Merkato, Addis Ababa: How to Visit and What to Do Nearby

Merkato occupies roughly 7,000 square meters in the Addis Ketema district of Addis Ababa and is considered the largest open-air market in Africa. Originally laid out by the Italian occupation administration in the 1930s, the market is divided into specialized sections—spice, leather, metalwork, recycled goods, and livestock—each operating in its own cluster of alleys and stalls. The spice section alone carries dozens of varieties of berbere pepper blends, turmeric, and Ethiopian frankincense. The market operates daily but is busiest on Saturdays, with an estimated 13,000 vendors on peak days. is just one of many options in Addis Ababa. Major attractions worth considering include Entoto Maryam Church, Entoto Natural Park, and Gullele Botanical Garden.