What are the best things to do in Asmara?
Top picks in Asmara include Great Mosque of Asmara, National Museum of Eritrea, Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, Enda Mariam Cathedral. See the full list and itinerary on this Asmara travel guide.
Photo: Sauro Imola · CC BY 2.0
Why visit Asmara
Travel guide for Asmara, Eritrea — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Asmara is a stop in Eritrea, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 2 days. If time is short, prioritise Great Mosque of Asmara, National Museum of Eritrea, Church of Our Lady of the Rosary instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 35–110 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: The dry season for the most comfortable travel. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
The dry season for the most comfortable travel
Weather
Largely warm year-round with distinct wet and dry seasons
Experiences
Things to do in Asmara
1
Great Mosque of Asmara
2
National Museum of Eritrea
3
Church of Our Lady of the Rosary
4
Enda Mariam Cathedral
Budget travel
Free things to do in Asmara
Great Mosque of Asmara
Church of Our Lady of the Rosary
Enda Mariam Cathedral
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Asmara itinerary (2 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Great Mosque of Asmara
- Visit National Museum of Eritrea
- Visit Church of Our Lady of the Rosary
- Eat at Bar Zilli
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Enda Mariam Cathedral
- Eat at Albergo Italia
Budget
Asmara trip cost
Budget
USD 15–35
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 35–110
per person / day
Luxury
USD 125–210+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Asmara, Eritrea. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Asmara
Estimated total (USD)
$1,935
≈ $968 per person · $276 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $70/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Asmara mid-range ground costs (budget 15–35 · mid 35–110 · luxury 125–210+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
Bar Zilli
Eritrean restaurant housed in one of the most iconic colonial Art Deco buildings.
Albergo Italia
Casa Degli Italiani
outdoor setting
Alba Bistro
The Spaghetti and Pizza House
a great choice of pizza and pasta dishes as well as its signature Chilli red snapper.
Rooftop Garden
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Asmara Palace Hotel
Formerly the Intercontinental Hotel, out by the airport. The odd spaceship-looking hotel probably has the comfiest beds. But quite far from
Nyala Hotel
Located in the city's highest building.
Albergo Italia
Boutique hotel situated in a turn-of-the-century building.
Africa Pension
Nightlife
- Bar Alfa Romeo
- Peacock Bar
- The Green Pub
- Hdmona Restaurant and Club
- Zara Bar
Museums & culture
- Great Mosque of Asmara
- National Museum of Eritrea
- Church of Our Lady of the Rosary
- Enda Mariam Cathedral
In pictures
Asmara gallery
Photos: Sauro Imola, John Beso, Greca Wright, sailko, Carlos Oliveira Reis — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Asmara travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Asmara?
The dry season for the most comfortable travel.
How many days do I need in Asmara?
Plan at least 2 days in Asmara for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Asmara?
Popular stays in Asmara include Asmara Palace Hotel, Nyala Hotel, Albergo Italia. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Asmara cost?
On the ground in Asmara (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 15–35 per person per day, mid-range about 35–110, and luxury about 125–210+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Asmara, Eritrea. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
