Ethiopia’s capital, ‘Addis,’ as it’s often simply known, is the world’s third-highest capital city at 2,400 meters, and has worn its heart on its sleeve since it was founded by Emperor Menelik.

By James Jeffrey (CNN) |

Rambunctious, manic, beguiling, exciting — it’s hard to accurately describe Addis Ababa.

Ethiopia‘s capital, which translates as “New Flower” in the country’s Amharic language, shows little sign of losing its youthful, lusty edge and is the pulsing heart of this eclectic nation’s resurgence as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

“Addis,” as it’s often simply known, is the world’s third-highest capital city at 2,400 meters, and has worn its heart on its sleeve since it was founded by Ethiopian Emperor Menelik about 1892.

Life is lived very much outdoors on its bustling streets thanks to comfortable temperate weather boosted by months of nonstop sunshine.

“Perhaps the highest praise one can direct at this chaotic, contradictory and compelling city is this: Addis Ababa does feel exactly as the Ethiopia capital should feel — singularly and unmistakably Ethiopian,” says travel writer Philip Briggs.

Here’s 10 of the best things to check out when you travel to Addis.

1. Black gold

Addis Ababa best things coffee Tomoco

Ethiopia is famous for its coffee and Tomoca is one of the oldest joints in town. James Jeffrey

It’s impossible to separate Ethiopian culture — that unparalleled Ethiopian-ness — from coffee.

This is the land of the finest Arabica coffee — as legend would have it, discovered by an Ethiopian shepherd boy and his goats sometime around the sixth century.

And Addis is the city of cafés, traditional coffee stalls in bars and restaurants, and women walking the streets with thermos flasks — all dispensing potent high-quality coffee.

All modes of coffee distribution are worth trying, though you may struggle to sleep for some time afterward.

One of the city’s first roasters and deserving of legendary status is the original Tomoca Coffee shop off Churchill Avenue (Tomoca, Wawel St, Addis Ababa; +251 91 122 1412).

Alem Bunna off Bole Road is another traditional favorite, while Kaldi’s Coffee chain offers a more modern, Starbucks-esque experience, popular with hip and trendy young things. (Kaldi’s Coffee, Sarbet Adams Pavillion Building, Roosevelt St, Addis Ababa; +251 11 371 4258)

Extra tip: The delicious Ethiopian version of a macchiato is worth a try — many foreigners confess to being unable to start their days without two of them. Or you could ask for a spriss, which is half coffee and half tea.

2, Local art and fashion

Addis Ababa best things art

Addis Ababa’s arts scene is thriving. Makush Art Gallery is a popular draw. James Jeffrey

Ethiopia’s expanding art scene is aptly demonstrated by the 600-plus painting collection at Makush Art Gallery off Bole Road.
Another good spot is Asni Gallery and Café in Kebena. Many hotels, such as the Hilton and Radisson Blu, do a good job of displaying impressive works by local artists.
When it comes to fashion, Ethiopian designers like to combine the old with the new as illustrated by the Mafi label of Mahlet Afework, one of the best known and most daring designers.
Yefikir Design specializes in Ethiopia’s traditional style of white cotton with strips of intricate colourful patterns along edges. (Yefikir Design, Africa Ave, Addis Ababa; +251 93 003 5109)
Extra tip: When it comes to shopping, the Mercato market — one of Africa’s largest — occupies a swathe of the city easily missed by tourists. It’s an eyeful to say the least, in which anything appears to be available, though it’s best go with an Ethiopian guide, and with a watchful eye on your pockets.

3. Dancing

Ethiopians are superb dancers. Regardless of age, all Ethiopians appear to relish the chance to hit the dance floor (or turn any location into a dance floor). And they love it when a foreigner joins in, or at least tries to.
At night — especially at the weekend — the city’s old central Piazza neighborhood becomes a hedonistic warren of tight alleys throbbing with neon lit bars emitting booming music styles from across the country. Ask for Jambo House or Arada if you want to see locals letting their hair down in style (the latter being particularly popular with boisterous, energetic student-types)
You can’t beat finding a so-called “azmari bet” for live music and to witness the wild, eye-popping traditional iskista dance of the Amhara people.

The city’s evolving music scene will keep you guessing with its variety, ranging from Ethio-Jazz — the African Jazz Village bar at the Ghion Hotel close to Meskal Square offers one of the best examples of this Ethiopian speciality — to Amharic rap pumping out of bars and nightclubs. (Ghion Hotel, Ras Desta Damtew Av. Addis Ababa; +251 115 513 222)

Continue reading this story at CNN

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