Merkato (or Mercato) market in Addis Ababa is the biggest outdoor market in the whole of Africa. You can get and shop almost everything in Merkato market from small locally known herbs to latest fancy electronic devices.

The most interesting must-see sections of Merkato Market to visit and experience the real local life of Addis Ababans are

• The Spice Market: A symphony of aromas, this section explodes with vibrant colors and exotic scents. Heaps of berbere, turmeric, and incense fill the air, offering a glimpse into the heart of Ethiopian cuisine.
• Enset (False Banana Tree): Witness the fascinating process of turning the starchy root of the Enset tree (also known as the false banana) into "kocho," a staple food in Ethiopian cuisine.
• The Colorful Hand Woven Baskets Market: A feast for the eyes, this section showcases the incredible craftsmanship of local artisans. From intricately woven baskets to vibrant textiles, you'll find unique souvenirs to treasure.
• Second-Hand Items Market: One man's trash is another's treasure! Unearth unexpected finds in this section, where everything from vintage clothing to antique trinkets awaits discovery.
• The Recycling Section: An inspiring testament to resourcefulness, this section reveals how everyday items are ingeniously repurposed and given a new lease on life.

Merkato is closed on Sundays and bargaining for price is the order of the game here.

The Ethnological Museum of Ethiopia is found in the main campus of Addis Ababa University. It is one of the best museums in East Africa in terms of its wide collection of resources, display, lighting, and organization of items.

The building the museum is now used to be the former residence of Emperor Haile Sillassie I (1930 – 1974) before he opened the country’s first university and made his palace the university building. Then he moved to the Jubilee or National Palace in 1965.

The museum has two floors. The first floor displays items, catalogues, videos, and informational boards which focus on the background of the number of Ethiopian tribal people starting from Birth to Death, and gives general but important information about agriculture, religion, history, nature, etc of Ethiopia. The bedroom of the Emperor and his wife is also found here.

The second floor displays different ancient icons, crosses, manuscripts, religious paintings, and musical instruments from the different parts of Ethiopia.

Entrance fee for a foreign visitor is 100 Ethiopian Birr per person.

It is found in the main campus of Addis Ababa University at a locally known area called 6 Killo

Debre Libanos Monastery, located 105 km north of Ethiopia's capital - Addis Ababa, is  among the most important religious and pilgrimage sites of Ethiopia. It was originally founded in the 13th Century AD by an Ethiopian Saint Abune Tekle Haimanot who is widely believed to have stood in one leg and prayed for 7 years until the other leg cut off. Debre Libanos Monastery is also the biggest monastery in the county with about 500 monks. The modern church building was built in the 1960s during the reign of Emperor Haile Sillassie I. It is famous for its beautiful stained window glass works showing different biblical figures and history. 

• Debre Libanos Monastery is one of the best places to visit in a day trip from Addis Ababa as it is relatively near to Addis Ababa (100 km) and there are other places of visits around the monastery as well. Visitors can also visit 
• Portuguese Bride - a hand made stone bridge believed to have been built in the 16th Century
• Jemma River Gorge - enjoy the super scenic view of the Jemma River Gorge, and 
• See the Gelada Baboons - endemic to Ethiopia

Visit Debre Libanos monastery and sites around it with a day trip from Addis Ababa with me!

Holy Trinity Cathedral

Dating back to the 1940s, the Holy Trinity Cathedral is a peaceful historical religious place in Addis Ababa.

The building reflects unique architecture and stone carved statues. You would be stunned by the beautiful window glass works inside, and paintings on the dome. You can learn who played big roles in Ethiopia's history. Visitors can also visit the small but rich museum at the compound to be introduced to especially the modern history of Ethiopia.

The Cathedral is a site of burial for the country's important pubic figures such as Emperor Haile Sillassie I and the late PM of Ethiopia - Meles Zenawi who ruled from 1991 to 2012.

Entrance fee for foreign visitors is 200 Ethiopian Birr per person.

Duration - 8 to 9 hours What-to-do (see) - Holy Trinity Cathedral, National Museum, Merkato Market, Ethnological Museum, St. George’s Cathedral, scenic driving in Addis Ababa city, and cultural Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony
Price INCLUDES - Vehicle with Fuel (gasoline), private driver,tour guide, All Entrance (Admission) fees, Hotel/Airport pick up and drop offs, Local family visits and lunch (home cooked Ethiopian food), Ethiopian Traditional Coffee Ceremony Experience, Local snacks and bottled water, Tea/Coffee, and all applicable taxes. Price DON'T INCLUDE - Meals and other expenses not mentioned above If you have any questions on customizing how you visit Addis Ababa, contact us on WhatsApp Please, keep on reading to know what you get with us, how our tour is unique and the best, and why you need to visit (book) your private tour of Addis Ababa with Rotate Ethiopian Tours

The Steles of Tiya is one of the sites of Ethiopia to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. This site is a cemetery where about 40 huge blocks or rocks are decorated with carvings and erected in honor of local warriors in the 14th Century AD. There are 42 huge steles which are decorated with carvings of the supposed swords, False Banana Tree leaves, human breast marks, and ribs. There are few different steles from the rest which are supposed to be erected for a local queen.

The steles are found 85 km south of Addis Ababa. You take the road south of Addis Ababa via the town of Alem Genna. At Alem Gena leave the road which continues west and turn left and drive for 68 km. At the town of Tiya look for the sign of this place to your left. It is 400 meters after the turn off