Asmara Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Top things to do in Asmara

Asmara is a walkable city best enjoyed slowly, admiring its architecture from café terraces.

• Modernist city centre — A UNESCO World Heritage Site of Art Deco, Futurist and rationalist buildings from the early 20th century.
• Fiat Tagliero Building — A former service station shaped like an aeroplane, one of the city’s most famous landmarks.
• Harnet Avenue — The palm-lined main boulevard, perfect for an evening stroll and a macchiato.
• Cinema Impero — A celebrated Art Deco cinema on Harnet Avenue.
• Enda Mariam Orthodox Cathedral — An important Orthodox church with a colourful façade and bell towers.
• Catholic Cathedral — A landmark Romanesque-style church whose bell tower rises above the city centre.
• Medeber Market — A busy area where artisans recycle metal, tyres and other materials into useful goods.

Best time to visit Asmara

Thanks to its altitude, Asmara enjoys a mild climate all year, with warm days and cool nights. October to May is generally the best time to visit, with dry, sunny weather that is ideal for walking and exploring the city’s architecture. December and January can be chilly at night, so pack a jacket.

The main rainy season runs from about June to September, bringing afternoon showers that turn the surrounding highlands green. Rain rarely lasts all day, so the city remains pleasant to visit. If you plan a trip down to the hot Red Sea coast at Massawa, the cooler months from November to March are the most comfortable.

Getting from the airport

Asmara International Airport lies only a few kilometres south of the city centre, so the drive to central hotels usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes.

Taxis are available outside the terminal; agree the fare before setting off. Many hotels and tour operators arrange airport pick-ups, which is the most convenient option, especially as flights may arrive at quiet times of day. Within the city, taxis, shared taxis and buses provide easy onward travel, and much of the centre can be explored on foot.

Where to stay

Most visitors stay in or near the compact city centre, close to the main architectural sights.

• Harnet Avenue area — Central hotels within walking distance of cafés, cinemas and landmarks; ideal for first-time visitors.
• Tiravolo — A residential area near the centre with quieter streets and some hotels.
• Near the airport road — Larger hotels with more space and facilities; suits business travellers.

Travel tips

• Money: Eritrea is largely a cash economy; international cards are rarely accepted, so bring enough cash and exchange money at official outlets.
• Travel beyond Asmara: Travel outside the capital may require a permit, so ask your hotel or tour operator, and check your government’s latest travel advice.
• Connectivity: Internet access is limited and slow, so download maps and documents before you arrive.
• Etiquette: Dress modestly, especially at religious sites, and ask before photographing people or official buildings.
• Altitude: At around 2,300 metres, take it easy on your first day and drink plenty of water.