Meskel Square

Many half-day and full-day tours of Addis Ababa, as well as layover tours designed for travelers just passing through the airport, visit Meskel Square, though some tours only pass by quickly or stop for a brief visit. Tours that visit the Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum, located right on the square, will give you more time here. Your best bet if you want a flexible experience is to opt for a private, customizable tour.

• Meskel Square is a must-visit if you’re in town for the Meskel Festival.

• Wheelchair users may have difficulty accessing the square without help from a companion. Check with your guide for details.

• Expect large crowds and loud music if you come during a religious festival or other public event.

To get to Meskel Square, you can take the light rail to the Estifanos/Meskel Square station or to the Stadium/Meskel Square station, or you can take a taxi. Many Addis Ababa tours will stop at the square, or at least pass by it, and typically include pickup from your hotel or from the airport.

You can visit the square whenever you want, but as many events take place there, it's a good idea to check in advance (local guides typically know what's going on). If you happen to be in town on September 27, consider attending the all-night Meskel Festival, an Ethiopian Orthodox festival that's been taking place for over a thousand years.

On the eastern side of Meskel Square, the Red Terror Martyrs’ Memorial Museum is a free museum that tells the story of a particularly dark time in Ethiopia’s recent history: the 1976–1978 Red Terror. This museum is an important site to visit, but it addresses some harrowing topics, including torture and mass execution. As such, it’s not suitable for young children.