Addis Ababa: Guided City Tour with Museum & Merkato Pickup

Summary

Walk Addis Ababa’s markets, churches and museums with a local

You’ll wander through Addis Ababa’s wild Merkato market, stand face-to-face with “Lucy” at the National Museum, explore an emperor’s palace-turned-museum, and climb Entoto Hill for church bells and city views — all with a local guide who makes every stop feel personal.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to start my day in Addis Ababa standing in front of Lucy — you know, the 3-million-year-old fossil? Our guide Tesfaye grinned when I stared too long at her tiny bones in the National Museum of Ethiopia. He said most people do that. The museum itself is a bit of a maze, with old royal robes and paintings tucked into corners. I kept getting distracted by the smell of incense drifting from somewhere nearby — maybe a church? Hard to say. There was something about seeing Haile Selassie’s old throne that made history feel less like a story and more like someone’s living room, if that makes sense.

We squeezed through Merkato next, which is so much louder than I’d pictured. Sellers shouting, radios blaring Ethiopian pop songs, coffee beans roasting somewhere (that smell—almost chocolatey). Tesfaye waved to a woman selling spices; she handed us a pinch to sniff. I tried to remember the Amharic word for “thank you” but probably butchered it — she just laughed and waved me on. If you’re after souvenirs or just want to see daily life up close, this is where it happens. It’s busy but never felt unsafe with our guide leading the way.

The Ethnological Museum surprised me too — it’s inside an old palace on the university campus, so there are students everywhere lounging under trees outside. The rooms are creaky and full of odd treasures: musical instruments, jewelry, even Emperor Selassie’s bed (which looked surprisingly small). Last stop was Entoto Maryam Church up on the hill. The air up there felt cooler and sharper somehow; blue domes against grey sky. Tesfaye explained how Menelik II built it in 1877 — he pointed out royal crowns and even a mirror from Queen Victoria herself. I’m still thinking about that view over Addis as we drove back down.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Addis Ababa city tour highlights

• Visit National Museum of Ethiopia
• Explore Merkato open air market
• Tour Ethnological Museum at university
• See Entoto Maryam Church and artifacts

Top questions

Is hotel or airport pickup included in this Addis Ababa city tour?

Yes, both hotel and airport pickup are included in your day tour.

What attractions will I see on this guided tour?

You’ll visit the National Museum of Ethiopia (with “Lucy”), Merkato market, Ethnological Museum, and Entoto Maryam Church.

How long does it take to get from central Addis Ababa to Entoto Maryam Church?

It usually takes about 30 minutes by car from central Addis Ababa to Entoto Maryam Church.

Is lunch provided during this city tour?

No lunch is included but Ethiopian coffee is provided during your tour.

Are entrance fees covered for museums and churches?

Yes, all entrance fees for museums and Entoto Maryam Church are included.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Specialized infant seats are available; children can join but moderate fitness is needed due to walking.

What should I wear for visiting churches in Addis Ababa?

A formal dress code is required for church visits; modest clothing is recommended.

Will there be an English-speaking guide on this day trip?

Yes, your guide speaks English throughout the entire city tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or airport pickup and drop-off in Addis Ababa, bottled water along the way, all entry fees for museums and Entoto Maryam Church, Ethiopian coffee tasting at Merkato market, plus a professional English-speaking guide with a dedicated driver throughout your journey.