place menelik

Menelik Place and square are the epicenter of Djibouti tourism spots, and for that reason, a bit more pricey than the outskirts. I would encourage all to go, experience, and then share their thoughts.

This hotel is beautiful. I enjoyed every opportunity to visit. The pastries were wonderful, and the cafe was very night.

The centre of the city with lots of shops. Tourist information centre located here. Loads of Night clubs located in and around square with a vibrant night life on Thursday nights.

Menelik Square is the active center of Djibouti city. There are many shops in and around this square and bartering for goods is encouraged. Two favorite restaurants are Pizziola and La Chemier. La Chemier (not sure of spelling) is on the corner and the outdoor terrace is a nice place to sit, have some snacks, and just people watch. Prices are high, which is surprising considering that this is somewhat of a third world country. And the street beggars, which are constant, aren't looking for coins, they want at least 1,000 Djiboutian Francs for trying to help you find your way, even though you aren't asking for their help.

Place Menelik is a small square in the center of town. Very colonial in look and feel. Restaurants and shops in the several block vicinity. Djibouti has limited options; the square is ground zero for many of them. A couple good places to eat here but keep your expectations under control

it is a nice dining place. Staff is very good but it is a little expensive. Overall i like the place

My original destination was Somaliland. I spent 10 wonderful days there but, unfortunately flights out of Somaliland had become very difficult. My quickest option was to catch a Daallo flight from Somaliland to Djibouti, my final destination was Dubai where I live. The flight to Djibouti was uneventful and I reached JIB airport, I had to get a visa to enter Djibouti.This cost an extortionate $60 for a three day visa and I was herded like cattle outside the visa issuance office. It took 1hr and 45mins to get my visa which took a whole page of my British passport. I had nowhere to stay as it was a last minute decision to go to Djibouti. I was told that the African Village was a nice, affordable place to stay. I found a very helpful taxi driver who told me that the African Village had closed down and he recommended the Menelik Hotel. Off we went , 2000 Dijbouti Francs (+/-$11.00) later we were there. On our way there was a great deal of poverty apparent, with many poor people and heart rendering scenes which I sadly suppose is usual in many African countries. I was greeted at the door of the Menelik by a very helpful ported, he slung my suitcase on his shoulder and ran up the stairs with it, I followed him with haste and met the receptionist. A very welcoming, helpful gentleman, we agreed the room rate of $91.00 per night, I paid for one night and I was immediately escorted to my room. First impressions of the room was clean and tidy, there was Sat TV etc and all in all very comfortable. The bathroom could have been a little cleaner . but that's probably just nit picking. The only real complaint I have was the water pressure to the shower, there was none, although the water was warm enough it just dribbled out, I love my showers, so this was a bit of a let down for me. This is Africa after all and so it was not a major issue. I still got a warm shower (sort of). I did eat in the restaurant and although the two girls working there were lovely they had no idea about customer service, indeed all the waiting staff could do with some training. The food was not bad, in fact, I have to say, I had some of the best home made French Fries ever!. Having been in Somaliland without alcohol, I really fancied a beer, I am not a fan of bottled beer and wanted a draught beer, I managed to find a bar/restaurant call L'historic. The servers were very friendly and I got just what I wanted. I didn't like the jostling that went on when I walked out of my hotel, I am happy to speak with people and enjoy that but it became too aggressive and ruined what could have been a nice stroll. I found it very off putting that everyone was out to make a fast buck from you for doing very little, including the cleaning staff in the hotel who continuously kept asking me for tips even though they didn't clean my room. I travel through Africa extensively with my business and my rating for the Menelik hotel is 7 out of ten, my rating for Djibouti, largely due to the immigration system and the aggressive nature of some of its people trying to extract money from you has to be 3 out of ten. If I can help it I would not visit Djibouti again I am sad to say.

Place Menelik, officially known as 27 juin 1977 (date of the country's independence) is the heart of Centreville (the oldest part of Djiboutiville)and the best place to get a flavor of the city's charming colonial architecture. On one end is the hotel d'ville (city hall), with its gray/white Arabic arches, and where locals go or numerous certificates/permits. Next door is the small tourism bureau, with a very small display of Djiboutian crafts - the closest thing to a museum in the country. On one long-side of the square is the former Hotel Continental, the oldest hotel in the country; the exterior of the hotel remains unchanged from postcards made a hundred years ago. Opposite is the Maison de Tabac, perhaps the most picturesque building in the country with its Swahili-style balconies. On this square are several restaurants, including L'Historil (somewhat pricy French restaurant), the Mask (African/Franco-Italian), Planette Hollywood (a takeoff of the U.S. chain, with movie star photos), an excellent gelato shop, and the Beverly Cafe (mediocre inexpensive food, but impressive views).There are several tourist shops selling products made elsewhere in Africa (aside from the pumice stone art, which actually is local, from Lac Assal). In general the vendors are not nearly as pushy as elsewhere in Africa. Like all of Djibouti, crime is low. You will find that people insist on watching/washing your car, but there's no one to guard it from, other than themselves, so simply politely decline to pay the protection money.

Terrible place, terrible city, terrible people. If you want to come in Djibouti, please just go somewhere else. This Menelik place is not really safe, the people are constantly bothering you and are not friendly. They can even be agressive if you refuse to buy something they litteraly put on your hands. Surrounded by crazy guys who just want your money. The worst place I´ve ever seen.

Probably more clubs per sq. area than other town or city in Africa. Art deco buildings with a mixture of French colonial past and Arab influence. Avoide at rush our time (11-13:00 hours )

I have been to this area many times and other than once, always had good experiences. There are nice little restaurants around the square (the Mask is one) and a delicious little gelato shop off on the corner! This is, in my opinion, the best place for shopping as well. The shop owners are never too pushy and pleasant (that does not go for the people hawking their goods outside the shop). The only problem I had was when I went with a couple females a few weeks back and when we got back to our vehicle a local wanted us to pay him money for “watching” our vehicle. This is quite typical but I would not pay because we did not ask him to do anything, actually told him no when we arrived. He began to get pushy and to make a long story short – he did not get paid, was pretty irate, and yelled at us until we were out of sight. It’s not really a big deal but just know what to expect before you arrive. Definitely haggle with the shop owners and know that whatever price they say, you can usually get it for about a quarter of what they ask.

The place of bars and nightclubs ad ladies of the night Some places are cleaner some less. Most popular nightclub is Menelik. Is nice and music not too bad. The owner seems to be always present.It is safe but everyone should take his precaution. Drinks are 1000 FDJ about 6.5 $ and after 2 drinks you get one free, or is what I understood.

Après 3 escale là bas j'ai appris à apprécié cette ville et ces habitants et besoin 3 ans à y vivre que du bonheur

Carrefour de Djibouti entourée de plusieurs commerces. Le stationnement y est sur à condition de prendre un "chouf".Place à découvrir lors de votre passage à Djibouti.

A praça Menelik é o coração do bairro Europeu. Bem movimentado! Os militares que residem no Djibouti vindo de outros países como: Estados Unidos, França, Japão, Espanha se concentram nessa Praça para comer, beber, relaxar etc.Tem várias opções de restaurantes, bares e lojinhas na região.