Sharyem Tours
The Ethiopian Travel Specialists

Eating out is straightforward and easy with a range of international cuisine including French, Italian, Indian, Chinese, and more. Of course, there are many great restaurants serving Ethiopian food. When you have finished dining, there are a variety of dancing or drinking clubs if you are so inclined.

Apart from the good meals, there are some absolutely wonderful pastry shops and cafes in Addis Ababa serving savoury mini-pizzas, omelettes and hamburgers, along with the most amazing croissants, Danish pastries and biscuits. The fresh juice menu is long and when the chosen beverage arrives, it is cold, fresh and delicious! The out and out favourite pastry café in all of Addis Ababa, is without doubt, La Parisienne, selling great cakes, fantastic croissants (including chocolate ones) and toasted sandwiches, great coffee, and their herbal teas are highly recommended.

The city tour, dependent upon interest, can take in the historical buildings and monuments, churches (including Kiddist Mihret, noted for its interior paintings and sacred springs and as the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie) amongst other well known places.

Museums

The National Museum of Ethiopia

The variety of exhibits in this wonderful museum is extensive, and those who work there are highly knowledgeable. Amongst the Archaeological exhibits, of which there are many fascinating ancient pieces, is a replica of one of the most important finds in the field of human genealogy: Lucy – the 3.5 million year old hominid. Lucy proved that our ancestors became bi-pedal 2.5 million years than previously thought. This museum is a must for travellers wanting to have an overall picture and understanding of the Rift Valley and its civilisations, as well as Ethiopia itself.

The Museum and Library of the Institute of Ethiopian Studies

This excellent ethnographic museum houses information, artefacts, musical instruments and visual art of nearly ethnic group in Ethiopia. This is a fascinating resource for every aspect of Ethiopian history and culture.

Markets

Addis Ababa has one of the biggest markets: the Mercato. This commercial hub sells everything: spices, incense, kitchen equipment, clothes, silver and gold jewellery, vegetables, cassettes, plumbing supplies… everything!

Art

The contemporary art scene in Addis Ababa is thriving and the Addis Ababa Fine Arts and Design School can boast a contribution to the artists working in the capital.

The work of artists who combine elements of traditional painting with contemporary influences is fascinating. One of the best galleries to view this fine work is the Asni Gallery, which lies on the foot-slopes of the Entoto Hills. A popular and well-known gallery that, apart from having a gift shop, also serves delicious food on Thursday and Saturday.

Galleries

1. Asni Gallery
   PO Box 1896 | Addis Ababa
2. Goshu Art Gallery
   Werda 17 Kebele 17 | House 157 | Addis Ababa
3. Menber Joseph Art Gallery
   PO Box 40757 | Addis Ababa | Tel (011 251-1) 16-04-43
4. St. George Interior Decorations & Art Gallery
   PO Box 7096 | Addis Ababa | Tel (011 251-1) 51-09-83 | Tel ex 21954
5. Tibeb Gallery, Master Fine Arts and Vocational Training Centre
   PO Box | Addis Ababa | Tel (011 251-1) 11-60-56 | Tel (011 251-9) 21-47-04 | tel (011 251-9) 214177

Rest and Relaxation

There are several places to go and have a swim, fruit juice and spend time winding down after a long adventurous trip. The Ghion Hotel is set in beautiful grounds; the gardens are worth walking around and offer some of the best bird watching in the city. The hotel has a large swimming pool with changing rooms and poolside bar/cafe offering the usual great service.

Both the Addis Ababa Sheraton and the Addis Ababa Hilton have lovely swimming pools. The Hilton also has a jacuzzi and sauna, which are very enjoyable and relaxing.

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