As the only African country that has never been colonized, Ethiopia has managed to keep its colorful cultural identity. This is apparent through its historic fortresses, indigenous villages, and deep-seated traditions and customs that permeate the country. One visit to Ethiopia, and you’ll see what makes this country incredibly unique compared to other parts of Africa.
Besides exploring Ethiopia’s rich history, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature. With rugged mountains, shimmering lakes, and even volcanic craters, there are plenty of things to do in Ethiopia in terms of natural beauty. Between the breathtaking landscapes and ancient cultural heritage, Ethiopia is guaranteed to be one of your most memorable trips. From the earliest-known human to Africa’s biggest marketplace, Addis Ababa is packed with remarkable sights. Here are 10 must-see attractions for the buzzing East African city.
1. Meskel Square
Part historical monument, part unofficial sports centre, Meskel Square is Addis Ababa’s most famous landmark. On any given day, runners can be found pounding the 600m-long terraced steps, training in relative peace amid the chaos of the city centre. More semi-amphitheatre than a square, it’s also the site of the Meskel Festival, a yearly celebration of the crucifix. Thousands gather here on 27 September (17 Meskerem in the Ethiopian calendar) to take part in torchlight processions and witness the enormous bonfire that marks the festival. Whether early morning or evening, the square offers a snapshot of everyday life in Addis’s vast urban sprawl. It’s also within walking distance of the African Jazz Village, the Red Terror Martyrs’ Memorial and the Oromo Cultural Center.
2. Fendika Azmari Bet
After decades of suppression during the Derg era, Ethiopia’s mesmeric jazz scene is making a comeback across Addis Ababa. The genre took off in the 1960s, when pioneers such as Mulatu Astatke merged the unique tonal palette and scales of Ethiopian folk with Western jazz principles and Latin rhythms. The result was Ethio-jazz. Once the heart of the city’s nightlife, only a handful of dedicated jazz venues remain. That said, its popularity is growing with the younger generation, so it’s easy to catch some live jazz on any given week. Try Metro at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Office Bar at the Sheraton Hotel and Fendika Azmari Bet, Kazanchis (most Mondays and alternate Fridays).
3. Addis Fine Art
Over the last decade or so, a small contemporary art scene has sprung up from the frenetic streets of Addis Ababa – at the forefront of the revolution is Addis Fine Art. A small independent gallery in the vibrant Bole area, AFA supports Ethiopian and diaspora artists (those with Ethiopian heritage who live abroad) and has quickly earned a reputation as one of the country’s leading contemporary art spaces. Since opening in 2016, Addis Fine Art has hosted regular exhibitions from prominent and emerging artists, such as Girma Berta, Lulseged Retta, Tesfaye Urgessa and Eyerusalem Jiregna.