The defining street of Asmara, known under the Italians as Viale Mussolini and now as Harnet (Liberation) Avenue, runs from the Government Administration Center past the Catholic cathedral down to September First Stadium. It is wide, palm-shaded, and slow — the speed limit for the daily evening promenade is essentially walking pace.
Most of the city's famous Italian-era buildings line up along it: the Asmara Theatre, the Catholic cathedral, the Cinema Roma, the Cathedral Café, Bar Royal. From around five in the afternoon residents come out to walk, talk, and sit at the cafés over juice and macchiatos. This is the easiest and best way to spend an evening in Asmara.