Your day begins with a scenic drive to Mount Entoto (3,200 meters), where the city was first established. Enjoy sweeping views of Addis Ababa and learn about the early days of Emperor Menelik II’s reign. Visit the Entoto Maryam Church and the small museum displaying royal artifacts.

Next, continue to the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to archaeological treasures including the world-famous fossil remains of Lucy a 3.2-million-year-old hominid that reshaped our understanding of human origins.

After lunch at a local restaurant, explore the Holy Trinity Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece and the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie and Empress Menen Asfaw. Its stained-glass windows and hand-carved interior tell powerful stories of faith and resilience.

Then, visit the Ethnological Museum inside Addis Ababa University a perfect introduction to Ethiopia’s diverse cultures, arts, and traditions.

Conclude your tour at Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa. Experience the vibrant chaos of daily trade, where locals sell everything from spices and coffee to textiles and traditional crafts. It’s a perfect spot to find souvenirs and witness Ethiopian life at its most energetic.