Accra travel guide
Accra Tourism | Accra Guide
You're Going to Love Accra
Accra is a busy modern city, where the streets smell of delicious foods and the beach waits to cool you down.
You'll find a thriving local cultural scene, with everything from traditional song and dance to modern clubs with the latest live music. There are traditional crafts and cutting-edge contemporary fashions to be explored. The city's Dutch, British, and Danish influences blend with West African roots to create an unmissable destination.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Accra
1. Local History and Culture
Check out the National Museum of Ghana, artisan crafts at the Accra Art Centre, and the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum.
2. The Beach
Bojo Beach and Labadi Beach are just two options around Accra offering sparkling waters, along with activities like horseback riding and surfing.
3. Great Shopping
From the busy Makola Market to the sleek Marina Mall and Accra Mall, you'll find bargains and good prices on everything from fashions to souvenirs and jewelry.
4. Foodie Scene
From street food to fine dining, there is a thriving foodie scene waiting to be explored in the city, including international influences on the busy trading port.
5. Non-Stop Nightlife
Accra boasts a hopping nightlife scene, whether your taste runs to dance clubs, live music, chic cocktail lounges, or good time bars.
What to do in Accra
1. Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum: In Memory of Osagyefo (the Messiah)
Doctor Kwame Nkrumah was one of the founding fathers of Ghana and the country's first president. The impressive memorial park and mausoleum dedicated to him is located in central Accra and incorporates five acres of landscaped parkland along with a museum that features exhibits on his life and the intertwined story of Ghana's foundation. The Mausoleum itself is clad in Italian marble and takes the shape of a sword turned upside down, considered a symbol of peace. It is surrounded by pools containing many ornamental sculptures along with fountains.
2. Aburi Botanical Garden: A Taste of Rural Ghana
Located 18 miles north of Accra in the small town of Aburi, the Aburi Botanical Garden covers just under 65 acres on the Akuapem hills at elevations of up to 1,200 feet. There are many different environments to enjoy including a rock garden, horticulture school and the palm walk: a lane-way lined with palm trees that leads up to the entrance. Activities include hiking, and bicycle rentals are also available. There is accommodations available at a gracious old-colonial-style hotel, which has a restaurant and bar. Concessions and a picnic area are also available for day trips.
3. Labadi Beach: La Pleasure Beach
Arguably the most popular beach in Ghana, Labadi Beach stretches along the coast just to the east of Accra. It's characterized by fine sand and warm waters, with many activities available besides swimming and sunning, such as horseback riding along the beach and water sports. The road that runs along the beach is lined with bars and restaurants of various kinds, with many playing recorded or live music to add to the experience. The atmosphere is casual and family friendly, and the beach tends to get very busy on weekends -- those looking for a less hectic experience are advised to visit on weekdays.
4. Makola Market: A One-Stop Shopping Experience
Everything from electronics to household goods, clothing, jewelry and even car parts are for sale at Makola Market, a major marketplace and shopping district in downtown Ghana. There are many bargains to be found on locally produced goods, including clothing, artisan crafts and affordable souvenirs. Visitors should be prepared to take a few hours to walk through the entire market to make the most of the shopping opportunities, with both fresh produce and food stalls available for refueling along the way.
5. Dubois Centre for Panafrican Culture: Insight into Panafricanism
Dr. DuBois was a famous African-American scholar who came to Ghana to live in the newly independent nation. Today, his former home is a research facility as well as a tourist attraction which features exhibits on his work and a library along with his tomb and that of his wife. The landscaped grounds offer an oasis from the busy streets of downtown Accra, with bed & breakfast available to stay in on the grounds.
1. Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum: In Memory of Osagyefo (the Messiah)
Doctor Kwame Nkrumah was one of the founding fathers of Ghana and the country's first president. The impressive memorial park and mausoleum dedicated to him is located in central Accra and incorporates five acres of landscaped parkland along with a museum that features exhibits on his life and the intertwined story of Ghana's foundation. The Mausoleum itself is clad in Italian marble and takes the shape of a sword turned upside down, considered a symbol of peace. It is surrounded by pools containing many ornamental sculptures along with fountains.
2. Aburi Botanical Garden: A Taste of Rural Ghana
Located 18 miles north of Accra in the small town of Aburi, the Aburi Botanical Garden covers just under 65 acres on the Akuapem hills at elevations of up to 1,200 feet. There are many different environments to enjoy including a rock garden, horticulture school and the palm walk: a lane-way lined with palm trees that leads up to the entrance. Activities include hiking, and bicycle rentals are also available. There is accommodations available at a gracious old-colonial-style hotel, which has a restaurant and bar. Concessions and a picnic area are also available for day trips.
3. Labadi Beach: La Pleasure Beach
Arguably the most popular beach in Ghana, Labadi Beach stretches along the coast just to the east of Accra. It's characterized by fine sand and warm waters, with many activities available besides swimming and sunning, such as horseback riding along the beach and water sports. The road that runs along the beach is lined with bars and restaurants of various kinds, with many playing recorded or live music to add to the experience. The atmosphere is casual and family friendly, and the beach tends to get very busy on weekends -- those looking for a less hectic experience are advised to visit on weekdays.
4. Makola Market: A One-Stop Shopping Experience
Everything from electronics to household goods, clothing, jewelry and even car parts are for sale at Makola Market, a major marketplace and shopping district in downtown Ghana. There are many bargains to be found on locally produced goods, including clothing, artisan crafts and affordable souvenirs. Visitors should be prepared to take a few hours to walk through the entire market to make the most of the shopping opportunities, with both fresh produce and food stalls available for refueling along the way.
5. Dubois Centre for Panafrican Culture: Insight into Panafricanism
Dr. DuBois was a famous African-American scholar who came to Ghana to live in the newly independent nation. Today, his former home is a research facility as well as a tourist attraction which features exhibits on his work and a library along with his tomb and that of his wife. The landscaped grounds offer an oasis from the busy streets of downtown Accra, with bed & breakfast available to stay in on the grounds.
1. Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum: In Memory of Osagyefo (the Messiah)
Doctor Kwame Nkrumah was one of the founding fathers of Ghana and the country's first president. The impressive memorial park and mausoleum dedicated to him is located in central Accra and incorporates five acres of landscaped parkland along with a museum that features exhibits on his life and the intertwined story of Ghana's foundation. The Mausoleum itself is clad in Italian marble and takes the shape of a sword turned upside down, considered a symbol of peace. It is surrounded by pools containing many ornamental sculptures along with fountains.
2. Aburi Botanical Garden: A Taste of Rural Ghana
Located 18 miles north of Accra in the small town of Aburi, the Aburi Botanical Garden covers just under 65 acres on the Akuapem hills at elevations of up to 1,200 feet. There are many different environments to enjoy including a rock garden, horticulture school and the palm walk: a lane-way lined with palm trees that leads up to the entrance. Activities include hiking, and bicycle rentals are also available. There is accommodations available at a gracious old-colonial-style hotel, which has a restaurant and bar. Concessions and a picnic area are also available for day trips.
Where to Eat in Accra
Enjoy superb Indian cuisine outdoors at Khana Khazana, with mains starting at GH₵20. For classic West African cuisine, choose Chez Clarisse Mama Africa, where dishes start at GH₵30.
When to visit Accra
There are two rainy seasons in Accra, with hot, humid temperatures year round. Most tourists visit during the cooler, drier periods between July and August, and December and April, when temperatures range between 77 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to Get to Accra
Plane
Kotoka International Airport (ACC) is located about 6 miles from the city center. A taxi from the airport to the city should cost about GH₵7.
Train
Accra is a hub of the Ghana Railway Corporation, with connections to Kumasi and beyond.
Car
The Accra-Winneba Highway links Accra and Winneba in the Central region, along with most major centers in Ghana.
Bus
Intercity bus service run by the State Transportation Corporation, with connections to most major centers in the country, and stops throughout the city center, which makes it an alternative to the tro tro system.
Airports near Accra
Airlines serving Accra
Where to stay in Accra
The Beach - the Labadi beach area is lined with bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.
Popular Neighborhoods in Accra
Central Accra - this includes the historic heart of the city and many of its hotels. You'll find the National Museum, Independence Square, and other attractions here.
Accra West - this modern area of town is where you'll find a lively business district, including the new West Hills Mall.
Where to stay in popular areas of Accra
Most booked hotels in Accra
How to Get Around Accra
Public Transportation
There is no public transit system per se, but there is a private network of tro tro, or minibuses. Standard fare is between GH₵1-5. Ask a local to show you how to flag one down.
Taxi
Most taxis in the city are not metered, so be sure to negotiate a price before you set off. A typical fare within town is GH₵3-5.
Car
A car rental will let you explore Mole National Park and other attractions nearby. You can rent a car with a driver for about GH₵41.50 per hour or GH₵345 per day.
The Cost of Living in Accra
Shopping Streets
You'll find a wealth of shopping options on Lokko Road or Cantonments Road in the Osu neighborhood. The Makola Market is the largest of the traditional markets, located in the central part of the city.
Groceries and Other
Lara Mart and MaxMart 37 are good-sized supermarkets, while Saagar Supermarket is a cheap alternative. A quart of milk will cost about GH₵2.30 and a dozen eggs GH₵2.50.