Cultural Experience
Museums
Religon
Food
Music
Coffee
Medhane Alem Cathedral is an Ethiopian Orthodox church located in Addis Ababa's business hub, Bole. It is the second-largest cathedral in the continent of Africa and the largest in Ethiopia. The name behind this church comes from the word hedral, which also means "Savior of the World." This church is another excellent site in the city and a great place to observe local people's lives in Addis Ababa because a large chunk of Ethiopia's population are Orthodox Christians.
The National Museum of Ethiopia is home to a number of artistic treasures of the country. This includes fossilized remains of several early hominids, such as the infamous "Lucy," the oldest hominid (3.25 million years old). A couple of floors display various things from materials on natural sciences, archaeology, anthropology, and fine arts to traditional weapons, jewelry, clothing, and so much more.
YOD Abyssinia Traditional Restaurant is one of the most creditable traditional restaurants in Addis Ababa. YOD stands for "witness or speak out" in the Gurage ethnic group where the owner is from, while Abyssinia is the ancient name of Ethiopia and the region known as the Horn of Africa. This restaurant perfectly presents the Ethiopian culture through its diverse cuisines, cultural dance, and music. This place is very popular amongst tourists and locals for its beautiful ambiance and various range of delicious vegan and non-vegan traditional food.
Tomoca is one of the oldest commercial coffee shops in Ethiopia. They started brewing coffee in the early 1950s, and the family business expanded now to have opened over five branches in the capital city and a branch in Tokyo and Nairobi too. Tomoca's first coffee shop is still open, located around Sarbet or the old airport. They are known for their strong, authentic Italian-style coffee and casual ambiance. Their cafe contains no seats, so everyone drinks standing. However, the newer branches have opened an area for people who want to sit.
St Geroge cathedral, located in Addis Ababa Churchill road, is a church that carries many Ethiopian historical moments. It is where Queen Zeritu and Emperor Haile Sellasie were crowned in the early nineties. A museum inside the church that contains weapons from the Adwa war. The church is also a museum showing Ethiopia's history during the Derg regime and Emperor Menilik's time. Finally, it is a sacred spot for Ethiopian Orthodox followers, the largest religious group in Ethiopia.
Mount Entoto is the highest peak on the Entoto mountains as it reaches 3,200 meters above sea level. It is also where two of the oldest Ethiopian Orthodox Churches are located - St. Raguel and St. Mary church. The top of this mountain overlooks the entire city of Addis Ababa. The long trees, fresh air, and cool weather make the walk rather pleasant and perfect for a little breather from the busy city.
