Things To Do
in Shirē
Shire, also known as Shire Inda Selassie, is a market town in northern Ethiopia perched in the highlands with a cool, temperate climate. It serves as a gateway to the surrounding Tigray highlands, coffee farms, and nearby historic sites. The town buzzes with markets, cafes, and a steady flow of traders and travelers, giving visitors a sense of everyday life in northern Ethiopia.
Visitors should be prepared for varying travel conditions and seasonal weather in the region.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
You will arrive at Shirē airport in the early morning and be greeted by your local guide. After settling in at your hotel, enjoy a freshly brewed cup of Ethiopian coffee paired with injera and local honey. Feel the gentle highland breeze as you take a short stroll to get your first glimpse of the bustling city center.
Following a light lunch of stewed lentils and vegetables, embark on a walking tour of Shirē’s historic landmarks, including St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Tigray Museum. Navigate narrow streets lined with colorful storefronts and meet artisans crafting vibrant textiles. Pause at a shaded café to sample fermented teff porridge and mingle with friendly locals.
As the sun dips behind distant hills, attend a live performance of traditional Tigrayan music accompanied by dancing. Savor a dinner feast featuring kitfo seasoned with clarified butter and warmed injera on a communal platter. Wind down at your hotel terrace with a cup of honey wine while gazing at the starry highland sky.
Begin the day at the bustling central market where stalls overflow with fresh produce, spices, and handcrafted goods. Chat with vendors selling aromatic berbere spices and woven baskets while sampling sweet bananas and rosi. Watch neighborhood women skillfully roast coffee beans over open flames, offering a sensory introduction to Ethiopia’s coffee culture.
Head to the ruins of Agazi fortress perched on a nearby hill, exploring ancient stone walls that tell tales of local dynasties. Pause at a hilltop lookout to admire sweeping views of the surrounding Rift Valley and distant volcanoes. Return to town for a light feast of shiro and fresh injera before browsing modern artisan shops in the market square.
Gather for a sunset stroll along the Tekeze River promenade, feeling the cool breeze off the water. Share a riverside dinner of grilled tilapia sprinkled with chili and lemon, accompanied by local greens. Later, enjoy a storytelling session under lantern light where elders recount folk legends and epic poems of the highlands.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| 🏨Budget hotel room (per night) | $20-50 |
| ☕Coffee at cafe | $0.50-2 |
| 🚗Local transport ride (short) | $1-3 |
| 🧺Groceries and market staples | $2-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and proximity to historic sites
- Warm, welcoming locals and vibrant markets
- Limited upscale amenities in some areas
- Seasonal travel conditions and occasional road closures
- "ሰላም" - Hello
- "አመሰግናለሁ" - Thank you
- "እባክህ" - Please
- "ገበያ የት ነው?" - Where is the market?
- "እንግሊዝኛ ትናገረኝ?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Shirē
Visit one of these nice places.
Low-angle early light over markets and historic storefronts makes for compelling street portraits and textures.
Terraced hillsides and coffee plants shrouded in morning mist provide atmospheric landscape shots.
Rugged escarpments and river scenes ideal for dramatic panoramas.
Candid images of traders, artisans, and colorful produce highlights daily life.
Food in Shirē
Shirē Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Injera served with a spicy chicken stew, a quintessential Ethiopian combination.
Must-Try!
A smooth chickpea flour stew seasoned with berbere and niter kibbeh, eaten with injera.
Spiced lentil stew that offers a hearty vegetarian option.
Tomato and onion salad with olive oil and lemon, often served as a bright side.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling hub for fresh produce, spices, teff flour, and local snacks.
Small stalls offering roasted chickpeas, flatbreads, and grilled kebabs.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a handshake or a nod; use polite language and modest dress in public spaces.
Ask before photographing people or sacred sites; respect local sensitivities and privacy.
Avoid loud confrontations; engage in calm, friendly conversations and show patience.
Safety
Tipping in Shirē
Ensure a smooth experience
Leave small tips for guides, hotel staff, and cafe workers; 5–10% in restaurants is common.
Cash (ETB or USD) is widely used; cards are accepted mainly in larger hotels and shops; mobile payments vary by vendor.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Clear skies, cooler temperatures, and pleasant days; ideal for outdoor exploration.
Short, intense showers; trails can be slippery but landscapes are lush and photography opportunities abound.
Warm days with manageable humidity; great balance for travel and trekking.
Shirē at Night
Hiking in Shirē
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Moderate hikes offering panoramic views of valleys and distant settlements.
Scenic trails through coffee farms with opportunities for photos and learning about cultivation.
Day trips to surrounding highlands with ancient sights and expansive vistas.
Airports
How to reach Shirē by plane.
Small domestic airport serving regional routes; connections to Addis Ababa and Axum are common.
Domestic flights to major Ethiopian cities; convenient for northern region access.
Main international gateway; offers connections to most destinations in Ethiopia and beyond.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Tigray-speaking communities with diverse traders and farmers.
A flow of visitors and returning residents contributing to local commerce and culture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; local games and informal leagues are common in towns and schools.
A longstanding Ethiopian tradition; running clubs and community races are part of local life.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Shirē.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most dishes can be prepared vegetarian by omitting meat; seek lentil, chickpea stews, and veggie platters.