Things To Do
in Edd
Edd is a small inland town in southern Eritrea set against arid plains with distant hills on the horizon. It functions as a local market hub where nearby villages trade goods and daily life unfolds at a slower, intimate pace. The landscape is rugged and sunbaked, offering stark beauty and wide, open skies.
Visitors should expect warm Eritrean hospitality, authentic cultural experiences, and a chance to see life beyond the country’s larger cities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Asmara International Airport and take a taxi to your hotel in the city center. After checking in, enjoy a traditional Eritrean breakfast at a local cafe, savoring the flavors of injera and shiro. Take some time to relax and acclimate to the city's elevation before heading out for exploration.
Spend the afternoon exploring the unique architecture of Asmara, known for its Italian colonial buildings and Art Deco style. Visit the National Museum of Eritrea, which houses significant artifacts and exhibitions on Eritrean culture and history. Don’t forget to stop by the vibrant markets to experience local life and perhaps pick up a few souvenirs.
Dine at a local restaurant where you can enjoy Eritrean cuisine, accompanied by traditional music and dance. The atmosphere is lively, and it’s a great way to engage with locals and other travelers. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll through the illuminated streets to appreciate the city's charm at night.
Start your day with a fresh coffee, a staple in Eritrean culture, before setting out to visit the famous Fiat Tagliero Building, an iconic piece of modernist architecture. Then, head to the nearby St. Joseph's Cathedral, a stunning example of early 20th-century religious architecture. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance as you take in the intricate details and the history behind the site.
After lunch, make your way to the Asmara Cathedral, a majestic structure with beautiful stained glass windows that tell the story of Christianity in Eritrea. Spend some time at the local craft markets, where you can find handmade jewelry and woven baskets that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the country. Engage with local artisans and learn about their crafts.
Have dinner at a rooftop restaurant offering breathtaking views of the city as the sun sets. Try local dishes that highlight the variety of spices used in Eritrean cuisine. Wrap up your day by enjoying some live music or a cultural performance at a local venue.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-15 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $0.50-3 |
| 🚕Taxi ride (short distance) | $1-6 |
| 🏨Midrange hotel per night | $25-75 |
| 🧭Local market souvenirs | $2-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic cultural experiences away from tourist crowds
- Friendly locals and a slower, relaxed pace
- Limited direct flight options and infrastructure outside major cities
- Few established tourism services and English-speaking staff in remote areas
- "Selam" - Hello
- "Yekenyeley" - Thank you
- "Be'ili? (Do you speak English?)" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Edd
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful market stalls wake with the sun; a vivid scene of daily life, textiles, spices, and people in motion.
Narrow streets with sunlit, earth-toned walls and wooden doors—great for texture and portrait shots.
Wide-open flatlands framed by distant hills; warm light and long shadows create dramatic silhouettes.
Food in Edd
Edd Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A sour flatbread layered with a spicy beef stew; a quintessential Eritrean dish and perfect for sharing.
Must-Try!
A rich chickpea flour stew that is hearty, comforting, and vegetarian-friendly; often served with injera.
Red lentil stew seasoned with berbere; flavorful, protein-packed, and commonly paired with injera.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Early-morning stalls offering fresh produce, spices, coffee beans, and neighborhood snacks; great for sampling everyday flavors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and religious sites; shoulders and knees should be covered.
Greet with a polite
Respect religious practices and avoid public expressions that could be considered disrespectful; accept hospitality with gratitude.
Use your right hand for giving and receiving; avoid overly intimate contact with strangers in public.
Safety
Tipping in Edd
Ensure a smooth experience
Tips are appreciated but modest; 5–10% in restaurants and small gratuities to guides or drivers are common practice.
Cash in Nakfa (ERN) is the primary method; some USD or EUR may be accepted in limited venues. Card payments are rarely available; carry small denominations and plan accordingly.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Clear skies, cooler evenings, and pleasant daytime temperatures make outdoor activities comfortable. Great for market visits, walks, and photography.
Occasional rains can bring humidity and greener landscapes. Roads may be muddy in rural areas; pack light rain gear and plan flexible itineraries.
Edd at Night
Hiking in Edd
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessible day hikes with scenic overlooks and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Short, rewarding hikes that offer quiet nature and photo opportunities.
Airports
How to reach Edd by plane.
Main international gateway for Eritrea, located near the capital; connect via regional hubs and neighboring countries.
Coastal airport serving Massawa; limited international traffic and regional connections.
Southern Eritrean airport near the port town; occasional international and regional flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
One of the largest ethnic-linguistic groups, concentrated in the highland areas.
Predominant along portions of the coast and in some inland areas.
Includes Afar, Saho, Kunama, and Bilen among others; diverse languages and traditions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Eritrea, played in towns and informal leagues.
Common in community centers and schools; informal courts in towns.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Edd.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are plentiful with shiro, misir, atkilt, and other lentil-based dishes. When dining out, ask for legume-based wats and avoid meat-heavy preparations; many places can accommodate dairy-free needs.