Asmara
Welcome to Asmara
Once the jewel in the crown of the Italian empire, Eritrea’s capital has a real European feel, while year-round balmy temperatures help to slow the pace of life right down.
Top things to see and do in Asmara
- For a great introduction to the city, take a stroll down the bustling Independence Avenue, stopping for a coffee along the way. You’ll get the chance to admire plenty of the colonial Italian architecture that makes Asmara so distinctive.
- Spend an afternoon wandering around the National Museum, which features a number of fascinating exhibits, including ancient tombstones and scrolls. It will give you a glimpse into traditional Eritrean life as it’s lived by the different ethnic groups in the countryside.
- As you may have guessed, Asmara is big on Italian food and there are lots of places to stop for a bite to eat. Casa Degli Italiani is housed in a beautiful old building and has space to sit outside.
- With its stunning dome and towering minaret, the Great Mosque is one of the most attractive monuments in the city. Blending different architectural styles, it’s a top spot to rest and spend some time people watching.
- You’ll feel like you’ve wandered into a forgotten corner of Italy at the Catholic Cathedral. Dating back to 1923, it brings a little slice of Europe to the heart of Africa and is simply a must-see sight.
Tips for travellers
Just a short bus journey outside the city lies the traditional highland village of Tselot. It’s close to a national park and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
You can get around Asmara by private car hire or by taxi. If you decide to hire a car, there are several major travel agencies and car hire agencies to choose from. Bear in mind however, that smaller roads and those outside the city are in poor condition and you may need to hire a four-wheel drive car. If you choose to get around by taxi, you can choose from multi passenger taxis or get a private car for a higher fee. You may need to pay a higher taxi fare if travelling in the evenings. Please note that if you travel more than 25km outside of Asmara, you'l need to obtain a special permit
You can get around Asmara by private car hire or by taxi. If you decide to hire a car, there are several major travel agencies and car hire agencies to choose from. Bear in mind however, that smaller roads and those outside the city are in poor condition and you may need to hire a four-wheel drive car. If you choose to get around by taxi, you can choose from multi passenger taxis or get a private car for a higher fee. You may need to pay a higher taxi fare if travelling in the evenings. Please note that if you travel more than 25km outside of Asmara, you'l need to obtain a special permit
Airport information
Find out more about this airport.
