Merkato
Market · Addis Ababa ·

Merkato

Market · Addis Ababa ·

Crafts, jewelry, spices, baskets, leather, coffee ceremony

chaotic atmosphere
local market
largest market in africa
watch your belongings
pickpockets
crowded
cultural experience
spices
Merkato by null
Merkato by null
Merkato by null
Merkato by null
Merkato by null
Merkato by null
Merkato by null
Merkato by null
Merkato by null
Merkato by null
Merkato by null
Merkato by null
Merkato by null
Merkato by null
Merkato by null
Merkato by null
Merkato by null
Merkato by null
Merkato by null
Merkato by null

Information

Dubai tera building, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Get directions

Restroom
Credit card accepted
Debit card accepted
Contactless accepted
Wheelchair accessible entrance

Information

Static Map

Dubai tera building, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Get directions

+251 96 372 7196

Features

•Restroom
•Credit card accepted
•Debit card accepted
•Contactless accepted
•Wheelchair accessible entrance
•Wheelchair accessible parking lot
•Wheelchair accessible restroom

Last updated

Jan 28, 2026

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2026 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@travelleisure
28,641 Postcards · 5,542 Cities

Ethiopia's Bale Mountains National Park

"An enormous open-air bazaar in Addis Ababa with narrow alleys and stalls of woven grass baskets, leather saddles, turmeric, dried beans, and more. The market features the traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony and offers a vibrant, fresh atmosphere." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/nature-travel/ethiopias-landscape-and-wildlife
Merkato
@cntraveler
42,481 Postcards · 5,685 Cities

Why ‘Irin Journal,’ a Magazine Dedicated to Cities in Africa, Should Be on Every Traveler’s Radar

"If you can handle the chaos and crowds, go to Mercato, the large open-air market."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/meet-the-woman-behind-irin-journal-a-magazine-dedicated-to-african-cities
Merkato
@cntraveler
42,481 Postcards · 5,685 Cities

The Only Non-Stop Flight from Chicago to Africa Will Begin in June

"Merkato is Africa’s largest outdoor market, known for its chaotic and vibrant atmosphere."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/the-only-non-stop-flight-from-chicago-to-africa-will-begin-in-june
Merkato

pixel V.

Google
If you really want to see how Ethiopians live their daily lives through shopping, visit Merkato Market. It is a bustling, crowded, bustling market that may seem chaotic but if you are patient enough, you will find many interesting things here. Almost everything is available and sold in sections so it is also called systematic. Be careful not to get lost or pickpocketed.

joseph A.

Google
This place is a local market, which is good for the experience but not practical for a person that is travelling you won't find anything good to buy you will stand out from the crowd and the kids will hassle and accompany you for at least a kilometer asking for money. This for me was more of a been there thing than enjoyment

Hadyr K

Google
Be ready for all cultural shock But you will love it if you want to discover Ethiopia really side I bought my shield there

Abdulhafiz A.

Google
The layout is a mess, very easy to get lost. However, if you somehow mange to navigate and aren't afraid to ask for directions endless times, you can find anything and everything here at a great price. From bulk wholesalers to retailers everyone is here, if only they'd get a bit less aggressive on their sales at time.

M B

Google
Nice place, one has to watch out for their belongings. The people are nice

C R.

Google
The largest market in Africa I didn't find it to be anything special. I didn't feel as big or as busy as Khan El Khaleli in Cairo, for example. Still, a lot of shops selling all kinds of things I was told many many times to watch for pickpockets, especially working in pairs, so, I'm telling you.

Melanie N.

Google
A beautiful way to experience Ethiopian culture but not without its risks. You can find lovely trinkets, insense, spice, fresh produce & lots of locally produced goods. The market has many people looking for an opportunity so keep your belongings out of sight. It is chaotic, massive crowds & narrow paths with high traffic. You need very comfortable walking shoes due to uneven ground & be weary of surroundings. Many people walking past with heavy loads of metal, steel pipes etc, it's easy to hurt if you are not mindful. Vehicle also make a route through these narrow ways. The experience can be quite overwhelming if you're not prepared for it.

Alvin M.

Google
Merkato market is a busy stretch of people selling their items on the street. It can be chaotic, but this central marketplace is the livelihood for many people in and around the city of Addis Ababa. Many items are traded, ranging from khat to steel to spices.