Why visit
Addis Ababa sits high on the Ethiopian plateau, with museums, Orthodox churches, markets, coffee culture, and the African Union headquarters. It is both a transit hub and a serious cultural stop.
How to use this result
Use it as a capital-city prompt
Addis Ababa is useful when you want a city-level starting point in Ethiopia. Check whether the capital is the best arrival city, a practical transfer point, or mainly a geography and planning reference.
Check practical trip fit
Before planning around Addis Ababa, compare airport access, local transport, time zone, neighborhood choices, weather, safety guidance, and whether another city in Ethiopia better matches the trip style.
Addis Ababa at a glance
City population
3.9 million
Metro: 5.2 million
Elevation
2,355 m
7,726 ft
Time zone
UTC+3
Africa/Addis_Ababa
Airport
ADD
Bole International
Founded
1886
Getting around
Addis Ababa LRT (first in Sub-Saharan Africa, 2015) + mini-buses + ride-hail
Signature dish
Injera with doro wat, kitfo, tibs, shiro, Ethiopian coffee ceremony
Neighborhoods for travelers
PiazzaBoleKazanchisMerkato (largest market in Africa)Arat Kilo
Ethiopia at a glance
Country center
8.0°, 38.0°
Coast
Landlocked
Country area
1,104,300 km²
426,372 mi²
Country population
126.5 million
115/km²
Subregion
Eastern Africa
Currency
Ethiopian birr (Br)
ETB
Dial
+251
Language
Amharic
Demonym
Ethiopian
Internet
.et
UN
Member state
ISO code
ET / ETH
Where in the world
8.0° - 38.0°
Ethiopia
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Addis Ababa sits at 2,355m: one of the highest capitals in the world.
- Ethiopia uses its own calendar, which is 7-8 years behind the Gregorian (so 2020 in Ethiopia is 2027 in the Western calendar).
- Ethiopia is one of only two African countries (with Liberia) that was never colonized: the Battle of Adwa (1896) defeated Italian forces.
- Ethiopia uses its own calendar that runs ~7 years behind the Gregorian one: Ethiopians celebrated the millennium in 2007.
- Coffee was discovered in Ethiopia, reportedly by a goat herder who noticed his goats getting energetic after eating the beans.
Bordering Ethiopia
Traveler notes
- The National Museum houses the Lucy fossil remains
- Entoto hills give the clearest city views
- Coffee ceremonies are part of daily social life
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Addis Ababa
What currency is used in Addis Ababa?
Addis Ababa uses the Ethiopian birr (Br), ISO code ETB.
What languages are spoken in Ethiopia?
The primary language is Amharic.
What is the international calling code for Ethiopia?
The calling code is +251.
When is the best time to visit Addis Ababa?
Oct–Feb. Check current weather and local events before booking.
What airport serves Addis Ababa?
Bole International (IATA: ADD).
Is Addis Ababa at high altitude?
Yes, Addis Ababa sits at 2,355 m (7,726 ft). Give yourself a day or two to acclimatize.
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