that is famous among tourists and locals. Most maps have this marked off as the stop to come in and try some authentic coffee from the land where the bean was first discovered. for 9ETB you will get a delicious and incredibly strong jolt of caffeine that will fuel your trip to the souvenir shops nearby down the hill. The shop itself is quite small, but a must visit to buy some coffee to go (a great gift at 83ETB per 500g bag).
*Liquid Lounge. Kazanches, Nigist Towers Building, (right next to the Intercontinental hotel). Teppanyaki (food cooked in front of you) Sushi from fish imported everyday. Fairly expensive. This place is very trendy, they have VIP areas upstairs . On the weekends it gets busy.
*Champions, (across the street from Boston Day Spa building) . Hookah lounge with drinks and Turkish style atmosphere, makes for a nice relaxing night.
*Effoi. Around Bole Atlas. The pizzas and drinks are good. They used to have hookah, but I think they stopped. It's a good place to start a night out on the town.
*Gaslight. Fancy nightclub at the Sheraton. Inside, it feels like an upscale Western disco. Don't wear jeans or trainers/sneakers, as they have a fairly strict dress code. Although there is no entrance fee, be prepared to pay heavily for drinks.
*Memo. This club is popular for its late night atmosphere. This club is one of the few that charges admission and be warned about the price they charge you for drinks . However the music is loud and good, the kitchen is open late and it makes for a great night.
*Club Deep. The cover charge is small, but the drinks are inexpensive. However it is better to not go to the bathrooms here as they are filthy beyond belief.
*Meda Sports Bar and Grill. Near Global Hotel on the Debre Zeit Road. Large, spacious bar which is comfortable for chatting or watching a game. The downstairs lounge provides a more intimate setting for quiet conversations. And upstairs, the loft has a relaxed, casual dining atmosphere.
*The Black Rose. A lounge that is dark yet comfortable and fashionable, and the bar serves a variety of drinks.
*Divine. Bole Rd, (on the top floor of Sheger House). Very western-oriented playlist along with ample space for relaxing and a pumping dance floor on weekends.
*Bailamos. Bole Rd, (on the top floor of the Novis building). Club with a surprisingly vibrant salsa scene on the Weekends. Live music every Saturday, soft rock, salsa, R&B, and the band is surprisingly good. However, this is considered a lower end club, more targeted to those with a limited budget such as college students.
*Dome Club. Concorde. Debre Zeyit Rd. Sticky and dark, more of a dive bar/club.
*Illusions. Dance till 5AM. Very crowded on weekends, yet that adds to its charm.
*Good delicious Indian/south Indian foods.
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Budget
Please note, many of the prices below are a few years old, you can expect everything to be at least twice more expensive
* Atelefugne, Kera, Bulgaria area, exactly across from Dashen Bank, Walking distance from African Union Headquarters, ☎ +251 14167342. +251 91 2190328 +251 91 3188460, ([mailto:atelefugne@gmail.com]). Terrace with a view, very friendly staff and convenient. Restaurant on site, and hot water showers. Antique & Affordable, with a decent value. From USD 18 (single, shared bath/shower) USD 30 (spacious en-suite). Includes breakfast.
*Park Hotel, a cheap motel starting at 150 Birr, the rooms aren't exactly clean
*Filwoha Hotel, near the hot springs, ☎ +251 11 511404.
*Fin-Fin Hotel, (opposite the Filwoha Hotel).
*Hawi, Debre Zeit Rd, (south of the city centre).
*Holiday Hotel, Haile Gebresilassie Rd, (near the Plaza Hotel).
*Yordanos Hotel, Haile Gebresilassie Rd, ☎ +251 11 515711, fax +251 11 516655.
*Taitu Hotel, Piazza, (opposite the National Lottery Authority Head Quarters). Annexe with cheap rooms, but you have to explicitly ask for it. Excellent value for money, very quiet, but toilets and shower are in despicable condition. The main building is the oldest stone-building in Addis. In the reservation-building they have "one-hour-rooms", so expect strange noises when you sleep in this building. Doubles start at 151 Birr.
*Worku Bikila Hotel Dukem, (about 20 km south-west of Addis Ababa) [url=http://www.workubikilahotel.com],]Thriving hotel for budget to mid-range travelers.
* Baro Hotel, Piazza, ☎ +251 11 155 1447. +251 11 157 4157 Fax +251 11 553 7439, ([mailto:abenet@baro.com.et abenet@baro.com.et[/url]). Marvelous courtyard, very friendly staff and a bit of a meeting place. Restaurant on site, and hot water mostly in the mornings. Old decor and cramped, but decent value. They now take Visa cards without commission. They only check email a couple of times a week, and might not actually "confirm" your booking till you get there anyway though that may be the case even if you phone instead. From 200 Birr (single) to 350 Birr (double), camping 100 birr (very little place near the entrance gate)
* Wutma Hotel, Piazza, (across the Baro Hotel). Not much better rooms than the Baro and less company. From 250 Birr (single)
* Abrehams Hotel, Piazza. A dump, but has rooms when the others are fully booked. Single rooms start at 25 Birr.
* Jrome Guest House, Home away from home! It is one of the finest and affordable guest houses in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. From $19.99-$59.99 [www.jrome.us]+251911789202/+251912625807/from U.S 7034955381
There is no more camping at Holland House.
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Mid-range
Addis Regency [url=://www.capitalhotelandspa.com
*Addis Ababa Hilton Central Menelik Ave, ☎ +251 11 518400, fax +251 11 510064, [url=http://www.hilton.de/addis[/url]url=http://www.addisregency.com/].] Located in Old Town nearby St. George's Cathedral and walking distance from many places in the North. Outstanding service in a modern and clean space with helpful staff. Free wifi, breakfast, and airport pickup. If you arrive early, they will even let you check in without surcharge assuming rooms are ready. $75/night is quite expensive for Ethiopia, but I thought worth it. These guys are #1 on tripadvisor for a reason.
* Axum, Haile Gebresilassie Rd, ☎ +251 11 188832.
* Provides accommodation for business, leisure travellers, families and groups. Free wifi, breakfast and transportation to/from airport.
*Near the airport, its menu specialises in German delicacies such as cheese noodles and grilled chicken washed down with wheat beer. A half litre costs 23 Birr.
*Orange Lion Guest House is a guest house in Addis Ababa which is a warm and friendly place with high quality standards. Conveniently located in Gurd Shola, a 10 minute drive from Bole International Airport and city centre, this peaceful place will make you feel right at home in chaotic Addis Ababa.
*Recently built modern guest house has large clean rooms with balconies and home cooked food.
*Martin's Cozy Place-German Guesthouse, (near the Atlas and almost opposite the side of the hotel). A favorite for business people or expats having to base themselves in Addis. Martin offers a range of services for tourists and it is a homey place to shack up for a few nights. It costs around Birr 150/170/250 single/double/triple or 345 for a family room.
*Bourgainvillier guest house, ☎+251 911 627898, [www.ethiopiatjazz.com[/url]. Has small rooms but it is clean and athlete Haile Gebre Selassie sister, Azaltich Gebre-Selassie offers nice hospitality. You need to book in advance. .
*Yilma Hotel, Mekanessa area. This hotel is about US$25 per night for tourists. Restaurant/cafe with cableTV that plays news and sports channels. They serve food until 10:00-23:00. The staff are friendly. Offer room service for no added charge. The rooms are minimal but have decent bathrooms with hot water heaters for the shower, flush toilets and tiled floors.
*Z Guest House, [url=http://www.zguesthouse.com].]This a nice family-run bed & breakfast in a quiet residential area of Addis Ababa offering clean rooms and beautiful furnished apartments with fully-equipped kitchens and satellite TV. It’s located less than one mile from Piassa, only about 12 minutes from the airport. From US$29.95/night for a single suite
*
*Capital Hotel and Spa is a Five Star Hotel at the Hailegebressilasie Ave, ☎ +251 116 672 100, ☎ +251 911 631 911, fax +251 116 622 697, Guest rooms, Meeting and event facilities with translation booth available,Lounge, Bar, Concierge Service, International Restaurant, Gymnasium, Spa, Swimming pool, high tech equipment.[/url]][,. Airline agents, money changing, restaurant, bar, gym, sauna, swimming pool, internet access.
*Carrera Lodge, Rossevelt St, ☎ +251 11 517400, +251 11 447400.
*Dimitri Hotel, Yeka district, [url=http://dimitrihotel.com[/url].]Peaceful surroundings in contemporary city area, opened 2008. Many free services,including in-room wireless internet and satellite TV.
*Faro Hotel, ☎ +251 11 6621186. Brand new Ethiopian/Euro-style "boutique" hotel, minutes away from Bole Airport, Bole Rock Gym, Boston Day Spa, Friendship Centre and Lime Tree restaurant. Woman-owned, with a welcoming staff. Internet and kitchenette in each room, new bathrooms with modern steam shower units,very comfortable new beds with duvets. Full dining facilities; a bar & juice counter in the lobby and will soon have a swimming pool on its roof. Some rooms have good views. The Faro takes cash or Visa. From US$100 per night plus 25% tax and service charge
*Ghion, central Menelik Ave near Maskal/Abbiott Square, [http://www.ghionhotel.com.et/[/url], ☎ +251 11 513222, +251 11 443170. It is not on Menelik Ave. It is on Ras Dasta Damtew just out of Maskal Square.
*International Hotel, downtown near beginning of Bole Road. About US$40 per night. Clean and rooms are huge with living room, separate bedroom, many bathrooms include large tub. Staff is very nice and rooms have enormous balconies overlooking the green open areas of the Sheraton hotel as well as views of Mt. Entoto. A great place to stay if you need easy access to the Bole Airport without risking traffic delays. Upwards of US$65 for a single, US$85 for a small double, payment in cash only, no Visa (2008 prices)
* a brand new aspiring four star hotel with two locations in Addis Ababa. The largest property located in the Cazanchise area in walking distance from the UNECA building, near the airport.
*Ras, Church Rd, (just North of the railway station), ☎ +251 11 517060, +251 11 447060. One of the oldest hotels in Addis.
* This luxurious hotel was built by an Ethiopian billionaire, who is also Ethiopia's largest employer after the government. This is the place to go for 5 star opulence. It also one of few places in Addis where you can get cash from an ATM or credit card.
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Addis is safer than most cities in Africa. Gang violence and similar serious activities are unusual. However, you may encounter some pick-pockets and con-artists around and inside Bole Airport, Mercato, Piazza areas. Keep your belongings close, and pay attention to your surroundings. The good news is most of these pick-pockets are unarmed and very young boys. If they know that you are aware of what they are up to, they get intimidated and go away. Young kids are very aggressive in Addis compared to other parts of Ethiopia, be firm and tell them to go away.Small children carry a tray with face wipe napkins and hassle you to buy. when you walk out more will approach and one of them will push a tray to you and immediately pick your valuables, mainly mobile phone, with out you knowing about it
*Be aware of your belongings on Line Taxis: They usually get very crowded - keep your wallet/phone/bag close to you.
*The major and important roads and areas are patrolled by the 'Federal Police' or, as the city residents refer them Federal. They have a reputation of being merciless with suspected criminals. In contrast, the Addis-Ababa city police, who most of the time patrol the less important city streets, markets and neighborhoods are more tolerant and less respected police officers.
*For all emergencies ☎ 991.
*In Addis, major streets are generally safe at night. One problem, especially near Meskel Square and Churchill Avenue, are packs of stray dogs which may gang up on you, follow you around, bark at you, and even charge at you. Since many coaches leave from Meskel Square before dawn, it may be wise to take a cab there instead of walking.
*Blackouts are frequent. Because of this it is advised to carry a torch at night. Also note that there are many uncovered manholes in the pavement. As an extra precaution, don't withdraw money from (unguarded) ATMs after business hours, since there's no way of retrieving your card if electricity fails during a transaction.
*In a total difference of other African cities, in Addis-Ababa, police officers never approach foreigners to ask them to present a passport, ID or "legal" papers. Once you show your passport at the airport, you are free to move around pretty much anywhere. The only time you need your passport or ID is for hotel registration (booking) and other similar and few instances. (It is important to have your ID with you at all times, however.) Many visitors appreciate that they don't have to be questioned who they are or where they are from by a police officer who wants to extract bribe money from them, every time they turn around. This could be one of Addis-Ababa's appeals.
*As opposed to other cities in Ethiopia that rely on tourism, you can walk around hassle free in Addis Ababa without school children coming to beg for money.
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Watch what you drink or you can fall sick. It is important to remember to only drink bottled water. There are many brands to choose from; always check the plastic seal on all bottles before paying any vendor. Most travelers should be warned against eating vegetables such as those in salads that may have been washed in water. Try limiting fruits and vegetables to those you "peel" yourself such as oranges, mangos, etc.
Be prepared for culture shock. If you take photos of the people, ask first and offer to show them their picture if you have a digital camera with a display screen. Children enjoy seeing their pictures a lot of the time!
Your emotions are real. Many first time visitors may feel overwhelmed if they have not experienced this type of culture difference before. Be polite but not intrusive. It is OK to ask questions of the locals, but you should be prepared to be hassled a lot of the time, especially if you are white. Additionally, for foreign travelers who are black, especially American, although possibly able to "blend in", precautions are the order of the day (depending where you are, in Addis on Bole road they are used to seeing foreigners compared to the country side). If you prepare your mindset before arrival, you will be better able to cope.
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Embassies
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Telephone
The country code for calling Ethiopia is 251. The Ethiopian dialing plan changed on 17 Sep 2005, such that the two-digit city code changed to three digits (or, from outside the country, one to two digits) and six-digit telephone numbers changed to seven digits. The city code for Addis Ababa, as of Sep 2005, is 011 (or 11 from outside Ethiopia).
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Internet
In Addis Ababa, especially in Bole Subcity, you can find quite a number of internet cafes. Some cafes still use Dial-Up connections, but broadband becomes more popular. Most of the high-end hotels have internet connections (either Ethernet or WiFi), which are reasonably fast and often free for hotel guests.
A general problem about Internet in Ethiopia is the unstable international high-speed connection. If it is not working, even broadband cafes only deliver Dial-Up speeds and less. The local definition of highspeed broadband is 128kbits. Another general problem is the shortage of electricity, forcing daytime blackouts of whole areas 1-2 days a week, so it is good to plan ahead where you are going for internet access. During the winter months of 2009 (Jun-Aug), electricity had gone off on one side of the city for one day, and another side for the next.
Skype and VoIP service are legal in Ethiopia.
* Dembel City Center on Bole Rd has "Hut Internet Cafe" on the 2nd floor with over 30 Internet capable computers for use Mon-Sun 10AM-7PM
* Arkies Business Center, Piazza, next to 'Taitu Hotels'
* Broadband Internet in DH Geda Tower [url=http://www.addismap.com/dhgeda-tower],]next to Friendship City Center / Bole Road. 128kbps, many seats, but mostly completely occupied. The good thing is, that is is easy to find.
* Nina Internetcafe, across from Baro Hotels, inside Wutema Hotels
* TG Business Center [http://www.addismap.com/p446766205/tg-bar[/url], Bole, from Airport (Big Roundabout) to the right, junction with Cameroon Road (locally known as "Bole-Tele") has broadband but only 3 seats. Most of the time it is not crowded, so a good connection can be expected
* DMG Internet Center, near Edna Mall next to Kaldi's Cafe just off Djibuti Street (the road leading from Tele Bole towards 22), has broadband connection and 11 terminals. 2 MB speed Internet, which translates to pretty decent speed for the country. Open Mon-Sat 8:30 am - 8:00 pm.
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[wiki=1f56c56ab81a08a1cc101d2e9da2d659]zh:亚的斯亚贝巴[/wiki]
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