Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Historic old town with authentic culture, legendary coffee, colonial architecture. Worth visiting during the day for the experience. Serious safety issues after dark. Go in the morning or early afternoon, leave for safer areas by evening.
Historic center with Italian colonial buildings, Ethiopia's oldest hotel (Taitu), and St. George's Cathedral. During the day it's busy with locals shopping, students at Tomoca coffee, tourists doing the historical sites. Has actual Ethiopian character that Bole doesn't. Traditional coffee at Tomoca (opened 1953), National Café, Oslo Café. Local restaurants serve cheap Ethiopian food. But it changes completely after dark. Sun sets around 6pm, vendors pack up, businesses close, streets empty fast. Bad lighting, less police, narrow alleys - real safety issues at night. Even Addis locals avoid walking here after dark. Come during the day for museums, coffee, architecture. Leave by late afternoon, go to Bole or Kazanchis for evening.
Daytime Safety
GoodNight Walking Safety
PoorHarassment Risk
HighPublic Transport Safety
ModeratePickpocketing Risk
HighScam Risk
HighPolice Visibility
ModerateEmergency Services
GoodEvening Venues
ModerateSolo Dining
GoodDrug Activity
ModerateHomelessness Visibility
HighGetting By in English
Moderate"Loved the coffee shops but left before dark"
"Busy and rough - stay alert"
"Good architecture and cheap food, sketchy at night"
"Got attention as a foreign woman, people were friendly during day"
"Only went with a local guide, wouldn't go alone"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
Transport hub with light rail station. Named after Mexico for supporting Ethiopia during Italian occupation. Commuter area, good for connections, not a destination. Fine to pass through during the day, skip at night.
University and government district with a historic monument. Safe during the day, student atmosphere, budget food. A sightseeing stop, not a base. Skip it for evening.
International business district near the airport with the best infrastructure for foreigners. English-speaking staff, modern setup, decent security. Lacks Ethiopian character and charges premium prices.
Help other women stay safe in Piazza
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.