Addis Ababa City Guide

Local dishes like Injera with various stews are common. You can find Indian, Italian, and Chinese food too. Vegan and vegetarian options are good. Some late-night street food is available.

Nightlife ranges from traditional live music with dance to modern clubs and bars.

Coffee is central here as Ethiopia’s birthplace of Arabica coffee. Traditional ceremonies and specialty shops are common.

Tipping is common and appreciated. 5-10% in restaurants, rounding fares for taxis.

Buy SIM cards at Bole Airport or Ethio Telecom shops. Ethio Telecom is the only provider. Bring your passport to register. eSIMs are rare.

Cleanliness varies by neighborhood. Waste services are improving but issues remain.

Some pharmacies and convenience stores stay open late, but 24/7 options are limited.

Supermarkets offer some international goods but can be pricey. Local markets like Merkato sell fresh produce; bargaining is normal there. Supermarkets open roughly 8-9 AM to 8-9 PM.

Cash is the norm, especially outside hotels and upscale places. Card use is limited, and mobile payments are still new.

ATMs exist in banks, malls, and hotels but may not always work or have cash. Best to withdraw during banking hours. Expect some fees.

International schools teach mainly in English. Popular ones are ICS Addis and Sandford International. Apply early due to competition.

Small but growing digital nomad scene. Meetups happen on social media. More cafés with good Wi-Fi appear.

Parks like Unity Park and Friendship Park offer shaded areas and walking paths.

Popular running spots include park roads and Meskel Square. Traffic and uneven sidewalks can be issues.

Gyms include hotel clubs and local options, some with pools.

Tennis courts at hotels like Hilton and Sheraton; booking varies.

Padel courts are rare or just emerging.

Yoga studios exist, mostly in expat areas. English-speaking instructors are available.

Martial arts like Taekwondo and Karate are practiced in some gyms with English-speaking instructors.

No skiing climate or facilities.

Limited water sports; some pools in hotels.

No surfing; city is inland.

No diving spots; city is landlocked.

Public hospitals and clinics vary; private clinics usually offer better care. English-speaking staff available at main hospitals. Pharmacies are common but hours vary.

Don't drink tap water. Use bottled water instead.

Some playgrounds and kid-friendly cafés exist, mainly in expat areas. Attractions include the zoo and Unity Park.

LGBTQ+ acceptance is very limited. Same-sex activity is illegal and public displays are unsafe.

Pet rules vary for stays and eateries. Vet services and supplies are available but pet parks are rare.