Accra, Ghana

🌍 Accra – Ghana’s Beating Heart of Culture and Coastline

Accra, the capital of Ghana, is a city that buzzes with energy, creativity, and warmth. A crossroads of heritage, modern African art, lively nightlife, and Atlantic beaches, Accra is a gateway to West Africa’s vibrant soul — where tradition meets ambition under golden tropical skies.


📍 Top Attractions in Accra

🏛️ Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum

A striking memorial honoring Ghana’s founding father, with fountains, gardens, and a museum chronicling the country’s path to independence.

🎨 Jamestown

The oldest district in Accra, famous for its colonial architecture, fishing community, street art, and the annual Chale Wote Street Art Festival.

🌊 Labadi Beach

Accra’s most popular beach — think horse rides, live drumming, and local food stalls. Especially lively on weekends and holidays.

🧵 Makola Market

A chaotic and colorful hub for textiles, crafts, food, and everyday goods. Perfect for photos, people-watching, and souvenirs like Kente cloth.

🖼️ Gallery 1957 & Nubuke Foundation

Explore contemporary West African art in these two leading cultural spaces — must-visits for art lovers.


🍽️ Local Food & Dining in Accra

Ghanaian cuisine is bold, spicy, and comforting — built around cassava, plantains, yams, and stews with deep flavor.

Must-Try Dishes:

  • Jollof rice – Spiced rice with tomatoes, peppers, and chicken or fish

  • Waakye – A hearty rice-and-bean dish, often served with boiled egg and fried plantain

  • Banku with tilapia – Fermented cornmeal dough with grilled fish and pepper sauce

  • Kelewele – Fried spiced plantains

  • Shito – A fiery black pepper sauce

Recommended Restaurants:

  • Skybar25 – Chic rooftop dining with skyline views

  • Buka – Traditional West African food in an elegant setting

  • Santoku – High-end Japanese fusion spot

  • Azmera – All-you-can-eat Ghanaian buffet

  • Chez Clarisse – For casual local eats in Osu


🏨 Where to Stay

  • Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City – Luxury stay with a spa and pool

  • Movenpick Ambassador Hotel – Business-class elegance in central Accra

  • Labadi Beach Hotel – Ideal beachfront option with great food

  • Somewhere Nice – Trendy budget hostel with a pool and colorful vibe


🌴 Day Trips & Activities

  • Cape Coast Castle – A powerful, emotional visit to a former slave trade hub (~3 hours from Accra)

  • Aburi Botanical Gardens – Lush, peaceful, and perfect for nature lovers

  • Bojo Beach – A quieter, cleaner beach experience outside the city

  • Teshie Fantasy Coffins – See handcrafted, custom-shaped coffins — a unique local tradition


🚕 Getting Around

  • Kotoka International Airport (ACC) – 15–30 mins from city center

  • Uber/Bolt – Reliable and safe for tourists

  • Trotros – Shared minibuses (cheap but chaotic — for the adventurous)

  • Walking – Limited to central areas like Osu due to traffic and heat


💡 Travel Tips

  • Best Time to Visit: November to March (dry season)

  • Currency: Ghanaian Cedi (GHS)

  • Language: English is official, but Twi and Ga are widely spoken

  • Tipping: 5–10% is appreciated in restaurants

  • Safety: Generally safe, but take usual precautions against petty theft in markets

  • Local vibe: Friendly, community-driven, expressive — people love to talk, laugh, and dance


🛍️ What to Buy

  • Kente cloth – Handwoven and symbolic

  • Beaded jewelry – Often made by local artisans

  • Wood carvings – Masks, stools, and drums

  • Shea butter & black soap – Natural beauty products

  • Fantasy coffins (miniatures) – As conversation-starting souvenirs


Traveler Ratings (Out of 10)

Category Rating ⭐
Culture & Heritage ★★★★★ (9.5/10)
Food & Dining ★★★★☆ (8/10)
Nightlife & Vibe ★★★★☆ (8.5/10)
Beaches & Nature ★★★★☆ (8/10)
Affordability ★★★★☆ (8.5/10)
Safety & Comfort ★★★☆☆ (7.5/10)