Often touted as the largest open-air market in sub-Saharan Africa, Merkato in Addis Ababa feels more like a city than simply a market. It’s spread over multiple blocks, with vendors galore selling everything from automotive parts to unroasted coffee to flowy shawls.
In the hilly northern outskirts of Addis Ababa, Gullele Botanical Gardens is a fantastic place to get some fresh air--and do some hiking. Expect lush vegetation, plenty of birds, and fantastic views of the Ethiopian capital.
