Piazza

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

The historic old centre, of Italian-era architecture, jewellery shops, cafés and faded grandeur. The city's atmospheric, walkable heart.

Places in Piazza

Gusto / Italian restaurants Reflecting Ethiopia's brief Italian era, the city has good Italian restaurants for pasta and pizza. A reliable, familiar option.
Tomoca Coffee Ethiopia's most famous coffee house, roasting on-site since 1953 and serving strong espresso Italian-style. A standing-room institution and pilgrimage.
Jazzamba / live jazz venues Addis has a storied 'Ethio-jazz' scene; live venues keep the golden-age sound alive. Soulful and cool.

Best time to visit: October to March for the dry, mild season — the highland climate keeps it cool year-round. The main rains fall June to September. September brings the vivid Meskel festival and the Ethiopian new year.
Getting around: Ride-hailing apps (Feres, Ride) and taxis are the easiest way around the vast, hilly city; the light-rail and blue minibuses are the local option. Traffic is heavy — allow time. The altitude can leave new arrivals breathless; take it easy on day one.
Currency: Ethiopian Birr (Br)
Language: Amharic. English is common in hotels and restaurants.
Timezone: EAT (UTC+3)
Current trends: A revival of traditional coffee culture alongside modern specialty roasters; a growing modern-Ethiopian and international dining scene; huge new development reshaping the city (the Corridor project, riverside parks); and a rich live-music and azmari-bet scene.

Bole — The modern district around the airport, with international hotels, restaurants, malls and nightlife. The city's contemporary, cosmopolitan face.
Kazanchis & Meskel Square — The central business and diplomatic area around the great Meskel Square, home to the African Union and government. The city's civic heart.
Old Airport & Sarbet — Leafy embassy districts with quieter streets, guesthouses and good restaurants. A calmer, greener base.
Merkato — Reputedly the largest open-air market in Africa, a vast, chaotic sprawl of everything imaginable. Overwhelming and utterly local.