Your stay — Blue light
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Asmara.
Emergency Contacts
AsmaraFor police, dial 113; ambulance, 114; fire, 116. These numbers work from most landlines and mobile networks in Asmara. English is not widely spoken by operators; try to have a local or Amharic speaker help if you can. The national emergency number 911 is not active here.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Asmara, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Blue light
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Asmara International Airport → Bristol Pension
💡 Pre-arrange with the pension for a fixed fare; drivers at the airport often quote double. The ride is short. Agree on price before getting in.
Airport area or city centre → Near Bristol Pension (main bus stop)
💡 Buses are crowded and routes are numbered but not marked in English. Ask a local to point you to bus 3 or 4. Best for budget travellers who don't mind standing.
Bristol Pension → Anywhere in Asmara
💡 Hire a driver through the pension for a full day of sightseeing. Negotiate a flat rate upfront. Drivers often also act as informal guides to the city's Italian architecture and markets.
Any central point (e.g., Harnet Avenue) → Bristol Pension area
💡 Shared taxis are cheap but you'll ride with locals; state your destination clearly. The Bristol Pension is near the main Post Office—use that as your drop-off point if driver doesn't know the pension.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is check-in at Blue light?
Check-in at Blue light is from null. Check-out is by null.
Top Attractions in Asmara
💡 Ask the caretaker to unlock the upstairs gallery – it holds the best artefacts and is often closed to casual visitors. Allow 45 minutes.
💡 Climb the campanile for a small fee (around 20 nakfa) – the view over the city rooftops and hills is worth it. Mass at 6pm Saturday includes lovely local hymns.
💡 Take small notes as vendors rarely have change. Try a glass of fresh sugarcane juice from the stall at the north entrance – only 5 nakfa.
💡 Bring your own water and snacks – there's no café. Best in late morning before the sun gets fierce. Watch out for the playful monkeys near the eastern wall.
💡 Go late afternoon when the light catches the wings. The café opposite sells good macchiato for 10 nakfa.