Menelik II Square

The basics

There's not much to do at Menelik II Square, and the area gets a lot of traffic, so a tour that only passes by should be enough for most visitors. Your best bet is a quick visit as part of a larger tour of the city. Many tours of Addis Ababa drive by the square quickly, but if you choose a private tour, you should be able to get your driver to slow down enough for photos or even take you to the square on foot.

Things to know before you go

• Wheelchair users will find getting to Menelik II Square difficult.

• It’s best to avoid the square if political rallies are taking place.

• The area around the square gets lots of traffic, so take extreme care when crossing the street.

How to get there

Menelik Square is located in the Piazza neighborhood of central Addis Ababa, right by the Menelik II Square light rail station. While bus and light rail are the cheapest ways to get here, it's more comfortable and convenient to either come by taxi or join a tour that includes transportation from your hotel.

When to get there

If you want to avoid traffic, try to visit the square really early in the morning, before people have started their daily commutes, or late in the evening, after things have calmed down a bit. Keep in mind that public holidays and political rallies might draw crowds to the square and the surrounding areas, and plan accordingly.

Visiting Entoto Maryam Church

If you’re interested in learning more about Menelik II, be sure to visit the Entoto Maryam Church on Mt. Entoto in the northern outskirts of the city. The emperor commissioned this church, which is now a major pilgrimage site, in the 19th century, and his body is interred there with that of his wife, Empress Taytu, to this day. The church also has a small museum showcasing some of Menelik II's personal effects.