Home to the headquarters of the African Union, the third largest United Nations population, and with representation from nearly every foreign embassy from around the world, Addis Ababa is often referred to as the political capital of Africa.  Addis Ababa is the world’s third-highest capital city at 2,665 metres above sea level. It’s a city that has worn its heart on its sleeve since it was founded by Ethiopian Emperor Menelik in 1892. Boasting a cityscape that changes almost daily, with rickety wooden scaffolding creeping slowly skyward, Addis has more than enough history and sights to warrant more than just a stopover.

Amharic, the national language, is widely spoken throughout the country and is predominant in Addis Ababa. The principal foreign language is English, but you will also find many people who speak French, Italian, and Arabic. Historian Carlo Conti Rossini once characterised Ethiopia as a “rich cultural mosaic”. He could have also been speaking about Addis Ababa itself. Each of the country's multitude of ethnic groups is represented somewhere in the capital, as are many foreign residents from all parts of the world who contribute to the city's cosmopolitan atmosphere.

What you can’t miss when visiting Addis?

Visit its historical landmarks and museums 

With its rising new development, Addis has rapidly expanded its tourist attractions in the last two years than any other city in the world with the establishment of Unity Park, Friendship Square and its new Science Museum making it one of the most attractive cities to visit according to the World Travel Guide. Depending on your preferences, be sure to book your time to visit all of the above and more museums including the home of Lucy, the most famous skeleton of Australopithecus and our oldest hominid ancestor. It might not be the largest museum in the world, but it offers a wide collection of artistic, historical, and archaeological exhibits. With admission of only 10 Birr (£0.30), witnessing our storied ancestor is essentially free.

Stroll through Meskel Square, the Centre of Addis Ababa and Entoto Park at its highest peak

Meskel Square is a must-see landmark in Addis Ababa. The square is the site where locals celebrate Meskel (the foundation of the True Cross of Jesus Christ) every year on September 27th. It is also a popular venue for early morning joggers, peaceful demonstrators, and can serve as a good point of reference for local transportation and for getting into the centre of the city. On the other end the recently established mega park at the highest altitude of Mount Entoto is for sure a not to miss attraction. 

Coffee lovers, you're in for a real treat!

It is impossible to separate Ethiopian culture from coffee. Ethiopia is the land of the finest premium quality Arabica coffee in the world and, as legend would have it, was discovered by an Ethiopian goat herder in the foothills of the Kaffa region around the 6th century. Tourists are spoiled for choice. Kaldi’s, a chain modelled from Starbucks, will serve exactly what you expect. However, more adventurous coffee connoisseurs can try Tomoca, a citywide chain favoured by the locals or even stop by one of the local coffee servers just by the side of the road at any point in the city.

Have a night out to remember with Ethiopian food & culture

Every day of the week and most weekends, followers of culture and dance congregate together at the cosy circular auditorium that hosts one of the most vibrant and entertaining performances of the cultural tribes in Ethiopia. Locals and expats alike mix in a venue that you would be forgiven to think was lost in the 70s. Famished by food and our famous traditional wine Tej (or Ethiopian honey wine) could be the oldest alcoholic beverage in Ethiopian history, with early records of the drink dating over 1,000 years. Often made at home or “Tej bet”, Tej is a honey wine flavoured with indigenous herbs much like hops, and could easily be mistaken for orange juice on account of its hue and slight viscosity. Just don’t start drinking it before food, you might just lose the rest of your night…you can't miss this moment that will truly make your experience one for the history books.

The most diverse places to stay all in one city

As one of Africa’s developing tourist destinations, Addis Ababa is starting to align its accommodation options with the rest of the continent. Whilst it is true that it doesn’t have the high-end options that one would find in London, Paris or New York, properties are always clean, comfortable and the staff always have a smile on their face.