Accra, Ghana’s bustling metropolis, stretches along the Atlantic Ocean and offers a vibrant mix of attractions. From its sparkling beaches to its impressive monuments, museums, and galleries, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The city’s architecture tells a story of its colonial past, with ancient castles from the 17th century standing tall next to contemporary skyscrapers. Accra is a true melting pot of cultures, where the bustling financial and shopping districts in the city center stand in stark contrast to the more modest residential areas that surround it.
Accra is one of the largest and most significant cities in sub-Saharan Africa and is an exciting and unique city to explore. The city has a rich history, vibrant nightlife, and an amazing food scene that will change the way you see Africa. I’d suggest staying at least three days in the city, but you could easily plan for an entire week in Accra. The city is large and spread out, so you will find it takes time to see and do the various things in the city.
Accra only has one international airport, which makes it a straightforward process to fly into the city. Be aware that if you do not have transportation arranged before you land, you will be swarmed with taxi drivers fighting for your attention the moment you step outside. Practice haggling immediately, because haggling the price is the law of the land in Ghana. Whether you are wealthy back home or not is irrelevant because, to the average Ghanaian, you are. And the merchants can spot a tourist a mile away. Haggling can be intimidating at first, but I actually learned to enjoy it, and hopefully you will too.
For travelers interested in exploring Africa, Accra might just be the best city to visit. Most people in Accra speak English, which makes it a lot easier to navigate around the city. Many tourists from Western countries will experience a bit of a cultural shock after landing in Ghana (Mine lasted two weeks). But if you learn to go with the flow and appreciate what the place has to offer, you will discover a city filled with things to do and extremely friendly locals excited to welcome you to their city.
Top Things to See and Do
1. Food and the Nightlife
Something that completely surprised me about Accra was the city’s restaurants and nightlife. Accra is a very large city and has a diverse range of restaurants, from Japanese to Turkish to local African cuisine. You can essentially find food from all over the world in Accra. Although I highly suggest eating at smaller Ghanaian restaurants for the experience and the price, it is hard to pass up the world-class restaurants found in Accra. My favorite place to eat was probably the Turkish restaurant, Bosphorus Restaurant & Cafe. But everyone needs to try Ghanaian Jollof Rice with fresh watermelon for dessert at least once in Accra. Speaking of local food, keep an eye out for street vendors making Bofrot (Ghanaian Donuts). Local school kids introduced me to these, and I probably ate more than a dozen from various food markets. Some more upscale and popular bars are the SkyBar 25 and Republic Bar and Grill. The city also boasts some very trendy clubs like the Twist Lounge and the Bloom Bar. If you are not careful, this can easily consume a large portion of your budget, so plan accordingly.
2. Learn About the History and Culture
Accra is more about experiencing the local culture rather than traditional sightseeing spots. However, there are several cultural sites worth checking out while you explore the city. Independence Square is likely the most renowned landmark in Accra. There is a huge arch that holds the Eternal Flame of African Liberation, which was ignited by Kwame Nkrumah, the first president of Ghana, and it continues to burn today. It remains unoccupied for the majority of the year but is used for significant national events like the yearly independence celebrations. If you want to learn more about Ghana’s modern history, visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park. The park is home to bronze statues, fountains, and roaming peacocks, with the mausoleum of Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s inaugural president, as its centerpiece. Two other museums worth mentioning are the W.E.B. DuBois Centre and the National Museum of Ghana. Another area to visit is called Jamestown, which is a neighborhood along the coast that was formed around the 17th century. Today, Jamestown is known as one of the less affluent areas of Accra. However, the area is home to several historic sites from the colonial period, like the Jamestown Lighthouse, Fort James, and the Osu Castle. International dignitaries like Queen Elizabeth II and U.S. presidents, including Richard Nixon, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama, have made historic visits to the castle.
3. Merchandise at the Markets
One of the more memorable things about visiting Accra will likely be exploring the local markets and buying unique souvenirs, food, and artifacts. The vaguely defined borders of Makola Market encompass what could be described as Accra’s most vibrant commercial center. It’s definitely one of the most entertaining. Hot, noisy, and persistent, it’s an initially overwhelming mix of just about anything you can possibly imagine. The market is bustling with traders and buyers, which can be overwhelming for newcomers, but it offers a unique experience like no other. The vibrant colors, enticing smells, and lively sounds truly capture the essence of Accra. Just slip into the flow and enjoy it for what it is – a colorful open-air department store spread over several blocks. I actually bought two pairs of cheap pants, fabric for shirts, and a Ghanaian soccer jersey. If wandering around markets is your thing, other areas include the Makola Market, the Kantamanto, and the Kaneshie Market. And if you are interested in local art and souvenirs, the Tetteh Quarshie Art Market is a popular stop. Haggling is encouraged. Practice haggling anytime you want to buy something and have fun improving on your skills.
4. Relax on the Beach
If you are interested in a relaxing day at the beach, Accra has multiple places to choose from. However, Labadi Beach is probably the best and most popular one in the city. The beach is a popular spot among locals, boasting golden sands, vibrant music, and a lively vibe. Wednesday nights are especially entertaining because the beach hosts a Reggae music night. I went to the Reggae music night at Labadi Beach a few times and had a blast. There are also plenty of nice hotels and restaurants along the beach if you are interested in spending a little extra for some luxury accommodations. The water can be rough and the hawkers can be relentless, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying the sand, the sun, and a cold local beer.
5. Catch a Soccer Match
Like most of the world, Ghanaians take soccer very seriously. The city has a few teams, but their main ones are the Accra Lions and the Accra Hearts of Oak. Attending a Hearts of Oak soccer match was one of the highlights of my time in Accra. The atmosphere, the tension, the crowds, the chanting. Everything that makes a soccer match great happened at that game. Be mindful that soccer games can sometimes get violent, so it is best to be alert and try not to stand out as an agitator. The teams play at the Accra Sports Stadium downtown near the Independence Arch, so it is very easy to find. If you visit during soccer season, I highly recommend getting a ticket to a match.
The Good: Accra is a safe and affordable city. The locals are very friendly. There are plenty of great places to eat, and it is the ideal city to begin your adventures in Ghana (And possibly sub-Saharan Africa).
The Bad: As I mentioned earlier, Accra is not overflowing with the traditional ‘must-see’ things. This makes the experience more about your personality and willingness to be a part of the local culture, which might not be for everyone.
The Ugly: Pickpocketing is a thing in Accra. I almost had my wallet stolen in the Kantamanto Market. Also, be prepared for garbage and air pollution. And like many other places, the water is unsafe to drink, so you will need to purchase bottled water.
Accra is a vibrant city, proud of its African past and hopeful for a prosperous future. If you are interested in visiting an African city, I highly recommend visiting Accra and exploring what the city has to offer its travelers. You will find a friendly city that feels alive with entertainment, history, and cultural significance. Taste the local and global cuisine, enjoy the lively nightlife, and learn about a place often overlooked.
The Traveling Tourists 
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