National Museum & Lucy
Meet the ancestor and city tour.
EthiopiaIShowSpeed streamed here
Addis Ababa
Africa's diplomatic capital — home of the AU, the fossil 'Lucy', the continent's biggest market, and the world's original coffee.
- Metro population
- 5,500,000
- Country
- Ethiopia
- Region
- Africa
Overview
Why visit Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa — 'new flower' — is Africa's diplomatic capital: the African Union's headquarters sits here, and so does one of humanity's oldest ancestors. 'Lucy,' the 3.2-million-year-old australopithecine, is the star of the National Museum.
The city runs on two fuels: coffee (Ethiopia is the plant's birthplace — the ceremony of roasting, grinding and pouring is sacred) and injera, the sour flatbread that anchors every meal. The Merkato is reputedly Africa's largest open-air market.
Speed's 2025 Africa tour streamed from Addis Ababa. The city sits at 2,400m in the Entoto foothills — springlike air, mountain views, and the gateway to Lalibela's rock churches.
Things to do
Top things to book in Addis Ababa
Popular tours and tickets. Compare prices and book ahead to skip the lines.
Coffee Ceremony & Food
Roast, pour, injera feast.
Lalibela Flight Trip
The rock churches by air.
Entoto & Merkato
Mountain views plus the mega-market.
Plan your trip
Compare prices for Addis Ababa
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Side by side in Addis Ababa
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Fun facts
Things you didn't know about Addis Ababa
- 01
Lucy Lives Here
The 3.2-million-year-old fossil — our most famous ancestor — is kept at the National Museum.
- 02
Africa'S Capital
The African Union and UN Economic Commission for Africa are both headquartered here.
- 03
Coffee'S Homeland
Ethiopia is where coffee originated — the ceremony is a daily ritual.
- 04
Merkato
The sprawling open-air market is often called Africa's largest.
- 05
A New Flower
'Addis Ababa' means new flower — founded in 1886 as the imperial capital.
- 06
Holy Trinity
The cathedral holds Haile Selassie's tomb — the last emperor of the Solomonic line.
- 07
2,400 Metres Up
The city's altitude gives it springlike weather on the equator's edge.
- 08
Never Colonized
Ethiopia is the only African country never formally colonized — Addis is its proof.
- 09
Injera Culture
The sourdough flatbread is plate and utensil at once.
- 10
Lalibela Gateway
The rock-hewn churches — 'the new Jerusalem' — are the side trip everyone takes.
Random Addis Ababa fact
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FAQ
Quick answers about Addis Ababa
Where is Addis Ababa located?
Addis Ababa is in Ethiopia, in Africa.
What is the population of Addis Ababa?
The greater Addis Ababa area is home to about 5,500,000 people.
What is Addis Ababa famous for?
Addis Ababa is famous for the African Union's home, 'Lucy' the 3.2-million-year-old fossil, the Merkato market and the birthplace of coffee.
Did IShowSpeed stream from Addis Ababa?
Yes — IShowSpeed streamed from Addis Ababa on his 2025 Africa tour. See his full world tour map.
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