Discover Addis Ababa : Neighborhoods

The Ethiopian capital has a population of around 4.5 million, three times the 1987 estimate. The city has grown like a mushroom in an anarchic fashion. Entire, often insalubrious, neighborhoods have been razed to the ground, and large new buildings herald a modern future. Its new four-lane ring road and two new tramway lines inaugurated in 2017 have transformed the city. Eucalyptus scaffolding rises to impressive heights. However, large skeletons of abandoned buildings under construction haunt the avenues congested by rush-hour traffic, while the center, Piazza and Mercato, true to form, continue to stir the crowds around their markets and shops. The new Bolé district is an example of modernity in the new Addis.

Piazza, the central colonial district

This district overlooking the town is undoubtedly the most picturesque, thanks to the few venerable houses with wooden balconies that still stand here. The old post office and the Hôtel Taïtu still retain a certain charm. In this shopping district, Avenue d'Adwa is the main thoroughfare for jewelry shops. Arat Kilo lies between Sidist Kilo and Piazza, and the square's large traffic circle serves as a minibus station. To the north of Sidist Kilo lies the vast campus of Addis Ababa University, with its excellent museum.

Mercato, one of Africa's biggest markets

Just a stone's throw from the Piazza, the mercato is a huge open-air market. It features a succession of stores, large covered areas and small alleyways teeming with the most diverse activities. This vast trading space, dominated by Muslim merchants, notably Yemeni, is a kind of bazaar where everything is sold, negotiated and recycled. The butter and spice market is a delight. You can also buy traditional clothing, beautiful basketry and various local handicrafts.

Meskel Square, Addis Ababa's nerve center

This is the former Revolution Square under the Marxist regime, where martial parades were held. Now renamed True Cross Square, it is the venue for Meskel's major religious festivals and other events. The buildings lining the square are devoid of character. Above all, the square is a gateway to other parts of the capital and to the central bus station. Here you'll find the Jubilee or National Palace, now a museum, and the new Unity and Friendship Parks.

Kazanchis, the business district

The grand avenue of Haile Gebre Selassie Road, better known as Asmara Road, links the capital to the north of the country, passing through the booming business district and the Meganagna traffic circle, home to restaurants and large hotels. The historic Kazanchis district is renowned for its nightlife and traditional Azmar cabarets such as Fendika.

Bolé, the trendy new district

Located in the south-east of the city, close to the airport, Bolé is constantly under construction. It represents the new Addis Ababa, the capital's modern district inhabited by expatriates and the Ethiopian upper class. It is home to embassies, major hotels and the city's best restaurants. The Friendship and Edna Mall shopping centers, with their boutiques, cafés and cinemas, are popular spots. Security is provided by guards in front of banks, hotels, restaurants and clubs. The streets teem with honking cars, colorful neon lights and thundering music. Nightlife is concentrated here: don't miss the ethio-groove or ethio-jazz concerts and DJ nights.