[Closed] Things to do in Addis Ababa

Steal a huge lump of Kryptonite.

I heard the airport is nice. 😉

[url= https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ethiopia ]https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ethiopia[/url]

I'd be staying in the hotel...

Buy a dust pan & brush set?

Working 9 to 5

What a way to make a livin'

It was fine when went there a few years ago. Usual hassles and risks associated with a big city except that you'll stand out as the rich westerner so get more attention.

My wife and I were quite happy wandering around during the day, popping into cafes seeing the sights.

Nights were a slightly different matter. Some people in the group we were with had a run in/attempted mugging but slipped away. Probably best get a reputable taxi.

Hotel was dire and was apparently one of the better ones.

Country produces some nice food. Worth testing out although I did get really bad food poisoning at some point but I guess the risks are no worse than other similar places - avoid the raw meat, and take the usual advice and you'll be fine I'm sure.

In terms of sights I don't know if Lucy is still around at the national museum.

Get some coffee. They claim to be good at it but I thought it was over roasted and bitter - they tend to put in about 3 teaspoons sugar to and espresso . Although I didn't share this with them as they seemed proud and protective 😉

There are a few other churches and palaces to visit. I thought the churches etc. were really intersting. Ethiopa has an amazing history. Stretches back to the dawn of civilisation. Interactions with the egyptions. Founding of christianity (one of the wise men was from there. If you get a chance get out to visit a few places. Stunning country, quite varied. Lots of no go areas which are pretty obvious if you look at their neighbours - but we generally found everybody to be welcoming and friendly*

But to be honesst it was ages ago and I can't remember the details. We were heading out into the Simien mountains to walk. Worth getting a lonely planet and flicking through.

*general rule everyone is around the world on an individual level. Most people just want to get on with their life and have a bit of pleasure rather than be a dick and hurt other people.

In my last company, a member of my team was based in South Africa and would travel to most countries without issue. He never did like going via Addis Ababa, even just as a flight connection let alone a stay over.

Thanks everyone , except qwerty..

I've been there four times in the last 18 months and quite enjoyed it. When you arrive at the visa desk do NOT tell them you are there for business or they will ask you for a letter of invitation from your local contact. Guess how I know this? Tell them it's tourism.

If the x-ray machine has broken down and the harrassed Customs officer diverts you for a bag check, walk into the area, wait then stroll out. Nobody will notice you leaving as the officers will be too busy looking for stuff to confiscate of extract bribes in the bags of Ethiopians. Guess how I know this?

If you're on expenses the Golden Tulip hotel is decent and only five minutes from the airport and has a good minibus pickup. Bole is a good area for cafes and shops and behind the hotel is the German beer garden where they brew nice fresh lager, which is OK if you're forced to drink Eurofizz. Big hotels like the Radisson may be plusher but there's nothing within walking distance as they are on big highways.

It's a pretty safe, relaxed city and people are friendly, although at tourist hotspots there are the usual irritating touts and scammers. Spitting on your trousers then robbing you while fussing over you is common, apparently.

Listen to Abba, Abra and do some magic

Ahh, the airport, maybe one of the worst I've been to. Dammam might edge it though.

Patience is essential, cunning and sharp elbows advised. Took us ages to get through (in/out and internal flights). Not helped by frequent power cuts.

They are building a new terminal. It might be open by the time I retire.