Controlled chaos. Amazingly fun to experience.

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.

It’s actually quite hard to write a review of this place. It’s huge, you may find everything here. But it’s really hard for tourists - both to find interesting things to buy (without a guide) and when it comes to your safety. As three girls we didn’t feel safe and finally even our guide who was with us decided that we need to leave this place earlier we thought at first. Basically - good place for shopping if you know where to go but be careful about your personal belongings all the time.

Merkato, Africa's largest open-air market, features the bustling Dubai Tera district – a commercial hub specializing in wholesale clothing trade. This vibrant area attracts retailers, vendors, and international buyers seeking diverse apparel, including traditional Ethiopian garments, modern fashion, bulk textiles, and accessories at competitive prices. As a critical node in regional supply chains, its warehouses and storefronts drive significant economic activity. However, narrow alleys and high foot traffic often lead to congestion, slowing operations. Strategic urban planning, infrastructure upgrades, and streamlined logistics could improve efficiency while preserving the market’s unique commercial vitality and cultural significance.

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.

Eye opening to see something different from your conventional tourist attractions. Merkato is huge, wild, crowded, warm, colourful, busy, chaotic and more. There is a vast array of products here and you need patience to browse and find what you are interested in. You may feel exhilarated or overwhelmed depending on your appetite for adventure and curiosity.

The area was laid out in a grid pattern during the Italian occupation, and the streets are laid out in a grid pattern. It is said that you can find almost anything here, but beware of pickpockets. The markets are laid out with different products in each area, so it is easy to get lost if you are not familiar with the area. There is also a lot of construction work going on in the area, so there is a lot of traffic congestion. # Addis Ababa # Ethiopia