Addis Ababa: City Tour with Museums, Entoto & Merkato

Summary

Walk Addis Ababa’s museums, markets & hillside views in a day

You’ll start your day meeting Ethiopia’s ancient past at the National Museum before climbing Mount Entoto for city views scented by eucalyptus. Taste local flavors over lunch, wander through vibrant markets like Merkato, and step inside churches glowing with color—all with a local guide handling every detail. It’s not just sights; it’s moments you’ll carry home.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you step out of your hotel and Addis Ababa is already humming? That was us—our guide, Dawit, waving from the van. First stop: the National Museum. I’d read about Lucy (Dinkinesh), but seeing her tiny bones under glass felt oddly personal. The halls smelled faintly of old paper and something earthy—maybe the stone floors? Dawit explained how Lucy changed everything we thought about human history. I didn’t expect to feel so small and connected at the same time.

We zigzagged through traffic toward Yekatit 12 Martyrs Square, then past Chiromeda market (I almost bought a scarf but got distracted by the colors). Up the winding road to Mount Entoto—the air shifted; cooler, sharp with eucalyptus. You could see all of Addis sprawling below, haze mixing with sunlight. There were women carrying firewood on their backs, moving quietly along the roadside. I tried to take a photo but it never looks quite right compared to being there.

The Ethnographic Museum inside Addis Ababa University was next—less grand than the first museum but packed with stories. Our guide pointed out wedding robes from different regions; he laughed when I mixed up Amhara and Oromo patterns (honestly, it’s hard). Lunch at Addis Ababa Restaurant was a blur of injera and spicy lentils—I tried Tej for the first time (sweet and sharp), and someone at another table sang softly under their breath.

Later we stopped by B’atta Le Mariam Church since St. George Cathedral was closed for renovations. The stained glass caught afternoon light in a way that made me pause longer than I expected—just quiet for a minute before heading into Merkato’s chaos. That place is wild: spices in burlap sacks, shouts from every direction, a kind of organized madness you can’t really prepare for. By the time we reached Tiglachin Memorial my feet were tired but my head was full—so much to take in one day. I still think about that view from Entoto sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day city tour of Addis Ababa

• Start at National Museum of Ethiopia
• Pass by Yekatit 12 Martyrs Square
• Pass by Chiromeda market (optional stop)
• Pass by Myazia 27 Square Monument
• Drive uphill to Mount Entoto viewpoint
• Visit Ethnographic Museum at Addis Ababa University
• Visit St. George Cathedral or Bata Mariam Church
• Visit Merkato open-air market
• Visit Tiglachin Memorial

Top questions

How long does this Addis Ababa city tour last?

This is a full-day tour covering major sites across Addis Ababa.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Lunch is included only if your tour starts in the morning; afternoon tours do not include lunch.

What museums are visited during this tour?

The tour visits both the National Museum of Ethiopia and the Ethnographic Museum inside Addis Ababa University.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your day trip around Addis Ababa.

Will I visit Mount Entoto on this day trip?

Yes, you’ll drive up Mount Entoto for panoramic views over Addis Ababa (note: park entrance fee not included).

Is Merkato market part of this itinerary?

Yes, you’ll explore Merkato—the largest open-air market in Africa—as part of your city tour.

Are entrance fees covered in this city tour?

All entrance fees are included except for Entoto Park viewpoint (additional cost applies if you wish to enter).

Is this Addis Ababa city tour wheelchair accessible?

The transportation provided is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned minivan, entry fees to all main sites except Entoto Park viewpoint, guidance from a knowledgeable local (sometimes multilingual), plus lunch at a historic restaurant if starting before noon—with vegetarian options available on request.