Asmara Traveler Essentials
- Safety rating
- 6.5/10
- Best time to visit
- The cool highland climate is pleasant year-round, with September to February especially clear and mild.
- Population
- 1.0M
Overview
Eritrea's highland capital is a UNESCO-listed time capsule of Italian Art Deco and Modernist architecture, from cinemas to the futuristic Fiat Tagliero service station. Wide café-lined boulevards and a famously safe, relaxed atmosphere make it utterly distinctive.
Getting around
The walkable center is best explored on foot, with shared taxis and buses for longer trips.
Local etiquette
Café culture is central, so enjoy a macchiato and relaxed pace. Never photograph government buildings, bridges or military, and always ask before photographing people.
Safety
Crime is very low and the city feels safe, but heavy government restrictions apply. Travel permits are required to leave the capital and photography is tightly controlled.