# What to do in Gondar, Northern Ethiopia Riley Quinn · July 25, 2016 > Gondar is a town of 207,044 at the northern end of Lake Tana in a scenic valley near the Simien Mountains National Park. ## Understand Gondar is a town of 207,044 at the northern end of Lake Tana in a scenic valley near the **[Simien Mountains National Park](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simien_Mountains_National_Park)**. It is known for this national park and its medieval royal ruins. ![IMG_4464](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDQ3MzgvSU1HXzQ0NjQuanBnarr.jpg) ![MightyTravels 2016-07-14 at 8.16.03 PM](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDQ4MTAvTWlnaHR5VHJhdmVscy0yMDE2LTA3LTE0LWF0LTguMTYuMDMtUE0uanBnarr.jpg) ![IMG_4509](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDQ1MTgvSU1HXzQ1MDkuanBnarr.jpg) The city of Gondar is everything that [Bahir Dar](http://www.mightytravels.com/2016/07/what-to-do-in-bahir-dar-northern-ethiopia/) isn't. People are xenophobic, the poverty is overwhelming and the mood is decidedly more aggressive compared to [Bahir Dar](http://www.mightytravels.com/2016/07/what-to-do-in-bahir-dar-northern-ethiopia/) (which is just across the lake). ## Get Around Gondar's airport is located about 20 miles outside the city and (typically) is only served by Ethiopian Airlines. As usual in Ethiopia, the airport transfers are included in your hotel rate, so there's no crazy taxi hassles. The royal ruins are somewhat spread out, so either book a tour that includes transportation or use a 'tuk-tuk' and have a map handy. A tour during the off-season can be had for around $20. Most hotels organize tours and you should be able to do it right when you arrive. ![IMG_4465](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDQ3MzUvSU1HXzQ0NjUuanBnarr.jpg) ![MightyTravels 2016-07-14 at 8.16.33 PM](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDQ4MDMvTWlnaHR5VHJhdmVscy0yMDE2LTA3LTE0LWF0LTguMTYuMzMtUE0uanBnarr.jpg) ![IMG_4466](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDQ3MzMvSU1HXzQ0NjYuanBnarr.jpg) ![IMG_4476](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDQ3MjIvSU1HXzQ0NzYuanBnarr.jpg) ![IMG_4470](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDQ3MjgvSU1HXzQ0NzAuanBnarr.jpg) ## Safety While generally a safe town, Gondar saw a number of [violent street protests](http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/07/10-killed-ethnic-protests-northern-ethiopia-160714193323905.html) in July, 2016. These were not directed against foreigners, but it's still a good idea to check the local situation before you go. ![IMG_4490](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDQ2NDEvSU1HXzQ0OTAuanBnarr.jpg) ![IMG_4491](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDQ2MzYvSU1HXzQ0OTEuanBnarr.jpg) ## Sights The main sights here are Gondar's castles and the ruins are spread around the town. Fasilides' castle **[Fasil Ghebbi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasil_Ghebbi)** (dubbed Ethiopia's Camelot) and **[Fasilides' Bath](https://foursquare.com/v/fasil-bath/5107d117e4b093dca9c3e2fc)** are located in the center of town. The entrance fee is a steep 200 ETB ($10). The castle was built in 1640 and if you have seen any European castles from that era, it will look eerily familiar to you. ![MightyTravels 2016-07-14 at 8.17.40 PM](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDQ3NTkvTWlnaHR5VHJhdmVscy0yMDE2LTA3LTE0LWF0LTguMTcuNDAtUE0uanBnarr.jpg) ![MightyTravels 2016-07-14 at 8.17.59 PM](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDQ3NTMvTWlnaHR5VHJhdmVscy0yMDE2LTA3LTE0LWF0LTguMTcuNTktUE0uanBnarr.jpg) ![MightyTravels 2016-07-14 at 8.18.51 PM](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDQ3NDIvTWlnaHR5VHJhdmVscy0yMDE2LTA3LTE0LWF0LTguMTguNTEtUE0uanBnarr.jpg) ![IMG_4501](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDQ1NTQvSU1HXzQ1MDEuanBnarr.jpg) ![IMG_4502](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDQ1NTEvSU1HXzQ1MDIuanBnarr.jpg) ![IMG_4493](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDQ2MjgvSU1HXzQ0OTMuanBnarr.jpg) ![IMG_4495](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDQ2MjAvSU1HXzQ0OTUuanBnarr.jpg) ![IMG_4496](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDQ2MTIvSU1HXzQ0OTYuanBnarr.jpg) ![IMG_4498](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDQ2MDAvSU1HXzQ0OTguanBnarr.jpg) ![IMG_4503](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDQ1MzkvSU1HXzQ1MDMuanBnarr.jpg) ![IMG_4505](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDQ1MzMvSU1HXzQ1MDUuanBnarr.jpg) ![IMG_4506](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDQ1MzAvSU1HXzQ1MDYuanBnarr.jpg) ![IMG_4514](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDQ1MDQvSU1HXzQ1MTQuanBnarr.jpg) ![IMG_4518](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDQ0NDYvSU1HXzQ1MTguanBnarr.jpg) ![IMG_4520](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDQ0MzcvSU1HXzQ1MjAuanBnarr.jpg) ![IMG_4523](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDQ0MjYvSU1HXzQ1MjMuanBnarr.jpg) ![IMG_4525](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDQ0MjAvSU1HXzQ1MjUuanBnarr.jpg) ![IMG_4526](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDQ0MTUvSU1HXzQ1MjYuanBnarr.jpg) ![IMG_4528](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDQ0MDgvSU1HXzQ1MjguanBnarr.jpg) [caption id="attachment_47264" align="aligncenter" width="566"] ![What to do in Gondar, Northern Ethiopia - Sights — What to do in Gondar, Northern](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMjMxNDU2MjYvUGljdHVyZS1jb3VydGVzeS1vZi1XaWtpbWVkaWExLmpwZw==arr.jpg) Picture courtesy of [Wikimedia](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fasilides_Bath_06.jpg)[/caption] More ruins from that period in Gondar's history include **[Debre Birhan Selassie Church](https://foursquare.com/v/debre-berhan-selassie-church/4f10a740c2ee45f86a493b64)**, **[Iyasu Palace](https://www.britannica.com/place/Ethiopia/images-videos/A-view-of-Iyasu-the-Greats-palace-at-Fasil-Ghebbi/123331)** and the **[Church of Debre Sina](http://www.lonelyplanet.com/ethiopia/gorgora/sights/religious/church-debre-sina)**. [caption id="attachment_47267" align="aligncenter" width="566"] ![What to do in Gondar, Northern Ethiopia - Sights — What to do in Gondar, Northern, photo 2](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMjMxNTE3MDIvUGljdHVyZS1jb3VydGVzeS1vZi1UcmF2ZWxCbG9nLmpwZw==arr.jpg) Picture courtesy of [TravelBlog](https://www.travelblog.org/Photos/5834938)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_47266" align="aligncenter" width="566"] ![What to do in Gondar, Northern Ethiopia - Sights — What to do in Gondar, Northern, photo 3](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMjMxNTE2NTMvUGljdHVyZS1jb3VydGVzeS1vZi1QYW5vcmFtaW8uanBnarr.jpg) Picture courtesy of [Panoramio](http://www.panoramio.com/photo/69706420)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_47265" align="aligncenter" width="566"] ![What to do in Gondar, Northern Ethiopia - Sights — What to do in Gondar, Northern, photo 4](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMjMxNTE2NDgvUGljdHVyZS1jb3VydGVzeS1vZi1mbGlja3IuanBnarr.jpg) Picture courtesy of [Davide Comelli](https://www.flickr.com/photos/neslab/6200498089)[/caption] If you have time, drive up to the **[Goha Hotel](http://www.trivago.com/?cpt=111336002&r=&iRoomType=7&iGeoDistanceItem=1113360&iPathId=83526&aDateRange%5Barr%5D=2016-08-07&aDateRange%5Bdep%5D=2016-08-08&iViewType=0&bIsSeoPage=false&bIsSitemap=false&)**and enjoy the awesome views from the patio. ![IMG_4489](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDQ2NDUvSU1HXzQ0ODkuanBnarr.jpg) ![IMG_4488](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDQ2NDcvSU1HXzQ0ODguanBnarr.jpg) ![IMG_4487](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDQ2NTgvSU1HXzQ0ODcuanBnarr.jpg) ## Eat and Drink Gondar isn't a foodie heaven, but **[Four Sisters](https://foursquare.com/v/four-sisters-restaurant/51323beee4b0f82cee1e6cc5)** makes it look like one. This fantastic restaurant is a bit hard to find (and the neighborhood also looks shaky) but it has an awesome atmosphere and cheap but great food. Don't miss this place. ![IMG_4559](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDM1NTIvSU1HXzQ1NTkuanBnarr.jpg) ![IMG_4563](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDM0NTIvSU1HXzQ1NjMuanBnarr.jpg) ![IMG_4566](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDM0NDAvSU1HXzQ1NjYuanBnarr.jpg) **[Tele Cafe](https://foursquare.com/v/tele-coffee/5694a9eb498eb66a7ff91ee7)** has a great location overlooking the plaza. A macchiato is just 7 ETB and tastes fantastic. ![IMG_4560](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDM1NDgvSU1HXzQ1NjAuanBnarr.jpg) ![IMG_4570](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDM0MjYvSU1HXzQ1NzAuanBnarr.jpg) ## Where to Stay For my stay, I selected the **[Goha Hotel](http://www.trivago.com/?cpt=111336002&r=&iRoomType=7&iGeoDistanceItem=1113360&iPathId=83526&aDateRange%5Barr%5D=2016-08-07&aDateRange%5Bdep%5D=2016-08-08&iViewType=0&bIsSeoPage=false&bIsSitemap=false&)**, which has a pretty location on top of a hill overlooking the valley. ![IMG_4485](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDQ3MDYvSU1HXzQ0ODUuanBnarr.jpg) ![IMG_4486](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDQ3MDMvSU1HXzQ0ODYuanBnarr.jpg) ![IMG_4484](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDQ3MTAvSU1HXzQ0ODQuanBnarr.jpg) ![IMG_4481](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDQ3MTkvSU1HXzQ0ODEuanBnarr.jpg) ![IMG_4482](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDQ3MTcvSU1HXzQ0ODIuanBnarr.jpg) ![IMG_4483](https://cdn.mightytravels.com/creative/aHR0cDovL3AubWlnaHR5dHJhdmVscy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTYvMDcvMTUyMDQ3MTQvSU1HXzQ0ODMuanBnarr.jpg) It's indeed a lovely building with a great view. However, don't expect fast WiFi, a working pool or heaters in the room at this hotel. Also, the breakfast is just about OK. For $100 (and given the competition), I was expecting more. Canonical: https://www.mightytravels.com/2016/07/what-to-do-in-gondar-northern-ethiopia/ Markdown: https://www.mightytravels.com/2016/07/what-to-do-in-gondar-northern-ethiopia/index.md