Experience the Vibrant Essence of Merkato
Discover the vibrant energy of Merkato, Addis Ababa's largest market, where culture, cuisine, and commerce come together in a bustling atmosphere.
A brief summary to Merkato
- Dubai tera building, Addis Ababa, Addis Ketema, ET
- +251912502236
Merkato is the largest market in Addis Ababa, a bustling hub of activity that embodies the vibrant culture and spirit of Ethiopia. Here, tourists can wander through an endless maze of stalls, each offering a diverse array of goods, from spices and coffee to textiles and handcrafted jewelry. The market is a sensory delight, with the rich aroma of traditional Ethiopian dishes wafting through the air and the sounds of lively bargaining providing a soundtrack to your shopping experience. As you explore, take the opportunity to interact with local vendors who are often eager to share stories and insights about their products and the rich heritage behind them. In addition to shopping, Merkato is an excellent place to indulge in authentic Ethiopian cuisine. Numerous food stalls serve up delicious dishes, including injera, a sourdough flatbread, served with a variety of stews and vegetables. Don't miss the chance to try local specialties like doro wat and kitfo, which are sure to tantalize your taste buds. For a more immersive experience, consider joining a cooking class offered by local chefs who can teach you how to prepare these traditional dishes yourself. Visiting Merkato is not just about shopping; it's about experiencing daily Ethiopian life. The market is a microcosm of the city, where locals come to buy their daily necessities, making it an ideal place for tourists to observe the local way of life. Whether you're hunting for unique souvenirs, sampling delicious food, or simply soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, Merkato promises an unforgettable experience that showcases the heart and soul of Addis Ababa.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to experience the market at its most active and vibrant.
- Bargain for the best prices, as haggling is a common practice in the market.
- Don't forget to try street food; it's often delicious and very affordable.
- Be mindful of your belongings, as busy markets can attract pickpockets.
- Take your time exploring; the market is vast and full of hidden gems.
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.
Attractions Nearby to Merkato
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Minalesh Tera marketplace | Merkato | ምናለሽ ተራ የገበያ ማዕከል | መርካቶ
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Grand Anwar Mosque
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ቆጪ ገበያ | kochigebya
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Imperial Square
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ጣልያን ሰፈር
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Abune Petros Memorial | Piazza | የአቡነ ጴጥሮስ ሐውልት | ፒያሳ
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Sebastopol mortar monument
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Emperor Tewodros II Square
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St. George Church
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ምኒልክ አደባባይ | Menelik Square
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MInilik II Square | ዳግማዊ ምኒልክ አደባባይ
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Menilik ll Square | ዳግማዊ ምንሊክ አደባባይ
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Adwa 00KM Museum
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Piassa amanuel church
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Derg Monument
Landmarks nearby to Merkato
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Adere Sefer / አደሬ ሰፈር
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Fekat Circus
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Golla Art Gallery
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Zebra Gallery | Piazza | ዜብራ ጋለሪ | ፒያሳ
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Diaspora Park
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Piassa, Degol Square
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Ethio-cuba
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Serategna Sefer | ሰራተኛ ሰፈር
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OLI Tower | ኦሊ ታወር, MOFA Ethiooia
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Lion of Judah Monument
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The Picnic Basket
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ARBA DEREJA አርባ ደረጃ
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Ambassador Park
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Addis Ababa,Ethiopia
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river side park