Where to stay in Addis Ababa: a neighbourhood guide
Bole, Kazanchis, Piassa or Old Airport? A quick guide to the main Addis Ababa neighbourhoods and who each suits.
Where you base yourself in Addis Ababa shapes the whole trip — the city is big, and traffic means a badly-placed stay can cost you an hour a day. Here is how the main areas compare.
Bole
Closest to the airport and the most visitor-friendly: modern apartment buildings, cafés, restaurants and malls, and short airport transfers. A good default for a first visit or a short business trip. It is also the most developed and can feel less local than other areas.
Kazanchis and the city centre
Central and well-connected, close to the African Union, many embassies, hotels and conference venues. Convenient if your reason for the trip is meetings or sightseeing in the centre.
Piassa
The old heart of the city, with historic architecture, jewellery shops and long-standing cafés. Characterful and walkable, if busier and older than the newer districts.
Old Airport and the quieter districts
Leafy, diplomatic and calm, home to many international schools and residences. A good choice if you want quiet and space over nightlife and are happy to ride-hail into the centre.
A few things to know wherever you stay
- The altitude (around 2,355 m) means cool nights year-round — bring a layer.
- Carry cash in birr; card acceptance is limited outside larger hotels and restaurants.
- Ride-hailing apps are the easy way to get between neighbourhoods.
Once you know the area that fits, compare places to stay in Addis Ababa and pick one near where you’ll actually spend your days.