Trip Planner: Africa / Ethiopia / Addis Ababa / Addis Mercato

Addis Mercato, Addis Ababa

3.7

#16 of 146 in Things to do in Addis Ababa

The biggest open-air market in Africa, Addis Mercato offers everything from handmade soaps to ancient artifacts (of dubious origin). Crowded and chaotic, the market remains perhaps the best place to get the feel of the city and observe how its residents shop for everyday essentials. Use our Addis Ababa online trip builder to visit Addis Mercato on your trip to Addis Ababa, and learn what else travelers and our writers recommend seeing nearby.

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Tours to Addis Mercato

FROM $71 BOOK WITH VIATOR Full Day Tour of Addis Ababa with Hotel Pickup and Drop-off

4.6

Duration: 6 to 8 hours

Tours from $71 »

FROM $60 BOOK WITH VIATOR Prepare for the Best Day Tour in Addis Ababa

5.0

Duration: 6 hours

Tours from $60 »

FROM $131 BOOK WITH VIATOR Full-Day Private City Tour of Addis Ababa

4.8

Duration: 7 to 9 hours

Tours from $131 »

Addis Mercato reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating

267 reviews

Google

4.0

By Elvis J

It was an amazing experience! It definite worth you ah half to a day! I spent 5 days in Addis and this is the most exciting and adventurous tour. I've been to places like Kebra in Nairobi but the... more »
By Oren F

I had an excellent first visit to Mercato, which was greatly enhanced by my local guide Yared. We spent three hours meandering from traditional crafts to an excellent rooftop viewpoint, to spice... more »
By Claudia-MarieChergui

This is not an attraction, this is the actual real ethiopian way of life and style in Addis Ababa regarding consumption. From the main road, crossing on Kenya St, it is possible for anyone to... more »

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Google

By Funmi Oyatogun

Merkato is just like any other African open market but huge. Infact, it is the largest open air market in Africa. The spice and incense section is a must-visit if you're looking for some of the delicious smells found at the churches or the restaurants. Just like any other market, make sure you go with a guide who knows his way around or one of the peace keepers.

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By Robert Furman

The largest market in Africa. Very interesting, but go there only with a local guide, and don't show cash or jewellery. My guide said that there are 100000 stands and shops in the market. Go there. In daylight only and in guided groups

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By Abdurahman Duri

I look or the building material woman who goes with the name a Beria because she seem confident with her job and is super useful especially to her Conrad’s

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By Martin Schütz

Highly recommend if you are at Addis Ababa. But dont't do it without a professional guide.

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By Shifferaw Hajito

Lovely people and a great place

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