5-Day Ultimate Exploration Guide to Accra, Ghana

Accra, Ghana

5 days

Fishing boats moored together in the port of Tema
Independence Arch
The skyview of the city
African art on display at an outdoor market
Independence Square

About Accra, Ghana

Experience the vibrant culture and rich history of Accra, Ghana's bustling capital. This city offers a blend of modern and traditional attractions, from the bustling Makola Market, where you can haggle for local goods, to the serene beaches of Labadi and Kokrobite. Explore the city's colonial past at the Osu Castle, or delve into Ghana's history at the National Museum. Don't miss the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, dedicated to Ghana's first president. Enjoy local cuisine at a chop bar, and dance the night away at one of the city's lively nightclubs. Accra's warm climate, friendly locals, and diverse experiences make it a must-visit African destination.

5-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring Markets and Monuments

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the bustling Makola Market, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and purchase a variety of goods, from fresh produce to traditional textiles.

Lunch

Enjoy a traditional Ghanaian lunch, featuring dishes such as jollof rice, waakye, and kelewele.

Afternoon

After lunch, head to the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, a monument dedicated to Ghana's first president. The site also includes a museum detailing his life and work.

Dinner

For dinner, try some local seafood dishes, such as grilled tilapia or lobster.

Evening

End your day with a relaxing stroll along the Labadi Beach, where you can enjoy the sunset and some live music performances.

Morning

Begin your day with a visit to the Accra Arts Center, where you can explore a variety of local arts and crafts.

Lunch

Have lunch at a local eatery, trying out popular dishes like banku and okro stew.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring the National Museum of Ghana, which houses a vast collection of Ghana's historical and cultural artifacts.

Dinner

Enjoy a dinner of traditional Ghanaian cuisine, perhaps trying out a new dish like fufu and goat soup.

Evening

Spend the evening at the National Theatre, enjoying a performance of traditional music and dance.

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the Osu Castle, a historical landmark with a rich history dating back to the 17th century.

Lunch

Enjoy a light lunch at a local café, perhaps trying out a popular snack like kelewele (spicy fried plantains).

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon at the Accra Zoo and Botanical Gardens, where you can see a variety of local wildlife and plant species.

Dinner

Have dinner at a local restaurant, trying out a traditional dish like red red (bean stew) and fried plantains.

Evening

End your day with a visit to the Independence Arch, a monument commemorating Ghana's independence.

Morning

Begin your day with a tour of Jamestown, one of Accra's oldest districts, known for its colonial-era architecture and vibrant street art.

Lunch

Have lunch at a local eatery, trying out a popular dish like kenkey and fried fish.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring the W.E.B. Du Bois Centre, a museum and research center dedicated to the life and work of the African-American scholar.

Dinner

Enjoy a dinner of traditional Ghanaian cuisine, perhaps trying out a new dish like groundnut soup and omo tuo (rice balls).

Evening

Spend the evening at the Accra Mall, where you can shop for souvenirs and enjoy a variety of entertainment options.

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the Aburi Botanical Gardens, a beautiful oasis of calm and color just outside the city.

Lunch

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the gardens, sampling a variety of local fruits and snacks.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon at the Artists Alliance Gallery, where you can explore a vast collection of contemporary Ghanaian art.

Dinner

Have your final dinner in Accra at a local restaurant, trying out a traditional dish like palava sauce and yam.

Evening

End your trip with a relaxing stroll along the Accra coastline, taking in the beautiful views and reflecting on your experiences.

Attractions in Itinerary (14)

Makola Market

1
Makola Market

A bustling market in the heart of Accra, known for its wide array of goods from food to clothing and traditional crafts.

Shopping
Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum

2
Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum

The final resting place of the first President of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah. It also houses a museum detailing his life and times.

Attractions
Monuments
Museums
Labadi Beach

3
Labadi Beach

One of the most popular beaches in Accra, known for its lively atmosphere, with music, dancing, and horseback riding.

Beaches
Entertainment
Accra Arts Center

4
Accra Arts Center

A vibrant marketplace and cultural hub where you can find a wide variety of Ghanaian crafts, art, and traditional items.

Attractions
Shopping
Cultural Experiences
National Museum of Ghana

5
National Museum of Ghana

Home to a vast collection of Ghana's historical and cultural treasures, including traditional crafts, fine art, archaeology, and ethnography exhibits.

Museums
Cultural Experiences
National Theatre

6
National Theatre

The National Theatre, opened in 1992, is a distinctive building with a post-modern architectural style. It houses the three resident companies of the National Dance Company, the National Symphony Orchestra, and the National Theatre Players.

Attractions
Cultural Experiences
Architecture
Osu Castle

7
Osu Castle

A 17th-century castle built by the Danish, which has served various functions over the centuries, including a presidential residence.

Attractions
Monuments
Landmarks
Accra Zoo and Botanical Gardens

8
Accra Zoo and Botanical Gardens

A place where you can see a variety of animals and plants, and enjoy a peaceful walk in the garden.

Attractions
Parks
Gardens
Independence Arch

9
Independence Arch

A monument erected in commemoration of the Ghanaian independence struggle, located in the Independence Square of Accra.

Monuments
Landmarks
Jamestown

10
Jamestown

Jamestown is a bustling neighborhood in Accra, known for its lighthouse and vibrant street life. It's a great place to experience the local culture.

Neighborhoods
Cultural Experiences
W.E.B. Du Bois Centre

11
W.E.B. Du Bois Centre

A museum and cultural center dedicated to the life and work of African-American scholar W.E.B. Du Bois, who spent his final years in Ghana.

Museums
Cultural Experiences
Landmarks
Accra Mall

12
Accra Mall

A modern shopping mall offering a wide range of retail and dining options, as well as a cinema.

Shopping
Entertainment
Aburi Botanical Gardens

13
Aburi Botanical Gardens

A beautiful garden located in the hills north of Accra, featuring a wide variety of plant species, both native and exotic.

Attractions
Parks
Gardens
Artists Alliance Gallery

A three-story gallery showcasing the work of some of Ghana's most prominent artists, from traditional crafts to contemporary fine art.

Museums
Cultural Experiences

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Jollof Rice

Jollof Rice

A popular West African dish made with rice, tomatoes, onions, and various spices. It is a staple in Ghanaian cuisine and is often served with chicken or fish.

Waakye

Waakye

A traditional Ghanaian dish made from rice and beans. It's usually served with a variety of accompaniments like spaghetti, boiled eggs, fried fish, and shito (a spicy black pepper sauce).

Banku and Tilapia

A classic Ghanaian dish consisting of fermented corn and cassava dough (Banku) served with grilled tilapia and a spicy pepper sauce.

Kelewele

Kelewele

A popular Ghanaian snack made from ripe plantains that are marinated in a mixture of spices and then deep-fried until golden and crispy.

Fufu and Goat Soup

A traditional Ghanaian meal. Fufu is a starchy accompaniment made by pounding cassava and plantain or yam, and is served with a rich and flavorful goat soup.

Red Red

A popular Ghanaian bean stew that gets its name from the red palm oil and red pepper used in its preparation. It's typically served with fried plantains.

Shito

Shito

A hot and spicy condiment made from dried seafood, chillies, garlic, ginger and other spices. It's a staple in Ghanaian cuisine and is often served with rice dishes and fried fish.

Groundnut Soup

A rich and creamy soup made from groundnuts (peanuts), tomatoes, onions, and various spices. It's often served with rice balls or fufu.

Palm Wine

A traditional Ghanaian alcoholic beverage made from the sap of various species of palm tree. It's a popular drink in rural areas and is often served at social gatherings and festivals.

Sobolo

Sobolo

A refreshing Ghanaian drink made from hibiscus flowers, ginger, and sugar. It's often served chilled and is popular for its health benefits.

Pito

A traditional Ghanaian beer made from fermented millet or sorghum. It's a popular drink in northern Ghana and is often served at social events.

Akple and Okro Soup

A traditional dish from the Volta region of Ghana. Akple is a type of dumpling made from cornmeal, and it's served with a slimy soup made from okra.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Accra, Ghana as a tourist is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During this period, the weather is generally warm and sunny with less humidity, making it perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. However, it's also the peak tourist season, so you might want to book your accommodations and tours in advance.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

January 7

Sun

Constitution Day

March 6

Wed

Independence Day

March 29

Fri

Good Friday

April 1

Mon

Easter Monday

April 10

Wed

Eid ul-Fitr

May 1

Wed

May Day

June 17

Mon

Eid al-Adha

August 4

Sun

Founders' Day

August 5

Mon

Founders' Day observed

September 21

Sat

Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day

September 23

Mon

Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day observed

December 6

Fri

Farmer's Day

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

December 26

Thu

Boxing Day

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Taxis are a common mode of transport in Accra. They are easily identifiable by their yellow fender. You can hail them from the roadside or find them at designated taxi ranks. It's advisable to negotiate the fare before the journey starts as most taxis do not have meters.

Tro Tros are minibuses that operate on specific routes throughout the city. They are a popular and affordable way to get around, although they can be crowded. Tro Tros usually have a conductor who shouts out the destination and collects fares.

Ridesharing services like Uber and Bolt operate in Accra. They offer a convenient and safe way to get around the city. You can book a ride using their respective mobile apps. The fare is calculated based on the distance and time of travel.

If you prefer to drive yourself, there are several car rental companies in Accra. You will need a valid international driver's license. Traffic in Accra can be heavy, especially during peak hours, and road conditions vary.

Accra has a public bus system operated by Metro Mass Transit. The buses are larger and less crowded than Tro Tros, but they also operate on fixed routes. They are a good option for longer distances within the city.

Cycling is not very common in Accra due to the heavy traffic and lack of dedicated cycling lanes. However, some areas of the city are more bike-friendly. It's a good option for short distances and to avoid traffic jams.

Motorcycle taxis, locally known as 'Okada', are a fast way to get around in Accra, especially during traffic jams. However, they are considered less safe due to the risks associated with motorbike riding.

Walking is a viable option for short distances, especially in the city center where attractions are close to each other. However, be aware that pedestrian infrastructure like sidewalks and crosswalks may be lacking in some areas.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency GHC

Time zoneUTC 0

Driving sideRight

Emergency phoneAmbulance: 776111-5; Fire: 192; Police: 999, 171

Drinking waterOpt for bottled water

Power sockets

Power socket type DPower socket type G

Voltage230 V

Things to know about Accra, Ghana as a first time visitor

1

Accra is the capital city of Ghana and is known for its vibrant culture and friendly locals.

2

The official language is English, but many locals also speak Twi, Ga, and Ewe.

3

The currency used in Accra is the Ghanaian cedi (GHS). It's advisable to have some local currency for small purchases, although credit cards are widely accepted in many places.

4

Accra has a tropical climate. The average temperature is around 81°F (27°C), but it can get as hot as 91°F (33°C) during the dry season (November to April).

5

The rainy season in Accra is from April to mid-July and from September to October. It's advisable to carry an umbrella or raincoat during these periods.

6

Accra is generally safe for tourists, but like any city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure.

7

Public transportation in Accra includes buses, shared taxis, and tro-tros (minibuses). Uber is also available in the city.

8

Ghana operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). It does not observe daylight saving time.

9

Ghana uses Type G power plugs, the same as the UK. If your devices use different plugs, you'll need an adapter.

10

Tap water in Accra is not safe to drink. It's recommended to drink bottled water.

11

Accra has a vibrant nightlife with many clubs, bars, and live music venues. However, it's advisable to avoid walking alone at night.

12

Ghanaian cuisine is rich and diverse. Try local dishes like jollof rice, banku, and fufu.

13

Bargaining is common in markets and some shops in Accra. It's considered part of the shopping experience.

14

Ghanaians are generally very friendly and hospitable. Don't be surprised if locals strike up a conversation with you.

15

It's customary to greet people with a handshake. Using the right hand is considered respectful.

16

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Women should avoid wearing revealing clothes.

17

It's advisable to get vaccinated for diseases like yellow fever, typhoid, and hepatitis A and B before traveling to Accra.

18

Accra has a mix of modern and traditional architecture. Be respectful when photographing people or religious sites.

19

Internet access is widely available in Accra, with many hotels, restaurants, and cafes offering free Wi-Fi.

20

Tipping is not mandatory in Accra, but it's appreciated. A tip of 10% is customary in restaurants if service charge is not included in the bill.

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Lightweight clothing

  • Underwear

  • Socks

  • Swimwear

  • Sandals

  • Walking shoes

  • Sun hat

  • Sunglasses

  • Lightweight rain jacket

  • Toiletries

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Deodorant

  • Shampoo and conditioner

  • Soap or body wash

  • Razor and shaving cream

  • Sunscreen

  • Insect repellent

  • First-aid kit

  • Prescription medications

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport

  • Visa

  • Driver's license

  • Health insurance card

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Hotel and car rental reservations

  • Emergency contacts and addresses

  • Local currency (Ghanaian Cedi)

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger and adapter

  • Headphones

  • Camera

  • Laptop or tablet (optional)

  • Portable power bank

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Travel pillow and blanket

  • Snacks

  • Bottled water

  • Books or e-books for entertainment

  • Travel guidebook for Ghana

  • Reusable shopping bag

  • Umbrella

Weather Conditions

Accra, the capital city of Ghana, experiences a tropical savanna climate, which means it's generally hot and humid throughout the year. Average temperatures range from 24°C (75°F) to 30°C (86°F), so lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended for your visit. The city experiences two rainy seasons, the first from April to mid-July and the second from late September to November. If you're planning to visit during these periods, be sure to pack a raincoat or umbrella. Despite the rain, these periods can still be a good time to visit as the rain often falls in short, heavy showers, leaving plenty of time to explore. The driest months are from November to March, which is also when the Harmattan winds blow from the Sahara Desert, causing dusty skies and cooler temperatures, especially in the evenings. If you're visiting during this period, you might want to pack a light jacket or sweater for the cooler evenings and sunglasses to protect your eyes from the dust. Regardless of when you visit, don't forget to pack sun protection, such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as the sun can be quite strong all year round. Also, remember to stay hydrated, especially during the hot afternoons. In terms of activities, the weather in Accra allows for year-round sightseeing. However, if you're interested in outdoor activities like wildlife viewing or hiking, the drier months might be more comfortable. On the other hand, the rainy season can be a great time to experience the city's vibrant culture indoors, with many museums, galleries, and restaurants to explore. Remember, the weather can change, so it's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip to make any necessary adjustments to your packing list. Enjoy your trip to Accra!

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

31° / 23°

January is one of the hottest months in Accra, with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 31°C. It's a great time to visit the beaches, but remember to stay hydrated.

February

32° / 24°

February is also quite hot, with temperatures slightly higher than January. It's a perfect time for outdoor activities, but don't forget your sunscreen.

March

32° / 24°

March continues the hot trend, with temperatures similar to February. It's a great time to explore the city's outdoor markets and historical sites.

April

31° / 24°

April sees a slight drop in temperature, but it's still quite warm. It's a good time to visit the national parks and wildlife reserves.

May

31° / 24°

May is the start of the rainy season, but temperatures remain warm. It's a good time to visit museums and indoor attractions.

June

30° / 23°

June is in the middle of the rainy season, with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 30°C. It's a good time to explore the city's indoor attractions and enjoy local cuisine.

July

29° / 23°

July is the coolest month in Accra, with temperatures dropping slightly. It's a great time to explore the city without the intense heat.

August

29° / 23°

August continues the cool trend, with temperatures similar to July. It's a perfect time to visit the historical sites and enjoy the local festivals.

September

30° / 23°

September marks the end of the rainy season, with temperatures starting to rise again. It's a good time to visit the beaches and enjoy water sports.

October

31° / 24°

October is quite warm, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 31°C. It's a great time to explore the city's outdoor markets and historical sites.

November

32° / 24°

November is one of the hottest months in Accra, with temperatures similar to February. It's a perfect time for outdoor activities, but don't forget your sunscreen.

December

31° / 23°

December is also quite hot, with temperatures slightly lower than November. It's a great time to visit the beaches, but remember to stay hydrated.

Did you know?

Did you know that Accra is the capital city of Ghana and is the most populated city in the country?

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Places near by Accra, Ghana

Aburi Botanical Gardens

Aburi Botanical Gardens

A beautiful garden located on a highland for nature lovers.

45m
37.2 km / 23.1 mi
How to get there
Kakum National Park

Kakum National Park

A dense tropical rain forest in southern Ghana. The park is home to over 300 bird species, butterflies, and endangered mammals like the Diana monkey.

3h
172 km / 106.9 mi
How to get there
Elmina Castle

Elmina Castle

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this castle was a significant node in the tragic trans-Atlantic slave trade.

3h
155 km / 96.3 mi
How to get there
Cape Coast Castle

Cape Coast Castle

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, this castle was one of about forty 'slave castles' built by European traders.

3h
144 km / 89.5 mi
How to get there
Bojo Beach

Bojo Beach

A beautiful beach resort located on the outskirts of Accra. It's a perfect place for relaxation and has a restaurant that serves local and continental dishes.

1h
25 km / 15.5 mi
How to get there
Shai Hills Resource Reserve

Shai Hills Resource Reserve

A wildlife park where you can see baboons, antelopes, birds and have a great hiking experience.

1.3h
51 km / 31.7 mi
How to get there
Ada Foah

Ada Foah

A town on the southeast coast of Ghana, where the Volta River meets the Atlantic Ocean. It's known for water sports and birdwatching.

2h
100 km / 62.1 mi
How to get there
Boti Falls

Boti Falls

A beautiful waterfall located in the Eastern Region of Ghana. It's a twin waterfall (male and female) and is surrounded by the beautiful Boti Forest Reserve.

2h
95 km / 59.0 mi
How to get there
Akosombo Dam

Akosombo Dam

A massive hydroelectric dam on the Volta River. It's also a great spot for picnics and boat rides.

2h
104 km / 64.6 mi
How to get there