✈️ TLV to Addis Ababa (ADD)
Ethiopia
Addis Ababa
CityADD
IATA2581.7 km
Distance3h 38m
Flight TimeCoordinates: 8.97789, 38.7993
Airlines:
About Addis Ababa
Weather in Addis Ababa
Understand
While Ethiopia is regarded as the original home of humans, and there has been several earlier settlements in the region, Addis Ababa was founded only in 1886 by King Menelik II and Queen consort Taytu Betul. Since then, Ethiopia has gone through a lot of events that have left a mark on the city, such as two cathedrals built to commemorate victories over Italians, sites where emperors lived and worked, monuments to them, and a memorial museum to the victims of the red terror during the Derg regime. The museums of the city lets visitors experience much older times too – indeed you can see a replica of the hominoid Lucy at the national museum. In addition, the restaurants and cafés of the city let you sample Ethiopian cuisine, its famous coffee and the national drink tej. There are more than 120 international missions and embassies in Addis Ababa, making the city a hub for international diplomacy concerning Africa . The headquarters of the African Union and the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) are both in the city. The European Union and the United States both have two delegations in Addis Ababa, one for bilateral relations with Ethiopia and one for the African Union. The city is divided into ten boroughs, known as subcities, then further divided into wards ( kebeles ). Suburbs 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. Many of the wealthiest people live in the southeast (Bole), southwest (old airport), CMC, Ayat and Lamberet parts of town. The city is one of the first in Sub-Saharan Africa to have rail based public transit. The light rail system built with Chinese help is often credited with a rapid change of connected parts of the city. The Corridor Projects have upgraded many trunk roads to international standards, with street lights, bicycle lanes, and bus stops. These projects have also been associated with large-scale relocation of residents and shops.
Climate
Addis Ababa features a subtropical highland climate (Cwb), a variety of the temperate oceanic climate, with wet summer (comparable to Mexico City ). The average highs are between 21 °C (70 °F) and 25 °C (77 °F), the average lows between 7 °C (45 °F) and 11 °C (52 °F). The warmest months are February to May, but not "hot" as people imagine Africa; most hotels do not have air-conditioning. Temperatures and climate can vary due to elevation. Addis Ababa has 132 rainy days per year and records 1,165 mm (45.9 in) of rainfalls annually. Temperatures in Addis Ababa are remarkably constant from month to month: the annual temperature variation is low with around 4 °C (7.2 °F). However, due to its altitude of 2,400 m (7,900 ft), the diurnal temperature variation is high with around 14 °C (25 °F) difference between day and night in average. It is often 27 °C (81 °F) at lunchtime and 3 °C (37 °F) at night; always take a second layer with you during the evening. The dry winter season is from October to March. Nighttime lows can drop below +10°C, but daytime highs are comparable to the following summer months. The warm summer season around April and May is almost unnoticeable in Addis Ababa (more visible in other parts of Ethiopia), though the nights are warmer and the likelihood of rain increases. The monsoon season is from June to September. Even if temperatures are similar to other months, July and August appear colder and less comfortable due to 80% relative humidity, few hours of sunshine and daily rains: tonsillitis and common cold are frequent. For this reason, most locals call this period the winter and consider the dry season to be summer. Rains also cause mud and make dirt-roads soapy. Floods happens on roads, creating traffic jams, notably at the beginning of the rainy season (end-June), when the water drainage pipes are corked by dust and wastes accumulated during 8 months of dry season. Thunderstorms (short but with heavy rains) are frequent and isolated. For instance, it is not uncommon to go to another area of the city for a 2-hour lunch in Bole and discover wet roads when coming back to Arada. In August, it is also possible to experience some hail.
Get around
Very few streets have names and those that do may not be named correctly on a map; use landmarks to navigate the city.
Talk
Amharic is spoken by the majority of the population, with other languages (namely Oromo and Gurange) spoken by a minority. For all intents and purposes, learning basic Amharic words and phrases will be enough for any trip, as it is unlikely you will encounter anyone who doesn't speak some Amharic. Increasing numbers of young people can speak English, especially those who are more affluent. Be aware that Ethiopians usually speak English with a heavy accent, which can be difficult for an American or British person to understand. In the city centre, most people you encounter will speak English fluently. However, if you venture into residential neighborhoods, especially poor areas, you may find that hardly anyone can speak English well.
See
If you walk along the road from Meskel Square to Sidist Kilo (6 Kilo), you'll probably find it quite entertaining and interesting. You'll see the Africa Hall, the palaces and the Parliament building, the Hilton Hotel, the marvellous architectural adventure of a building hosting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Sheraton Hotel, the first modern school (which Emperor Menelik II built in the 1880s), the Trinity Orthodox cathedral, the National Museum, and the Addis Ababa University (which hosts a former palace and museum). Arat Kilo (4 Kilo) Avenue is marked by a statue built in commemoration of the Ethiopian day of victory during the Second World War, while Sidist Kilo Avenue is marked by a statue commemorating some 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 labourers). If you go past Sidist 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 US Embassy are on this side of the street. After the Embassy there's an open market called Shiro Meda where traditional craftsmen sell their homemade fabrics, pots and other craftwork. The marketplace is at the foot of the Entoto Mountains, which 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 Saint Mary and Saint Raguel, and a smaller palace of Menelik II. Walking the mountain, especially between the churches, is refreshing and gives the chance to see rural life, the city, forest and unbelievably beautiful landscape intersected by farmlands and farmers trails. It is from here that Menelik II and Queen Taitu conceived the establishment of Addis Ababa. You can get a sense of the city plan by viewing the city from here.
Do
9.03769 38.7545 1 Hager Fikir Theatre , John Melly St, Piazza district . The oldest theatre in Ethiopia. 9.0428 38.7694 2 Jan Meda Race Ground . Event venue, not just used for horse racing but other events too. A large religious event taking place here every year on January 19 is Timkat, celebrating the baptism of Jesus. 8.9551 38.7536 3 Bihere Tsige Recreation Center ( Bihere Tsige Public Park ). Green area in southern Addis, bisected by the Akaki stream. 9.0014 38.7235 4 Addis Ababa Golf Club . 18 hole golf course with a restaurant. 9.1121 38.7577 5 Entoto Mountain ( እንጦጦ ) ( north side of the city ). Walk from St. Mary church, the first church of Addis, and St Urael church and see the city from the top of the mountain. 9.0204 38.767 6 Yewedale , Zewditu St, Kazanches . Performances by traditional azmari minstrels. 9.0086 38.7619 7 BailAmor Dance Group , Juventus Sports Club, Jomo Kenyatta St , ☏ +251 91 130 1260 . Pick up some dance lessons in salsa and bachata here so that you can impress the world later. Stop by at one of the small (5-7 people) coffee spots / rooms to taste local coffee with tenadam (rue) and have a conversation with locals who hang out there. You can find many of those along the main streets. Price should not be more than 5 birr. Oftentimes you can have local food there too.
Buy
9.03056 38.7389 1 The mercato . M-Sa . (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. 9.06541 38.76016 2 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 birr. 8.98987 38.78586 3 Friendship Hypermarket ( Bole Road (airport end) ). Well-stocked western-style supermarket, and they accept Mastercard and Visa. 8.9971 38.7867 4 Edna Mall (closed for refurbishment) , Cameroon St, Bole Medhanealem area ( on roundabout, infront of Bole Medhanealem Cathedral ), ☏ +251 11 661 6874 (Info), +251 11 661 6278 (Cinema) . Contains a large book store, and Ethiopia's only 3D multiplex cinema "Matti Multiplex" (three screens), which plays both Amharic and English-language films. Western films typically are shown within a week to a month of their U.S. release, though occasionally they may operate on European release schedules. The centre of the mall features an arcade zone and an indoor amusement park with carousel, pinballs, bull-riding, climbing tubes, 3D cinema, and bumper cars; it's a fun place for small children, but really crowded on the weekends and holidays. Include several restaurants. Also located nearby are several dance clubs. In September 2024 it is closed for refurbishment. ( updated Sep 2024 ) 9.004722 38.766944 5 Dembel City Center , Bole Rd, Olompia area, POBox 9517 ( the yellow Bldg on Bole Rd ), ☏ +251 11 552 6304 , +251 11 552 5267 , +251 11 515 1035 , +251 11 554 7824 , fax : +251 11 551 9460 , dembelcc@ethionet.et . Build around 2000, the mall clam 105 stores and a total surface of 8,000 square metres (86,000 sq ft), with numerous jewellery. ( updated Aug 2017 ) 9.002222 38.769444 6 Getu Commercial centre . 9.0318 38.75198 7 Piassa Shopping centre ( Eliana mall ). 9.00985 38.77201 8 Bambis department store ( Bambis Super, Lewis retails ). Expensive euro-style supermarket located in Kazanchis, near the Radisson, Hilton, and Sheraton hotels. Features an extensive selection of imported products, and high quality fresh/frozen meats, including pork. ( updated Oct 2024 ) 9.00151 38.7795 9 Shoa Supermarket , Bole Rd . 9.01932 38.76517 10 Novis Supermarket ( on Bole Road, near Friendship. ). Has a lot of high quality products mostly imported from Italy or Dubai. 8.99196 38.78206 11 Fantu Supermarket ( on Bole Road, near Friendship. ). Has relatively cheaper products of the same quality and is located on Bole road and also near the Canadian Embassy in Old Airport. 8.99035 38.72598 12 Laphto Mall , South Africa Street ( located adjacent to St.Bisrate Gebriel Church ), ☏ +251 11 372 8777 . A multi-purpose mall consisting of a grocery store, numerous places to buy clothes and toys, a liquor store and a mobile phone store. This mall has several levels each with a number of small rooms selling goods. Also has of a large outdoor swimming pool. none . 9.02016 38.75757 13 St George gallery , Itegue Taitu Street ( just down the hill from the Sheraton ). very classy(and expensive) collection of textiles, jewellery, ceramics and paintings ( updated Feb 2020 ) 8.9996 38.77028 14 Makush Gallery and Restaurant , Bole Road . Art gallery with paintings by current Ethiopian artists. There is a restaurant but the real draw is the collection. ( updated Feb 2020 )
Eat
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 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.
Drink
The national drink of Ethiopia is 'tej', which is brewed from honey. You can also try 'tela' which is similar to beer. In addition to places listed below, some of the hotels in Sleep have a bar. 8.9906 38.784 1 Black Rose Lounge , Boston Bldg, Bole Rd ( above the Boston Day Spa ). The energetic atmosphere is dark yet comfortable and fashionable, and the bar serves a variety of drinks. Live jazz jam session every Th night. 8.98963 38.75903 2 Dome Club ( The Dome Famous Club ), Debre Zeyit Rd ( Hotel Concorde ). Sticky and dark, more of a dive bar/club. 9.0203 38.76029 3 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. 9.018 38.754 4 Illusion ( Club Catch ), cnr Ras Desta Damtew St & Itegue Taitu St ( under the Ambassador Theatre ). Dance till 05:00. Very crowded on weekends, yet that adds to its charm. 9.01961 38.76693 5 Beemnet ( between Hilton Hotel and ). Restaurant by day, bar by night, usually with a great DJ and fun dance scene. ( updated Apr 2024 ) Kaldi's Coffee , ☏ +251 11 371 4258 . This is a coffee shop similar in many aspects to Starbucks. Kaldis has 22 locations around the city and sells a variety of products including coffee, tea, burgers, sandwiches, fruit juice and pancakes.
Stay safe
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 and many other areas. Keep your belongings close, and pay attention to your surroundings. A common tactic is to show you a tray of things to buy with one hand and to try your pocket with the other. The good news is most of these pick-pockets are unarmed and young boys. If they know that you are aware of what they are up to, they may get intimidated and go away. However, some can be quite persistent and even involve older boys. Watch out for the spitting scam which happens in Piazza area. Typically it involves someone "accidentally" spitting on you, offering a handkerchief / tissue to clean it up, trying your pockets while you are distracted by this "accident" and then jumping into a companion's car with your belongings. Someone might also grab your arm and act crazy pretending to kick you as a distraction while his accomplice tries your pockets. As most Ethiopians are very welcoming, there is an infamous scam where young locals "befriend" tourists and invite them over after a nice day together to celebrate a "special holiday". You will get fed a lot of khat leaves, a chewing drug, and have a good time with them, but in the end you will be asked for a tremendous amount of money for the khat as they claim it is a "special" quality. Be aware of too friendly locals and ask if there is a price to anything, even if they claim you are invited. 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 ☏ 911 . In Addis, major streets are generally safe at night. Unlike in 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 reservation and other similar and few instances. However, it is important to have your ID with you at all times.
Cope
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. Visitors are 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. Pollution . Addis Ababa is badly polluted because of badly maintained diesel vehicles and dust. If you have any sensitivity to this, it is worth wearing a dust mask as is popular in many Asian countries. 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. Overwhelmed . 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 foreigners who are black, it may be possibly to "blend in", precautions are in order (depending where you are, in Addis on Bole road they are used to seeing foreigners compared to the countryside). If you prepare yourself before arrival, you will be better able to cope. Blackouts and water outages are also very frequent, as of 2024, and happen with no warning or pattern. Most higher-tier restaurants, offices, and hotels have their own generators and water tanks which can mitigate their impact, at least for a few hours. In general, they do not last for more than a few hours.
Go next
Adama and Sodere some 120 km to the southeast are popular weekend destinations for locals. The latter is famous for its hot springs. Adama is accessible by bus and train, from there minibuses go to Sodere. Awash National Park , 200 km to the east by road, is a world heritage site where some of the earliest human remains have been found. It's also a good place to see hyenas, and another highlight is the Awash waterfalls. Bahir Dar is 550 km to the north, Ethiopia's third largest city and accessible by bus, car or plane. It's next to Lake Tana, and famous for churches and monasteries on islands in the lake as well as the Blue Nile Falls. From there you can continue to other destinations in Northern Ethiopia such as Gondar and Lalibela . Dire Dawa is an 11-hour train ride east along the new railway to Djibouti (you can fly here too). It's the only other chartered city in the country. A highlight here is Emperor Haile Selassie's Palace. Further 54 kms away from Dire Dawa is the world heritage listed ancient city of Harar , regarded as Islam's fourth holiest city. Melka Awash , with the world heritage listed Paleolithic Melka Kunture excavation sites. Tiya , the "Stonehenge of Africa" is a world heritage listed ancient burial grounds, 90 km to the south. Accessible by car or bus. Ziway , 162 km south is on the shore of an eponymous lake which is home to many species of birds. It's one of the Rift Valley lakes, and if you travel some 40 km further south, there are more lakes with birds in the Abijatta Shalla Lakes National Park . Accessible by car or bus.