Addis Ababa

Home of the African Union and the National Museum's "Lucy" fossil, and a base for Ethiopian coffee and injera and day trips to rock-hewn churches and the Tiya stelae.

Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia, on a plateau at about 2,350 m. The headquarters of the African Union and the UN Economic Commission for Africa are here, and it is known as the "political capital of Africa." The city can be divided into several areas: in the north, Entoto Hill and the Sidist Kilo university district (Ethnological Museum, the National Museum with "Lucy," and Holy Trinity Cathedral); in the center, the old Piassa district and, to the west, the Merkato market; in the southeast, Meskel Square, the Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum and Unity Park; and the new Bole district, where the airport is located. Day trips from the city include Debre Libanos Monastery and the Portuguese Bridge to the north; the Adadi rock-hewn church, Melka Kunture and the Tiya stelae field to the south; and the Bishoftu crater lakes to the southeast. The climate is cool, with the October–March dry season the best time to visit, and June–September the main rainy season. The Meskel (Finding of the True Cross) festival in late September and Epiphany (Timkat) in January are the liveliest times. Getting there: Bole International Airport is the hub of Ethiopian Airlines, with direct flights from several cities in China; foreign visitors can get an e-visa. In town, ride-hailing apps and taxis are the main way to get around. We suggest 2–3 days in the city, plus 1–2 days for the surroundings, or use it as a transit stop on the way to Lalibela and Gondar. Notes: the altitude can be tiring, so take it slowly on your first day; watch out for pickpockets in crowded Piassa and Merkato; remove your shoes in churches, and women should cover their heads; change foreign currency only at proper banks.

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