All trip plans
Trip plan

Layover in Addis Ababa

A long connection at Bole? Drop your bag near the airport, see Lucy, eat well and be back with time to spare.

Days
1 day
Places
5
Your hotel
Ethiopian Skylight Hotel
Treat yourself
>USD 240 a day

ArrivalDay 1

Fly into AddisInt'l: T2 · Domestic: T1

Fly into Addis

Bole International Airport (ADD) is about 8 km from the centre and has two terminals, side by side: international flights use Terminal 2, domestic flights within Ethiopia use Terminal 1.

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Land at Bole

Bole

Buy a SIM in the baggage hall, then book a ride in the app: the fare is shown upfront, so there's nothing to haggle.

Time there: 15–30 daqiiqo ilaa hoteelada intooda badan

Local tip: SIM-kaaga ka iibso hoolka shandadaha ka hor intaadan bixin.

DirectionsWatch first · Zizu ChannelSafarkeyga Ethiopia 🇪🇹 || I Never Expected Addis Ababa to be this beautiful
Take a ride to your hotel 5 min

Take a ride to your hotel

5 min

Book it in a ride-hailing app: the fare shows upfront, so there's nothing to haggle.

Your hotel · Upmarket

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Ethiopian Skylight Hotel

Bole, by the airport

Ethiopian Airlines' own hotel, five minutes from the terminal. Ask whether your transit ticket includes a night here.

Time there: Hoteel

Local tip: Hubi in tigidhkaaga transit-ku uu ku jiro hoteel.

Directions
Take a ride to National Museum of Ethiopia 25 min

Take a ride to National Museum of Ethiopia

25 min

Book it in a ride-hailing app: the fare shows upfront, so there's nothing to haggle.

Morning

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Meet Lucy at the National Museum

Arat Kilo

The 3.2 million year old skeleton everyone comes for, plus royal thrones and early art. An hour is enough.

Time there: 1–2 saacadood Small foreigner fee

Local tip: Wuxuu xiran yahay fasaxyada qaarkood.

Directions
Take a ride to Holy Trinity Cathedral 5 min

Take a ride to Holy Trinity Cathedral

5 min

Book it in a ride-hailing app: the fare shows upfront, so there's nothing to haggle.

Late morning

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Holy Trinity Cathedral

Arat Kilo

Haile Selassie's tomb and the city's grandest stained glass, a short walk down from the museum.

Time there: 1 saac Visitor fee

Local tip: Si asturan u labbiso; kabaha iska siib meesha lagu weydiiyo.

Directions
Take a ride to Tomoca Coffee 5 min

Take a ride to Tomoca Coffee

5 min

Book it in a ride-hailing app: the fare shows upfront, so there's nothing to haggle.

Coffee

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A macchiato at Tomoca

Piassa

Roasting since 1953. Stand at the bar like the regulars and buy a bag of beans to take home.

Time there: 30 daqiiqo From 40 Br

Local tip: Iibso bun xiran oo aad guriga u qaadato.

Directions
Take a ride to Unity Park 5 min

Take a ride to Unity Park

5 min

Book it in a ride-hailing app: the fare shows upfront, so there's nothing to haggle.

Afternoon

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Unity Park

Arat Kilo

Menelik's palace grounds: the banquet hall, the old throne room, gardens and a small zoo. Closed on Mondays.

Time there: 2–3 saacadood USD 20, or 50 with the palace and a guide

Local tip: Talaado–Axad, tigidhada 9 subaxnimo–4 galabnimo. Wuxuu xiran yahay Isniinta.

DirectionsWatch first · Wode MayaCaasimadda Itoobiya waxay isu beddelaysaa magaalo heer caalami ah
Take a ride to Yod Abyssinia 20 min

Take a ride to Yod Abyssinia

20 min

Book it in a ride-hailing app: the fare shows upfront, so there's nothing to haggle.

Evening

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Dinner show at Yod Abyssinia

Bole

Music and dances from every region over a big shared platter, ending with a coffee ceremony. Book a table.

Dinner and show
DirectionsWatch first · Mark WiensSocdaalka cuntada Itoobiya ee ugu fiican Addis Ababa
Take a ride to Bole Airport 5 min

Take a ride to Bole Airport

5 min

Book it in a ride-hailing app: the fare shows upfront, so there's nothing to haggle.

Back to Bole for your flight

Leave about 3 hours before an international departure: security and check-in take time.

Time there: 15–30 daqiiqo ilaa hoteelada intooda badan

Local tip: SIM-kaaga ka iibso hoolka shandadaha ka hor intaadan bixin.

Watch first · Zizu ChannelSafarkeyga Ethiopia 🇪🇹 || I Never Expected Addis Ababa to be this beautiful
Layover in Addis Ababa: a day-by-day plan · Guide.et