Merkato

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

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

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

The recycling center is perhaps one of the most interesting places in Addis Ababa. Here trash is broken down to be used for new items. It's very chaotic so if you're a tourist, I strongly advice bringing a local guide.

Merkato in Addis Ababa is truly a world of its own—Africa’s largest open-air market, sprawling across multiple districts with thousands of vendors and endless alleys of goods. From spices and textiles to electronics and recycled materials, it’s a sensory overload of color, sound, and movement 🧺📦🌶️. Your observation is spot-on: it’s crowded, chaotic, and overwhelming without guidance. First-time visitors can easily get disoriented, and unfortunately, pickpocketing is a real concern, especially in the busiest sections. Locals often recommend hiring a trusted guide who knows the layout and can help navigate safely while offering cultural insights. Despite the challenges, Merkato offers a raw, authentic glimpse into Ethiopian commerce and daily life. It’s not a touristy souvenir spot—it’s a living, breathing ecosystem of trade and survival. If you go prepared, stay alert, and ideally go with someone familiar, it can be a fascinating experience.

Merkato is a large open-air market in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It is one of the largest markets in Africa and is known for its bustling atmosphere and wide variety of goods for sale. Merkato is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering everything from clothing and textiles to spices, electronics, and traditional handicrafts. It is a vibrant and colorful place where you can experience the sights, sounds, and smells of Ethiopian culture.

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.

Merkato is one of the largest and most vibrant open-air markets in Ethiopia, located in the heart of Addis Ababa. Known for its bustling atmosphere, this traditional market offers a wide variety of goods, from fresh produce and spices to clothing, electronics, and handmade crafts. Unlike modern shopping centers, Merkato operates primarily through in-person transactions, where buyers and sellers engage in face-to-face bargaining. Whether you're looking for everyday essentials or unique local products, you can find almost anything here. The market also plays a key role in Ethiopia’s economy, serving as a major hub for trade and commerce. Visiting Merkato provides not only a shopping experience but also a deep dive into Ethiopian culture and daily life.