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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

Meskel Square
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Addis Ababa's vibrant heart, a bustling square for festivals, events, and daily life, offering stunning city views.
"A wonderful experience with plenty of space and a lively atmosphere, perfect for exploring."

🎯 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 .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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
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
Meskel Square terraces
Enjoy a relaxing walk and take in the stunning city views, especially beautiful at night.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Meskel Square
Navigating Meskel Square's Buzz
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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.
📱 Secure Your Belongings
Keep an eye on your phone and personal items, as there have been reports of attempted theft.
🚶♀️ Enjoy a Relaxing Walk
Meskel Square is a great spot for an evening stroll with beautiful 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.
💰 Be Aware of Photo Fees
Some visitors have been asked to pay for taking photos; be prepared for potential charges.
📱 Secure Your Belongings
Keep an eye on your phone and personal items, as there have been reports of attempted theft.
🚶♀️ Enjoy a Relaxing Walk
Meskel Square is a great spot for an evening stroll with beautiful views.
🍽️ Explore Local Dining
Discover fairly priced and delicious food at the many restaurants around the square.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
Absolutely! Meskel Square is a large public space perfect for walking. Visitors enjoy evening strolls and exploring the terraces.
For a truly immersive experience, consider visiting during a festival like Meskel or exploring the local markets and restaurants.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
Some visitors have reported being asked to pay fees for taking pictures at Meskel Square, and one instance mentioned a request for a tip. 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.
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.
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. During the Meskel Festival, the bonfire provides a dramatic and iconic photo opportunity.
While generally open for photos, some visitors have encountered requests for payment to take pictures. It's wise to be prepared for this possibility.
You can capture vibrant street life, bustling cityscapes, cultural events like the Meskel Festival, and the impressive architecture of Addis Ababa.
Yes, Meskel Square offers beautiful city views at night, making it a great location for night photography.
Evenings offer stunning city lights, while daytime provides opportunities to capture daily life and the scale of the square. The Meskel Festival is a unique photographic event.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Meskel Square is surrounded by numerous restaurants offering fairly priced and delicious food.
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.
Yes, Meskel Square hosts markets, similar to farmers' markets, on certain days, which may include food vendors.
Restaurants typically operate during daytime and evening hours, with some closing in the evening.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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. While there are restaurants nearby offering food, 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
For dining, numerous restaurants around the square offer fairly priced and delicious food, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers. While some visitors have encountered photo charges, 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
For a truly unique photographic experience, time your visit for the Meskel Festival to capture the iconic Demera bonfire and the spiritual celebrations. Evenings offer a magical ambiance with city lights, perfect for capturing the urban glow. Be prepared for potential photo fees, as some visitors have reported being asked to pay for photography, and always keep your equipment secure.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Meskel Festival: A Spiritual Spectacle
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. The atmosphere is described as joyful and spiritual, blending faith with cultural expression. 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.
Meskel Square: Addis Ababa's Dynamic Hub
The square is also a popular spot for social gatherings and public events. It hosts bazaars, concerts, and festivals, most notably the Meskel Festival. The terraced seating areas provide excellent vantage points for observing the city and are often used by locals for relaxation and socializing. The views from the square, especially at night, are spectacular, showcasing the city's skyline with its tallest buildings.
For those interested in history and culture, the Addis Ababa Museum is located within Meskel Square. Housed in a former nobleman's residence, it offers insights into the city's past through artifacts and exhibits. 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.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit