Addis Ababa in a Flash: What to Do During a Short Stopover in Ethiopia’s Capital

Need a plan for your Addis Ababa Stopover? Don’t just sit around in Bole International Airport sipping subpar coffee—step out and soak in the soul of Africa’s diplomatic capital. Whether you’ve got 3 hours or 7, there’s enough time to catch a vibrant glimpse of Ethiopian culture, cuisine, and history—all within reach of the airport.

Here is your express guide to making the most of a few hours in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Your Addis Ababa Stopover Shall Start with Coffee at Tomoca

Coffee isn’t just a drink in Ethiopia—it’s a ritual. Just 15–20 minutes from the airport, Tomoca Coffee is a local institution where you can sip strong, aromatic Ethiopian coffee in an old-school setting. It’s the perfect way to shake off jet lag and start your mini adventure.

Tomoca (Original location in Piazza or newer branches closer to Bole)

Learn Ethopian History at the National Museum

Meet Lucy, humanity’s ancient ancestor, and explore Ethiopia’s rich royal and cultural heritage. The National Museum of Ethiopia is compact, so you can easily cover it in under an hour—and the artifacts are nothing short of epic.

Approx. 25 minutes from the airport (traffic depending)

Shop Local at Shiro Meda or Salem’s Ethiopia

Looking for souvenirs that don’t scream “airport gift shop”? Head to Shiro Meda for handwoven scarves, baskets, and traditional clothing. Short on time? Salem’s Ethiopia is a curated boutique near the airport run by a family of artisans.

Lunch Like a Local: Try Injera and Tibs

No stop in Addis is complete without a bite of injera, the spongy sourdough flatbread that’s a staple of Ethiopian cuisine. Pair it with tibs (sautéed meat) or shiro wot (spiced chickpea stew) at Yod Abyssinia, which is close to the airport and offer authentic flavors.

Vegetarian options are abundant and delicious!

Quick Tips for a Smooth Addis Ababa Stopover

• While visa on arrival is available for many nationalities, we encourage you to secure your e-visa online.
• Use a trusted taxi or hotel shuttle to get around.
• If you’re tight on time, ask a local tour operator or your airline about transit tours.