Getting Around Asmara: Walkability, Public Transit & Biking
Image by Sailko via wikipedia

Eritrea

Asmara

Getting Around Asmara: Walkability, Public Transit & Biking

Walkability

65
Okay

Asmara offers a walkable environment with its compact size and beautiful Italian colonial architecture. The city center is particularly accommodating for pedestrians, with many attractions like cafes, shops, and cultural sites within a reasonable walking distance. There are sidewalks and the area is generally safe. While it is easy to explore the central parts on foot, some might find that certain errands require longer walks or other forms of transportation, and high-speed internet access for remote work may not be as readily available.

Public Transit

60
Okay

Asmara's public transport includes buses, minibuses, and taxis, providing affordable options for getting around the city, supported by government subsidies. While these modes of transport are functional and can take travelers to various parts of the city, they can be crowded during peak hours. Additionally, the lack of comprehensive information in English about schedules and routes may pose a challenge for first-time visitors.

Bikeability

70
Excellent

Asmara is a bicycle-friendly city, reflecting the strong cycling culture present within Eritrea. The city's terrain and climate are conducive to cycling, making it an appealing mode of transport for many locals. While there are no dedicated bike lanes, the roads are generally safe to navigate. Riders might find that the absence of bike lanes can make cycling slightly less comfortable, but it remains a practical option for exploring the city.

Reviews

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Overwhelmingly Positive
100% of the 1 user review for this place is positive
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Overwhelmingly Positive
100% of the 1 user review in the last year is positive
Showing 1 of 1 reviews
Feb 26Nomad List
Recommended

I can confirm, this is the absolute worst place in the world to be a DN! Internet is only available in a few hotels, and even then it's 2mbps with limited access to Western social media. SIM cards are a pain even for locals and no data plans are sold. Your Starlink is likely to get confiscated on entry. And local cash is hard to come by, there are no ATMs in the country and no apps, the only way to send yourself cash is the one Western Union in the country exists, run by the government. (Most people bring USD cash to exchange at the airport.)

Nonetheless - this is an amazing place to visit to unplug. It's safe, beautiful, has great food and is culturally very interesting. Despite the "North Korea of Africa" reputation, tourists are free to roam around Asmara, and there are loads of cafes, restaurants and bars to test out in the city.

I wouldn't go too far out of my way to visit Asmara, but if I were planning to be in the Gulf already (where there are cheap flights to Asmara out of DXB and JED) I would absolutely recommend visiting for a long weekend for a unique experience.

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