Tours/Addis Ababa/Addis Ababa Historical Cultural Guided Tours
Viator · group up to 15 pax

Addis Ababa Historical Cultural Guided Tours

5.0(3)Addis Ababa1 hour
TRIPADVISOR5.0(3)

Description

Addis Ababa’s the best highlight of on one comprehensive full-day tour. After a convenient hotel or airport pickup, explore the National Museum, where the 3 million-year-old fossils of Lucy is kept, and Merkato, the giant open-air market. Catch amazing views of Ethiopia’s capital city from Enoto, enjoy a delicious Ethiopian coffee and cuisine.

Tour Options

Addis Ababa Historical Cultural Guided Tours
  • Pickup included

Itinerary

Admission included60 min

National Museum of Ethiopia, It contains many precious local archaeological finds such as fossilized remains of the most famous of which is "Lucy," the partial skeleton. Selam, found between 2000 and 2004. The basement is dedicated to archaeological and paleoanthropological sections. . The first floor contains objects from ancient and medieval periods, as well as regalia and memorabilia from former rulers, who include Emperor Haile Selassie. The second floor shows art work in a chronological order, from traditional to contemporary works. Afewerk Tekle's massive African Heritage is one of the most notable pieces. The second floor contains a collection of secular arts and crafts, including traditional weapons, jewellery, utensils, clothing and musical instruments. Finally, the third floor has an ethnographic display. Here, the museum tries to give an overview of the cultural richness and variety of the peoples of Ethiopia.

Admission included60 min

Mount Entoto (Amharic: እንጦጦ) is the highest peak on the Entoto Mountains, which overlooks the city of Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. It reaches 3,200 meters above sea level. Overview It is a historical place where Emperor Menelik II resided and built his palace, when he came from Ankober and founded Addis Ababa. It is considered a sacred mountain and has many monasteries. Mount Entoto is also the location of a number of celebrated churches, including Saint Raguel and Saint Mary.[1] The mountain is densely covered by eucalyptus trees that were imported from Australia during the reign of Menelik II, and mostly planted during Emperor Haile Selassie's reign. Thus, it is sometimes referred to as the "lung of Addis Ababa". The forest on the mountain is an important source of firewood for the city. It was also a source of building material in earlier times.The Ethiopian Heritage Trust, a non-profit, non-governmental organization,

15 min

Why locals love it Shiro Meda local market located near the US Embassy in Addis Ababa is one of the best local markets to shop handwoven cotton clothes mainly for women. It is also famous for buying small gift items like Tshirts, necklaces, earrings, etc Why you should visit it At Shiro Meda, visitors can buy colorful handwoven locally made scarves, and dresses for women which are made from cotton and decorated with colorful embroidery. Here at Shiro Meda, bargaining for price is the order of the game. Special tip If visitors have time, they can visit the small startups working on weaving these colorful Ethiopian traditional clothes in the yellow condominium.

Admission included120 min

Google refers to Mercato (Merkato) Market as “Merkato”. The attractions part of TripAdvisor use the name "Mercato Market". For this post, I used both the common terms for the market – Mercato and Merkato. No one denies that Merkato is a huge trading area. I did my own research online to measure the area of Merkato Market (መርካቶ) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Shop in Addis Ababa Market of Mercato I used Google Earth to measure the area of this shopping place. I considered using four aggregable coordinates. I found out that it covers at least a total area: of 4.85 km² (1.87 mi²) Mercato is one of the top ranking Things to Do in Addis Ababa. More than 20,000 people shop at this market daily, except Sundays. As a tour guide, I frequently lead walking tours through Merkato. I find the following aspects particularly fascinating: The variety of items available for sale The diversity of peoples background I encounter The surprising order within the market's chaotic and complex environment

15 min

Menelik II Square is located in the heart of Addis Ababa, the area locally known as Arada. At the center of the square stands a magnificent equestrian statue of the Emperor. The monument was erected by Emperor Haile Selassie I, in 1930, just before his coronation.

Admission included30 min

oly Trinity Cathedral, also known in Amharic as Kidist Selassie, is the highest ranking Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo cathedral in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It was built to commemorate the Ethiopian victory over Italian occupation and is an important place of worship in Ethiopia, alongside other cathedrals such as the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion in Axum.The cathedral bears the title "Menbere Tsebaot", or "Pure Altar". Built in 1942,[1] the church compound was the burial place for those who fought against the Italian occupation, or those who accompanied the Emperor Haile Selassie into exile from 1936 to 1941. The Emperor and his consort the Empress Menen Asfaw are buried in the north transept of the cathedral. Other members of the Imperial Family are buried in the crypt below the church. The High Altar of the cathedral is dedicated to 'Agaiste Alem Kidist Selassie' (Sovereigns of the World the Holy Trinity). The other two altars in the Holy of Holies on either side.

Admission included60 min

The Ethnological Museum, Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia, is a public institution dedicated to ethnology and culture. The Ethnological Museum houses anthropological, musicological and cultural objects. The Ethnological Museum is the first university museum in Ethiopia.[1] The Museum is located in the main Campus of Addis Ababa University which houses the Institute of Ethiopian Studies. Establishment The Ethnological Museum in Addis Ababa was established in 1950, largely based on the collections of old Italian zoological species and ethnographic artifacts by the first batch of graduates of the College. The initiator of the idea of the museum came from Stanislaw Chojnaki who was the former chief librarian of the University College of Addis Ababa.

Pass by

The Meskel Festival has been celebrated for over 1,600 years.[1] The word "Meskel" means "cross" and the festival commemorates the moment when the crucifix was revealed to Empress Helena of Constantinople, mother of Constantine the Great

Highlights

Government tax
Bottled water
Lunch
All Fees and Taxes
Guide
Coffee and/or Tea
Transportation

What's included

Included
Government tax
Bottled water
Lunch
All Fees and Taxes
Guide
Coffee and/or Tea
Transportation
Not included
personal interest souvenir

Pickup Locations & Times

We will pick all clients from the hotel,guest house and any other accommodation requested for pick up We will pick all our clients also from Addis Ababa Bole Int Airport based on the flight time We will pick any guests stays in Addis Ababa either from their home or home stays ...

Traveller Ratings

5.0
3 reviews
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Important Information

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews(3)

U
U5720IAemmaa
April 27, 2026
I had a great time exploring Addis Ababa

The tour was very enjoyable and well organized. I got to see many interesting places and learn more about the city’s culture and history. Everything felt smooth and comfortable.

V
V208NYsarahm
February 13, 2026
Unforgettable experience

I would like to thank Mickey and the team from Papyrus Tours. For an unforgettable experience on our trip to the We had a wonderful driver that took care of our every need and was friendly and informative as we took our tour. We had beautiful experiences in Addis, We stayed in such beautiful places that will stay in my heart for years to come. I would recommend Mickey and his team any time. I can not wait for us to do business again.

Operator response

Thank you for sharing such a wonderful review of your Ethiopia tour experience! We’re truly delighted to hear that your journey with papyrus Tours was unforgettable and filled with memorable moments. It’s great to know that everything—from the itinerary and accommodations to the dining experiences—was well-organized and enjoyable. We’re so glad our team made your trip smooth, fun, and stress-free throughout. Your kind words and recommendation mean a lot to us, and we look forward to planning many more amazing adventures for you in the future. With best regards Papyrus tours team

F
fyodora2023
April 7, 2025
Best tour operator and amazing team

My recent trip with danakil tour management to addis and lalibela(13th march), was very excellent in all manners. The Itinerary was 100% comfort to all especially for senior citizens without any rush. From start to end team took exceptional care of all needs, arranging tasty foods in right time, comfortable accommodation, punctual transportation and friendly local guides. A special mention to our tour manager Mr. Mickey, has taken care of us like a family member. His dedicated service made us very comfortable at every stage of the journey. Thanks to danakil depression team for their meticulous efforts to giving us a memorable travel experience.

Operator response

Thank you for sharing your lovely feedback! We’re delighted to know that you had a smooth, well-organized, and memorable experience exploring the danakil,lalibela and omo valley with us. It’s wonderful to hear that you enjoyed the itinerary, activities, and seamless arrangements, and we truly appreciate your special mention of Abey for his friendly guidance and insightful explanations With best regards Papyrus team

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