Recently, the famous streamer IShowSpeed visited Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as part of his Africa tour. Incredibly, his vibrant stream from the city was ranked by his fans as the highest and fan-favorite of his entire trip! The energy he captured is the same energy we live every day. Let’s explore some of the iconic neighborhoods he experienced.
Meskel Square – The City’s Living Room & Main Crossroads
Meskel Square is more than a square; it’s the pulse of the city. It’s where people gather for massive religious festivals, sporting events, concerts, demonstrations and public celebrations. Think of it as Addis Ababa’s main stage and central gateway. From here, roads spread out to every major area: Bole, Megenagna, Arat Kilo, Piassa, Mexico, and Saris.
Around the Ambassador / CBE Building – The Modern Business Heart
This is the skyline of modern Addis. Dominated by the tallest building in Ethiopia, the CBE Tower, this area is the nation’s financial engine. It blends the new with the old, hosting famous historic hotels like the Ethiopia Hotel and Harambe Hotel, as well as landmarks like the Ambassador Theatre and the Ministry of Defense Office. The corridor from Ambassador (Bherawi) to Mexico is the city’s undisputed Central Business District (CBD), home to head offices of major banks like Dashen Bank, National Bank of Ethiopia, Awash Bank, NIB Bank, Zemen Bank, and Hibret Bank, plus the Addis Ababa University School of Commerce. While the corridor from Ambassador to Stadium along the square is also becoming a calmer, developed zone with riverside projects and the serene Ghion Hotel grounds. Gandhi Hospital, Red cross and the memorable national stadium is also located in this area.
National Palace Area – Quiet, Official & Historic
This secure, leafy neighborhood is home to the Prime Minister’s office. Steeped in history, it was the residence of Emperor Haile Selassie, and different presidents over different period of times. The late President Sahle-Work Zewde was the last head of state to live there. Beyond politics, you’ll find the historic Zewditu Hospital and the natural Fil-Wha Hot Spring. It’s a peaceful area of major official and historical significance.
Friendship Park – The New Green Oasis & Development Hub
One of the city’s newest jewels, Friendship Park sits proudly in front of the Sheraton Addis Hotel and near the Prime Minister’s office, Parliament and Abrhot Library. More than just a beautiful park, it’s now a thriving epicenter for premium real estate development. New residential and commercial projects are rising here, offering stunning views of the park and the redesigned riverside, making it a top-tier choice for modern living.
Piassa – The Historic Old Town, Reborn
Piassa is the historic heart of Addis Ababa, where the city’s story began. Today, it’s a fascinating mix of old Italian-style architecture and exciting new development, with modern commercial buildings, apartments, and hotels rising alongside the riverside. Don’t miss the new Adwa National Museum (Adwa 00 project). A fun fact: Ethiopia’s official “00 km” marker, from which all national road distances are measured, is located right here in Piassa!
Merkato – The Organized Chaos
Welcome to “Merkato” – which literally means “Market” in Italian – one of Africa’s largest open-air markets. It is an overwhelming, thrilling, and endless maze where you can find absolutely anything. It’s a 100% commercial powerhouse and a vivid, unforgettable experience of Addis Ababa’s trading soul.
What’s Your Addis Story?
If you have any special memories in these places, let us know in the comment section below!
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