Things to do in Asmara
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Roof Garden
The only Indian restaurant in Eritrea, this upmarket joint on the 5th floor of a modernish building is praised for its lip-smacking biriyani and tandoori dishes. Recommended if you feel the time has come to give your tastebuds something new to sing about.
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Cinema Roma
A very inspiring place, with one of Asmara's finest historic interiors. Enjoy a beer or a coffee in the cafeteria in the lobby area.
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Odeon Cinema
Just off Harnet Ave, near the telecommunications building, the quirky Odeon Cinema, with its authentic Art Deco interior, is attractive.
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Sweet Asmara Caffe
This sleek pastry shop is a treasure-trove for the sweet tooth, with a tempting array of diet-busting little treats.
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Medebar Market
Duck up northeast to soak up the atmosphere of the Medebar Market. No doubt you'll be awestruck the minute you enter this mind-boggling place. It is like an open-air workshop where absolutely everything is recycled: old tyres are made into sandals, corrugated iron is flattened and made into metal buckets, and olive tins from Italy are made into coffeepots and tiny scoopers.
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Former Governor's Palace
The best place to start exploring is the Former Governor's Palace, which stands majestically at the western end of Harnet Ave. Built in 1897 by the first Italian governor, it was used by Haile Selassie during the Ethiopian occupation. Unfortunately, it is not currently possible to visit it because it's an official building.
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National Museum
Asmara's strong point are its buildings, rather than its museums, but it's also worth popping your head into the National Museum, west of the former Governor's Palace. It contains exhibits on the ethnic groups of Eritrea that give a basic introduction to traditional life in the countryside.
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Central Market
North of Harnet Ave, the sprawling Central Market is one of Asmara's major attractions. The best time to visit is early on Saturday (from 07:00), when people come in from all over the country. However, it was pretty tame when we visited because of the economic downturn in the country.
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Catholic Cathedral
Ambling down Harnet Ave you'll soon come across Asmara's most iconic monument, the elaborate, brick-walled Catholic cathedral. Consecrated in 1923, it is thought to be one of the finest Lombard-Romanesque-style churches outside Italy.
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Bowling Alley
A block south of the Municipality building, the Bowling Alley is one of the few genuine 1950s alleys left in the world. It was probably built for US servicemen when they were manning military bases in the region.
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Great Mosque
Thread your way back from the Medebar Market to the south until you reach the Great Mosque. Completed in 1938, this grand complex combines rationalist, classical and Islamic styles.
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Enda Mariam Orthodox Cathedral
The Enda Mariam Orthodox Cathedral, to the east, was built in 1938 and is a curious blend of Italian and Eritrean architecture. Its central block is flanked by large square towers.
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Casa degli Italiani
It's the setting that's the pull here, more than the food. Think atmospheric courtyard that is a perfect spot for a relaxed feed at lunchtime or a tipple any time of the day.
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Villa Roma
Opposite the Africa Pension, the gleaming Villa Roma is reminiscent of a Roman villa with its marble staircases, louvred shutters, curving balustrades and shady portico.
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Sun Pizza & Fast Food
Nancy, the English-speaking owner, prepares excellent pasta dishes and scrumptious pizzas. And all this within a warm setting that wouldn't be out of place in Rome.
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Asmara Piscina
Fancy a dip? The 1930s Asmara Piscina will fit the bill. Even if you don't feel like splashing about, it's worth taking a peek inside this modernist building.
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Opera House
Within staggering distance from the Governor's Palace, the Opera House, completed around 1920, is one of Asmara's most elegant early-20th-century buildings.
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American Bar
This snazzy fast-food joint serves up decent burgers and explosively fruity cocktails. The streetside terrace allows for a dash of people-watching panache.
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Zara
Ease into low gear by sinking a cocktail at this genteel lounge bar. It stays open until midnight, and is a good place to warm up before hitting the clubs.
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Bar Impero
Almost next door to Cinema Impero, this is another endearing café with a more traditional feel. Perfect for a coffee during passeggiata.
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Cinema Impero
The eye-catching Cinema Impero is made up of three massive windows which combine strong vertical and horizontal elements with 45 porthole lamps.
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Hidmona
An eclectic mix of restaurant, café, bar and live-music venue, Hidmona is one of the best places in town for traditional food and décor.
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Alba Bistro
Brimming with good cheer, this place is an excellent refuelling stop, with pasta, meat and fish dishes, as well as tempting ice creams.
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Blue Nile Bar & Restaurant
One of the best restaurants in town, with both traditional and Western-style food. The servings are voluminous, so bring an empty tum.
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Bar Zilli
This real earthy hang-out is a good place to revive your spirits with a macchiato or an Asmara gin, if you dare!
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