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Friendship Square

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Friendship Square (Ethiopia)

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Friendship Square is a prominent public park located in the heart of Addis Ababa, situated across from the Sheraton Hotel. It is a key component of the 'Beautifying Sheger' urban renewal project and was officially inaugurated in September 2020. Developed with support from the Chinese government, the park transformed a previously neglected riverside area into a world-class recreational space. Its features include a large ceremonial square, an artificial lake, an outdoor amphitheater, and choreographed fountains that perform light shows in the evenings. The square’s design is sleek and modern, providing expansive green areas that offer a sharp contrast to the capital's dense urban environment. Integrated museum spaces and pavilions within the park showcase Ethiopia's cultural heritage and its path toward modern development. Friendship Square is a popular gathering spot for residents and tourists alike, serving as a venue for major public holidays and state events. It stands as a symbol of Addis Ababa's modernization and the city's commitment to creating greener, more livable urban spaces. Controlled entry points ensure a safe and orderly environment for all visitors.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151718181818161616141414
Rain mm1227569089116239246145341613

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Friendship Square is a modern public square in Addis Ababa with gardens, water features, and recreation zones, freely accessible to everyone. The square is a popular meeting point for locals and tourists and can be visited at any time.
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Typical hours
The square is open 24/7 as a public space, but the water features are typically operational during the day. The best time to visit is late afternoon when the lighting creates a pleasant atmosphere.
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Photography
Photography is encouraged throughout the square, with the modern water features and manicured gardens providing great subjects. For shots of the fountains with the Addis Ababa skyline in the background, the golden hour is best.
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Time needed
A relaxed walk around the square and photographing the water features takes about 20 to 30 minutes. If you want to sit on one of the benches and enjoy the atmosphere, you can easily spend an hour here.
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Combine with
Friendship Square is located in central Addis Ababa, near the National Palace and the Science Museum. A visit to the nearby Entoto Park or the Merkato market is also recommended.
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Getting there
The square is centrally located and easily reachable by taxi or public bus. The nearest bus stop is a few minutes' walk away, and there is ample parking in the area.
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Insider tip
Visit the square in the evening when the lighting of the water features and trees creates a magical atmosphere. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy the evening breeze on the grass.

Geography

Coordinates
9.02000, 38.75000

Facts

  • Friendship Square was completed in only 11 months as part of the Sheger Riverside project.
  • The park covers an area of approximately 26 hectares (64 acres) in its first phase.
  • The amphitheater has a seating capacity for thousands of spectators.
  • Construction was financed by a grant from the Chinese government estimated at 160 million USD.
  • The park includes a dedicated science and technology museum pavilion.
  • A large artificial pond is used for both aesthetic purposes and water management.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Tiglachin MonumentTiglachin Monument<1 km · NWExplore →
St. George's Cathedral (Addis Ababa)St. George's Cathedral (Addis Ababa)1 km · EExplore →
Menelik II's Imperial PalaceMenelik II's Imperial Palace2 km · NExplore →
Grand Anwar MosqueGrand Anwar Mosque2 km · SEExplore →
Adey Abeba StadiumAdey Abeba Stadium2 km · WExplore →
Medhane Alem CathedralMedhane Alem Cathedral4 km · NWExplore →
Huajian Shoe FactoryHuajian Shoe Factory6 km · WExplore →
Gullele Botanical GardenGullele Botanical Garden6 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Friendship Square (9)

Tiglachin Monument

Monument to Ethiopian and Cuban soldiers from the Ogaden War.

Post Museum🏛 museum

Museum of postal history in Addis Ababa.

National Theatre

Ethiopian National Theatre in Addis Ababa.

Gola Park

Park in Addis Ababa, near Friendship Square.

Tewodros Square | teewoderose 'adabaabaaye

Monument square in Addis Ababa named after Emperor Tewodros.

Art Exhibition

Gallery with rotating art exhibitions in Addis Ababa.

Fekat circus artists association

Theatre and circus association in Addis Ababa.

Friendship Square🌳 park

Park in central Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The Africa Unbound Museum🏛 museum

Museum focusing on African history and culture.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Friendship Square?
A modern public park featuring fountains, gardens, and event spaces.
Is there an entrance fee?
Access is usually free or costs a small fee for the general public.
When is the best time to visit?
In the evening, when the fountains are illuminated and there is a light show.
Are there restaurants there?
Yes, there are cafes and restaurants offering both local and international cuisine.
Is it kid-friendly?
Absolutely, there is plenty of space to run and often play areas for children.
Friendship Square: where is it located?
Friendship Square is located in Ethiopia.
Friendship Square: what is there to see?
Highlights include Tiglachin Monument, Post Museum, National Theatre.
Friendship Square: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Friendship Square: why is it worth visiting?
Friendship Square is a prominent public park located in the heart of Addis Ababa, situated across from the Sheraton Hotel.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Addis Ababa — Friendship Square (Ethiopia)
Addis Ababa
The capital and largest city of Ethiopia, and the headquarters of the African Union.

History & landmarks

Tiglachin Monument — Friendship Square (Ethiopia)
Tiglachin Monument
A prominent memorial dedicated to Ethiopian and Cuban soldiers involved in the Ogaden War.
CBE Headquarters — Friendship Square (Ethiopia)
CBE Headquarters
The tallest building in Ethiopia, serving as the headquarters of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia.
Addis Ababa Stadium — Friendship Square (Ethiopia)
Addis Ababa Stadium
A multi-purpose stadium in the heart of Addis Ababa, serving as a major venue for football matches and athletic events.
Menelik II Monument — Friendship Square (Ethiopia)
Menelik II Monument
An equestrian statue of Emperor Menelik II, celebrating his victory at the Battle of Adwa.
Abune Petros Monument — Friendship Square (Ethiopia)
Abune Petros Monument
A statue commemorating Archbishop Abune Petros, an Ethiopian patriot executed during the Italian occupation.
Jubilee Palace — Friendship Square (Ethiopia)
Jubilee Palace
Built to mark Emperor Haile Selassie's Silver Jubilee, it now serves as the official residence of the President.
St. George&#39;s Cathedral — Friendship Square (Ethiopia)
St. George's Cathedral
An octagonal church in Addis Ababa, noted for its distinct architectural style and historical significance.
Red Terror Martyrs&#39; Memorial Museum — Friendship Square (Ethiopia)
Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum
A museum dedicated to the victims of the Derg regime's Red Terror campaign in the late 1970s.

Nature

Akaki River — Friendship Square (Ethiopia)
Akaki River
A small river near Addis Ababa.

More places

🗺️
Sheger Park Addis
A new urban park along the riverbank with play areas for children.
St. George&#39;s Cathedral (Addis Ababa) — Friendship Square (Ethiopia)
St. George's Cathedral (Addis Ababa)
An octagonal church commissioned by Emperor Menelik II in 1896 to commemorate the victory at Adwa against the Italians.
Unity Park Addis — Friendship Square (Ethiopia)
Unity Park Addis
A large theme park on the grounds of the Imperial Palace with a zoo and museums.
Addis Lion Zoo — Friendship Square (Ethiopia)
Addis Lion Zoo
A historic zoo especially known for the rare Abyssinian lions.
Menelik II&#39;s Imperial Palace — Friendship Square (Ethiopia)
Menelik II's Imperial Palace
Built in the late 19th century, this palace complex in Addis Ababa was the seat of Ethiopian emperors.
BGI Ethiopia Brewery — Friendship Square (Ethiopia)
BGI Ethiopia Brewery
One of the country's largest and oldest breweries, known for popular brands like St.
Huajian Shoe Factory — Friendship Square (Ethiopia)
Huajian Shoe Factory
A large factory by a Chinese manufacturer producing millions of shoes for export to Europe and America.
Gullele Botanical Garden — Friendship Square (Ethiopia)
Gullele Botanical Garden
A vast area for the conservation of Ethiopian flora with hiking trails.