Accra
West Africa's most welcoming capital — vibrant markets, historic Jamestown, lively beach bars, and world-class jollof rice. Gateway to Cape Coast castles and Kakum rainforest canopy walks.
Tours & Experiences
Browse bookable tours, activities, and day trips in Accra
📍 Points of Interest
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📋The Rundown
Ghana was the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from colonial rule, on March 6, 1957, led by Kwame Nkrumah
Accra's Jamestown neighborhood is home to a vibrant fishing community where massive hand-painted wooden boats launch daily from the beach
Ghana is one of the world's largest producers of cocoa — the chocolate you eat likely contains Ghanaian beans
The "Year of Return" campaign in 2019 attracted hundreds of thousands of African diaspora visitors, and Ghana remains a top heritage tourism destination
Ghanaian funerals are celebrations of life — the famous fantasy coffins of Accra are shaped like cars, fish, phones, or anything representing the deceased's life
Jollof rice is serious business in Ghana — the rivalry with Nigeria over who makes the best version is one of West Africa's most passionate cultural debates
🏛️Must-See Spots
Jamestown & Ussher Fort
🗼The historic heart of Accra, a vibrant fishing quarter built around colonial-era forts. Climb the Jamestown Lighthouse for panoramic views, watch fishing boats launch at dawn, and explore the crumbling colonial architecture.
Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
📌A peaceful park and mausoleum dedicated to Ghana's founding father, featuring his marble tomb, a museum of personal artifacts, and the iconic star-shaped monument surrounded by fountains.
Makola Market
📌Accra's largest and most chaotic market, a sensory overload of colors, sounds, and smells. Everything from fabrics and beads to electronics and food is sold in this sprawling labyrinth of stalls.
W.E.B. Du Bois Center
🏛️The final home and resting place of the African-American civil rights pioneer who became a Ghanaian citizen. A small but powerful museum documenting Pan-Africanism and the African diaspora connection.
National Museum of Ghana
🏛️The country's main museum with exhibits on Ghanaian history, archaeology, ethnography, and contemporary art. The collection of Ashanti gold weights and kente cloth is particularly notable.
Labadi Beach
🌿Accra's most popular beach, lively on weekends with drumming circles, horse rides, food vendors, and locals relaxing. Not pristine but full of energy and a great place to experience Ghanaian beach culture.
Oxford Street (Osu)
🗼The main commercial and nightlife strip, lined with restaurants, bars, shops, and street food vendors. The go-to area for evening dining and entertainment in Accra.
🗺️Where to Next
Cape Coast & Elmina
Two UNESCO-listed slave castles on the Atlantic coast — the most important historical sites in West Africa. Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle offer powerful, essential tours through the dungeons of the transatlantic slave trade.
Kakum National Park
A pristine tropical rainforest with a famous canopy walkway — seven rope bridges suspended 30 meters above the forest floor. Combine with a Cape Coast castle visit for a full day trip.
Dakar
Senegal's Atlantic capital, a hub of West African music, fashion, and culture. Gorée Island, vibrant markets, thiéboudienne (fish and rice), and a cosmopolitan Francophone atmosphere.
Aburi Botanical Gardens
A peaceful hilltop botanical garden established in 1890 with towering tropical trees, medicinal plant collections, and cool mountain air. A popular local weekend escape from Accra's heat.
Kumasi
The historic capital of the Ashanti Kingdom, Ghana's cultural heartland. The Manhyia Palace, Kejetia Market (one of West Africa's largest), and the surrounding kente weaving villages are unmissable.
📍Hidden Gems
Chale Wote Street Art Festival Area
The streets of Jamestown that host the annual Chale Wote festival are filled year-round with murals, installations, and creative energy. Even outside the festival, this area pulses with artistic expression.
Chale Wote has put Accra on the global street art map — visiting the area reveals a creative community that doesn't pause between festivals.
Fantasy Coffin Workshops
Visit the workshops of master coffin carpenters in Teshie who create the world-famous fantasy coffins — elaborate, colorful caskets shaped like anything from Mercedes cars to Nike sneakers.
These functional artworks have been exhibited in museums worldwide. Watching them being carved and painted in the workshops is a uniquely Ghanaian cultural experience.
Osu Night Market
The stretch around Oxford Street comes alive after dark with street food vendors grilling tilapia, kelewele (spiced fried plantain), and waakye. Locals gather to eat, socialize, and watch football.
Skip the restaurants and eat where Accra eats at night — the kelewele and grilled tilapia here rival any restaurant at a tenth of the price.
Artist Alliance Gallery
A gallery and market in La showcasing Ghanaian contemporary art, traditional crafts, and bead jewelry. Less touristy than the arts center, with direct access to working artists.
The gallery connects visitors directly with artists — you can watch bead-making, wood carving, and fabric printing while chatting with the creators.
Kokrobite Beach & Academy of African Music
A laid-back beach village 30 km west of Accra, home to drumming and dance schools. Take a lesson, watch performances, and enjoy a more relaxed beach vibe than Labadi.
The Academy of African Music and Arts (AAMA) here has trained musicians from around the world — join a drop-in drumming class and then cool off in the ocean.
☀️Weather
Accra has a tropical savanna climate with two rainy seasons. It's hot and humid year-round, with temperatures rarely dropping below 23°C. The coast moderates the heat compared to inland Ghana. The Harmattan wind from the Sahara brings a dry, hazy period in December-January.
Major Dry Season
November - March73-91°F
23-33°C
Hot and dry with the Harmattan dust haze in December-January reducing visibility but bringing cooler mornings. February-March are the hottest months.
Major Rainy Season
April - July73-88°F
23-31°C
The wettest period with heavy afternoon downpours, especially in June. Rain provides welcome relief from the heat. The city turns greener and the air clears.
Minor Dry Season
August72-82°F
22-28°C
A brief cooler, drier interlude. Overcast skies and lower temperatures make this one of the most comfortable months in Accra.
Minor Rainy Season
September - October73-88°F
23-31°C
A second, shorter rainy period with lighter rains than the major season. Still warm and humid with occasional heavy storms.
🛡️Safety
Moderate
out of 100
Ghana is one of the most stable and welcoming countries in West Africa, and Accra is generally safe for tourists. Violent crime against visitors is rare. Petty theft, scams targeting foreigners, and traffic dangers are the main concerns. Ghanaians are famously friendly and hospitable.
Things to Know
- •Petty theft increases at night — avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas, especially around Jamestown and the beach at night
- •Be cautious with expensive electronics — phone and bag snatching occurs, particularly by motorbike thieves
- •Traffic in Accra is chaotic — crossing roads requires extreme caution as pedestrians have no right of way in practice
- •Beware of common scams: fake tour guides, inflated taxi prices, and "friendship" approaches that lead to requests for money
- •Always negotiate taxi or Uber fares before departure — many taxis don't use meters
- •Tap water is not safe to drink — use bottled or sachet water (locally called "pure water")
- •Use insect repellent — malaria is present in Ghana and mosquitoes are active, especially in the evenings
Natural Hazards
Emergency Numbers
Police
191
Fire Service
192
Ambulance (National)
193
General Emergency
112
🚕Transit & Transport
Accra's traffic is notoriously congested, especially during peak hours. Trotros (shared minibuses) are the backbone of local transport. Ride-hailing apps have transformed travel for visitors. Walking is limited by heat, distance, and road safety.
Uber / Bolt
GHS 15-50 (~$1.20-4) for most city tripsThe most convenient option for visitors. Both apps work well in Accra with reliable GPS navigation. Air-conditioned cars, upfront pricing, and no negotiation needed.
Best for: All getting around — especially at night, in traffic, or when you don't know the area
Trotros (Shared Minibuses)
GHS 3-8 (~$0.25-0.65) per rideColorful, packed minibuses that follow fixed routes across the city. The cheapest way to travel but confusing for newcomers — routes are announced by a mate (conductor) shouting destinations.
Best for: Budget travel and authentic cultural immersion — locals will help if you look lost
Shared & Drop Taxis
GHS 20-80 (~$1.60-6.50) for private drop; GHS 5-15 for sharedYellow taxis that can be hired privately ("drop") or shared with other passengers along fixed routes ("shared/joining"). Always negotiate the fare before entering.
Best for: Short trips when you want a direct route but can't find an Uber — always agree on price first
Aayalolo / STC Buses
GHS 5-12 (~$0.40-1) per rideAir-conditioned BRT-style buses on select major routes. More comfortable and organized than trotros but with limited route coverage.
Best for: Longer routes on the main corridors when comfort matters more than flexibility
🚶 Walkability
Accra is not a walkable city in the traditional sense. Distances are large, sidewalks are often missing or occupied by vendors, and the heat is intense. However, individual neighborhoods like Osu, Jamestown, and Labadi can be explored on foot. Always carry water and use sunscreen.
✈️Getting In & Out
✈️ Airports
Kotoka International Airport(ACC)
10 km northeastUber or Bolt to city center takes 30-60 minutes depending on traffic (GHS 30-60 / $2.50-5). Taxi rank outside arrivals charges GHS 80-150 ($6.50-12). No reliable public bus connection. Airport hotels are available for late arrivals.
✈️ Search flights to ACC🚌 Bus Terminals
STC/VIP Bus Station (Circle)
The main intercity bus terminal for government-run STC and private VIP buses. Services to Cape Coast (2.5h, GHS 60-80/$5-6.50), Kumasi (4-5h, GHS 100-150/$8-12), Tamale (12-14h, GHS 200-300/$16-25), and other cities. Book in advance for popular routes.
Tudu Station
A chaotic but functional trotro hub for most local and some intercity routes. Budget option for Cape Coast, Kumasi, and regional destinations. Vehicles depart when full.
🛍️Shopping
Accra is a shopper's paradise for African fashion, textiles, beads, and crafts. The markets are legendary — colorful, chaotic, and deeply authentic. Modern malls cater to contemporary shopping needs. Bargaining is expected at all markets and most non-fixed-price shops.
Makola Market
traditional marketThe beating commercial heart of Accra — a vast, overwhelming market selling fabrics, beads, clothing, food, and everything imaginable. Expert bargaining required. Go early to beat the crowds and heat.
Known for: Kente cloth, African wax prints, beads, spices, secondhand clothing (obroni wawu)
Arts Centre (Centre for National Culture)
craft marketA large outdoor craft market near the coast with stalls selling woodcarvings, drums, jewelry, leather goods, and paintings. Tourist-oriented with room for negotiation.
Known for: Woodcarvings, djembe drums, leather goods, African jewelry, paintings, souvenirs
Osu / Oxford Street
commercial stripModern shops, boutiques, and international brands alongside local designers. The area around Oxford Street has evolved into Accra's main commercial corridor.
Known for: Contemporary African fashion, bookshops, restaurants, international brands
Accra Mall / West Hills Mall
shopping mallsModern air-conditioned malls with supermarkets, international brands, cinemas, and food courts. Useful for practical needs and a break from the heat.
Known for: Shoprite supermarket, Game, international fast food, cinema, banking
🎁 Unique Souvenirs to Look For
- •Kente cloth from Bonwire village (near Kumasi) — the iconic striped fabric of the Ashanti people
- •African wax print fabrics from Makola Market — vibrant Dutch-influenced prints unique to West Africa
- •Glass beads from the Krobo bead market — handmade recycled glass beads in vivid colors
- •Carved wooden stools and masks from the Arts Centre
- •Shea butter and black soap — natural beauty products Ghana is famous for
- •Ghanaian chocolate (57 Chocolate, Omanhene) — bean-to-bar using local cacao
- •Djembe drums and other traditional instruments
- •Fantasy coffin miniatures from Teshie workshops
💵Money & Tipping
Ghanaian Cedi (GHS)
Code: GHS
1 USD is approximately 12.5 GHS (as of early 2026). The cedi can fluctuate — check rates before exchanging. ATMs are available at banks and malls (Stanbic, Ecobank, GCB Bank). Forex bureaux in Osu and the airport offer competitive rates. Avoid street money changers.
Payment Methods
Cash is essential for daily life — markets, trotros, and smaller shops are cash-only. Mobile money (MTN MoMo, Vodafone Cash) is widely used by locals. Credit cards are accepted at upscale hotels, restaurants, and malls. Visa is more common than Mastercard. Always carry small denomination cedis.
Tipping Guide
10% is appreciated but not always expected. Some upscale restaurants add a service charge. Check the bill first.
GHS 10-20 ($0.80-1.60) per bag for porters. Housekeeping tips of GHS 10-20 per day are welcome at nicer hotels.
Not customary for regular taxi rides since fares are negotiated. A small round-up is a nice gesture.
GHS 30-60 ($2.50-5) per person for day tours. Castle guides at Cape Coast and Elmina appreciate GHS 20-40.
Not expected or customary.
💰Budget
budget
$35-55
Hostel or guesthouse, street food and chop bar meals, trotros, free attractions, local beers
mid-range
$70-120
Mid-range hotel, mix of local and restaurant meals, Uber transport, guided tours, craft shopping
luxury
$180-300
Boutique hotel or international chain, fine dining, private tours, spa, premium nightlife
Typical Costs
| Item | Local | USD |
|---|---|---|
| AccommodationHostel dorm | GHS 80-150 | $6.50-12 |
| AccommodationMid-range hotel (double) | GHS 400-900 | $32-72 |
| AccommodationBoutique/luxury hotel | GHS 1,500-4,000 | $120-320 |
| FoodStreet food (waakye, kenkey) | GHS 10-20 | $0.80-1.60 |
| FoodChop bar meal (local restaurant) | GHS 25-50 | $2-4 |
| FoodRestaurant dinner | GHS 80-200 | $6.50-16 |
| FoodLocal beer (Club, Star) | GHS 15-25 | $1.20-2 |
| TransportTrotro ride | GHS 3-8 | $0.25-0.65 |
| TransportUber across city | GHS 25-60 | $2-5 |
| TransportSTC bus to Cape Coast | GHS 60-80 | $5-6.50 |
| AttractionsKwame Nkrumah Memorial | GHS 20 | $1.60 |
| AttractionsCape Coast Castle entrance | GHS 80 | $6.50 |
💡 Money-Saving Tips
- •Eat at chop bars (local restaurants) for filling meals of jollof rice, banku, or waakye under $3
- •Buy sachet water ("pure water") for GHS 0.50 instead of bottled water at GHS 5-10
- •Use trotros for local transport — confusing at first but incredibly cheap and an experience in itself
- •Visit Jamestown and the Nkrumah Memorial for free or minimal entry fees — some of Accra's best attractions cost little
- •Bargain hard at markets — initial asking prices for tourists are typically 3-5 times the final price
- •Download Bolt and Uber before arriving — both are cheaper than negotiating with taxi drivers
- •Have clothes tailored at Makola Market — buy fabric and get custom pieces for under $15
- •Stay in Osu for the best balance of budget accommodation, food, and nightlife access
🗓️When to Visit
Best Time to Visit
November through March (the dry season) offers the most comfortable weather, though the Harmattan haze in December-January can reduce visibility. August is an underrated month — cool, dry, and coinciding with the Homowo festival. Avoid June, the wettest month.
Dry Season (November - March)
Crowds: Moderate to high — peak around December-January holidaysThe most popular travel period. Hot and dry with occasional Harmattan dust haze from the Sahara in December-January. February-March are the hottest months before the rains.
Pros
- + Minimal rain
- + Major festivals (Homowo echo events, Christmas)
- + Year of Return cultural events continue
- + Best for day trips to Cape Coast
Cons
- − Harmattan haze can be uncomfortable
- − February-March heat is intense
- − Higher accommodation prices around Christmas
Major Rainy Season (April - July)
Crowds: LowHeavy afternoon rains, especially in June. The city floods in low-lying areas. Mornings are usually clear enough for sightseeing.
Pros
- + Fewer tourists
- + Lower prices
- + Cooler temperatures
- + City is green and less dusty
Cons
- − Heavy rains disrupt plans
- − June flooding possible
- − Humid and muggy
- − Some outdoor activities limited
Minor Dry Season (August)
Crowds: Low to moderateA brief, cool, dry window. Overcast but comfortable. Coincides with the Ga people's Homowo festival — one of Ghana's most important cultural celebrations.
Pros
- + Coolest month
- + Homowo festival
- + Dry weather
- + Few tourists
Cons
- − Overcast skies
- − Short window
- − Limited direct flights may affect options
Minor Rainy Season (September - October)
Crowds: LowA second, lighter rainy period. Still warm and humid with shorter rain events than the major season.
Pros
- + Lower prices
- + Lighter rains than June
- + Manageable weather
Cons
- − Still rainy
- − Humidity remains high
- − Some roads muddy for day trips
🎉 Festivals & Events
Homowo Festival
August - SeptemberThe Ga people's harvest festival celebrated with traditional drumming, dancing, and the sprinkling of kpokpoi (a ritual food). Jamestown comes alive with processions and ceremonies.
Chale Wote Street Art Festival
AugustWest Africa's largest street art festival, transforming Jamestown into an open-air gallery with murals, performances, music, fashion shows, and interactive installations.
Afrochella / Afro Nation
DecemberMajor Afrobeats and African music festivals attracting diaspora visitors and international artists during the December "Detty December" party season.
Independence Day
March 6Ghana's national day commemorating independence from Britain in 1957. Parades, speeches, and cultural events at Black Star Square.
🛂Visa & Entry
Ghana requires a visa for most non-African visitors. Apply online through the e-visa portal or at a Ghanaian embassy. Processing takes 5-10 business days. African Union passport holders and ECOWAS nationals enter visa-free.
Entry Requirements by Nationality
| Nationality | Visa Required | Max Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Citizens | Yes | 30-60 days | E-visa available at ghana.gov.gh ($150 single entry). Requires passport valid for 6 months, yellow fever certificate, proof of accommodation, and return ticket. |
| UK Citizens | Yes | 30-60 days | E-visa or apply at the Ghanaian High Commission in London. Yellow fever certificate mandatory. Processing takes 5-10 business days. |
| Canadian Citizens | Yes | 30-60 days | Apply through e-visa portal or embassy. $150 single entry. Yellow fever vaccination required. |
| EU Citizens | Yes | 30-60 days | E-visa or embassy application. Requirements include yellow fever certificate, accommodation proof, and financial means. |
| Australian Citizens | Yes | 30-60 days | E-visa or nearest Ghanaian embassy. Yellow fever certificate mandatory. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel. |
| Nigerian Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | ECOWAS free movement. National ID or passport accepted. No visa required. |
Visa-Free Entry
Visa on Arrival
Tips
- •Yellow fever vaccination is MANDATORY — you will be asked for your certificate at the airport and may be denied entry without it
- •Apply for your e-visa at least 2 weeks before travel — processing can be slow
- •The "Year of Return" Right to Abode program allows people of African descent to apply for indefinite residence
- •Keep your visa and yellow fever certificate easily accessible — police checkpoints may ask for them
- •Visa extensions are possible at the Ghana Immigration Service in Accra but involve bureaucratic delays
💬Speak the Language
English is Ghana's official language and widely spoken. Twi (Akan) is the most common local language in Accra and southern Ghana. Using a few Twi phrases earns huge smiles and instant warmth. Ga is also spoken in Accra, especially in Jamestown.
| English | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (to one person) | Ete sen? | eh-TEH sen? |
| I'm fine | Me ho ye | meh hoh yeh |
| Good morning | Maakye | MAH-cheh |
| Good afternoon | Maaha | MAH-hah |
| Good evening | Maadwo | MAH-joe |
| Thank you | Medaase | meh-DAH-seh |
| Please | Mepa wo kyew | meh-PAH woh CHEW |
| How much? | Ey3 sen? | eh-YEH sen? |
| Yes / No | Aane / Daabi | AH-neh / DAH-bee |
| You're welcome | Akwaaba | ah-KWAH-bah |
| Foreigner / White person (friendly) | Obroni | oh-BRO-nee |
| It's good / I like it | Eye | eh-YEH |