Dire Dawa is an ancient city located in the eastern part of Ethiopia. It is the second largest city in the country and is a major industrial and commercial center. Dire Dawa is known for its vibrant culture, unique architecture, and stunning natural beauty. With so much to see and do, it can be difficult to narrow down the list of the top 20 places to visit in Dire Dawa. Here is a list of the top 20 places to see in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia.
1. Dire Dawa Market: This bustling market is a great place to find local crafts, spices, and souvenirs. The market is filled with vendors selling everything from traditional Ethiopian clothing to jewelry and spices.
2. Harar Museum: This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of the Harar region. It contains a collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the region.
3. Dire Dawa Great Mosque: This beautiful mosque is one of the oldest in Ethiopia. It is an important religious center for the local Muslim population.
4. Dire Dawa Ethnographic Museum: This museum showcases the culture and history of the local people. It contains a collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents from the region.
5. Dire Dawa Castle: This castle was built by the Sultan of Harar and is now a popular tourist attraction. It offers stunning views of the city and is a great place to learn about the history of the region.
6. Grand Mosque of Dire Dawa: This stunning mosque is the largest in the city. It is a great place to learn about the Muslim culture and architecture of the region.
7. Dire Dawa Zoo: This zoo is home to a variety of animals, including lions, zebras, and monkeys. It is a great place to take the family and spend the day.
8. Dire Dawa Railway Museum: This museum is dedicated to the history of the railway in Ethiopia. It contains a collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the railway in the region.
9. Dire Dawa Stadium: This stadium is a popular spot for locals to watch soccer matches. It is also a great place to take in the culture and atmosphere of the city.
10. Dire Dawa Golf Course: This golf course is one of the best in the country. It is a great place to take a break from sightseeing and play a few rounds of golf.
11. Dire Dawa Aquarium: This aquarium is home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and other tropical fish. It is a great place to take the family and learn about the marine life of the region.
12. Dire Dawa National Park: This national park is home to a variety of animals, including elephants, lions, and antelope. It is a great place to take a safari and get up close and personal with the wildlife of the region.
13. Dire Dawa Botanical Garden: This botanical garden is home to a variety of plants, including cacti, succulents, and tropical plants. It is a great place to take a stroll and admire the beauty of the local flora.
14. Dire Dawa University: This university is one of the oldest in the country and has a long history of producing some of Ethiopia’s best and brightest. It is a great place to take a tour and learn about the history of the university.
15. Dire Dawa Library: This library is home to a variety of books, magazines, and newspapers. It is a great place to take a break from sightseeing and relax with a good book.
16. Dire Dawa Art Gallery: This art gallery is home to a variety of local artwork. It is a great place to take a break and admire the work of some of Ethiopia’s best artists.
17. Dire Dawa Cathedral: This cathedral is one of the oldest in the country and is a great place to take a tour and learn about the history of the church in the region.
18. Dire Dawa Stadium: This stadium is home to a variety of sporting events, including soccer and basketball. It is a great place to take in the culture and atmosphere of the city.
19. Dire Dawa Airport: This airport is the main gateway to the city. It is a great place to take a tour and learn about the history of air travel in the region.
20. Dire Dawa Museum: This museum is home to a variety of artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the region. It is a great place to take a tour and learn about the history of the city.