Hotels in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa: Africa's Diplomatic Capital at 2,355 Metres

Addis Ababa sits at 2,355 metres above sea level on the central Ethiopian plateau, making it the third-highest capital city in the world. Founded by Emperor Menelik II in 1886, the city of roughly 5.5 million people serves as headquarters for the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa — drawing diplomats, journalists, and NGO workers year-round. The National Museum of Ethiopia on King George VI Street holds the fossilised remains of Lucy (Australopithecus afarensis, 3.2 million years old), one of the oldest known hominid skeletons.

Where to Stay in Addis Ababa

Most hotels cluster around Bole, the district surrounding Bole International Airport, and the Kazanchis corridor near the AU headquarters. Piazza, the older Italian-era neighbourhood north of Churchill Avenue, offers guesthouses within walking distance of the Ethnological Museum at Haile Selassie's former palace. The Mercato district — one of the largest open-air markets in Africa — lies west of Piazza and attracts traders from across the Horn of Africa.

Practical Tips

• Altitude: At 2,355 m, allow one to two days to acclimatise before strenuous activity.
• Currency: Ethiopian Birr (ETB); ATMs are widely available in Bole and Kazanchis.
• Airport: Bole International Airport (ADD) is 5 km southeast of the city centre; taxis and ride-hailing apps cover the route in 20–40 minutes depending on traffic.
• Climate: Pack a light layer for evenings — temperatures drop to 10 °C even in dry season (October–February).