Unity Park occupies the grounds of the National Palace, the historic seat of Ethiopian rulers since Emperor Menelik II, and it opened to the public in 2019 after a major restoration. Visitors walk through landscaped gardens and past pavilions that represent the country’s regions, with a small zoo, a collection of rare animals and a presentation of Ethiopian culture and history. The highlight for many is the palace itself, where a special ticket includes a guide and entry to the Emperor Menelik palace complex, including halls and rooms that were out of public view for generations. The grounds are large and calm compared with the city streets outside, and the setting on a hill gives good views. It is a paid attraction, with separate regular and special tickets, and it is open from Tuesday to Sunday only. A visit makes a gentle half day and works well for families.
Tickets and hours
The park publishes its working days and prices on its own website. It is open Tuesday to Sunday, including public holidays, and closed on Mondays. Tickets are sold from 9am to 4pm and the park closes at 5pm. For foreign visitors a regular ticket costs 20 US dollars and a special ticket, which includes a guide and access to the Emperor Menelik palace complex, costs 50 US dollars. Special tickets are not sold after 3pm, and school and photography packages have their own rates.
How to pay
Tickets can be paid in cash at the ticket office in birr or foreign currency, by card on a POS machine, or through mobile payment options described on the park’s website. Bring your card or some cash, and keep your ticket handy because it is checked at several points. Parking beside the park is available at all hours.
Making the most of it
Choose the special ticket if you want the palace rooms, because a guide explains the history that the empty halls cannot. Go in the morning, wear comfortable shoes for the slopes and plan about three hours, or more if you want a slow lunch in the grounds. Check the park’s website before you travel for any change to opening days or prices, as these have been adjusted before.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided walk through gardens and pavilions, with an optional guided palace visit on the special ticket.
Best time
Morning, arriving well before the 3pm cut-off for special tickets; closed on Mondays.
How long
Two to three hours, longer with lunch in the grounds.
Tips
Buy the special ticket if you want the palace rooms and a guide, wear comfortable shoes and bring a card or cash.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors who want imperial history in a calm green setting, especially those curious about the palace interiors.
- Families
- Large grounds, animals and open space suit children, though the special ticket is mostly for adults.
- Couples
- Leafy paths and quiet corners for a relaxed half day.
- Pair with
- The Red Terror Martyrs’ Memorial Museum or the Adwa Victory Memorial for a full history day.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
When is Unity Park open?+
It is open Tuesday to Sunday, including public holidays, and closed on Mondays. Tickets are sold from 9am to 4pm and the park closes at 5pm.
How much are tickets for foreign visitors?+
A regular ticket is 20 US dollars and a special ticket with a guide and the Emperor Menelik palace complex is 50 US dollars. Check the park’s website for any change.
How can I pay?+
You can pay in cash in birr or foreign currency, or by card on a POS machine at the ticket office. Mobile payment options are also listed on the park’s website.
Is the special ticket worth it?+
If you want the palace halls and a guide, yes, because the interiors are the main historic draw. The regular ticket covers the gardens and general exhibits.
How long should I allow?+
Plan two to three hours, or half a day if you want to relax in the grounds. Arrive before 3pm if you want a special ticket.
