Shola Market
A bustling marketplace in Addis Ababa, offering everything from traditional crafts and clothing to fresh produce and spices.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Shola Market
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A bustling marketplace in Addis Ababa, offering everything from traditional crafts and clothing to fresh produce and spices.
"Shola Market is a vibrant hub where you can find everything you need and then some. 
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
The new parking area is a game-changer! Arrive early to secure a spot and avoid the usual overwhelm. :car:
🤝 Bring a Local Friend
A local can help you navigate the market and bargain for better prices. :handshake:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Traditional Crafts & Clothing
Various stalls throughout the market
Discover unique Habesha clothing, intricate traditional crafts, and beautiful souvenirs to take home.
Vibrant Produce & Spices
Produce sections
Experience the colorful array of fresh produce and aromatic spices that fill the market air.
Iconic Middle Hall
Central area
Even with renovations, the iconic middle hall with its old stairs and ramp offers a glimpse into the market's history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Hustle
Haggling is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
The new parking area is a game-changer! Arrive early to secure a spot and avoid the usual overwhelm. :car:
🤝 Bring a Local Friend
A local can help you navigate the market and bargain for better prices. :handshake:
🛍️ Compare Before You Buy
Wander through several stalls to see what's available before making a purchase. :shopping_bags:
👀 Watch Your Belongings
Stay alert and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas. :eyes:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
The new parking area is a game-changer! Arrive early to secure a spot and avoid the usual overwhelm. :car:
🤝 Bring a Local Friend
A local can help you navigate the market and bargain for better prices. :handshake:
🛍️ Compare Before You Buy
Wander through several stalls to see what's available before making a purchase. :shopping_bags:
👀 Watch Your Belongings
Stay alert and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas. :eyes:
👗 Find Trendy Habesha Wear
Look for stylish and trendy Habesha clothes for special occasions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Shola Market is a vibrant and essential Addis Ababa experience, praised for its wide variety of goods, from traditional crafts to fresh produce. Visitors appreciate the lively atmosphere and the opportunity to haggle for good deals, especially with the improved parking. However, the market can become overwhelmingly crowded, and some find the persistent vendors a bit much.
"Finding the right souvenirs to take home with you from Kenya 🇰🇪 is easy once you find your way to Shola Market.
The prices are fair when you know how to haggle.
Take your time and don't rush when come here.
Go round a couple of stalls to see what's available before you begin a purchase. Else you may regret an earlier purchase.
Be content; you don't have to buy everything you like."
Rinji Kwarkas
"The place gets too crowded after 11 am, it has many narrow streets where you can find traditional pots and clothes and spices as well. Some of the shop ladies even grab you into their shop to purchase something. Hard to avoid them due to their gentle requests. Better to have a local with you to bargain the prices etc.
Worth visiting this place while you are at Addis-Abeba"
Aleem Shah
"Sholla Market is a popular market located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It is known for its vibrant atmosphere and wide variety of goods, including fresh produce, clothing, household items, and traditional crafts. The market is a bustling hub of activity, with vendors selling their wares and shoppers haggling for the best deals. It is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the local culture and find unique souvenirs."
Hawi Getachew
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Shola Market is located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It's accessible by local taxis and ride-sharing services. The new parking area has made access much easier.
Shola Market is considered the second biggest market in Addis Ababa.
The market has narrow streets, so walking is the best way to explore. Be prepared for crowds, especially after 11 am.
Some reels mention it's near the second traffic light after Shola Market, and there's a Hailmariam Building with shops on the first floor.
Yes, taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available to take you from Shola Market to other destinations in Addis Ababa.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Shola Market is a public market and does not require an entrance ticket.
The market is generally open daily, but it gets very crowded after 11 am. It's best to visit in the early morning for a more relaxed experience.
There is no admission fee to enter Shola Market.
Shola Market is a traditional market, so advance booking is not typically required for entry or general shopping.
It's advisable to avoid visiting after 11 am as the market becomes extremely crowded.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
You can find a wide variety of souvenirs, including traditional Ethiopian crafts, spices, clothing (Habesha wear), pottery, and household items.
No, prices are generally negotiable. Haggling is expected and can help you get better deals.
While fresh produce is abundant, it's always wise to exercise caution and ensure food items are fresh and handled hygienically.
Yes, Shola Market is a great place to find trendy and traditional Habesha clothing for various occasions.
Look for traditional pots, spices, and unique handcrafted items that represent Ethiopian culture.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are restaurants and food stalls within or near Shola Market. One mentioned is Bixro's restaurant offering a buffet.
You can find local Ethiopian cuisine, including buffet options and traditional dishes.
While street food can be an authentic experience, it's advisable to choose vendors that appear clean and busy.
Ethiopian cuisine often features many vegetarian and vegan dishes (like lentil stews), so options should be available.
Prices can vary, but a one-person buffet was noted at 350 Birr.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but it's always polite to ask vendors before taking close-up shots of their goods or them.
The vibrant displays of produce, colorful textiles, and the bustling crowds offer great photographic opportunities. The iconic middle hall is also a good spot.
Be respectful of people's privacy and avoid intrusive photography. Some vendors might ask for a small fee if you're taking many photos of their stall.
A smartphone with good low-light capabilities or a versatile mirrorless camera would be ideal for capturing the market's dynamic atmosphere.
Be mindful of cultural norms; avoid photographing people without their consent, especially women in more traditional settings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Arrive early to avoid the peak crowds, keep a close eye on children at all times, and consider focusing on specific sections like the produce or craft areas to avoid overwhelming little ones.
💰 Budget Travelers
Tips for budget travelers: Be a savvy shopper by comparing prices, don't be afraid to negotiate, and focus on local products rather than imported goods.
🛍️ Souvenir Hunters
Tips for souvenir hunters: Take your time to explore different stalls, as quality and price can vary.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Market Experience
The market is known for its lively atmosphere, with vendors calling out to potential customers and the general hum of activity. It's a place to immerse yourself in the local culture, observe daily life, and discover unique items. Be prepared for a bustling environment, especially as the day progresses. The narrow streets can become quite crowded, making it a bit challenging to navigate. Some visitors mention that shop ladies might gently invite you into their shops, which is part of the market's charm.
For the best experience, it's recommended to arrive early in the morning. This allows you to explore the market before it gets too crowded, making it easier to browse stalls, haggle for prices, and take photos.
Shopping for Authentic Souvenirs
Beyond crafts and clothing, the market is a fantastic place to stock up on spices and local produce. The vibrant colors and aromas of the spice stalls are captivating.
Some visitors have noted that while the market isn't entirely unsafe, it's important to remain vigilant and watch your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
Cultural Significance and Events
Special occasions and holidays often bring an extra buzz to Shola Market. For instance, during the Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash), the market becomes a focal point for holiday shopping, with vendors offering festive goods and a celebratory atmosphere.
+1 These times offer a unique opportunity to witness cultural celebrations firsthand and perhaps find special holiday-themed items. Even with ongoing transformations, like those seen in Riyadh's Shola Market, the essence of these traditional marketplaces often endures. The iconic structures and the memories they hold serve as a reminder of the place's history and its continued importance to the community.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit