Things To Do
in Asmara
Asmara, Eritrea sits on a high plateau at roughly 2,300 meters, where a cool, spring-like climate persists year-round. The city is a living museum of Italian-era modernist and Art Deco architecture, with wide boulevards, pastel-colored buildings, and palm-lined avenues. Its historic districts blend African, Arab, and European influences, reflecting a storied past and a resilient present.
From panoramic hilltop views to graceful churches and cafes, Asmara offers a poised, compact urban experience that makes a strong impression on first-time visitors.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Fiat Tagliero Building, an architectural marvel that represents modernist design in Eritrea. After soaking in the unique structure, stroll through the vibrant streets of Asmara, where you'll find local cafés serving traditional Eritrean coffee. As you sip your coffee, take in the lively atmosphere and interact with friendly locals.
Visit the National Museum of Eritrea, where you can explore exhibits that showcase the rich history and cultural heritage of the country. Afterward, head to the famous Cinema Astra, an art deco cinema that reflects Asmara's cinematic history. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling local dishes like zighni and injera.
As the sun sets, take a walk through the bustling streets to experience the vibrant nightlife of Asmara. Stop by one of the local bars for a refreshing drink, perhaps trying an Eritrean beer or a traditional honey wine. Finish your evening with a delightful dinner at a popular restaurant, enjoying local delicacies while listening to traditional music.
Begin your day at the bustling Medhanie Alem Market, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and aromas of Eritrean spices, textiles, and handicrafts. Engage with local vendors who are happy to share stories about their products and the culture behind them. Don’t forget to sample some freshly baked bread from one of the street vendors as you explore the market.
After exploring the market, visit the nearby Asmara Cathedral, a stunning example of neo-Romanesque architecture that offers a glimpse into the spiritual life of the city. Spend your afternoon wandering through the streets lined with Italian colonial buildings, taking photos of the unique architectural styles that define Asmara. Stop for lunch at a local eatery, enjoying a plate of shiro or ful with freshly made flatbread.
As evening falls, take a leisurely stroll through the city, enjoying the cool breeze and the charming ambiance of Asmara at dusk. Visit a local café to sip on a cup of traditional Eritrean coffee, savoring the rich flavors and social atmosphere. To wrap up your day, indulge in dinner at a restaurant known for its delicious seafood dishes, reflecting the country’s coastal heritage.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🚕Taxi ride (short distance) | $2-6 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a cafe | $1-3 |
| 🏨1 night in mid-range hotel | $60-100 |
| 📶Local SIM card/data plan | $6-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Remarkable Italian-era architecture and photogenic streets
- Cool climate and walkable city center
- Warm hospitality and a compact, easy-to-navigate city
- Limited nightlife and fewer modern tourist facilities
- Occasional travel logistics challenges (ATM access, card payments)
- Limited English signage in some neighborhoods
- "Selam" - Hello
- "Shukran" - Thank you
- "Min fadlak" - Please
- "Marhaba" - Welcome/Hello (Arabic)
- "La shukran" - No, thank you (Arabic)
Places to Visit in Asmara
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide boulevards, pastel buildings, and symmetry that make for striking architectural photography, especially in the early morning or late afternoon light.
Plaza scenes with domes and arches; captures the serenity of religious architecture amid city life.
Elevated viewpoints over the city for wide-angle shots of Asmara’s skyline and horizon.
Candid street photography opportunities with locals enjoying coffee, conversations, and daily routines.
Food in Asmara
Asmara Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A spicy meat stew served on a bed of sour flatbread. Shared among diners, it’s a staple and a must-try experience.
Must-Try!
Hearty lentil dish simmered with tomatoes, onions, and spices; a popular vegetarian option.
A thick chickpea or lentil puree cooked with oil and spices, often enjoyed with injera.
A rich chicken stew with hard-boiled eggs, typically served with injera; a flavorful traditional choice.
A customary coffee ritual featuring roasted beans, brewed coffee, and toasted spices to finish a meal.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling market area to sample fresh produce, spices, breads, and casual street bites; great for people-watching and small tastings.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite handshake with eye contact is common. Address elders with respect and greetings appropriate to local norms.
Dress modestly in public spaces; shoulders and knees should be covered, especially in religious or formal settings.
Ask before photographing people or sacred spaces; some places may require consent or have restrictions.
If invited into a home, bring a small gift or partake in tea or coffee; accept offers as a sign of goodwill.
Safety
Tipping in Asmara
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected; round up bills or leave small tips for service staff if you’re satisfied. For guides or private drivers, a modest tip at the end of a day is common.
Cash is widely used; local Nakfa (ERN) is common for local purchases. US dollars are accepted in some hotels and larger shops. Credit/debit cards are not widely accepted, and ATMs are limited outside major centers. Mobile money systems are not universally available.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
June–August brings warm days with cool nights due to high elevation. Carry water, sun protection, and light layers; air can be dry and breezy.
Occasional showers, patchy humidity, and some road conditions can occur. Pack a lightweight rain shell and check travel times during wetter periods.
Mild, comfortable days with clear skies; great for outdoor exploration and photography; nights remain cool.
Asmara at Night
Hiking in Asmara
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle climbs along the city’s surrounding ridges offering panoramic views of Asmara and the plateau beyond.
Short trails through foothill landscapes allow close contact with local flora and quiet landscapes just outside the urban core.
Airports
How to reach Asmara by plane.
Main gateway to Eritrea, located a short drive from the city center; international and domestic flights operate here.
Coastal air gateway serving the Red Sea region; useful for coastal trips but farther from Asmara.
Red Sea regional airport serving the southern coast; generally used for regional travel and longer overland routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant linguistic and cultural group in Asmara, with strong ties to the city’s history and contemporary life.
Communities with ties to the region and trade networks; language and cultural influences vary by area.
Visitors and expatriates who contribute to the city’s cosmopolitan atmosphere and hospitality.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; local leagues and informal matches are common in urban areas.
Long-distance running and training are favored by many residents, with routes around the city suitable for joggers.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Asmara.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Rely on lentil, chickpea, and bean wats; specify no meat to ensure vegetarian preparation; many places offer Shiro and Misr as staples.