Addis Ababa City Highlights: Private Guided Tour Free pick up

This is one of the best museums in quality and diversity of the exhibits. Archeological exhibits include the 3.5 million-year-old fossil of Lucy (or Dinkinesh – ‘wonderful’- in the native language),

St. George’s Cathedral is one of Addis Ababa’s most iconic and historically important churches. Built in traditional octagonal style, it was constructed to commemorate Ethiopia’s victory over the Italians at the Battle of Adwa in 1896. The cathedral is beautifully decorated with vibrant paintings and stained-glass artwork created by renowned Ethiopian artists, including Afewerk Tekle.

Inside, visitors can explore the small museum showcasing royal crowns, ancient manuscripts, and historical artifacts connected to Emperor Haile Selassie and Empress Menen. The cathedral remains an active place of worship and a symbol of Ethiopian pride, culture, and Orthodox Christian heritage.

Merkato is one of Addis Ababa’s most vibrant and fascinating places to visit, known as the largest open-air market in Africa. It is a lively maze of thousands of shops and stalls, where visitors can experience the true energy of Ethiopian daily life.

Here you can find everything from spices, coffee, traditional clothing, handmade crafts, and jewelry to household items and fresh produce. Each section specializes in different goods, making Merkato a unique cultural and commercial hub.

Visitors often enjoy walking with a local guide who helps navigate the market’s busy pathways, share stories, and show hidden artisan workshops such as weaving, metalwork, and incense production. Merkato is not only a place to shop but also an authentic immersion into Ethiopia’s culture, traditions, and bustling urban life.

Entoto Mountain rises above Addis Ababa and offers some of the most beautiful panoramic views of the city. Located at an altitude of around 3,200 meters, it is considered the historical birthplace of modern Addis Ababa, where Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu first established their royal camp.

Your final stop is at Tomoca Coffee, Ethiopia’s oldest and most iconic coffee roastery, located at the historic Old Train Station. This beautifully restored site combines Ethiopia’s railway heritage with the rich aroma of freshly roasted Arabica coffee.

At Tomoca, visitors can enjoy a perfectly brewed macchiato, espresso, or traditional Ethiopian coffee made from high-quality, locally sourced beans. The atmosphere reflects Ethiopia’s long coffee tradition, making it an ideal place to relax after the city tour, enjoy a cup of world-famous Ethiopian coffee, and even purchase premium beans to take home.