Addis Ababa to Frankfurt Flights

  About Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia and is one of the most important cities in Africa. It is also the largest city in Ethiopia. The city is also considered as the political capital of Africa since it houses the headquarters of the African Union and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. It is situated in the foothills of Entoto Mountains and is one of the five highest capital cities of the world. Ethiopia is known for producing the best coffee in the world, and there's nothing better than actually flying to the country to try some. The city has a rich economic, scientific and political history and several museums that showcase these findings. In fact, you will also come across a museum that solely focuses on telling people how politics can make bad history. Not to mention, it is also a great place to go on a shopping spree for Ethiopian products, lots of coffee grounds and souvenirs. While Addis Ababa is not a popular vacation destination, a lot of travellers usually explore the city when they have a long layover. If you do not have any time constraints as such, you can definitely explore the city and be amazed at how it has progressed.

Best Time to Visit Addis Ababa

Ethiopia is called the Cradle of Mankind and is one of the best places to visit in Africa. January to March is a high season in Ethiopia. The temperature ranges from 10 to 24 degree Celsius with slight rainfalls. It doesn't rain as much in Addis Ababa, but it does in the other cities. Summer is the perfect time for you to spot wildlife like giraffes, wolves and ibex. You can also attend events like Timkat and Leddet in summer. Hiking in the Bale or Simien mountains is one of the only things that you will not be allowed to do in summer. Since this is high season, make sure you book your flight tickets to Addis Ababa in advance and book your hotels in Addis Ababa several weeks in advance. The prices begin to surge since the city welcomes a lot of tourists in this season.

April to September is a low tourist season in Addis Ababa since this is when the monsoon begins. The city can get pretty hot, sticky and uncomfortable in monsoon. While you might get cheap flight tickets to Addis Ababa in monsoon owing to the dip in tourism, it is best to postpone your trip. However, if you still visit the city in monsoon, you will be allowed to go sightseeing at certain parks like the Omo and Mago Valley, but the major attractions remain shut. The temperature ranges from 12 to 25 degree Celsius during summer. October to December is also summer in Addis Ababa, and the temperature ranges from 10 to 20 degree Celsius. However, it is still a shoulder season in the city where only a few tourists will be seen. The weather remains cooler as compared to the high season. October to December is also an ideal time to go hiking in the Simien mountains. You might come across some excellent flight deals to Addis Ababa online during the shoulder season. If you plan to visit any time between October and December, ensure that you make the most of this deal. You will also get great discounts at the hotel you will be staying in, or maybe you pick one that comes with a lot of offers.

Places to Visit in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa has a lot of museums that narrate the sad story of its past. The 'Red Terror' Martyrs Memorial Museum is one of those museums that will shake you. It recalls the terrible incidents that have taken place in the city and give you a perspective in life. The National Museum is yet another popular tourist attraction that you can visit. St George Cathedral and Museum and Holy Trinity Cathedral are few of the other popular spots in the city that you cannot miss. Head over to Merkato if you want to go on a shopping spree. Fair warning: It will be crowded so be prepared for it. You can also visit the Lion of Judah Monument that holds a lot of significant positions in the city. The Derg Monument is a reminder to the people of Addis Ababa about the pain and struggles that they went through during the communist rule. You can also roam around the Addis Ababa University and be amazed at the beautiful campus. You can also climb up the Entoto Mountain and catch the panoramic view of the city from up here. It can get pretty overwhelming. However, make sure that you are hiking up the hill during the right season. It is not safe to hike in the mountains during monsoon. You can also visit the Addis Ababa Museum, which was founded in 1986. The city has a lot of museums and historical landmarks that you cannot miss.

Things to do in Addis Ababa

You can catch the magnificent view of the entire city from Mount Entoto. Hiking in the forest of Eucalyptus trees sure does count as quite an adventure. You can also sign for a sightseeing tour covering all the museums in the city. Mercato is Africa's biggest open-air market, and you will buy everything from handmade baskets to spices at the market. It also has a separate section where shopkeepers sell second-hand items. Head over to Tomoca Coffee for the most refreshing cup of freshly brewed Ethiopian coffee in different flavours. You can also order for Macchiato, which is equally excellent. The Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum is a great place to learn more about Ethiopia's tragic past. If you want to go on a shopping spree for traditional clothes, you can try the Shiro Meda; it is near the US Embassy in Addis Ababa. The restaurants in the city have a very active dance and music scene along with delicious food. Make sure you do try some of that. You can also check out the statue of Emperor Menelik II, who was the founder of Addis Ababa.

Lagar Railway Station is yet another tourist attraction that you cannot miss. It is the first-ever railway station in the city, and its unique architecture is what makes it special. Medhane Alem Church at Bole District is one of the biggest Ethiopian Orthodox Christian Churches, and it is breathtakingly beautiful. Head over to check out the Tiglachin (Dreg) Monument, which stands as a reminder that Ethiopia was victorious over all of its invaders. You can also sign up for a food tour in the city and get to know more about the culinary speciality here.

Food and Restaurants in Addis Ababa

Ethiopian food is known for being spicy, and while it may not be as popular as European or Asian food worldwide, it is worth trying. If you are new to Ethiopian food, your first experience will be out of this world. Addis Ababa has a lot of restaurants that serve traditional Ethiopian food with music and dance. They also have a lot of restaurants that serve other cuisines from all over the world and cannot be missed. Totot is a restaurant that specialises in Ethiopian cuisine. Make sure you order the Kitfo here that melts in your mouth and is quite spicy. The restaurant is packed on weekends so make sure you reach the restaurant early, so you don't have to wait for a long time. Yod Abyssinia is yet another restaurant that reflects the country's food, dance and music culture. The decor of the place is unique, and it is also quite close to the airport. You can order the tibs, Shiro and Doro wat here along with kitfo. The Addis Ababa restaurant in Arada can be a little difficult to find, but it is completely worth it. A lot of locals believe that the food here tastes like homemade food.

How to reach Addis Ababa (Transportation)

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is about 6 km from the city centre. The flight connectivity to Addis Ababa from India is excellent. Ethiopian Airlines has direct flights to Addis Ababa from India. Egyptair, Kenya Airways and Emirates Airline also have flights to Addis Ababa with layovers at Cairo, Nairobi and Dubai. It might be difficult to get cheap flight tickets to Addis Ababa if you book at the last moment. If you book several weeks in advance, you might get exciting flight deals to Addis Ababa online that are worth exploring. It is quite convenient to get a cab or car rental service from the airport to your hotel. However, it is advisable to pre-book your cab online. You can also opt for an airport shuttle service that your hotel might offer. The airport also has premium lounges, restrooms and a lot of other services for the convenience of the passengers. The airport opened its first business class lounge in 2012, and they are also planning to add spas and another lounge soon.

  About Frankfurt

Another beautiful city in Germany worth visiting is Frankfurt. It is home to a lot of world-renowned museums, galleries and historic cathedrals. Not to mention, it promises several stunning views, too. Frankfurt is a popular city for layovers, and if you have to wait for a longer duration, you must head out to explore the city. If Germany is the next destination on your travel list, you must also add Frankfurt to the itinerary. It is the fifth-largest city in Germany and has a lot in store for tourists. Not only does Frankfurt have a lot of tourist attractions but it also has a lot of activities in store for you. The city is also known for its eclectic dining scenes and connects to other cities in the country, along with other popular cities in the nearby European countries. It goes without saying that you cannot get enough of the beer here. Germany is known for its craft beer, and you must certainly try some here. It is also quite easy to book a hotel in Frankfurt on your budget.

Best Time to Visit Frankfurt

April to September is said to be the best time to visit Frankfurt. The temperature is mild and pleasant, and you can enjoy the views of the city without any hindrance. March to May is spring season in the city and June to August is summer. You can attend the largest folk festival called Frankfurt's Ratsweg Fairground and the Frankfurter Sausage Festival that has a lot of arts and crafts markets along with rides that you can enjoy. Spring is not exactly a high season in the city, which makes booking a hotel in Frankfurt quite easy and affordable. You will also see fewer tourists as compared to summer, and this is the perfect time to plan a trip to Frankfurt.

Summer is the most popular season for people to plan a trip to Germany. The days are longer and night shorter. Though the temperature barely crosses 26 degree Celsius during the day, it is best to plan your commute in advance. Travelling by trams or buses that have no air conditioning can be a little bit of trouble if you can't bear the heat. Since it is high season, it is advisable to book your hotel in Frankfurt in advance. Most hotels will be booked and getting decent accommodation at the last moment will be a hindrance. You might have to settle for something you are not entirely happy with, at a higher price. Make sure you also book your flight tickets to Frankfurt in advance, so you don't have to spend extra when there is a surge in prices. This is the best season to binge on Frankfurt'sFrankfurt's Apfelwein, which is basically apple wine. You will find it in a lot of pubs and bars in the city. The city also hosts numerous festivals and events that you can attend. You can check out the open-air screenings or head to the beach bars for a party along the Main River. If you are visiting the city in August, make sure you carry a light jacket with you with an umbrella since there are chances of rains in this month.

September to October are fall season in Frankfurt, and the city sees relief from the scorching heat. Frankfurt'sFrankfurt's version of Oktobeerfest is not as big as it is in Munich, but you will enjoy yourself here. You will also find a lot of events hosted in the city during this time, and you can sign up for the event's newsletter to get all the updates about it to buy the tickets as soon as it is available. You will find fewer tourists in Frankfurt since the high tourist season ends by August end and early September.

November to March is winter in the city, and this is not an ideal time to visit Germany. However, you can still plan your trip to Frankfurt in December if you want to celebrate Christmas here. You can treat yourself to hot gluhwein (mulled wine) to stay warm. Head to St Paul's Square, Hauptwache and Friedrich-Stoltze-Square area and Mainkai, which is the Main Quay. The temperature drops below freezing temperatures, so you might want to pack an extra set of warm clothes. There is also a high chance of rainfall during winter, which is what makes it an unfavourable time to visit the city. You will also get cheap flight tickets to Frankfurt during this time since it is not a big tourist time in the city.

Places to Visit in Frankfurt

Goethe House is a popular tourist attraction in the city that all history buffs can visit. Renowned writer Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe was born here and lived here till 1765. The house suffered severe damage during World War II after the bombarding, but a lot of it was restored after the war ended. Palm Garden is the largest botanical garden in Frankfurt and the best place to go to for an evening stroll. St Bartholomew'sBartholomew's Church was built between the 13th and 15th century with red sandstones. It holds the status of being an Imperial Cathedral and is an important place to visit. You will find yourself admiring the architecture of the Church. Head over to Sachsenhausen to indulge in some apfelwein or ebbelwoi, and these are kinds of apple ciders produced locally. Head over to Hauptwache if you want to go on a shopping spree and grab a quick bite on the way. If you are an art lover, you can visit the Schirn Kunsthalle. The centre hosts a lot of art exhibitions, be it contemporary or historical themes.

Things to do in Frankfurt

If you are a die-hard romantic, head over to Eiserner Steg, a pedestrian bridge near River Main, you will find a lot of colourful padlocks on the railings. You can also give in to the tradition and add a padlock of your own hoping for eternal, everlasting love. Apple wine is a popularly found drink in Frankfurt, and the locals swear by it. You can head to the best pubs and bars in the locality to try some of it. You can also sign up for a local, guided sightseeing tour of the city. You can head to the Dialog Museum where you can experience what a blind person does, for an hour. A blind guide will lead you through the pitch darkness, and you can experience going on a boat ride, buying a drink and other such tasks through your other senses. Sounds fun, right? Head over to the art and history museums in the city if that's what attracts you to the city. Frankfurt is also known for its eclectic dining scene, and you will find a lot of pork-related dishes in the restaurants here. Sign up for a food and beer tasting tour of the city if you don't feel like exploring the city on your own.

Food and Restaurants in Frankfurt

Not just beer but Germany is also known for its cuisines. You can binge on German sausages, commonly called Frankfurter Wurstchen. It is served with a slice of bread, mustard and horseradish. If you are a cheese lover, you must definitely try the Handkaes mit Musik that are served in most gastro pubs and restaurants. Appelwoi is a popular type of beer that the locals enjoy and you must, too. You can also try the other types of craft beer in the city. Germany is popular for its variety of pork dishes. Reserve a table at The Legacy Bar and Grill or Thai and Turf - Steakhouse. You will also find a lot of cafes in the city that you will enjoy. Trattoria I Siciliani is a popular Italian restaurant in the city. If you are in the mood for steak or Japanese food, make sure you head to Kabuki Frankfurt. You can head to the various pubs and bars to have a mug of strong German beer.

How to reach Frankfurt (Transportation)

Frankfurt International Airport is the fifth-largest in Germany and is also the main hub for Lufthansa, Condor and AeroLogic. The flight connectivity to Frankfurt from India is excellent. Gulf Air, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa are some of the airlines that have frequent flights to Frankfurt. If you book well in advance, you might even get cheap flight tickets to Frankfurt. It is quite easy to get a taxi or car rental from the airport to your hotel. The airport also has WiFi, restaurants, cafes, shopping areas, currency exchange and a lot of other facilities that you can use. If you have to kill time during a layover at Frankfurt airport, you will not get bored at all. If you are heading to Frankfurt from another city in Germany or any other nearby European country, you can take the train. The city is well-connected by rails. You can also opt for a road trip, and you will be treated to the stunning views of European cities and cultures.

  About Frankfurt Airport

Germany's Frankfurt International Airport is located close to Kelsterbach in Frankfurt. It is an important international airport in the country and also serves as the main hub for Lufthansa airlines. This also includes Lufthansa CityLine and Lufthansa Cargo. There are two passenger terminals and has the capacity to handle an approximate total of 65 million passengers in a year. In Europe, Frankfurt International Airport is the busiest after Paris–Charles de Gaulle Airport and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, with respect to passenger traffic.

About Airport Terminals

Frankfurt am Main Airport has two main passenger terminals along with a First Class Terminal that is exclusively used and operated by Lufthansa. It follows the similar structure that London Heathrow Airport, Los Angeles International Airport (Tom Bradley International Terminal) and Toronto Pearson Airport. Chicago's O'Hare Airport is also working towards completion of its First Class terminal called Global Terminal, which would see operations of airline alliances. Terminal 1 is the passenger terminal which is larger in comparison to the other terminals and is also the older one. It is 420 meters long and has experienced constantly expansions multitudes of times. The terminal is divided into four concourses, namely A, B, C and Z. It also can accommodate about 50 million passengers in a year. The terminal is further split into three levels with each dedicated to special services.

The departures level is on the upper floor while the arrival and baggage claim rests on the ground floor. There is a dedicated distribution floor too, which has access to the underground as well as multilevel parking available. The airport authorities have further built separate street to connect the departures and arrivals levels. The terminal has 103 gates in total out of which, 54 gates are equipped with jetways. The terminal primarily caters to Lufthansa and the airlines associated namely, Brussels Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines and Eurowings. Even Star Alliance operates from Terminal 1 with airlines such as Aegean Airlines, Air China, Croatia Airlines, Air Canada, Air India, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Turkish Airlines, Asiana Airlines and United Airlines, to name a few.

Terminal 2 has been reserved for airlines falling under Oneworld (British Airways, Iberia, Kuwait Airways, American Airlines, Japan Airlines, Finnair and more) as well as SkyTeam alliance airlines namely, Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airways, Korean Air and more. A handful of airlines that do not belong to the alliances also operate from the terminal. Lufthansa First Class Terminal operates from near Terminal 1 and is reserved for first-class passengers and frequent flyer members of HON Circle.

About Airport Authority

Frankfurt Airport's airport authority is Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide. Commonly recognized as Fraport, the German transport company also works on operations of various airports along with Frankfurt Airport. Fraport is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and Xetra as well. Interestingly, Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide also has ownership and stakes in Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport under the DIAL (Delhi International Airport Private Limited) consortium.

Fraport made it possible for Indira Gandhi International Airport to accommodate A380 operations. The company also has Deutsche Lufthansa AG as a shareholder with about 8.44 per cent stakes. To enhance the climate protection targets as well as contribute to mitigating climate change, they have built green electricity. Fraport plans to make use of renewable energy to meet the climate protection targets. At the same time, they are also rooting for the Frankfurt Airport to slash the CO2 emissions from 170,000 to 80,000 metric tons at least by 2030. Their eventual plan is to make Frankfurt Airport CO-2 free by 2050 with the use of a renewable source of energy.

Further, on the same, Fraport is also aiming at generating its electricity to run the Frankfurt Airport. Solar panels are being installed at the CargoCity South. The authority claims that as and when the panels are completely installed, Frankfurt Airport would generate about 1.5 million kilowatt-hours of electricity in a year.

Top airlines flying from Frankfurt Airport

Frankfurt Airport sees a large space reserved for Lufthansa and the Star Alliance partners falling under its account. The airport sees 77 per cent of passengers from flights of Lufthansa and the airlines that fall under Star Alliance. Dedicated airlines are already present as the Frankfurt Airport has been perfectly balanced for various international flight operations. Sixty-five per cent of intercontinental flights in Germany also function from Frankfurt Airport. Lufthansa, which is a German-based enterprise, sees a dedicated terminal reserved for flight operations.

Meanwhile, several international airlines flying from Frankfurt Airport include Aegean Airlines, Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air China, Air Europa, Air France, Air India, Air Malta, Air Serbia, Alitalia, All Nippon Airways, American Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Condor, Croatia Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Finnair, Gulf Air, Iberia, Iran Air, Icelandair, KLM Royal Dutch Airways, Korean Air, Japan Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Saudia, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Swiss, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, Uzbekistan Airways and Vietnam Airlines. They connect to various major international cities such as New York City, London, Bangkok, Addis Ababa, Mexico City, Brussels, Cape Town, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and more.

Facilities at the Frankfurt International Airport

In-terminal shuttle service - There are buggy and shuttle services for quick transit from one terminal to another. These services come in handy when there is a connecting flight that you need to catch in a short period of time. They are available at all the terminals in departures as well as arrivals zones.

Special assistance - There are trained staff at the Frankfurt International Airport you can take assistance from to escort you through the vicinity and offer to be a personal guide.

Porter service - The airport also provides porter services. They will take care of all your luggage and even transport them to the terminals required. You can leet the staff to handle your luggage concerns, and they will do a good job.

Lounge and VIP rooms - Exclusive lounges and VIP room facilities are available at the airport premise. The elegant lounges with exquisite decor and world-class hospitality would certainly be a good way to spend time at Frankfurt International Airport. There are business meeting rooms also available as are conference lounges.

ATMs and foreign exchange - ATM kiosks are spread across all terminals at the airport. The arrivals section also has dedicated foreign exchange counters for international travellers. You can get your money exchanged at the airport itself instead of getting it beforehand and fearing the safety and security of the money you're carrying.

Hotels - There are a plethora of lavish airports in the proximity of Frankfurt International Airport as well as within the terminal. Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel is right at the airport premise. Meanwhile, other hotels around the Frankfurt International Airport include InterCityHotel Frankfurt Airport, Hyatt Place Frankfurt Airport, Park Inn by Radisson Frankfurt, to name a few.

Work stations - One of the perks of Frankfurt International Airport is the provision of workspace. Travellers who have to work on the go can avail this service and take up a workspace within the airport premise while you wait for your flight. It is quite convenient.

Dog hotel - For travellers who cannot take their pets along with them for vacations, you can always avail the airport's Dog Hotel benefits. It serves as a dog hostel where the services are good, and the pets are well-maintained.

Baby care rooms - Frankfurt International Airport facilitates baby care rooms for new mothers with infants. Sanitary products and the well-kept room is ideal for mothers and their babies.

Medical services - The airport also ensures to keep devoted staff to take care of medical emergencies. There are pharmacies also available at the departure as well as arrival zones of all the terminals.

How to reach Frankfurt Airport

Rail

It is easy to reach Frankfurt Airport from the city's regional station. You can find it at Terminal 1's concourse B. There is proper access to S-Bahn commuter rail lines which depart at regular intervals. The connectivity is spectacular as the train would take on 10-12 minutes to reach Frankfurt Central Station from the airport. Additional services to connect Frankfurt Airport and the Central Station are also available. Frankfurt Airport also caters to the long-distance station, which was opened in 1999. From the Frankfurt Airport, you can reach Cologne and even Netherlands and Belgium through Cologne.Buses and coaches

Several transport companies also provide bus services that would reach you to Frankfurt Airport. They also have services that work for long-distance destinations from the airport. You can reach Frankfurt Airport from various parts of Germany by using their buses and coaches operations. Interestingly, All Nippon Airways had a dedicated bus service to Düsseldorf from Frankfurt Airport exclusively for passengers. The connection was perfect and extremely convenient for people who were travelling from All Nippon Airways to reach Frankfurt Airport. However, a separate flight from Tokyo to Düsseldorf was chartered, and since then, the bus services have been suspended.

Rental cars and taxis

Another good way to reach Frankfurt Airport is to take up car rentals and taxis. It would be easy to reach Frankfurt airport without any stress as it would mean you can rest easy in the car.