Does Addis, the restaurants and bars close early on Sunday night? We will be arriving at 7:30 for a 14 hour layover and some have told us it's 1) too late to get some food, get a feel of the city and 2) that we should have transportation arranged when we arrive (due to safety reasons). For anyone who's been in Addis recently, what do you think? Thanks!
Edited by: wanderinglewis
Addis is very safe and it's easy to get a taxi from the airport. Just have an idea of the price, and negotiate for it, before you get in.
I wonder if the person who told you this is thinking of Nairobi or somewhere else? I have been to Addis a few times over the past few years, including in December, when I arrived in the middle of the night with my preschooler. So there we were, an American mom and kid, in the middle of the night in Addis--and we were more than fine.
We were in a restaurant one night and last orders were around 10pm, and another night in the Yod Abbysinia (cultural food and dance) and they were still serving food after 11pm. Think the show finished about 11.30.
The only place I would avoid late at night would be around the Piazza area. Everywhere else I felt perfectly safe. Obviously as in any country, using normal cautionary practise is wise.
Bethspoon
Hi,
All I can say from my 2 visits in Ethiopia is that Addis is a pretty save city, even during the night. I would even consider the Piazza area save at night.
For a taxi from the airport to Piazza 30-40 Birr is a good price as taxis are more expensive at night time. The best place for bars and restaurants is definitely Bole road - there's plenty and it's not far from the airport. Nearly the whole stretch of Bole Rd. from the airport to Meskel Square is full of bars, clubs and restaurants.
One of my favourite is Habesha restaurant in Bole Rd. They serve excellent traditional food and you'll enjoy the traditional entertainment. Have a look at: http://www.habesharestaurant-addis.com/
They're open til 2 a.m. and I think even on Sundays.
If you're after party and dancing try the Platinum Club: www.platinumaddis.com
Have fun !