Discover the Vibrancy of Merkato: Addis Ababa's Largest Market
Explore Merkato, Addis Ababa's vibrant market, where the rich culture of Ethiopia comes alive through local crafts, delicious cuisine, and a lively atmosphere.
Merkato is an expansive market in Addis Ababa, brimming with vibrant colors, local crafts, and authentic Ethiopian cuisine. A place where culture and commerce meet, it offers a unique glimpse into daily life in the city. Visitors can wander through stalls filled with spices, textiles, and handmade goods, making it a must-visit spot for tourists seeking an authentic Ethiopian experience.
A brief summary to Merkato
- Dubai tera building, Addis Ababa, Addis Ketema, ET
- +251912502236
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to experience the market at its busiest and most lively.
- Bring cash, as many vendors do not accept credit cards.
- Don’t hesitate to negotiate prices; bargaining is a common practice.
- Try some local snacks from the street vendors for an authentic taste of Ethiopian cuisine.
- Keep an eye on your belongings, as the market can be crowded.
Getting There
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Walking
If you're starting from the center of Addis Ababa, make your way to Menelik II Square. From there, head southwest towards the intersection with Ras Bitwaddad Tesemma Street. Continue straight until you reach the intersection with Bole Road. Turn left onto Bole Road and walk for about 1 kilometer until you see the signs for Merkato. Continue on Bole Road until you reach the Dubai Tera building, which houses Merkato.
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Walking
From the Addis Ababa University, exit the campus and head north towards the main road. Turn left onto the main road and walk straight until you reach the intersection with Ras Bitwaddad Tesemma Street. Turn right and continue straight for about 500 meters. You will see the Dubai Tera building on your left. Merkato is located within this building.
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Public Transport (Minibus)
If you're near Arada, take a minibus heading to Merkato. Look for a minibus with 'Merkato' displayed on the front. The minibus will take you directly to the market area. Once you arrive, ask the driver to drop you off at Dubai Tera building, which is the main landmark for Merkato.
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Walking
From the Mercato area, if you're already nearby, walk towards the large busy market area. Head towards the Dubai Tera building, which is quite prominent. You can ask locals for directions to Merkato if needed, as it is a well-known location.
Discover more about Merkato
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Fekat Circus
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Golla Art Gallery
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Abune Petros Memorial | Piazza | የአቡነ ጴጥሮስ ሐውልት | ፒያሳ
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Zebra Gallery | Piazza | ዜብራ ጋለሪ | ፒያሳ
1.5 km
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Diaspora Park
1.5 km
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ምኒልክ አደባባይ | Menelik Square
1.6 km
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MInilik II Square | ዳግማዊ ምኒልክ አደባባይ
1.6 km
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Menilik ll Square | ዳግማዊ ምንሊክ አደባባይ
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Piassa, Degol Square
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Derg Monument
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Dilachin Monument
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Ethio-cuba
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Serategna Sefer | ሰራተኛ ሰፈር
2.0 km
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OLI Tower | ኦሊ ታወር, MOFA Ethiooia
2.2 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Grand Anwar Mosque
0.4 km
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Imperial Square
0.7 km
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ጣልያን ሰፈር
1.1 km
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Sebastopol mortar monument
1.5 km
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Emperor Tewodros II Square
1.6 km
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St. George Church
1.6 km
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Adwa 00KM Museum
1.7 km
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tourism ethiopia
1.9 km
Discover Ethiopia's literary heritage at the National Library, a haven for culture and knowledge in the heart of Addis Ababa.
Entoto Park
2.1 km
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Eden Art Gallery
2.2 km
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BGI Ethiopia St. George Brewery
2.3 km
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Sheger Lake
2.3 km
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Water Fountain Show
2.5 km
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Friendship Park
2.5 km
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Friendship Park - 2
2.7 km
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Essential places to dine
Keffa cafe and restaurant
0.5 km
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GEJA SEFER ER
1.4 km
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Restaurant
1.5 km
Experience authentic Ethiopian seafood at this charming fish restaurant in Addis Ababa's vibrant Arada district.
Castelli's Restaurant | piasa | ካስትል ሬስቶራንት | ፒያሳ
1.6 km
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Ye Shewa restaurant
1.6 km
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Arada Giyorgis
1.6 km
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ዞብል
1.7 km
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Fasika Bar&Res.
1.7 km
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Omna Bar and Restaurant
1.8 km
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Kaffa Coffee Bare And Resturant P L C
1.8 km
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Addis Ababa Restaurant | Piazza |
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Wina Juice & burger
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Feresula Trading
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REKIK BAR AND RESTAURANT
2.1 km
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Kaku Mame Restaurant | Lideta | ካኩ ማሜ ሬስቶራንት | ልደታ
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Gojjam Berenda Building
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ሰች ፖራኦሊዮ Such Paraolio
1.0 km
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Shoa Super Market
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Enzirt
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Piyasa
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Gebrekidan Souvenirs And Ethiopian Artifacts Gallery
1.7 km
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AfroStore
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Agmas Medical Equipment Importer & Distributor
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Tsehay perfumery and cosmetics
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Piazza Arada building 3rd floor
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Astopia
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G store Zewiditu building piassa Addis ababa
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Hewi Souvenir
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All In One Souvenir & Gift Shop
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Girma Souviner Shop
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Abaziyo Bar And Restaurant | Sebategna | አባዚዮ ባርና ሬስቶራንት | ሰባተኛ
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Mekdi lounge
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Pension Bar
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Foalklands Pub
1.8 km
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Girar Bar
1.8 km
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Sunshine Bar | Piazza | ሰንሻይን ባር | ፒያሳ
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Old Town Lounge+bar
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Fun Zone Lounge
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Mehal arada view bar and restaurant
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አብዛ ግሮሰሪ
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Che Bar & Restaurant
2.0 km
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2.4 km
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SHEWA Bar and Restaurant
2.4 km
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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0.4 km
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1.6 km
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1.7 km
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Gonder hotel Addis Ababa | ጐንደር ሆታል አዲስ አበባ ፒያሳ
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meeee sooo sburat camadonn
1.9 km
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Club Illusion
2.3 km
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Diamond Lounge
2.7 km
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M Street
2.9 km
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Student's Lounge
3.0 km
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Shemuma Pub
3.3 km
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Wakanda Ultra Lounge | Haya Hulet | ዋካንዳ አልትራ ላዉንጅ | ሃያ ሁለት
5.3 km
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The platinum night club
5.3 km
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Bar Melo | Chichinya | ባር ሜሎ |
5.3 km
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Club H2O | Hayahulet | ክለብ ኤች ቱ ኦ | ሀያ ሁለት
5.5 km
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The wave club & lounge
5.5 km
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