Cheap flights to Asmara

Quick summary

Why track Asmara with SniperAir

A highland capital with modernist architecture

Asmara is the capital of Eritrea, on the Hamasen plateau at 2,325 m: the second-highest capital in Africa and the sixth-highest in the world, according to Wikipedia (EN, FR). In 2017 the city was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its modernist ensemble, which Wikipedia (EN) describes as well-preserved Italian colonial architecture. Wikivoyage (EN) sees a vibrant mix of Italian and African architecture and culture. Population figures differ by source, so we publish none.

This page focuses on the built heritage: Art Deco cinemas, cathedrals, a palm-lined avenue and Italian-style cafes. SniperAir tracks prices to ASM, compares them with the real price history of the route and alerts you when one drops below your budget. It sells and books nothing.

Airport and getting into town

Asmara airport, south of the city

Routes, airlines and entry conditions change: check your connections and official websites before booking. We publish no taxi fare or timetable.

Wikivoyage (DE) says there is no direct flight from Germany; links mostly run through stops in the region. This changes, so do not rely on a fixed list, and compare several itineraries with a price alert to ASM.

Entry conditions depend on your nationality and change. Wikivoyage (EN) and our country sheet also note that a travel permit may be required to leave Asmara: ask official sources and the relevant embassy in advance.

Landmarks

Cathedrals, rooftops and a palm-lined avenue

Asmara is visited on foot, in the centre: modernist facades, churches and mosques, squares and cafes. The places illustrated below are described from our sources; we give no opening hours or prices, which change.

Enda Mariam Orthodox Cathedral

Wikipedia (ES) lists the Coptic Enda Mariam cathedral of the Eritrean Orthodox Church among the city's big landmarks, with St Joseph's Cathedral and the Al Khulafa Al Rashiudin mosque. Its facade of two tall towers striped in brick and white, with large colourful panels, stands out above an open square.

A building of the Orthodox cathedral

The Wikimedia Commons caption of this photo ties it to Asmara's Orthodox cathedral: an ochre building with a conical turret, crenellations and a cross, behind a railing. The whole shows the mix of styles that makes the centre interesting according to Wikipedia (DE, EN).

Asmara's rooftops and a minaret

Seen from above, the city mixes tin, tile and concrete roofs, a white minaret and a church tower, with dry hills on the horizon. Wikipedia (ES) names the Great Mosque and two cathedrals, Orthodox and Catholic, among the city's big landmarks.

The centre from above

Wikipedia (FR) recalls that in the late 1930s the Italians deeply remodelled the city, which was then called Piccola Roma, Little Rome. More than 400 buildings of Italian origin survive, according to Wikipedia (EN). The panoramic view shows pale buildings, palms and hills around the centre.

Other places named by Wikipedia (FR, EN) and Wikivoyage (EN): the Art Deco Cinema Impero, the futurist Fiat Tagliero service station, whose shape evokes an aeroplane, the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, Lombard Romanesque from the early 1920s, the Asmara Theatre of 1918 and Harnet Avenue, lined with palms, cafes, shops and old cinemas, a stroll of about a mile according to Wikivoyage (EN).

Museums and culture

National museum, theatre and cinemas

National Museum of Eritrea

Wikivoyage (EN) presents a modest but worthwhile museum with objects spanning more than five millennia of the country's history; Wikivoyage (DE) adds that it occupies a former girls' school and that the whole collection can be seen in under half an hour. Opening days are limited: ask on the spot.

Asmara Theatre

Wikivoyage (EN) mentions the historic theatre of 1918, Romanesque Revival and neoclassical in style, little used but with a cafe where you can enjoy the atmosphere.

Period cinemas

Wikipedia (FR) names the Art Deco Cinema Impero; Wikivoyage (DE) also mentions Cinema Roma, built in 1937 as Cinema Excelsior, restored in 2005 and seating 900. Programmes change: we give none.

Food and drink

Italian-style cafes, injera and the coffee ceremony

Cafes and pastries

Wikivoyage (EN) advises strolling the centre and picking any cafe on Harnet and Sematat Avenues for pastries, coffee and tea. Our country sheet mentions cappuccinos served by period espresso machines and the evening walk along the main avenue.

An Eritrean table

The basis of traditional cooking is injera, a soft flatbread served with spicy stews, often zigni or vegetables (our country sheet); Wikivoyage (EN) also names bread-roll snacks with sauce, such as fuul. Pasta and pizza recall the Italian legacy.

Coffee, milk and ice cream

Wikivoyage (DE) describes the traditional coffee ceremony, prepared by women and served in three rounds, and notes that, unlike in many African countries, dairy products and ice cream can usually be eaten safely. We name no business and no price.

Getting around

Red buses, yellow taxis and walking

Buses and minibuses

Ten downtown bus lines serve the centre, according to Wikivoyage (EN, DE), with destinations often shown in Latin script; Wikivoyage (EN) also mentions white minibuses on fixed routes. No timetable is published.

Taxis

Yellow taxis often work as shared taxis; private taxis are negotiated before the ride (Wikivoyage EN). We publish no fare.

On foot

The centre can be covered on foot. Wikivoyage (EN) advises a few days to adapt to the dry, thin air at 2,300 m, plus sunscreen and a sweater for cool evenings.

Budget and precautions

Budget and precautions

Price level

No price is cross-checked by two independent sources, so we offer no range. The currency is the nakfa; find out in advance which means of payment are accepted.

Power and connection

Wikivoyage (EN, DE) says power cuts and a slow or limited internet connection are possible: charge your devices when you can and download documents before you leave.

Flying, safety and health

SniperAir tracks prices to ASM but does not sell or book tickets. Wikivoyage (EN) judges Asmara very safe for walking; Wikivoyage (DE) advises against photographing government buildings or people in uniform. Official travel advice varies widely by country of departure, sometimes with areas advised against, notably outside the capital: check your own country's advice before booking. For health, ask a doctor or vaccination centre well before departure about yellow fever, malaria and routine vaccines; tap water should be treated.

When to go

A plateau climate, mild and dry

Altitude makes the city pleasant almost all year: the dry winter, December to April, brings very clear skies but cool nights; the rainy season is greener and cooler. Pack a jacket in both cases.

By length of stay

What to do in Asmara by length of stay

In pictures

Asmara in pictures

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions about flights to Asmara