Addis Ababa to Glasgow 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 Glasgow

Glasgow is a flourishing port city nestled on the Clyde river in the western Lowlands of Scotland. The city's exemplary Victorian architecture topped with a rich and illustrious legacy has attracted a lot of tourists for a long time now. The traditionally gifted city has interspersed or rather adapted to the new age culture to become a national hub for tourism. Glasgow bustles with tourists through their peak season. Even though it often finds competition with Edinburgh, the city manages to gauge the attention of tourists who wish to experience culture and history.

The city has way too many museums for a tourist to engage in, making it historically rich. Plus, the thriving Glasgow also sees a refreshing food culture that doesn't limit to the Scottish delicacies. The flight connectivity of Glasgow has also improved tremendously over the years as it is now well-connected with the rest of the world. The accommodations in Glasgow are quite steep as their peak season is the only time travellers can enjoy the vibrant nature of the city.

Best time to visit Glasgow

For Glasgow, March to August are the best months when you can explore the city while relishing the lovely rays of the sun. One of the highlights is actually the longer days that can be experienced during summers. This alone becomes a big reason for tourists and even locals to enjoy the best of what the city has to offer. Travelling to Glasgow from India is relatively affordable as the city is mostly a business hub. However, accommodations and staycation will have to be planned beforehand. You will have to find deals on cheap hotels in Glasgow to ensure that you don't end up splurging far too much on hotels alone. Booking a flight ticket to Glasgow for the weekend is considered to be perfect as the city doesn't have a vacation vibe or even many tourist attractions. The spring and summer months are warm and welcoming in Glasgow, which also plays the perfect host to some events. With up to 15-hours of sunlight bestowed upon the city, it certainly adds more vigour and vibrancy to the neighbourhood. Many art and cultural events also take place during this time, including the Glasgow Contemporary Art Fair, Glasgow Jazz Festival, Pride Glasgow, Scottish Open and more.

Fall temperatures are agreeable in September which leads to winters till February. The positive of the season is fewer crowd and better accommodation choices. You can book a luxury hotel room in Glasgow without having to worry about the exorbitant pounds that you might have to shell. As the city witnesses extreme cold winters, the tourism sees a dip. You can actually make a winter trip to Glasgow and celebrate Christmas as well as ring in the New Year's at Glasgow. The city does celebrate the December month with utmost gusto irrespective of the extreme climate. You will undoubtedly get good flight deals to Glasgow as well as accommodations so that is one thing you wouldn't have to worry about when planning for this trip.

Places to visit in Glasgow

Despite being dwarfed by Edinburgh's presence, which is bang opposite, Glasgow is a city that certainly shouldn't be missed. As Scotland's largest city, Glasgow does have limited tourist attractions. However, what it places in places to see, it makes up for in things to do. Some of the attractions that do deserve your attention in Glasgow include the Glasgow Cathedral, an extremely ancient structure that brings life to the legends of St Mungo. The Burrell Collection is another major attraction in Glasgow that sees a tremendous footfall of tourists. Thanks to the impeccable collection of objects and artwork and the stunning landscape where the museum rests, the whole experience is worth the excursion. Plus, you don't have to pay any fees or get tickets to the place. If you're all for museums, then the Riverside Museum is yet another interesting place you can visit. The backdrop of the museum with the riverfront adds to the charm of the place. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum will amaze you with its Renaissance-style architecture and art collections which include original Monel and Botticelli.

Adjacent to the museum is the Kelvingrove Park that sees a good number of tourists rest after a long day of museum tours. The city has far too many museums, which only if you're an enthusiast, will you enjoy. The parks and surroundings of the museums are loved by all, thanks to the way they have all been well-maintained. Speaking of gardens and open spaces, you would definitely fall in love with the People's Palace and Winter Gardens in Glasgow. The location is prime and the scenery, incomparable.

Things to do in Glasgow

Glasgow's excess museum tours might be a little too much for you to handle. However, you can take a breather from all the historical places by renting a bike and riding around the city. It would be best to go exploring on your own instead of booking a tour. It would be more fun as you might bump into new neighbourhoods and discover quaint cafes with no touristy crowd. While you're in Glasgow, you should also catch a play at the Citizens Theatre, the locals call it 'the Citz'. There are always shows that take place at the theatre, so make the most of it. While you are here, the distilleries are establishments you cannot miss. From watching how the Scotch whiskey is produced to nabbing a small drink, the distilleries would be quite an experience. Visit Glengoyne Distillery and Clydeside Distillery. The nightlife of Glasgow is a celebration in its own with beautiful music and a lively atmosphere. Step out into the night and interact with strangers, make connections and try out some delicious Scottish food.

Food and restaurants in Glasgow

Glasgow might not have a lot of tourist attractions, but it certainly has an interesting food culture. The city offers a plethora of cuisines with Scottish specialities as the biggest seller. From haggis served with tatties and neeps (sheep's organs grated and served with turnips and mashed potatoes) to a cullen skink (soup curated from flavours of smoked haddock and potatoes), restaurants in Glasgow will take your taste buds through a Scottish tour. While the Scottish delicacies take the top spot in terms of a dining experience in Glasgow, Indian cuisine is finding quite some fame in the city. Glasgow is often being bestowed the title of Britain's 'curry capital' thanks to the exquisite Indian cuisine they offer. There are a plethora of international cuisines that the city has including restaurants such as Mono, Nippon Kitchen, Riverhill Restaurant and Bar, Alston Bar and Beef, Red Onion, to name a few food institutions. For those who cannot do without seafood, Glasgow's Crabshakk will give you quite dishes to remember. Their meals include fish club sandwich, and shellfish chowder, definitely dishes worth splurging on.

MacTassos and Ox and Finch are star players in the Mediterranean cuisine race. Both have Mediterranean cuisine as their big sellers. To get back to the basics of biryani and butter chicken, Obsession of India is the place to visit. On your trip, do not miss out some of their pubs and breweries. Drygate Brewery is one such place where you should definitely head for the cool Scottish club vibe as well as incredible beer binge. These places would definitely uplift your food expedition in Glasgow.

How to reach Glasgow

Glasgow receives a decent number of flights from India. Cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, Kolkata and Chennai, have regular flights to Glasgow. None of the flights to Glasgow is direct though. Mostly, all the flights to Glasgow from India require connecting flights or undergo layovers. Flight tickets to Glasgow from India are quite expensive. Due to the demand, the airport sees from around the world, the ticket prices automatically see a surge. Depending on the season when you book flight tickets to Glasgow, it'll vary from cheap to expensive. However, the domestic routes from Glasgow airport to the city centre is quite good. There is public transport such as buses, taxi cabs and rental cars that travel from the airport to the city. Much of the layover on the international route to Glasgow takes place in London. As a popular route that connects Glasgow and India, London sees many layovers and even services connecting flights to the Scottish city.

Usually, it takes approximately 14 hours to reach Glasgow from Mumbai. However, this heavily depends on the flight that you have booked and the layover duration. The more expensive the flight ticket to Glasgow, the less the layover duration. So as per your convenience, you can make your bookings. It is necessary for you to keep a track on the accommodation options available in the city as well. There are various beautiful hotels and homestays that would intrigue you. As per your budget set, if you do manage to snag a good flight and hotel deal online in Glasgow, it would be very beneficial to you.