Eritrea · Local picks
100+ Places to Visit in Eritrea
These are the places worth your time in Eritrea, from Asmara's Art Deco cinemas and espresso bars to Massawa's fish ovens, Keren's Monday market and the empty reefs of the Dahlak islands. Classics sit beside quiet corners few travellers ever see, so every kind of visitor finds something to love.
Places to Visit in Asmara
Arts and Culture
- Fiat Tagliero (Sematat Avenue)
The famous 1938 aeroplane shaped service station, the symbol of Asmara's modernist heritage. - Cinema Impero (Harnet Avenue)
A grand Art Deco cinema on the main avenue that still screens films and football. - Cinema Roma (Sematat Avenue)
A 1930s cinema with a lovely café bar and terrace where locals linger over macchiato. - Cinema Capitol (Central Asmara)
Another of Asmara's period cinemas, with a classic facade worth seeing on any architecture walk. - Cinema Odeon (Central Asmara)
A smaller modernist cinema with a beautifully preserved interior. - Asmara Cathedral (Church of Our Lady of the Rosary) (Harnet Avenue)
The red brick Catholic cathedral whose bell tower dominates the skyline. - Enda Mariam Orthodox Cathedral (Central Asmara)
The city's main Orthodox church, colourful and busy with worshippers on feast days. - Al Khulafa Al Rashidin Mosque (Near the central market)
Asmara's Grand Mosque, an elegant 1930s building beside the market. - Asmara Teatro (Harnet Avenue)
The 1920s opera house with a frescoed ceiling, still used for concerts and events. - Governor's Palace (Harnet Avenue)
The colonial era palace and gardens at the end of the main avenue, seen from outside. - IRGA Building (Central Asmara)
A striking modernist apartment and shop block often featured in architecture books. - Bar Zilli (Central Asmara)
A tiny Art Deco bar with a curving facade, a favourite of architecture lovers. - Mai Jah Jah Fountain (Upper Asmara)
Stepped gardens and a fountain popular with families on weekend afternoons. - Tank Graveyard (Edge of Asmara)
A vast field of war wrecked tanks and vehicles, a sobering memorial to the independence struggle. - Asmara War Cemetery (Asmara)
The beautifully kept Commonwealth cemetery, a quiet place for reflection. - Italian Cemetery Asmara (Asmara)
Ornate tombs and sculpture from the colonial era in a peaceful setting. - Asmara Railway Station (Asmara)
The historic station of the mountain railway to Massawa, with old locomotives and workshops.
Things to Do
- Harnet Avenue evening passeggiata (Harnet Avenue)
Join the whole city on its slow evening stroll under the palm trees. - Expo Grounds (Asmara)
The showground that hosts the Festival Eritrea and other big public events. - Debre Bizen Monastery (Near Nefasit)
A centuries old hilltop monastery with huge views, open to men only.
Nature and Outdoors
- Filfil (Eastern escarpment)
Green forest and coffee plantations where monkeys and birds thrive, a cool escape from the plateau. - Nefasit viewpoint (Asmara to Massawa road)
Breathtaking views where the plateau drops towards the coast. - Bet Giorgis viewpoint (Eastern edge of Asmara)
A hilltop on the edge of the plateau with sweeping views at sunset.
Shopping and Markets
- Asmara Central Market (North of the cathedral)
Spices, berbere, baskets and coffee in a lively covered market. - Medebar Market (Near the central market)
A clanging recycling market where craftsmen turn scrap into tools and household goods. - Asmara Silver Market (Central market area)
Small workshops selling filigree silver jewellery and crosses. - Asmara Spice Market (Central market area)
Sacks of berbere, shiro powder, frankincense and coffee beans to take home. - Asmara Basket Market (Central market area)
Woven baskets and mesob tables in colourful patterns.
Cafés
- Cinema Roma Bar (Sematat Avenue)
Coffee or an evening drink on the terrace of the 1930s cinema.
Restaurants
- Casa degli Italiani (Central Asmara)
The old Italian social club, with pasta and pizza in a leafy courtyard. - Ful houses of the central market (Central market area)
Simple cafés serving spicy ful with fresh bread for breakfast. - Asmara Palace Hotel restaurant (Asmara)
The capital's grandest hotel dining room, good for a special dinner.
Bars and Nightlife
- Asmara Beer Factory (Asmara)
The home of the local Asmara beer, whose fresh draught you will meet in every bar. - Crystal Hotel bar (Central Asmara)
A relaxed hotel bar for an evening drink in the city centre. - Hamasien Hotel garden bar (Central Asmara)
Drinks in the garden of a historic hotel, calm and romantic in the evening.
Events
- Independence Day celebrations (Harnet Avenue)
On 24 May the city fills with parades, music and dancing for Independence Day. - Meskel bonfire (Bahti Meskel Square)
In late September crowds gather around a huge bonfire for the Orthodox feast of the True Cross. - Festival Eritrea (Expo Grounds)
A summer festival of music, food and culture from all of Eritrea's nine ethnic groups. - Timket celebrations (Asmara)
Orthodox Epiphany in January, with processions in white and colourful church umbrellas. - Martyrs Day (Asmara)
On 20 June the nation remembers those who died in the independence war, with candlelit gatherings.
Stays
- Asmara Palace Hotel (Asmara)
The capital's largest international style hotel, with a pool and gardens. - Crystal Hotel (Central Asmara)
A well run, central hotel close to Harnet Avenue. - Albergo Italia (Central Asmara)
A restored 1899 hotel full of period charm, the most atmospheric stay in town. - Hamasien Hotel (Central Asmara)
A historic hotel with gardens, set in an Italian era building. - Africa Pension (Central Asmara)
A simple guesthouse in a beautiful colonial villa. - Sunshine Hotel (Central Asmara)
A friendly mid-range hotel within walking distance of the centre. - Ambasoira Hotel (Asmara)
A long established hotel with a quiet location and simple comforts.
Places to Visit in Massawa
Arts and Culture
- Massawa Old Town (Massawa Island)
Coral stone houses, carved balconies and quiet lanes that reward slow wandering. - Imperial Palace Massawa (Taulud)
The domed former imperial palace, war damaged and hauntingly beautiful. - Martyrs Monument Massawa (Causeway, Taulud)
Three tanks marking the 1990 battle that liberated Massawa. - Sheikh Hanafi Mosque (Massawa Island)
One of the oldest mosques in the region, admired from outside. - Banco d'Italia building (Massawa Island)
The shell of the old Italian bank, a striking piece of colonial architecture. - Shaafi Mosque (Massawa Island)
An ancient mosque at the heart of the old town.
Things to Do
- Gurgusum Beach (North of Massawa)
The town's favourite swimming beach, with warm water and simple cafés. - Boat trip to Green Island (Massawa port)
A short boat ride to snorkel, swim and picnic on a quiet island. - Adulis archaeological site (Near Zula)
The ruins of the ancient Aksumite port, still being excavated. - Sunset walk along the causeway (Taulud to Massawa Island)
Watch the light turn gold over the harbour and the old town.
Restaurants
- Massawa fish ovens (Massawa Island)
Simple grills near the port where the day's catch is baked to order. - Dahlak Hotel restaurant (Massawa Island)
Seafood and pasta with harbour views. - Ful cafés of Massawa (Massawa Island)
Spicy ful, shahi tea and fresh bread for a local breakfast.
Cafés
- Massawa juice bars (Taulud)
Fresh mango, papaya and avocado juices to beat the heat. - Old town tea houses (Massawa Island)
Sweet tea and coffee among fishermen and traders.
Bars and Nightlife
- Red Sea Hotel terrace (Taulud)
A cold drink by the water as the evening breeze arrives.
Shopping and Markets
- Massawa fish market (Massawa port)
Watch the catch come in and see the Red Sea's variety of fish. - Massawa old town souk (Massawa Island)
Small shops selling incense, spices, fabrics and household goods.
Events
- Fenkil anniversary (Massawa)
In February Massawa marks the anniversary of its liberation with ceremonies and celebrations.
Nature and Outdoors
- Ghinda and the escarpment (Asmara to Massawa road)
Green slopes, cactus and fruit stalls on the way down to the coast.
Stays
- Dahlak Hotel (Massawa Island)
A larger hotel with a pool, convenient for exploring the old town. - Gurgusum Beach Hotel (Gurgusum)
A beachside hotel for swimming and lazy days by the sea. - Red Sea Hotel (Taulud)
A seafront hotel with sea breezes and a relaxed atmosphere.
Places to Visit in Keren
Shopping and Markets
- Keren Monday Market (Edge of Keren)
Camels, goats and cattle change hands in one of the Horn's great market scenes. - Keren Silver Market (Central Keren)
Silversmiths making traditional jewellery in small workshops. - Keren Central Market (Central Keren)
Fruit, vegetables, spices and baskets in a busy, friendly market.
Arts and Culture
- Mariam Dearit (Outside Keren)
A tiny shrine to the Virgin Mary inside a giant baobab tree. - Keren War Cemetery (Keren)
The Commonwealth cemetery remembering the 1941 Battle of Keren. - Italian War Cemetery Keren (Keren)
A peaceful cemetery for the Italian and Eritrean colonial soldiers who fell in 1941. - Fort Keren (Tigu hill)
An old Egyptian era fort with wide views over the town. - St Michael's Cathedral Keren (Central Keren)
A Catholic landmark in the heart of the town. - Keren Grand Mosque (Central Keren)
The main mosque, a symbol of the town's mixed faiths, seen from outside.
Events
- Mariam Dearit feast (Outside Keren)
Thousands of pilgrims gather at the baobab shrine each year in late May.
Nature and Outdoors
- Anseba valley fruit gardens (Around Keren)
Banana, citrus and papaya gardens along the green Anseba valley.
Restaurants
- Keren ful cafés (Central Keren)
Hearty ful and bread at simple cafés around the market.
Cafés
- Keren tea houses (Central Keren)
Sweet shahi tea and coffee in the shade during the heat of the day.
Stays
- Keren Hotel (Central Keren)
The town's historic hotel, simple but central.
Places to Visit in Dahlak Islands
Nature and Outdoors
- Dahlak Kebir (Dahlak Archipelago)
The largest island, with fishing villages, cisterns and ancient Islamic tombstones. - Green Island (Near Massawa)
The easiest island to reach, with a beach and snorkelling. - Dissei Island (Southern Dahlak)
Sandy beaches and clear water on a hilly island few people visit.
Things to Do
- Snorkelling the Dahlak reefs (Dahlak Archipelago)
Healthy coral and big shoals of fish in some of the Red Sea's least visited waters. - Dolphin watching (Dahlak Archipelago)
Dolphins often ride alongside boats between the islands. - Dahlak Kebir tombstone field (Dahlak Kebir)
Inscribed Islamic gravestones around a thousand years old from the island sultanate. - Beach camping in the Dahlak islands (Dahlak Archipelago)
Sleep under the stars on an empty beach on an organised boat trip. - Birdwatching on the Dahlak islands (Dahlak Archipelago)
Ospreys, crab plovers and herons on quiet beaches and mangroves.
Places to Visit in Adi Keyih
Arts and Culture
- Qohaito (Plateau near Adi Keyih)
Columns, tombs and an ancient dam on a high plateau, Eritrea's great archaeological site. - Safra Dam (Qohaito)
An ancient stone dam still holding water after many centuries. - Adi Alauti Cave (Qohaito)
A cave with ancient rock paintings on the edge of a huge gorge. - Metera (Near Senafe)
Aksumite era ruins and a tall stele with a sun and crescent symbol. - Debre Libanos Monastery (Near Ham)
One of Eritrea's oldest monasteries, set into a cliff face. - Segeneiti Catholic Church (Segeneiti)
A handsome church in a quiet highland village on the road south.
Nature and Outdoors
- Amba Metera (Senafe)
A dramatic rock outcrop above Senafe, great for a short walk at sunset. - Qohaito gorge viewpoint (Qohaito)
The plateau edge drops into a vast canyon with views towards the coast.
Shopping and Markets
- Adi Keyih Market (Central Adi Keyih)
A busy highland market for grain, livestock and household goods. - Dekemhare Market (Dekemhare)
A lively market town with Italian era buildings on the road south.
Stays
- Hotels in Adi Keyih (Central Adi Keyih)
Simple local hotels that make a handy base for Qohaito.
Places to Visit in Mendefera
Shopping and Markets
- Mendefera Market (Central Mendefera)
The main market of the southern region, busy with traders from the villages.
More to Explore
We are still checking these with fresh sources, so confirm opening times before you go.
- National Museum of Eritrea (Central Asmara, Asmara)
Archaeological finds and ethnographic collections covering Eritrea's long history. - Bowling Asmara (Central Asmara, Asmara)
A 1950s bowling alley with hand set pins, a wonderfully retro night out. - Asmara Massawa steam railway excursion (Asmara Railway Station, Asmara)
Occasional steam train trips down the escarpment, a dream for rail enthusiasts. - Bar Crispi (Central Asmara, Asmara)
A classic little espresso bar beloved for its strong macchiato. - Bar Vittoria (Central Asmara, Asmara)
An old style bar serving coffee and pastries to a loyal local crowd. - Pasticceria Moderna (Harnet Avenue, Asmara)
A long running pastry shop for cakes, bomboloni and coffee. - Bar Royal (Harnet Avenue, Asmara)
A busy café on the main avenue, perfect for people watching. - Bar Torino (Central Asmara, Asmara)
A small vintage bar with Italian era fittings and excellent coffee. - Spaghetteria (Central Asmara, Asmara)
Generous Italian pasta dishes in a cosy, popular restaurant. - Hidmo Restaurant (Asmara, Asmara)
Traditional Eritrean dishes like zigni and shiro served in a homely setting. - Rendez Vous Restaurant (Central Asmara, Asmara)
A long standing favourite for both Eritrean and Italian dishes. - Blue Bird Restaurant (Central Asmara, Asmara)
A smart restaurant for an evening meal of grilled meats and pasta. - Asmara Pizzeria Napoli (Central Asmara, Asmara)
Wood fired pizza in the Italian tradition that Asmara loves. - Bar Diana (Central Asmara, Asmara)
A friendly neighbourhood bar serving cold Asmara beer. - St Mariam Cathedral Massawa (Taulud, Massawa)
The Orthodox cathedral, a calm and graceful landmark near the causeway. - Dongollo hot springs (Asmara to Massawa road, Massawa)
Hot springs and the bottling plant for Eritrea's well known mineral water. - Sallam Restaurant (Massawa Island, Massawa)
The classic place for fish baked in a clay oven and eaten with flatbread. - Torino Restaurant Massawa (Massawa Island, Massawa)
An old style restaurant serving fish and Italian dishes. - Gurgusum beach bars (Gurgusum, Massawa)
Simple bars on the sand for a sunset beer. - Torino Hotel (Massawa Island, Massawa)
A simple hotel in the old town with plenty of character. - Sicilia Hotel Keren (Central Keren, Keren)
A small, basic hotel in the centre of town. - Madote Island (Dahlak Archipelago, Dahlak Islands)
A tiny island loved by seabirds and snorkellers. - Mendefera Cathedral (Mendefera, Mendefera)
A hilltop church with views over the town and plain. - Barentu Market (Barentu, Barentu)
A western lowland market where Kunama and Nara traders gather.