Bishoftu

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Top 10 attractions in Bishoftu

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Mount Entoto
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Ethiopia

Mount Entoto

5.9
4.9/5
29 reviews
Mount Entoto is the main peak of the Entoto Mountains that surround Addis Ababa. The summit is approx. 3,200 m above sea level, nearly 1,000 m higher than the city center below. It is noticeably cooler on the mountain, making it a rare, refreshing highland near the city. It is also the starting point of the city: Emperor Menelik II once established his capital here, building palaces and churches. Later, the court moved to the valley below, which was full of hot springs, and gradually developed into the Addis Ababa of today. You could say the entire city "walked down" from this hillside. Many of the sights on the mountain are connected to this history: the Palace of Menelik II still stands today, and you can see old royal artifacts in the attached exhibition. The Entoto Maryam Church, built during the same period, along with religious buildings like the Saint Raguel Church, are scattered among the trees, making this a holy mountain in the hearts of believers. The entire hillside is covered with eucalyptus forests introduced from Australia, known as the "lungs of Addis Ababa," and the forest trails are perfect for a leisurely hike. The summit also houses an observatory for the Ethiopian Space Science Society, with a telescope set up inside the dome, serving as an important base for astronomical observation in Ethiopia. On clear days, you can take in the entire city from the summit. It is windy and cold on the mountain, with a noticeable temperature difference from the city center, so it is recommended to bring a jacket before heading up. If you want to see the city skyline clearly, it is best to visit on days with clear air.Sululta · 49.7 km from Bishoftu
Bishoftu Lake

Bishoftu Lake

2
East Shewa · 2.8 km from Bishoftu
Meskel Square

Meskel Square

3.1
Meskel Square is a major transportation hub in Addis Ababa. It is next to the Red Horror Museum and the Estfanos light rail station, so the transportation is very convenient, and you can use public transportation to come here. This square is mainly used for special events, so it is usually very quiet, and there are many small cafes where you can go to sit, have a cup of coffee, and have a snack. During festivals, there will be many celebrations in Meskel Square, which is more lively and the atmosphere will be very good.Addis Ababa · 41 km from Bishoftu
Bole Airport Square

Bole Airport Square

2.8
Addis Ababa · 36.6 km from Bishoftu
Menelik II Square

Menelik II Square

2.8
5.0/5
1 reviews
Addis Ababa · 43.7 km from Bishoftu
Tafo Square

Tafo Square

2.4
Addis Ababa · 38.7 km from Bishoftu
Awash National Park

Awash National Park

3.3
4.5/5
2 reviews
Awash National Park is located in the lowlands east of Addis Ababa and spans the Awash River. It is one of the most well-maintained protected areas in Ethiopia. The Awash River is one of the main rivers in the Horn of Africa (HornofAfrica) region. It irrigates the main grain-producing areas of northeastern Ethiopia and then flows into the broad Danakil Depression. The majestic Awash Falls, formed when the river pours into the valley, is a must-see in the park. Filāwoha, a beautiful, clear thermal pond, is also a unique attraction. Awash National Park is a protected area of arid and semi-arid woodland and savannah, with river jungles along the Awash River, thanks to the majestic Fantale dormant volcano. There are 46 species of wild animals found in the park, including the East African right-horned antelope and the antelope. Birds mainly live along the river, and there are as many as 392 species of birds recorded. To the park as far as possible from the Addis - Assab (Addis-Assab) main road to go, there is a caravan inn called Kereyu Lodge on the edge of the canyon.Ethiopia · Afar Zone 3
Emperor Tewodros II Square

Emperor Tewodros II Square

2.4
Addis Ababa · 43.1 km from Bishoftu
Gulele Botanical Garden

Gulele Botanical Garden

2.5
Addis Ababa · 49.6 km from Bishoftu
Adwa Bridge

Adwa Bridge

2
Addis Ababa · 40.8 km from Bishoftu

Experiences you can't miss in Bishoftu

Featured Food & drink in Bishoftu

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Addis Ababa Debrezeit Day Trip with Lakefront Lunch
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Duration: 12 hrs
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FromPHP 10,156.80PHP 10,691.37
Addis Ababa: Debre Zeit Lakes & Areki Village Day Tour
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 8 hrs
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FromPHP 4,481.08PHP 4,716.93
1-day tour to Bishoftu Volcanic Lakes in Ethiopia
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FromPHP 13,640.64
City Tour with Cooking Class & Meal
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Duration: 7 hrs
English
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FromPHP 15,055.57PHP 15,847.97
Addis Ababa: Layover Tour with Merkato & Coffee Ceremony
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Duration: 4 hrs
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FromPHP 3,584.59PHP 3,773.26
Best Addis Ababa Half-Day Tour
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Duration: 5 hrs
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FromPHP 3,285.77PHP 3,458.71
Addis Ababa: Tour Coffee Ceremony with German-speaking guide
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Duration: 6 hrs
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FromPHP 5,914.78PHP 6,226.09
Addis Night Vibes: Jazz, City Lights & Coffee Ceremony
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Duration: 4 hrs
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FromPHP 3,285.77PHP 3,458.71

Featured Day tours in Bishoftu

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From Addis Ababa: Day Trip to Debre Zeit Lake Excursion Tour
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Duration: 7 hrs
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FromPHP 5,974.55PHP 6,289
Bishoftu Day Trip with Volcanic Crater Lakes
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FromPHP 8,961.49PHP 9,433.15
Bishoftu: Rift Valley Lakes Birdwatching Tour
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Duration: 5 hrs
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FromPHP 3,524.83PHP 3,710.35
Addis Ababa: Bishoftu Crater Lakes Tour with Boat Ride
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Duration: 5 hrs
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FromPHP 5,317.13PHP 5,596.98
Addis Ababa: Debre Zeyit Crater Lakes Half Day Trip
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Duration: 5 hrs
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FromPHP 10,037.27PHP 10,565.55
Bishoftu: Rift Valley Photography Tour with Boat Ride
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Duration: 5 hrs
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FromPHP 3,465.06PHP 3,647.44
Addis Ababa Day Trip to Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu
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Duration: 7–24 hrs
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FromPHP 11,889.33PHP 12,515.09

Featured Cultural experiences in Bishoftu

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Discover Addis Ababa:Museums,Churche,Markets,Landmarks & Coffee
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Duration: 1–6 hrs
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Addis Ababa: From Local Markets to National Museums
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5.0/5
· 3 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
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FromPHP 3,226.01PHP 3,395.8
Addis Ababa: Private Tour with Local Guide and Transfers
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Duration: 4 hrs
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FromPHP 3,883.42PHP 4,087.82
Best of Addis Ababa city tour
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 5 hrs
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FromPHP 4,182.25PHP 4,402.37

Free things to do in Bishoftu

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What travelers say about Bishoftu

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Pakistani TravelerDecember 24, 2019
5.0
A green location.. Serene and peaceful, overlooking the booming infrastructure of Addis baba, has some old churches and some traditional shops, a must visit in Addis baba

Mount Entoto

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_We***05February 5, 2021
5.0
it's a very nice status, if you visit it with a guide, he will tell you its story

Menelik II Square

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JOR PARISSeptember 27, 2022
5.0
very good location

Awash National Park

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Bishoftu?

Don't miss these attractions in Bishoftu: Mount Entoto, Bishoftu Lake, and Meskel Square. If you like Food & drink, try Addis Ababa Debrezeit Day Trip with Lakefront Lunch. If you enjoy Day tours, try From Addis Ababa: Day Trip to Debre Zeit Lake Excursion Tour.

You can give Addis Ababa Debrezeit Day Trip with Lakefront Lunch and Addis Ababa: Debre Zeit Lakes & Areki Village Day Tour a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include From Addis Ababa: Day Trip to Debre Zeit Lake Excursion Tour, Bishoftu Day Trip with Volcanic Crater Lakes, and Bishoftu: Rift Valley Lakes Birdwatching Tour. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 18, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Bishoftu is around PHP 3,465.06 – PHP 11,889.33. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.