Must-see attractions in Dire Dawa

  • Kafira Market

    Dire Dawa

    With its Babel-like ambience, the enormous Kafira Market, sprawling way beyond its Moorish-style arches, is the most striking of Dire Dawa's markets…

  • Ethiopia-Djibouti Rail Yard

    Dire Dawa

    Rail fans can clamber through what remains of the once-great Imperial Railway Company of Ethiopia. Ask for Kadra Ali – she can get by in English and will…

  • Ashawa Market & Livestock Market

    Dire Dawa

    With its numerous sheet-metal shacks in the back, the chaotic Ashawa Market is well worth a gander. In the wadi behind Ashawa you'll find the livestock…

  • Dire Dawa Market

    Dire Dawa

    Also known as ‘Taiwan’, this is a modern, orderly covered market mostly full of clothing and fabric, though some of the cheap electronic goods that used…

  • Chattara Market

    Dire Dawa

    Chat is sold all over town, but the trade at the Chattara Market is so frenetic it deserves a look.

  • Old Palace

    Dire Dawa

    This large building is the former imperial residence of Haile Selassie. It's not open to the public and difficult to see from outside.

  • Juma'a Mosque

    Dire Dawa

    Juma'a Mosque is the city's largest mosque and a prominent landmark in the Megala neighbourhood.

  • Greek Orthodox Church

    Dire Dawa

    This modern, well-proportioned church is most notable for its two spires and yellow facade.

  • Bete Mikael Church

    Dire Dawa

    This colourful church, which lies near the Old Palace, is noted for its octagonal shape.

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