Addis Ababa means “New Flower", this sprawling capital city was founded by Emperor Menelik in 1887 and currently this vibrant city has a population of more than 5 million .Addis Ababa, fast growing Metropolitan is also diplomatic capital of Africa; it is the seat for African Union (AU), United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and many International organizations and more than 80 Embassies and diplomatic missions. Impressive monuments of colonial architecture are scattered among stretches of sun-bleached shacks. Of the city’s tourist attractions the National Museum, "Merkato" the largest open-air market on the continent, the Ethnological Museum and the Ba'ata Church known as Menelik Mausoleum are few to mention. Visitors may enjoy souvenir shopping and visits to special art galleries.
In Addis Ababa, hotel accommodation ranges from tourist class to luxury collection and varieties of restaurants serve delectable dishes from around the world. The lofty altitude of the world’s third-highest capital enjoys a mild, Afro-alpine climate. Temperate weather almost throughout the year interrupted by the occasional torrential down pours.
With one –two days distance from Addis Ababa, there are so many historical and cultural tourist attractions that can be a good choice both for international and domestic travelers. Melka-kunture prehistoric site, Adadi Mariam rock hewn church, Tiya world heritage site, Debrelibanos monastery and the Blue Nile gorge, Wonchi Crater lakes ,Bishoftu Crater lakes and ,Abijata-Shalla national park and Awassa town and its fabulous tourist sites are some of the major tourist attractions found around Addis Ababa.