Flight Tickets to Addis Ababa airport

Discover Addis Ababa

Flights to Addis Ababa

The largest city in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa which is also spelt as Addis Abeba, enjoys the twin status of being a city and a state. The city is home to many continental and international organizations, he major one being United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). Spreading on an area of 527 km2 and an elevation of 2,355 meters above sea level, the city is home to more than 3,384,569 residents. The city was founded in 1886 by Emperor Menelik II and since then it served as an important seat of power. A grassland biome, Addis Ababa is located on the foothills of Mount Entoto and the city is divided in 10 boroughs named sub cities. Amharic followed by Oromiffa, Gurage, Tigrinya, Silt'e and Gamo are the commonly spoken language. Addis Ababa is often referred to as the capital of Africa due to the presence of every foreign embassy in the city.

Overview

All flights coming to Addis Ababa land at the Bole International Airport, which is the major airport serving Addis Ababa. The airport is located at a distance of 6 km southeast of the city center and 65 km north of Debre Zeyit, currently more than 10 airlines operating 150 flights daily, connect the airport with the rest of the world. Addis Ababa experience subtropical highland climate, which features complex mix of highland climate zones and temperature difference of up to 10 °C. The city experiences dry season from October to April and during this time temperature does not exceed 25 °C, making is the ideal time for holidaying. The wet season lasts from September to October with average temperature looming between 20 – 22°C and frequent downpour, making it a difficult time to explore the region. Genna in Jauary, Timket in January, Fasika in April, Enkutatash in September and Meskel in September are the major festivals celebrated in Addid Ababa.

City Attractions

Addis Mercato is the major attraction in city and a bustling market where tourists can shop and eat. St. George’s Cathedral and Museum is a popular monumental attraction in Addis Ababa and is located on the top of a hill, overlooking the Menelik II square. The museum located close by displays memorabilia from the ancient church along with housing a collection of religious writings and Ethiopian crosses. Meskel Square and Museums is a centrally located gathering place where festival and demonstrations are held.

Holy Trinity Cathedral is another famous attraction and one of the most sacred sites of worship in Ethiopia after the churches of Lalibela. National Museum of Ethiopia is perhaps the best museum in the city and here significant relics and pieces of artwork from around the country are put for the tourist's display. Ethnological Museum, located close to the National Museum and situated inside the university campus displays also an impressive collection of Ethiopian Orthodox paintings, triptychs, and Orthodox crosses. Lion of Judah, Derg Monument (important historical monuments), Entoto Hill, St. Mary’s, Shiro Meda Market (a high mountain which can be read by driving), Edna Mall and Bole Medhane Alem Cathedral (which is trendy shopping area and has a beautiful church) are the major sightseeing places in Addis Ababa.

Eating and Shopping

The city of Addis Ababa offers multitudinous options of local as well as international cuisines that can be savored at the numerous restaurants located all around the city. Ethiopian food and Ethiopian Coffee are very famous all over the world and there is no better place than Addis Ababa to enjoy these delights. Injera, spice filled curries, vegetables, hand roasted and grounded coffee, Beyaynetu, Lamb Stew, Tegabino, Firfir, Shirro, Atkilt Wot, Azifa, Gomen, Beet Salad, Inguday Tibs, Mesir Wot, Fasolia, Kik Alicha and Sambusa are some of the local delicacies one should not miss in Addis Ababa. Please note that many Ethiopians are Orthodox Christians and traditionally eat vegan on Wednesdays and Fridays, as well as other special days. 2000 Habesha Cultural Restaurant, Yod Abyssinia, Itegue Taitu Hotel, Elsa Bar and Restaurant, Teshomech Kitfo Hous, Lucy Gazebo Restaurant, Bata Traditional Restaurant and Bar, Totot Kitfo, Kategna and Dashen are among the most celebrated names in the culinary industry of the city.

If you want to buy some emblematic souvenirs indigenous to the country, then do not miss shopping in Addis Ababa. Ethiopian coffee beans, decorative metal work, religious artwork that are painted, Filigreed silver and gold jewellery, woven blankets, 17th century silver Marie Therese Thaler coins and silk scarves are some of the major shopping items you can buy in Addis Ababa. Merkato market which is a chaotic flea market is the best place to buy stuff at great prices and bargaining is also done here. Former Women Fuelwood Carriers Project has a handicraft shop that sell beautifully embroider clothes along with various knick knacks. Sabahar for silk scarves and Mega Book Shop for the most eclectic range of literature are the popular shopping places.