Harar hotels

Top reasons to visit Harar

• Historic Walled City: Explore the ancient walled city of Harar, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where winding alleys showcase African and Arabic cultural influences.
• Vibrant Markets: Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting bustling markets, offering unique crafts and delicious street food.
• Engaging Local Events: Attend annual events that highlight Harar's traditions and community spirit, enriching your travel experience.
• Birdwatching Opportunities: Discover the diverse landscapes around Harar, perfect for birdwatching enthusiasts.
• Cultural Landmarks: Visit significant monuments and landmarks that reflect Harar's rich history and cultural heritage.

Where to stay near Harar

Harar, a city rich in culture and history, offers an extraordinary experience for travellers. Explore the ancient walled city, where winding alleys reveal the vibrant African cultural heritage and the influences of the Arabic Peninsula. Immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, marvel at the remnants of absolute monarchy, and enjoy the unique charm of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Nearby, the diverse landscapes await your discovery, perfect for a culturally themed adventure.

• Dire Dawa: Situated approximately 41.8km from Harar, Dire Dawa offers a vibrant urban experience with a unique blend of cultures. The city is known for its bustling public markets, where you can immerse yourself in local life. With peak visitor numbers from June to July and September, the atmosphere is lively during these months. Highlights include stunning sunrises and sunsets, as well as landmarks like the local sports stadium and historical castle. Whether you're here for business or leisure, Dire Dawa provides an engaging travel experience.

Things to do near Harar

Harar offers a rich cultural experience for tourists, with activities such as birdwatching and shopping. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture and indulge in the vibrant markets. Additionally, be sure to check out the annual events that showcase the city’s traditions and community spirit, making your visit even more memorable.

Shopping

In Harar, explore the bustling Camel Market for local crafts and fresh produce. If you're up for a drive, the Dire Dawa Market, located 41.8km away, and Ashawa Market, 43.5km away, both offer vibrant city vibes with a plethora of goods to choose from.

Recreation

Dire Dawa Stadium, located 41.8km from Harar, offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for sports enthusiasts. Engage in recreational activities while enjoying the vibrant sports culture. It's an excellent spot for those looking to combine wellness with an active lifestyle amidst the lively vibes of the stadium.

Adventure

In Harar, explore the ancient walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can wander through vibrant markets and historic mosques. Experience the unique tradition of hyena feeding at night, which offers a thrilling glimpse into local culture and wildlife.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife in Harar at the Harar Brewery, where you can savour local brews and enjoy traditional music. For a lively atmosphere, visit the Yabelo Restaurant, offering delicious Ethiopian cuisine and cultural performances that showcase the region's rich heritage.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Harar

To save money during your visit to Harar, consider using Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly accommodation by sorting results from lowest to highest price. Look for eco-certified hotels for sustainable options. Additionally, combining your hotel booking with flights and activities can lead to significant savings. For public transport, utilise the local bus system, which is economical and efficient. Don’t forget to explore free activities, such as wandering through the historic streets of Harar, which is rich in culture and heritage.

• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can make significant savings by combining your hotel reservation in Harar with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in Harar

Harar is an ideal destination for culture-themed vacations, offering a wealth of landmarks, monuments, and vibrant piazzas to explore. This historic city caters to travellers seeking rich cultural experiences and an engaging urban atmosphere. Whether you are interested in local history or the unique city vibe, Harar promises an enriching journey filled with intriguing sights and experiences.

• Ras Makonnen’s Palace: Immerse yourself in the rich history of Ras Makonnen’s Palace, a magnificent structure that showcases the cultural heritage of Harar. The palace offers a glimpse into the life of Ras Makonnen, an important figure in Ethiopian history.
• Gidir Magala: This landmark is a testament to Harar's historical significance. Gidir Magala is not only a beautiful site but also a place where you can feel the cultural vibrancy of the city, making it a perfect spot for photographs and exploration.
• Feres Magala: As a bustling piazza, Feres Magala is the heart of city life in Harar. Experience the lively atmosphere, local markets, and the blend of cultures that define this unique square, perfect for observing daily life.

Best time to go to Harar

The best time to visit Harar can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Harar falls in March, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Harar falls in December and July. July has slightly high visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy
January	66.9°F (19.4°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average
February	69.8°F (21.0°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low
March	71.4°F (21.9°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average
April	70.0°F (21.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High
May	69.1°F (20.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low
June	67.6°F (19.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average
July	66.0°F (18.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High
August	67.3°F (19.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average
September	68.4°F (20.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High
October	68.5°F (20.3°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low
November	67.5°F (19.7°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average
December	66.0°F (18.9°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average

The nearest major airports for your trip to Harar

Accessing Harar is convenient via two major airports. Dire Dawa Airport (DIR), located 45.1km from Harar, is the closest and offers various airlines. Nearby hotels include the Dire Dawa Hotel and the Grand Hotel Dire Dawa, providing comfortable accommodation for travellers. Alternatively, Jijiga Airport (JIJ) is situated 85.3km away, with less frequent flights but options for local hotels like the Jijiga International Hotel. Transportation services from these hotels to the airports include taxis and shuttle services, ensuring a smooth journey for tourists visiting the historic city of Harar.