Adis Ababa Ethiopia
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Meskel Square

4.4
·1k reviews·Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Addis Ababa's vibrant heart, a bustling square for festivals, events, and daily life, offering stunning city views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

CrowdLow
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Adis Ababa Ethiopia

Meskel Square

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Addis Ababa's vibrant heart, a bustling square for festivals, events, and daily life, offering stunning city views.

4.4
(1k reviews)

"A wonderful experience with plenty of space and a lively atmosphere, perfect for exploring."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive Early for Meskel Fest

If attending the Meskel celebration, get there very early to secure a good viewing spot .

💰 Be Aware of Photo Fees

Some visitors have been asked to pay for taking photos; be prepared for potential charges .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Meskel Festival

The Meskel Festival

Meskel Square

Witness the iconic Demera bonfire lighting up the night sky during this vibrant celebration of faith and culture.

Addis Ababa Museum

Addis Ababa Museum

Located at Meskel Square

Explore Ethiopia's rich history and culture through artifacts, photographs, and exhibits in a former nobleman's residence.

Evening Stroll & City Views

Evening Stroll & City Views

Meskel Square terraces

Enjoy a relaxing walk and take in the stunning city views, especially beautiful at night.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Meskel Square

Meskel Square is a vibrant hub, especially during festivals like Meskel. For a less crowded experience, aim for weekdays. If you're visiting for the annual Meskel celebration, arrive very early to secure a good spot.Reddit

Navigating Meskel Square's Buzz

This bustling square is a major intersection and event space. Be aware of potential photo charges and be mindful of your belongings, as some visitors have reported attempts to grab phones.Reddit It's a lively place, perfect for experiencing local life.

Best Times

When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Crowd
Low
When
September 27th (Meskel Festival)
Why
Experience the iconic bonfire
Crowd
High
When
Evenings
Why
Beautiful city lights and atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#መምህር_እዮብ_ይመኑ #ኦርቶዶክስ #ተዋህዶ #ስብከት #ርዕሰ_ሊቃውንት_አባ_ገብረኪዳን #ዲያቆን_ዘላለም_ታዬ #tewahdo #ኦርቶዶክስ_ተዋህዶ_ፀንታ_ለዘለዓለም_ትኑር #fypシ #ethiopian_tik_tok #meskel #መዝሙር_ዘኦርቶዶክስ_ተዋህዶ #orthodox #viral #ethiopian_orthodox_tewahedo🇪🇹 #የእናንተገፅ #ኦርቶዶክስ⛪ተዋህዶ⛪ለዘለዓለም🙏ትኑር🙏 #መዝሙር #የኢትዮጵያ_ኦርቶዶክስ_ተዋህዶ_ቤተክርስቲያን #አባገብረኪዳን
@ayinabeba_27
196.3K likes • 1.4M views

🎯 Arrive Early for Meskel Fest

If attending the Meskel celebration, get there very early to secure a good viewing spot.Reddit

💰 Be Aware of Photo Fees

Some visitors have been asked to pay for taking photos; be prepared for potential charges.Reddit

#meskelsquare #አምልኮ_ለጌታ_ነው #fyp #protestantmezmur
@redetmulugeta
52.2K likes • 423.1K views
Addis Ababa by night and especially loving the vibes at Meskel Square. Is this Africa’s greatest city?
larrymadowo
11.1K likes • 163.1K views

📱 Secure Your Belongings

Keep an eye on your phone and personal items, as there have been reports of attempted theft.Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Enjoy a Relaxing Walk

Meskel Square is a great spot for an evening stroll with beautiful views.Reddit

Meskel square - Addis Ababa #5 Everyday Ethiopia 💚💛❤️ Land of Origins #streetsofAddis #. . . #ethiopian #streetphotography #dailylife #smile #landoforigins #13monthsofsunshine #shadesofnikisat #myEthiopia #beautifulview #abyssinian #habesha #amazingview #ethiopian #habeshafashion #ethiopia #mytravel251 #myiphone251 #myethiopia251 #addisisawesome #mytravel #ethiopianphotography #every...
hilenatafesse
2K likes • 67K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Early for Meskel Fest

If attending the Meskel celebration, get there very early to secure a good viewing spot.Reddit

💰 Be Aware of Photo Fees

Some visitors have been asked to pay for taking photos; be prepared for potential charges.Reddit

📱 Secure Your Belongings

Keep an eye on your phone and personal items, as there have been reports of attempted theft.Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Enjoy a Relaxing Walk

Meskel Square is a great spot for an evening stroll with beautiful views.Reddit

🍽️ Explore Local Dining

Discover fairly priced and delicious food at the many restaurants around the square.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Meskel Square is a dynamic and central hub in Addis Ababa, praised for its ideal location for events, lively atmosphere, and beautiful city views, especially at night. Visitors enjoy exploring local markets and dining at the numerous nearby restaurants. However, some have experienced unexpected photo charges and advise caution regarding personal belongings.

"I recently visited a bazaar at Meskel Square, and it was a wonderful experience. The location is ideal for such events, offering plenty of space and a lively atmosphere. The views are beautiful, especially for taking pictures, and the area is also perfect for a relaxing evening walk. A great spot to explore and enjoy."

Juliana Siapai

"The city from here Looks amazing, you can see the tallest buildings in Addis - Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, the traffic is amazing. Overall you get a nice experience. I did not know they charge money, it came as a surprise. But beautiful"

Imran Chiposyo

"I went Friday and Saturday. Friday they had a market, similar to a farmers market. They close in the evening but not sure what time. Saturday I checked out one of the many restaurants they have in the area. The food is fairly priced and delicious. Meskel square also has a great view. This time of year it was gorgeous."

Christina Sutton

What People Like

Ideal for events and bazaars
Beautiful city views
Lively atmosphere

What People Dislike

Unexpected photo fees
Need to secure belongings

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Meskel Square is a central landmark in Addis Ababa and is easily accessible by taxi or ride-sharing services. It's a major intersection, so most drivers will know it. Some videos show it as a busy intersection without traffic lights, highlighting its central role in city transit.Instagram

Yes, Meskel Square is known for its busy traffic, offering a glimpse into the city's transportation dynamics. It's described as Ethiopia's busiest intersection, operating without traffic lights, relying on drivers' skills.Instagram

Absolutely! Meskel Square is a large public space perfect for walking. Visitors enjoy evening strolls and exploring the terraces.Reddit

For a truly immersive experience, consider visiting during a festival like Meskel Instagram+1 or exploring the local markets and restaurants.Reddit

While generally a lively and welcoming place, be mindful of your belongings and aware of potential photo charges or requests for tips, as some visitors have reported.Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Generally, Meskel Square itself is a public space and doesn't require an entry ticket. However, specific events or festivals held there, like the Meskel celebration, might have associated costs or require early arrival for good spots.Reddit

Some visitors have reported being asked to pay fees for taking pictures at Meskel Square, and one instance mentioned a request for a tip.Reddit It's advisable to inquire beforehand if you plan extensive photography.

As a public square, Meskel Square is generally accessible at all times. However, specific markets or events held there will have their own operating hours.Reddit

Yes, the Meskel Festival is a major event held at Meskel Square. It's a highly spiritual and colorful celebration, but be prepared for large crowds and arrive very early.InstagramReddit

Information regarding specific entry fees for the Addis Ababa Museum located at Meskel Square is not readily available in the provided content, but it's worth checking on-site or their official channels.

📸 📸 Photography

The terraces of Meskel Square offer great vantage points for capturing city views.InstagramReddit During the Meskel Festival, the bonfire provides a dramatic and iconic photo opportunity.Instagram

While generally open for photos, some visitors have encountered requests for payment to take pictures.Reddit It's wise to be prepared for this possibility.

You can capture vibrant street life,Instagram bustling cityscapes, cultural events like the Meskel Festival,Instagram+1 and the impressive architecture of Addis Ababa.

Yes, Meskel Square offers beautiful city views at night, making it a great location for night photography.Instagram

Evenings offer stunning city lights,Instagram while daytime provides opportunities to capture daily life and the scale of the square. The Meskel Festival is a unique photographic event.Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Meskel Square is surrounded by numerous restaurants offering fairly priced and delicious food.Reddit

You can expect a variety of Ethiopian cuisine and other options at the restaurants in the area.

Many visitors find the food prices near Meskel Square to be fair and reasonable.Reddit

Yes, Meskel Square hosts markets, similar to farmers' markets, on certain days, which may include food vendors.Reddit

Restaurants typically operate during daytime and evening hours, with some closing in the evening.Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Meskel Square can be an engaging place for families, especially during market days or festivals. The open space allows children to move around, and the vibrant atmosphere can be stimulating. Consider visiting during the day when it's less crowded and safer for younger children. The Addis Ababa Museum at the square also offers educational opportunities about Ethiopian culture and history.Instagram

When visiting with children, it's advisable to keep a close eye on them due to the busy nature of the square and its traffic.Instagram While there are restaurants nearby offering food,Reddit packing snacks and water is always a good idea. The Meskel Festival, while spectacular, might be overwhelming for very young children due to the large crowds and late hours.

💰 Budget Travelers

Meskel Square itself is a public space, so exploring the square and its surroundings is free. You can enjoy the lively atmosphere, observe the city's dynamics, and take in the views without spending a dime.Reddit Many locals gather here, offering a great opportunity for people-watching and experiencing authentic Addis Ababa life.

For dining, numerous restaurants around the square offer fairly priced and delicious food,Reddit making it an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers. While some visitors have encountered photo charges,Reddit this is not a universal experience, and you can often enjoy the sights without paying extra fees. Be mindful of your belongings to avoid any unexpected costs related to theft.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Meskel Square is a photographer's dream, offering a diverse range of subjects. Capture the chaotic yet efficient traffic flow at one of Africa's busiest intersections,Instagram the vibrant street life,Instagram and the impressive architecture of Addis Ababa's skyline.Instagram The terraced steps provide excellent elevated perspectives for cityscapes.InstagramReddit

For a truly unique photographic experience, time your visit for the Meskel Festival to capture the iconic Demera bonfire and the spiritual celebrations.Instagram+1 Evenings offer a magical ambiance with city lights, perfect for capturing the urban glow.Instagram Be prepared for potential photo fees, as some visitors have reported being asked to pay for photography,Reddit and always keep your equipment secure.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Meskel Festival: A Spiritual Spectacle

The Meskel Festival is one of Ethiopia's most significant religious and cultural celebrations, held annually on September 27th (or 28th in leap years) at Meskel Square.Instagram+1 This holiday commemorates the discovery of the True Cross by Empress Helena in the 4th century.Instagram The highlight is the Demera, a massive bonfire built and decorated, which is lit on the eve of Meskel, symbolizing the cross.Instagram+1 Thousands gather to witness this event, filling the square with traditional dances, songs, and a palpable sense of unity and faith.Instagram

Visitors attending the Meskel Festival should be prepared for immense crowds. It's highly recommended to arrive very early to secure a good vantage point.Reddit The atmosphere is described as joyful and spiritual, blending faith with cultural expression.Instagram The sight of the bonfire illuminating the night sky is a truly unforgettable experience, making it a must-see for those interested in Ethiopian traditions.

Beyond the main bonfire ceremony, the festival involves religious services and community gatherings. The square transforms into a vibrant hub of activity, showcasing the deep-rooted Christian heritage of Ethiopia. It's a powerful display of national identity and religious devotion, attracting both locals and international visitors eager to witness this unique celebration.Instagram+1

Meskel Square: Addis Ababa's Dynamic Hub

Meskel Square is more than just a public space; it's the pulsating heart of Addis Ababa, serving as a crucial transportation nexus and a venue for major national events.Instagram Known as Ethiopia's busiest intersection, it operates with a fascinating, albeit chaotic, flow of traffic, famously without traffic lights, relying on the skill and instinct of drivers.Instagram This dynamic environment offers a raw and authentic glimpse into daily life in the capital.

The square is also a popular spot for social gatherings and public events. It hosts bazaars, concerts, and festivals, most notably the Meskel Festival.Instagram The terraced seating areas provide excellent vantage points for observing the city and are often used by locals for relaxation and socializing.Reddit+1 The views from the square, especially at night, are spectacular, showcasing the city's skyline with its tallest buildings.InstagramReddit

For those interested in history and culture, the Addis Ababa Museum is located within Meskel Square.Instagram Housed in a former nobleman's residence, it offers insights into the city's past through artifacts and exhibits.Instagram While the square is a vibrant place to explore, visitors should be aware of potential photo charges and remain vigilant about their belongings, as some have reported less-than-ideal experiences.Reddit

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