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Asmara, the capital of Eritrea
Flag of Eritrea Capital of Eritrea

Asmara

Asmara is the capital and most populous city of Eritrea, sitting at an elevation of 2,325 metres and earning recognition as the second-highest capital in Africa. The city is renowned for its well-preserved Italian colonial modernist architecture, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017.

Photo: Tigernssnowy7 (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Quick facts

Population
—
Currency
Eritrean nakfa (ERN)
Language
Arabic, English, Tigrinya
Timezone
EAT (UTC+3)
Local time now
22:07:18

Hotels in Asmara

Asmara offers a range of accommodation options for visitors, from established hotels like Wekawi Hotel and Albergo Italia نزل إيطاليا to boutique pensions such as Bristol Pension and Anemaen Pension بنسيون أنامين. Whether you're seeking comfort or a more intimate stay, Asmara's hospitality sector provides choices to suit different travel preferences. See all hotels →

Albergo Italia نزل إيطاليا
281 m from centre
Bristol Pension
438 m from centre
Anemaen Pension بنسيون أنامين
517 m from centre

Airports in Asmara

Asmara is served by several aviation facilities, including ኣህጉራዊ መዓርፎ ነፈርቲ ኣስመራ مطار أسمرة الدولي (Asmara International Airport) and መዓስከር ኣየር ኣስመራ. These airports provide air connectivity for the capital and surrounding region. See all airports →

ኣህጉራዊ መዓርፎ ነፈርቲ ኣስመራ مطار أسمرة الدولي
5.8 km from centre
መዓስከር ኣየር ኣስመራ
5.8 km from centre
Gura Airfield 1937-44
36.7 km from centre

Car Hire in Asmara

We're still gathering car hire listings for Asmara — check back soon.

Things to Do in Asmara

Asmara offers visitors a range of cultural and historical attractions to explore. From the Shida Monument to the National Museum of Eritrea (ሃገራዊ ቤተ መዘክር), there are several notable sites to discover in the city. See all things to do →

Abel's home
512 m from centre
Hewenet
593 m from centre
Haben home
797 m from centre
Shida Monument نصب شيدا
821 m from centre
ሃገራዊ ቤተ መዘክር متحف إرتريا الوطني
846 m from centre
H Max
906 m from centre

Restaurants in Asmara

Asmara offers a diverse dining scene with restaurants ranging from Italian-influenced cuisine to traditional Eritrean fare. Notable establishments include ካዛደሊ ኢታልያና, LAZA, Spaghetti & Pizza House, Asmara Restorant, and Alba Bistro, providing visitors and locals with varied culinary options throughout the city. See all restaurants →

ካዛደሊ ኢታልያና كازا ديلي إيتالياني
301 m from centre
LAZA
pizza;burger · 320 m from centre
Spaghetti & Pizza House بيت سباغيتي وبيتزا
italian · 387 m from centre

Swimming Pools in Asmara

Asmara offers swimming facilities for residents and visitors looking to enjoy aquatic recreation. The Asmara Swimming Pool حوض سباحة أسمرة is a key venue for swimming activities in the city. See all swimming pools →

Asmara Swimming Pool حوض سباحة أسمرة
598 m from centre

Spas in Asmara

We're still gathering spas listings for Asmara — check back soon.

Nightlife in Asmara

Asmara offers a vibrant nightlife scene with several popular venues to explore. From established clubs like Admas club to other entertainment destinations such as Benifer and West End, the capital provides various options for evening entertainment. See all nightlife →

Admas club
1.2 km from centre
Benifer
2.8 km from centre
West End
3.0 km from centre

Bars in Asmara

Asmara's bar scene offers a variety of venues where locals and visitors can unwind. From Bar Kangaroo and Bar Hamasien to Bar Posta and Portico, the city has several establishments to explore for an evening out. See all bars →

Bar kangaroo
248 m from centre
Bar Hamasien
311 m from centre
ባር ትብለጽ ( Bar Tebletz )
313 m from centre

Cafes in Asmara

Asmara offers a variety of cafes where visitors and locals can enjoy refreshments and relax. Notable options include Olympia Cyber Cafe, ባር ቪክቶርያ, ሲቲ ፓርክ, mimas cafe, and Alpa. See all cafes →

Olympia Cyber Cafe
243 m from centre
ባር ቪክቶርያ
310 m from centre
ሲቲ ፓርክ
350 m from centre

Shopping in Asmara

Asmara offers shopping opportunities for visitors and residents alike. Local retailers like Sahle Furniture Store محل السهلة للأثاث provide a range of goods in the city. See all shopping →

Sahle Furniture Store محل السهلة للأثاث
413 m from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Asmara

Asmara offers several parks and gardens where visitors can experience the natural beauty of Eritrea's capital. From the tranquil Nda Mariam Garden to the expansive City Park and Hawakil Park, these green spaces provide peaceful retreats throughout the city. See all nature & wildlife →

City Park حديقة المدينة
325 m from centre
Government Palace ቤት ጽሕፈት ፕረዚደንት
399 m from centre
ኮመሰራታ ሓማሴን
736 m from centre
Hawakil park
960 m from centre
Nda Mariam Garden حديقة اندا مريم
1.3 km from centre
Bet Gheorghis Zoo حديقة الحيوانات بيت غيوريي
4.5 km from centre

Climate snapshot

Asmara's high altitude of 2,325 metres influences its climate, creating cooler conditions than lower-lying regions. The city experiences seasonal variations typical of the African highlands, with distinct wet and dry periods throughout the year.

Interesting Facts About Asmara — Weird & Wonderful

  • Asmara is the second-highest capital city in Africa, situated at 2,325 metres above sea level.
  • The city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017 for its exceptionally well-preserved Italian colonial modernist architecture.
  • According to local tradition, Asmara was founded when four separate villages unified to live together peacefully after long periods of conflict.
  • The city has been a major settlement for over half a millennium and historically stood on important trade routes to Massawa.

Frequently Asked Questions About Asmara

What is the currency used in Asmara?

The currency of Eritrea is the Eritrean Nakfa, used throughout Asmara and the country.

What language is spoken in Asmara?

The primary languages spoken in Asmara include Tigrinya, Arabic, and Italian, reflecting the city's diverse cultural heritage.

What is Asmara known for?

Asmara is renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Italian colonial modernist architecture and its status as one of the world's highest capital cities by altitude.

Where is Asmara located?

Asmara is located in the Central Region of Eritrea at the tip of an escarpment marking the northwestern edge of the Eritrean Highlands and the Great Rift Valley.

Why is Asmara at such high elevation?

Asmara sits at 2,325 metres elevation due to its location on the Eritrean Highlands escarpment, which forms part of the Great Rift Valley geography.

Map of Asmara

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