Ethiopia · 2026
Weekend in Awasa
How to spend 2 days in Awasa — a Friday-to-Sunday plan covering the highlights without the tourist-trap detours. Built from real attraction data.
Arrive and Settle In
Friday evening is for arriving, checking in, and getting oriented. Keep it simple — a short walk to get your bearings, then dinner near the hotel.
Lake Awassa
Free 200m from centreA large Rift Valley lake bordering the city centre. Fishermen mend nets on the shore and hippos surface near the promenade at dawn and dusk.
Tip: Walk the paved lakeside strip early morning before 7am to watch fish eagles hunt. Avoid swimming—bilharzia risk is real.
Awassa Central Market (Arada)
Free 500m from centreA sprawling daily market with spices, woven baskets, coffee beans and second-hand clothes. The spice section is a riot of colour and smells.
Tip: Try a cup of fresh coffee from a street vendor for 5 birr. Haggle gently—sellers are fair. Go before 10am to avoid crowds and heat.
Friday dinner pick
The Main Sights
Saturday is your main sightseeing day. Start early to beat the crowds at the top attractions, then take the afternoon at a slower pace.
Fish Market (Eyael Fish Market)
Free Daily 6am-noon, peak 7-9amA bustling open-air market where freshly caught tilapia and Nile perch are sold, cleaned and grilled. Watch the auction-style trading.
Tip: Arrive by 8am for the catch. Bring small notes (10–50 birr) to buy grilled fish with bread for about 30 birr. Hold your camera discreetly.
Awassa University Arboretum
Free Monday-Saturday 8am-5pmA quiet botanical garden with labelled indigenous trees, walking paths and a small pond. Used by biology students but open to the public.
Tip: Wear sturdy shoes. The gravel paths get muddy after rain. Best in late afternoon when light filters through the canopy.
Wondo Genet Natural Hot Springs
0 Daily 8am-6pmNatural thermal pools set in a forested hillside resort about 30 minutes by minibus. Managed by the agricultural college, safe and clean.
Tip: Entry costs 50 birr for locals, slightly more for foreigners. Take a towel and change of clothes. Minibuses from the main bus station cost 10 birr.
Saturday dining
Before You Leave
Sunday morning, before checkout, is for the things you didn't fit in on Saturday — or a slower revisit of the place you liked most.
Sunday brunch
Getting Around Awasa
Addis Ababa (Megenagna terminal) → Awasa bus station
Hawassa Airport (AWA) → Jerusalem Hotel
Piazza (main bus stand) → Jerusalem Hotel (near Fischa Theatre)
Airport road junction → Jerusalem Hotel
Where to Stay for a Awasa Weekend
For a short break, stay central — walking distance to the main sights saves hours across a 2-day itinerary.
Weekend in Awasa — FAQ
Is a weekend enough to see Awasa?
A weekend (2 full days) is enough to cover the highlights of Awasa. You can see the main attractions, eat at a couple of good restaurants and get a real feel for the city — as long as you prioritise well. This guide is structured to help you do exactly that.
When is the best weekend to visit Awasa?
See our full best time to visit Awasa guide. For a weekend break, shoulder season (spring and autumn) typically offers the best balance of good weather, manageable crowds and reasonable hotel prices.
Where should I stay for a weekend in Awasa?
For a short break, stay as central as possible — walking distance to the main sights saves significant time and lets you head out after dinner without worrying about transport. See the best hotels in Awasa for rated options. TripSage's free briefings tell you the specific rooms to request at each property.
How do I get around Awasa for a weekend?
The main transport options in Awasa include Intercity Bus (Addis–Awasa) and Hotel Shuttle. For a short stay, walking and public transport are usually the most time-efficient combination — parking in most city centres adds cost and delays.