The main central area of Addis Ababa, home to Meskel Square and major hotels.

About Addis Ababa City Center (Meskel Square)

Meskel Square is the symbolic center of Addis Ababa, a vast public plaza where the annual Meskel festival celebrates the Finding of the True Cross with enormous bonfires and colorful processions. The square serves as the city's main gathering point and is surrounded by important institutions including the Addis Ababa City Administration.

The area around Meskel Square offers access to some of Addis Ababa's most significant attractions. The National Museum — home to the famous Lucy fossil — is a short taxi ride away, while the Ethnological Museum at Addis Ababa University and the Holy Trinity Cathedral are nearby. Churchill Avenue leads north from the square toward the Piazza district with its Italian colonial architecture.

The city center is where traditional Ethiopian culture is most visible, with traditional coffee houses, injera restaurants, and the sprawling Merkato — Africa's largest open-air market. At 2,355 meters above sea level, new arrivals should be prepared for the altitude and cool evenings.

Nearby Landmarks

Meskel Square National Museum of Ethiopia Holy Trinity Cathedral Merkato

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost 400-600 ETB ($7-11)
Time 20-35 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost 300-500 ETB ($6-9)
Time 20-35 minutes

Arrivals hall exit, designated ride-hail pickup area

Step-by-Step Directions

Walk to airport road, board minibus heading to Meskel Square or Mexico area

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi 400-600 ETB ($7-11) 20-35 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare 300-500 ETB ($6-9) 20-35 minutes Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

After midnight, metered taxis and ride-hailing app RIDE are available at the airport. Expect fares of 300-500 ETB for the nighttime trip to Meskel Square. The airport has a 24-hour taxi rank. Addis Ababa is relatively safe at night, but stick to registered vehicles. Hotel shuttles are widely available with advance booking.

Luggage Tips

Taxis on Bole Road can handle standard luggage. Blue city taxis are small (Lada sedans) and may struggle with more than one large suitcase — opt for a larger vehicle via RIDE app if you have multiple bags. The road is smooth and paved throughout.

Accessibility

Addis Ababa's light rail stations have ramps but are often crowded. Sidewalks along Bole Road are paved but uneven in sections. The airport offers wheelchair assistance. For accessible ground transport, arrange through your hotel as standard taxis are not wheelchair adapted. The altitude (2,355m) may affect travelers with respiratory conditions.