Things To Do
in Keren
Keren sits in the northern Eritrean highlands, framed by rolling hills and terraced farmland. As the region’s second-largest city, it serves as a bustling market town and a gateway to the Anseba area. The city blends traditional Eritrean life with remnants of Italian-era architecture along sunlit streets.
Visitors can explore lively markets, hilltop views, and the surrounding countryside for a true highland experience.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Keren Old Market, where the vibrant colors and aromas of local produce and spices awaken your senses. Engage with friendly vendors as you sample fresh fruits and traditional Eritrean bread. Immerse yourself in the local culture, capturing the essence of Keren's daily life through photographs and conversations.
After lunch at a local restaurant featuring traditional Eritrean dishes, make your way to the impressive Keren Cathedral, a stunning example of Italian colonial architecture. Take a moment to appreciate the intricate designs and serene atmosphere, allowing the history of the place to wash over you. Spend some time walking around the surrounding gardens, enjoying the peaceful ambiance and local wildlife.
As the sun sets, head to the local café for a taste of Eritrean coffee, prepared in the traditional style. Engage with locals and fellow travelers as you share stories and reflections of the day. Finish your evening with a leisurely stroll around the town, soaking in the illuminated streets and the welcoming atmosphere of Keren.
Visit the beautiful Tigrinya Museum to explore Eritrea's rich cultural heritage, where you can view artifacts and traditional clothing that tell the story of the region. Engage with knowledgeable guides who share insights into the customs and traditions that shape Keren's identity. Allow yourself to be captivated by the artistic craftsmanship on display, including intricate jewelry and pottery.
After a delightful lunch featuring local cuisine, take a stroll through the nearby artisan district, where talented craftspeople showcase their skills. Explore small workshops where you can observe the art of weaving and pottery firsthand, and perhaps even try your hand at crafting your own piece. Engage with the artisans, learning about their techniques and the significance of their work in the community.
Conclude your day with a traditional Eritrean dinner at a local restaurant, where you can savor an array of dishes served on injera. Share a meal with your new friends, learning more about their lives and experiences in Eritrea. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, often accompanied by local music and dance, as you soak in the vibrant culture.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two | $20-40 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $0.50-2 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $2-5 |
| 🏨One night in a mid-range hotel | $40-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning highland scenery and a robust local market culture
- Affordability and warm hospitality
- Accessible base for exploring Anseba region and nearby trails
- Rich, authentic Eritrean culinary experiences
- Limited Western-style infrastructure in some areas
- Seasonal travel constraints due to road conditions during the rainy period
- Fewer English-speaking services in rural zones
- Public transport options can be sparse outside the city core
- "Selam" - Hello
- "Dehna neh?" - How are you?
- "Yekenyeley" - Thank you
Places to Visit in Keren
Visit one of these nice places.
Sweeping views over Keren and the surrounding highlands; best at sunrise when the light is soft and colors are vibrant.
Colorful stalls and daily life provide candid photography opportunities; be respectful and ask before photographing people.
Historic and weathered buildings along central streets offer texture and storytelling for architecture fans.
Terraced fields and valley views on the outskirts of the city provide tranquil landscape shots.
Food in Keren
Keren Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A sourdough flatbread paired with a range of stews, the staple of most Eritrean meals and widely available in Keren.
Must-Try!
A rich, spicy meat stew (typically beef or lamb) served over injera.
A creamy chickpea flour stew seasoned with spices, often eaten with injera.
Tomato-based fish or meat stew (seasonal; more common near coastal areas but occasionally found in larger kitchens) enjoyed with injera.
Traditional bread (ambasha) often paired with strong roasted coffee, a staple cultural experience.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Daily market where fresh produce, grains, spices, and crafts are sold; a great place to observe daily life and sample snacks.
Vendors offer grilled meat skewers and fried flatbreads; try a warm injera wrap if available.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a warm 'Selam' and a smile. Dress modestly in public, especially in rural areas and religious sites; shoulders and knees should be covered.
Ask permission before taking photos of people. Respect religious and cultural spaces; wait for a natural pause before entering private spaces.
Public displays of affection are discouraged in many areas; observe local norms and address elders with politeness and titles.
Safety
Tipping in Keren
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. Round up bills and offer small tips to guides, drivers, or staff if service is good.
Cash is the most reliable payment method; the local currency is the Nakfa (ERN). Some tourist facilities may accept USD or EUR, but credit/debit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot days with a dry-to-warm climate and occasional brief showers. Hydrate well and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.
Cool to mild days with cooler nights; comfortable for exploration. Pack layers for early mornings and evenings.
Spring brings milder days and lush landscapes; the rainy period can cause slick roads and occasional flooding in rural routes. Allow extra travel time and carry a light rain jacket.
Keren at Night
Hiking in Keren
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic routes through ridges and terraces offering panoramic overlooks of the city and surrounding landscape.
Gentle to moderate paths along agricultural terraces; ideal for peaceful nature photography and birdwatching.
Airports
How to reach Keren by plane.
Main international gateway to Eritrea; located near Asmara, a common base for international travelers; road distance to Keren varies with road conditions.
Coastal international airport; farther from Keren but serves international and regional flights; useful if combining a coastal leg with a highland visit.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Tigrinya-speaking Eritreans, with smaller Tigre and other minority communities.
A mix of Christian (primarily Orthodox and Catholic) and Muslim communities, contributing to a rich cultural tapestry.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; local matches and informal games are common in public spaces and schools.
Played in schools and community centers; pickup games occur in the evenings in some neighborhoods.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Keren.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian dishes are common; ask for wat or shiro without meat stock, and request oil or clarified butter instead of ghee if needed.