As the second-largest city in Ethiopia, Dire Dawa (ድሬ ዳዋ) is a unique place that intertwines history, culture and a railway legacy, revealing a multicultural port-town that refuses to be ignored. The Ethiopia-Djibouti Railway route essentially spawned the modern-day version of the city in 1902 and allowed it to become a cool respite from the Djibouti heat for traders and diplomats, but Dire Dawa is far more than just a transient layover. Here are six things to experience for a classic taste of the city sometimes referred to as ‘the Queen of the desert.

Dire Dawa is made up of two distinct settlements, divided by the Dechatu Wadi (a seasonal river). The European-style Ethiopia-Djibouti railway influenced the ‘new town’, known as Kezira, juxtaposed by the colourful, Eastern and Muslim-influenced ‘old town’, known as Megala – both are thrilling to explore by bajaj, the ubiquitous three-wheeled motorised rickshaws that zoom through the city’s wide streets, around its carousel-like roundabouts, and along its tree-lined promenades, which also serve as perfectly crafted shaded pathways.

Soak up the sights of Kafira Market

Bowls piled high with colourful fruit and vegetables, sacks bulging with grains and rice, wooden crates piled high everywhere you look… Kafira Market’s sharp textures and colourful rows brings a calmness to the chaos of fast movement and transaction. Featuring a range of goods from local produce to electronics to homeware, the market brings people together from surrounding areas and is a great way to experience a taste of local life.

Brush-up on your archaeology at Porc Epic Cave

Around two kilometres south of Dire Dawa lies this tucked-away cave and archaeological site, dating back to the Middle Stone Age. Various excavations throughout the 20th century (the first during the 1920s) uncovered all kinds of fascinating historical artefacts, including pottery, tools, animal bones and cave paintings, which have become the main draw for visitors alongside the fantastic views offered from the high-altitude position. That high-up position also means it’s quite a steep climb to get to, but it’s worth the hard work.