Things To Do
Cultural Restaurants
Our Favorite Cultural Restaurants
One of the most popular things to do in Addis Ababa is going to Yod Abyssinia, 2000 Habesha, Totot or Haile Grand. These cultural restaurants offer an immersive experience in Ethiopian culture through vibrant traditional food and dance. They offer authentic experiences featuring injera (spongy sourdough flatbread) served with various wats (stews). At the same time, during the evening time, traditional dance performances showcase the diverse ethnic groups of Ethiopia. Visitors can witness and take part in the shoulder-shaking eskista dance, the energetic traditional dances of different regions, and participate in coffee ceremonies that blend culinary tradition with social ritual. Very immersive and fun!
Museums
The city's museums serve as guardians of Ethiopia's remarkable history, from ancient civilizations to modern independence movements. The National Museum houses the famous fossilized remains of "Lucy" (Dinkinesh), along with artifacts spanning millions of years of human evolution and Ethiopian cultural development. The Ethnological Museum, Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum, and various cultural institutions preserve and present different aspects of Ethiopian heritage, offering visitors comprehensive insights into one of Africa's most historically significant and culturally rich nations.
Ethiopian Food
Our favorite places for Ethiopian food
We are obviously biased, but Ethiopian food is incredible! And Addis Ababa is probably the best and most authentic place to enjoy it. Picking a handful of foods is a great injustice, but these are good entry points into Ethiopian cuisine.
- Doro Wat - Ethiopia's undisputed national dish. It is a spicy chicken stew with hard-boiled eggs, slow-cooked with berbere spice blend. This is the dish that defines Ethiopian cuisine internationally.
- Kitfo - Ethiopia's version of steak tartare. Kitfo is minced raw beef served with spices and often accompanied by ayib (cottage cheese).
- Shiro Wat - The most beloved vegetarian dish. It is one of the most widely consumed dishes in Ethiopia.
- Tibs - Pan-fried sliced beef or lamb that represents Ethiopia's approach to meat dishes. It is one of the famous foods in Ethiopia and is traditionally served to show respect to someone.
- Tej - Ethiopian honey wine that's been produced for thousands of years, representing the country's ancient fermentation traditions.
Coffee
Map of our favorite coffee places
Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee, and Addis Ababa lives and breathes the coffee culture. The traditional coffee ceremony, often performed in homes and cafés, is a slow, aromatic ritual that reflects hospitality and community.
The city is filled with excellent local coffee shops, from iconic spots like Tomoca to modern third-wave cafés such as Dukamo, where visitors can taste freshly roasted beans sourced from across the country.
Parks & Nature
These spaces are perfect for relaxing, walking, or soaking in local scenery. Here are a few top spots to enjoy nature without leaving the city. You can check the map for a more complete list.
Unity Park
Located inside the old imperial palace, Unity Park blends culture and
nature. You’ll find historic exhibitions, manicured gardens, a mini zoo
with lions and baboons, and plenty of cafés and rest areas.
Friendship Park
This peaceful park offers open lawns, walking paths, and panoramic city
views. It’s great for a jog, a casual stroll, or watching the evening
fountain and light show.
Entoto Park
Set in the cool hills above Addis, Entoto Park has hiking trails, bike
paths, and adventure sports like ziplining. Or just relax at a café and
take in the forest views and fresh air.
Art Galleries
There are multiple art galleries throughout the city which showcase works by both established and emerging Ethiopian artists. They are great places to explore creativity and social commentary, as well as get introduced to Addis Ababa's community of artists.
Event and music venues
Addis Ababa has a dynamic live music and event scene that ranges from jazz and traditional music to reggae and electronic nights. Venues like Fendika Cultural Center and African Jazz Village host regular live performances, while larger spots such as Skylight Hotel and Ghion Hotel often serve as spaces for concerts, expos, and festivals. Be on the lookout for events, especially on nights and weekends.
Mystery Box
Are you up for something random? Whether you're looking to buy finely crafted leather goods and handmade souvenirs, saddle up at a local horse stable, join an energetic dance class, plug into a dynamic co-working space, or unwind with a game at one of the city's bowling alleys, there's something interesting to do. This list is a mystery box of fun places to try out.
Foreign cuisine
Addis Ababa offers an increasingly diverse array of foreign cuisines. You can find restaurants specializing in Italian, Indian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, and various other international flavors. This should guide you when you want to switch up from Ethiopian food.
Food & Drinks
Explore Addis with us through Food
Going around trying different foods and drinks is one of our favorite ways of exploring Addis. We have either gone to these places or we plan to.
Theatres
Theatre in Addis Ababa blends classical stage performance with local storytelling traditions.
National Theatre also hosts drama, dance, and musical productions, giving visitors a taste of Ethiopia’s theatrical culture and its ongoing evolution.
Hager Fikir Theatre, one of the oldest theatres in Africa, stages plays in Amharic that reflect Ethiopian history and social issues.