Ethiopian Airlines runs one of Africa's busiest hubs at Bole. If you're connecting through Addis Ababa with a few hours — or a full night — to spare, here's how to spend it.

If you have 3 hours

Stay close to the airport. A guided coffee ceremony at a heritage café, a quick stop at the Merkato market for spices, and you're back in 2 hours.

If you have 6 hours

• National Museum of Ethiopia — meet "Lucy", the 3.2-million-year-old hominid fossil.
• Holy Trinity Cathedral — stunning architecture and royal tombs.
• Lunch at Yod Abyssinia — a sampler of injera and traditional dishes.

If you have an overnight

Check into a 4-star hotel near Bole, catch a cultural dinner show, and start the next morning with a drive up Entoto Hill for sweeping views over Addis.

Practical tips

• Most travelers qualify for an Ethiopia eVisa — apply 48 hours before arrival.
• Ethiopian Birr (ETB) is the local currency. Cards work in major hotels but carry cash for markets.
• Addis sits at 2,355 m — pace yourself, drink water, skip strenuous activity.

Harmaz Travel runs guaranteed-return layover tours from Bole — we meet you at arrivals and have you back at the gate well before boarding.