Addis Ababa University

Addis Ababa


Addis Ababa's expansive university is the country's largest and most prestigious. The academic year runs roughly from October to May. The university also houses within its ground the excellent Ethnological Museum.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Addis Ababa attractions

1. Institute of Ethiopian Studies

0.06 MILES

Inside the grounds of Addis Ababa University, this institute boasts the world’s best collection of books in English on Ethiopia. It’s free for a half-day…

2. Ethnological Museum

0.22 MILES

Set within Haile Selassie’s former palace, and surrounded by the beautiful gardens and fountains of the university’s main campus, is the enthralling…

3. Yekatit 12 Monument

0.42 MILES

Rising dramatically from the roundabout Siddist Kilo is this moving monument, dedicated to the thousands of innocent Ethiopians killed by the Italians as…

4. National Museum

0.75 MILES

The collection on show at the National Museum is ranked among the most important in sub-Saharan Africa, but sadly many of its exhibits are poorly labelled…

6. St George Cathedral & Museum

1.02 MILES

Commissioned by Emperor Menelik II to commemorate his stunning 1896 defeat of the Italians in Adwa, and dedicated to St George (Ethiopia’s patron saint),…

7. Natural History Museum

1.1 MILES

Unless you've a particular interest in Ethiopia's animals and birdlife, this is more a case of rainy day tourism. Go eye to eye with a bloated leopard –…

8. Holy Trinity Cathedral

1.34 MILES

This massive and ornate cathedral is the second-most important place of worship in Ethiopia (ranking behind the Old Church of St Mary of Zion in Aksum)…