1-Day Full Day Addis Ababa City Tour

Tour Overview

Addis Ababa, meaning “New Flower” in Amharic, is one of the highest capital cities in the world at 2,400 meters above sea level. This full-day private tour explores the city’s most iconic landmarks, from ancient churches and royal museums to panoramic hilltops and bustling markets. Ideal for first-time visitors or those with a layover, this tour offers a rich introduction to Ethiopia’s culture, history, and daily life. For more options, visit our Day Trips from Addis Ababa page.

Day 1: Full-Day Addis Ababa City Tour

Begin your day with a visit to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the most important church in Ethiopia and the burial site of Emperor Haile Selassie and his wife. Continue to the National Museum, home to the 3.2-million-year-old fossil “Lucy” and artifacts from the time of Queen Saba.

Next, explore the Ethnographic Museum at Addis Ababa University, showcasing traditional crosses, musical instruments, and cultural artifacts. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant such as Ambassador, known for its garden setting and authentic Ethiopian cuisine.

After lunch, ascend to Entoto Hill (3,200m) for panoramic views of the city and a visit to the historic palace and museum of Emperor Menelik II. End the day at Merkato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets, before returning to your hotel or the airport.

Addis Ababa City Tour — churches, museums, hilltop views, and vibrant markets.

Overnight: Not included (Day Tour)

Price & Inclusions

• Price: Contact us for current rates
• Included: Private transportation, professional English-speaking guide, entrance fees, bottled water, airport transfers
• Not Included: Meals, accommodation, personal expenses, tips

Getting There

This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa. Airport pickup and drop-off are included. We can arrange additional hotel nights before or after the tour upon request. For more details, see our Getting to Ethiopia guide.

Explanatory Paragraphs

Holy Trinity Cathedral: Imperial Legacy

Built in 1941, Holy Trinity Cathedral is the spiritual heart of Ethiopian Orthodoxy. It houses the tombs of Emperor Haile Selassie and Empress Menen Asfaw, and features stained glass windows and ornate carvings. Learn more on Wikipedia. For more sacred sites, visit our Cultural Tours in Ethiopia.

National Museum: Cradle of Humanity

The National Museum of Ethiopia is home to “Lucy,” the 3.2-million-year-old Australopithecus afarensis fossil that reshaped our understanding of human evolution. The museum also features royal regalia, ancient tools, and religious icons. Read more on Lonely Planet.

Entoto Hill: Birthplace of Addis Ababa

Entoto Hill was the original capital of Emperor Menelik II before Addis Ababa was founded. The hilltop offers sweeping views and houses the emperor’s palace and Entoto Maryam Church. For more scenic escapes, explore our Nature Tours in Ethiopia.

Merkato: Africa’s Largest Market

Merkato is a sprawling maze of stalls selling everything from spices and textiles to electronics and livestock. It’s a sensory overload and a must-see for anyone wanting to experience the pulse of Addis. For more market experiences, check our Ethiopian Markets Tour. Learn more about Merkato on Britannica.