2026 Ethiopia Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

Addis Ababa, the capital of the East African country Ethiopia, is also the headquarters of the African Union and its predecessor, the Organization of African Unity. In Amharic, the capital Addis Ababa means "new flower." Located on a plateau at an altitude of 2,400 meters, Addis Ababa is a special city at the state level, home to more than 80 different ethnic groups speaking over 80 different languages; it hosts communities of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Figures 1 and 2 show the African Union Conference Center, built with Chinese aid, reflecting China's deep friendship with Africa and firm support for African unity and self-reliance. The African Union Conference Center project is located in Addis Ababa, the headquarters of the African Union. It covers a total area of about 110,000 square meters, with a building area of 50,537 square meters. The office building is 99.9 meters tall, with one underground floor and 20 floors above ground. The conference center includes a large conference hall with over 2,500 seats, a medium conference hall with 697 seats, as well as small conference rooms, VIP meeting rooms, a multifunctional hall, an emergency medical center, a digital library, and more. Figures 4 and 5 show Entoto Mariam Church in Addis Ababa, built in 1877 by order of Emperor Menelik II of Ethiopia. It is one of the oldest churches in Addis Ababa. The building has an octagonal structure, characterized by brightly colored decorations (blue, red, yellow, etc.), reflecting the unique style of Ethiopian Orthodox churches. Figures 7 to 11 show that Addis Ababa is located on the East African plateau, with the urban area at over 2,300 meters above sea level and Entoto Mountain reaching 3,200 meters. The mountain is covered with eucalyptus trees and has fresh air. At the top of Entoto Park, there is a viewing platform with a broad view. From the platform, you can overlook the cityscape of Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa. The clusters of high-rise buildings and residential areas are all visible. Figures 12 to 19 show Merkato Market in Addis Ababa, one of the largest open-air markets in Africa, located in the western part of the city, famous for its wide variety of goods. Since its establishment in 1960, Merkato Market has been an important commercial hub in Ethiopia, operating from early morning until night, covering various goods such as food, handicrafts, and clothing. As one of the largest open-air markets in Africa, it is vast and vibrant, attracting a large number of local residents and tourists.

Harar, Ethiopia 🇪🇹 Harar boasts 82 Qingzhen Temples and 438 Awaach (shrines for Islamic scholars). These colorful walls are an important symbol of religious and cultural preservation. The city walls, built between the 13th and 16th centuries, and its even older mosques, reflect a deep historical significance. Amman, Jordan 🇯🇴 Rainbow Street is a well-known area in the capital, home to a variety of Arabic and international restaurants. Residents often spend time here with friends and family, making it one of the best places to get insight into the lifestyle and culture of Jordanians. Tunisia 🇹🇳 Tunisian architecture reflects Ottoman influences, particularly in coastal cities where this impact is most pronounced. European influences have also been incorporated, especially through the import of construction materials from Italy, resulting in a unique architectural blend. Istanbul, Türkiye 🇹🇷 One of Istanbul's gems is the neighborhood of Balat. As one of the oldest areas, it features wooden houses over 200 years old. Balat's colorful historic buildings and narrow streets offer a unique experience that feels worlds away from modern Türkiye. #Travel #Culture #History #Ethiopia #Jordan #Tunisia #Türkiye #Harar #Amman #Istanbul #Architecture #MuslimCommunities #GlobalHeritage #ExploreTheWorld

⏸Ethiopia is located in the Horn of Africa and is known for its unique culture, historical significance, charming scenery, and ancient civilization. The country has multiple tourist attractions, including diverse wildlife, unique architecture, and local cuisine. Now, let's embark on this wonderful journey together. ✈️[How to get there] Fly from China to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, the main airport in Ethiopia. Major airlines operating in China, including Ethiopian Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and Air China, offer bookings to this airport. 🕓[Best Travel Time] The best time to visit Ethiopia is from October to February. During this time, the weather is dry and mild, it's the peak tourist season, most attractions are open, and transportation is convenient. If you want to experience Ethiopia's unique cultural festivals, you can plan to go during the Meskel Festival in September or the Timkat Festival in January. 🎡[Attraction Recommendation] ✅ Lalibela: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its ancient rock-hewn churches. ✅Simon Mountain National Park: has unique flora and fauna, including gelada baboons and Ethiopian wolves. ✅Dana Kill Depression: One of the hottest places on Earth, known for its surreal landscapes, including salt flats, sulfur springs and active volcanoes. ✅Addis Ababa: The capital of Ethiopia, known for its bustling markets, museums and cultural centers. ✅Lake Tana: The source of the Blue Nile, famous for its beautiful monasteries and unique birds. 🍗【Food Recommendation】 ✅Injera: A soft yeast bread made with teff flour, served with various stews and curries. ✅Doro Wat: A spicy chicken stew made with Berber spices, onions and tomatoes. ✅Tibs: Stir-fry dishes made with meat, vegetables and spices. ✅Kitfo: A raw beef dish seasoned with spices and served with injera. 🏠[Accommodation Recommendation] ✅Sheraton Addis, a luxury collection hotel. ✅Radisson Blu Hotel, Addis Ababa. ✅Bole Jupiter International Hotel. ✅Kuriftu Resort and Spa, Bahir Dar. ✅Savannah Beach Resort, Mombasa. 🎉[Holiday Recommendation] ✅Timkat: A celebration of the Epiphany in January, including colorful processions and a reenactment of the baptism of Jesus. ✅Merkel: Celebrate the discovery of the true cross in September, including bonfires and distribution of daisies. ✅Fasika: Ethiopian Orthodox Easter is held in April. It includes a 55-day fasting period and a large feast. 🚥[Travel Recommendation] In Ethiopia, there are many modes of transportation, including taxis, buses, and trains. The most convenient and safest way to travel in Ethiopia is by hiring a private taxi or driver. Although local buses are cheap, they may not be very comfortable and there are safety concerns. It is recommended to choose a private taxi or hire a driver, which can not only ensure safety, but also make the trip more comfortable and enjoyable. 💬[Language] The official language of Ethiopia is Amharic, but the country has over 80 different languages. English is also widely used in major tourist destinations. 💰[Currency] Official currency of Ethiopia is Ethiopian Birr (ETB). You can exchange foreign currency at banks, exchange offices and hotels. Although credit cards are accepted in major cities and tourist destinations, we recommend carrying cash for purchasing small items. [Tip] ✅Respect local customs and traditions. ✅Dress conservatively, especially when visiting religious sites. ✅Only drink bottled water and try to avoid street food to prevent food poisoning. ✅Be careful when using public transportation and avoid traveling at night. ✅Always carry a photocopy of your passport and other important documents. In short, Ethiopia is a unique tourist destination that offers visitors diverse cultural, historical, and natural beauty experiences. We hope to provide you with a satisfying travel experience here.

European Lalibela In the Rasta Mountains of Ethiopia, there is a small town named after Lalibela. Lalibela uses 5,000 workers and it takes 30 years to cut. 11 rock churches. These churches are also known as African Miracles. The most famous of these is the church with the cross on the roof. It is located in a deep pit, and looks like a sacred and solemn sacred seal on the vast land, every person who sees the church. I can't help but be silent for a moment before the cross. It is the infective power of faith, and it is also the amazement from the building itself. When I touch the wall of vicissitudes of life, I stare at the face of piety, and the mummy that is buried in the wall hole. At the same time, I feel the real feeling of the small things between the heavens and the earth. This is known as the new city of Jerusalem. There are countless devout Christians pilgrimage here. They are bowed in white Shah, which makes me think of Jerusalem, Israel, remembering Vanara, India. West, although the belief is not the same, but the scene is very shocking. [Candles] Lalibela, inciting the soul, inciting ugliness and evil about human nature, or reading about poverty and wealth. If you travel to Ethiopia, be sure to come to this holy place. tips: The church is allowed to take pictures, and the video will cost 300 local coins.

Allaba is the first tribe we visited in southern Ethiopia. Adults and children are wearing bright clothes, looking at us with gaze, and they are chanting a word in their mouths. I dont know if its sugar or money, and finally our local The driver prevented us from giving sugar to our children, because it would make these children feel that life is free of charge. Many people do not go to school, so sad and emotional. We visited their home, which is the impression of the African mud-walled house. The house is also dark during the day. This house is shared by humans and animals, but there is no big smell. A little girl did not participate in the fight for sugar, but leaned on the side and looked at us. She had a pair of pure eyes.

Ethiopian national food is famous for its rich flavors and unique way of eating. The main dish is usually served on a large flat bread called injera, which is made from teff flour. Different kinds of stews, called wot, are placed on top of the injera. These can be made with meat, lentils, beans, or vegetables and are often spicy and well seasoned. People usually eat together from the same plate, using their hands to tear pieces of injera and scoop up the food. ❤️ #thingstodo #africa #travel2026 #travel #localfood #nomimongolia #ethiopia

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Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia, located in the central highlands of the country, and is the headquarters of the African Union. Figures 1-6: The Holy Trinity Cathedral in Addis Ababa is an important religious site in Ethiopia. The cathedral was built in the early to mid-1900s, blending European architectural styles with traditional Ethiopian elements. The exterior decoration is exquisite. Figures 7-9: Debre Libanos Monastery, founded in the 13th century (1284) by St. Tekle Haymanot of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, is one of Ethiopia’s most prestigious monasteries. It was once the core educational center of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and its abbot, known as the "Ichege," held the second highest position in the church after the Patriarch. The current main church was built in 1961 (commissioned by Emperor Haile Selassie), featuring a dome design, a facade decorated with colorful mosaic murals, and an interior preserving medieval religious artifacts. The original building was destroyed multiple times (such as during the 1531 Muslim invasion and the 1937 massacre of 800 monks by Italian forces). The present structure is a modern-style church rebuilt on the original site. Figures 10-11: Addis Ababa University is the largest public comprehensive university in Ethiopia, founded in 1950, with its main campus located in the capital city of Addis Ababa. The university originated as the University College of Addis Ababa, established by Canadian Jesuit missionary Dr. Lucien Matte. It was renamed Haile Selassie I University in 1962 and adopted its current name in 1975. Figure 12: The African Victory Monument in Addis Ababa, built in 1960, commemorates Ethiopia’s victory over the Italian invasion in the 19th century (Battle of Adwa) and the anti-colonial independence movements across African countries. Designed by Ethiopian artists, it combines traditional Ethiopian elements with modern memorial architectural styles. Figure 13: The equestrian statue of Emperor Menelik II in Addis Ababa honors Emperor Menelik II (reigned 1889-1913), the unifier of modern Ethiopia and founder of Addis Ababa. He is famous for defeating the Italian invading forces at the Battle of Adwa in 1896, making Ethiopia the only African country to maintain its independence at that time. The statue was designed by German architect Karl Herter and commissioned by Emperor Haile Selassie in 1930. It is located near St. George’s Cathedral in Menelik II Square, made of bronze (gilded surface), depicting Menelik II riding a warhorse, symbolizing his military leadership and national independence spirit. Figures 14-17: The National Museum of Ethiopia, established in 1944, is located on King George Street in Addis Ababa. The museum consists of two buildings serving permanent and temporary exhibitions. It is famous for displaying a replica of the 3.2 million-year-old upright-walking "Lucy" fossil. The collection includes paleoanthropological fossils, gold and silver coins from the Aksum period, and ethnographic artifacts.

Kuriftu Resort & Spa is the perfect getaway for relaxation and beautiful scenery. From the warm welcome at the gate to the cozy, traditionally designed rooms, everything feels so peaceful and well thought out. The restaurant offers delicious Ethiopian and international dishes, every plate is full of flavor and presented beautifully. The lakeside views are absolutely stunning, especially at sunset, and the resort’s natural atmosphere makes it even more special. A wonderful spot for anyone looking to unwind and enjoy the best of comfort, nature, and culture! 🌿✨

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📅 Itinerary Day1： Day2: Day3: 🏨 Accommodation 🍴 Food Recommendations 📌 Tips #travel How to get around: Must-see attractions: Hotel guide: Food guide: Shopping guide: