Ethiopia is one of the oldest nations in the world, a founding member of the United Nations and the sole African country never to be colonized. With an exchange rate of 20 birr to a dollar, Ethiopia is a great destination for budget-minded travelers, containing a wealth of natural beauty and historic sites.
St. George’s Cathedral is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city, which is open to the public and also houses a museum. There is an awe-inspiring set of paintings around the worship area, depicting scenes from the Bible and Ethiopian history. Entry costs 50 birra per person, and they will allow visitors during off-service hours for an additional 50–100 birra tip.
Housed in the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie is Addis Ababa’s Ethnological Museum, hailed as one of the finest contemporary museums in Africa and costing only 50 birra. The first floor is organized by the life cycle, starting with childhood with exhibits on rites of passage, games and traditional stories. Adulthood features traditional medicine, handicrafts, hunting and war, and death is an exhibition on religion and burial tombs. The second floor is dedicated to a variety of Ethiopian art, showcasing religious iconography, magic scrolls and traditional music.
Community markets are a great place to observe the life of your destination and Addis Mercato is a particularly vibrant one to visit. The name is derived from the country’s occupation under Mussolini’s Italy, and has become the self-claimed largest open-air market in Africa. There are plenty of vendors selling unique souvenirs, in addition to some great Ethiopian street food and coffee.
As the day comes to a close, nothing is quite as fitting as the sweet sounds of jazz serenading the setting sun. Ethiopia’s jazz culture was huge in the 1960s, garnering their own sub-genre called Ethiojazz. The scene was suppressed by the politically authoritarian Derg, though the music made a slow comeback in Addis Ababa. Located inside the Taitu Hotel, the Jazzamba Lounge is a dream destination for jazz aficionados, with nightly performances attracting top local and international acts. Entry is only 80 birra and they keep jamming until 1 a.m.
Read This Next
How to Haggle in Marrakesh, Morocco
Destination
Aug 20, 2014All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedDestinations / Europe
Nov 12, 2024Planning to be in Lisbon this holiday season? Be sure you stop by these four can’t-miss holiday markets.
Planning to be in Lisbon this holiday season? Be sure you stop by these four can’t-miss holiday markets.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Favorite Worldwide City
Seoul is the place for your next bleisure destination.
Hotel
Nov 12, 2024Exclusive Black Friday, Cyber Monday Travel Offers
Take advantage of Black Friday deals around the world!
Cruises
Nov 12, 2024Holland America Line Unveils Exclusive Sparkling Wine
Holland America Line launched its first-ever, exclusive sparkling wine across its fleet of ships last month. In collaboration with Four Feathers Wine Services, the sparkling wine is made using the Methode Traditionnelle, which is the same technique used for producing Champagne.
Sponsored Content
Discover Greece’s Tower Towns: A Journey Through History
Greece's tower towns offer a captivating blend of history, architecture and stunning landscapes that make them perfect for curious travelers. These towns, particularly found in the Mani region of the Peloponnese, are defined by stone towers built during the medieval period. Constructed for both defense and as symbols of family pride, the towers stand as a testament to the region's turbulent history and its residents’ resilience.
Slideshow
Nov 12, 20246 Must-See Sites in Osaka, Japan
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here are six must-see sites in Osaka, Japan.
ShareThis