Addis Abeba & It’s Surroundings Attractions

Addis Ababa is home to a wealth of tourist attractions, including palaces, historic houses, churches, monuments, museums, galleries, and archives. These sites hold cultural, historical, architectural, aesthetic, economic, spiritual, political, and symbolic significance, making the city a vibrant and essential destination for visitors.

The present-day city of Addis Ababa can be considered the fourth permanent capital in Ethiopia’s history. However, it was officially founded around 1881 during the reign of King Menelik II by his wife, Empress Taitu, who named the city “Addis Ababa”, meaning “New Flower” in Amharic.

At 2,400 meters above sea level, Addis Ababa is the third-highest capital city in the world. Located at the heart of Ethiopia, it serves as the diplomatic capital of Africa, hosting over 100 embassies and consular missions, as well as the headquarters of the African Union (AU), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and several other international and national organizations.