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Accras Attractions & Sightseeing

Accras Attractions & Sightseeing

Ghana

Discovering Accra's Essence

Accra's iconic landmarks and historical sites tell Ghana's story, while markets and cultural institutions immerse you in its contemporary spirit.

From the solemn memorials to the bustling streets, each location reveals an unique facet of the city.

Historical & Cultural Insights

  • Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum & Memorial Park: Dedicated to Ghana's first president. Visit for serene views and museum exploration.
  • Independence Square (Black Star Square): Commemorates Ghana's independence. Visit during the day for impressive photo opportunities.
  • Makola Market: Accra's largest open-air market, a hub of daily commerce. Consider a local guide to navigate.
  • Jamestown (Ga Mashie): Historic heart of the city with the James Fort and an iconic lighthouse. Hire a local guide for insight.

Museums & Forts

Cultural & Historical Hubs

  • National Museum of Ghana: Extensive collection of Ghanaian art, history, and ethnography.
  • W. E. B. Du Bois Centre for Pan-African Culture: Dedicated to Du Bois's life and legacy, a peaceful and reflective experience.
  • Artists Alliance Gallery: Multi-story gallery demonstrating contemporary Ghanaian art and traditional crafts.
  • Centre for National Culture (Arts Centre): Features a craft market and cultural performance space.
  • Bargaining Tip: Be prepared to bargain for items at the Arts Centre.
  • Initial Stop: The National Museum provides excellent historical context, a valuable first stop.

Historical Forts & Monuments

  • Ussher Fort and James Fort: Built by European powers during the slave trade era. Today, both function as prisons. View exteriors.
  • Christiansborg Castle (Osu Castle): Served as a seat of government for centuries. Public interior access is generally limited.
  • Asomdwee Park: Tranquil memorial park, final resting place of former President John Atta Mills. Offers quiet reflection.
  • Guided Tours: Forts are best explored as part of a guided tour of Jamestown for historical context.

These sites connect visitors to Ghana's complex past.

Natural Attractions

  • Labadi Beach (La Pleasure Beach): Accra's most popular public beach, lively atmosphere with vendors, horse riding, and cultural performances on weekends.
  • Bojo Beach: Offers a more secluded experience compared to Labadi, accessible by a short boat ride across the Densu River estuary.
  • Legon Botanical Gardens: Substantial green space with walking trails, a canopy walkway, and adventure activities like zip-lining.
  • Pockets of natural beauty offer respite from the urban environment.

Hidden Gems & Local Tips

  • Brazil House, Jamestown:

    Historic building with connections to Afro-Brazilians who repatriated to Ghana. Forms part of comprehensive Jamestown tours.

  • Jamestown Lighthouse:

    Iconic lighthouse providing panoramic views of Accra’s coastline and the Jamestown district. A small fee is usually paid for access.

  • Kwame Nkrumah Interchange (Circle):

    Not a traditional attraction, but this massive, bustling interchange represents modern Accra's energy and infrastructure.

  • Dress Simply:

    When visiting Makola Market or Jamestown, dress simply and avoid flashy jewelry to blend in and reduce unwanted attention.

  • Guided Jamestown Tour:

    A local guide provides historical context, navigates complex streets, and explains unique culture, enhancing your experience.

Planning Your Journey

Careful planning ensures a smooth and enjoyable visit to Accra.

Getting Around Accra

  • Taxis and Ride-sharing

    Uber and Bolt are widely available. Negotiate taxi fares beforehand or confirm meter use.

  • Tro-tros (Minibuses)

    Common for local routes but can be crowded. They offer a very local transport experience.

  • Car Rentals

    Available, but driving in Accra's traffic can be challenging. Consider hiring a driver for convenience.

  • Navigation Apps

    Google Maps or similar apps prove useful for navigating the city and estimating travel times.

  • Traffic Awareness

    Accra experiences heavy traffic, especially during peak hours. Factor this into your daily schedule.

  • Walking Distances

    Some areas like Osu are walkable, but longer distances require vehicular transport.

Health & Safety

Yellow Fever vaccination, malaria prophylaxis, and bottled water are advised. Stay aware of your surroundings and secure valuables.

Essential Items

Pack sunscreen, insect repellent, a wide-brimmed hat, comfortable walking shoes, and light, breathable clothing suitable for the tropical climate.

Cultural Practices

Politeness and respect for elders are appreciated. Greetings are important. Ask permission for photos. Dress modestly in religious places.

Money & Communication

  • Currency: Ghana Cedi (GHS) is the local currency. ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in hotels and larger stores. Carry small denominations for local purchases.
  • Connectivity: Consider purchasing a local SIM card (Vodafone, MTN, AirtelTigo) for reliable internet access. WiFi is available in most hotels and many cafes.
  • Emergency Contacts: Local emergency numbers are Police (112), Ambulance (193), Fire (192). Keep your embassy's contact details readily available.

Practical Tips

A few additional tips for a more enjoyable and seamless experience in Accra.

These considerations aid your journey from arrival to departure.

Local Language & Interaction

Learning basic Twi phrases creates positive interactions and shows respect for local culture.

Phrases & Gestures

  • "Akwabaa" (Welcome) and "Medaase" (Thank you) are highly appreciated.
  • Always greet people when entering a shop or engaging in conversation.
  • Use your right hand for greetings, eating, and passing items.

Responsible Tourism

Your travel choices influence the local community and environment.

Sustainable Practices

  • Support local artisans and businesses directly to contribute to the economy.
  • Respect the environment: Dispose of waste properly and minimize plastic use.
  • Avoid giving money directly to begging children, as it can encourage dependency rather than support.

Photography Etiquette

Respect local privacy and customs when taking photos.

Guidelines for Photography

  • Always ask for permission before photographing people, especially children, to show respect.
  • Certain areas like military installations or government buildings might have photography restrictions.
  • Be discreet in busy markets; sometimes a general crowd shot is fine, but close-ups require permission.
  • Consider offering a small tip or a print if you take someone's photo, especially if they posed for you.

What to Pack

Preparing your luggage for Accra's climate and activities.

Essential Packing List

  • Lightweight, breathable clothing (cotton or linen) for hot and humid weather.
  • Comfortable walking shoes or sandals for exploring markets and sites.
  • Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses for sun protection.

Connectivity & Power

Staying Connected

  • Local SIM cards (Vodafone, MTN) are affordable and offer good data coverage.
  • Wi-Fi is generally available in hotels, cafes, and some restaurants, though speeds vary.
  • Consider using a VPN for secure internet browsing on public networks.

Power Considerations

  • Ghana uses Type D and G power sockets (like UK). Bring an universal adapter.
  • Voltage is 230V at 50Hz. Check your devices for compatibility.
  • Power outages can occur. A portable power bank proves useful for charging devices.

Explore More

Dive into specific interests to enhance your Accra adventure.

Guided Tours

Consider booking guided tours through platforms like GetYourGuide to gain deeper insights into historical sites and local culture with expert guides.

Local Economy

Support the local economy by purchasing goods from artisans, dining at local eateries, and using local services. Your contribution directly benefits the community.

Local Interactions

Do not hesitate to interact with locals. Ghanaians are generally friendly and welcoming.

Further Exploration

Ghanaian Music & Dance

Attend a live music performance at Republic Bar & Grill or a cultural show at the National Theatre to experience Ghana's music and dance scene.

Art & Craft Shopping

Explore the Centre for National Culture (Arts Centre) or Artists Alliance Gallery for authentic Ghanaian art, crafts, and souvenirs like Kente cloth or Adinkra symbols.

Cocoa Experiences

As a major cocoa producer, Ghana offers opportunities for day trips to cocoa farms outside Accra, providing insights into cocoa cultivation and production.

University of Ghana Campus

Visit the University of Ghana, Legon campus, for its architecture, botanical gardens, and a glimpse into academic life in Accra.

Local Cuisine Deep Dive

Beyond major restaurants, seek out local 'chop bars' for authentic, home-style Ghanaian cooking at very affordable prices. A true culinary immersion awaits.

Family-Friendly Excursions

Accra offers several activities suitable for families and children.

Ideas for Families

  • Legon Botanical Gardens for zip-lining and canopy walks.
  • Labadi Beach for horse riding and sandy play.
  • Hotels with pools like La Palm Royal Beach Hotel provide recreation.

Evening Entertainment

Experience Accra's nightlife and cultural evenings.

After-Dark Activities

  • Live music at Republic Bar & Grill in Osu, especially on weekends.
  • Explore the many bars and nightclubs in the Osu district.
  • Check the National Theatre for evening performances.
  • Enjoy street food vendors that stay open late into the evening.

Essential Travel Advisory

Always stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas like markets or during nightlife.

Secure your valuables, use reputable transport, and inform someone of your itinerary, specifically for solo adventures.

Sightseeing Itineraries

Tailor your Accra sightseeing to your interests and time.

Day 1: History & Culture

Focus on central Accra's significant historical and cultural sites.

Morning to Afternoon

  • Visit Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum & Memorial Park.
  • Explore Independence Square and Black Star Gate.
  • Discover the National Museum of Ghana.

Day 2: Markets & Arts

Immerse yourself in Accra's markets and art scene.

Morning to Evening

  • Experience the energy of Makola Market.
  • Browse the Artists Alliance Gallery or Arts Centre for crafts.
  • Enjoy local street food for lunch and dinner in Osu.

Day 3: Coastal & Leisure

Relax by the coast and explore Accra's green spaces.

Morning to Afternoon

  • Spend time at Labadi Beach or the more secluded Bojo Beach.
  • Visit Legon Botanical Gardens for a canopy walk or zip-lining.
  • Enjoy fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant.

This day blends relaxation with light adventure.

Day 4: Heritage & Beyond

Explore specific historical areas or venture slightly outside the city.

Half-Day Options

  • Take a guided walking tour of Jamestown, including the lighthouse and Brazil House.
  • Consider a trip to Shai Hills Resource Reserve for wildlife viewing and light hiking.

Explore specific interests with dives.

Day 5: Personalized Discovery

Customize your final day based on what you enjoyed most.

Your Choices

  • Revisit a favorite market for last-minute souvenir shopping.
  • Participate in a Ghanaian cooking class.
  • Connect with locals in a relaxed setting, like a local cafe.

Conclude your trip with memorable experiences.

Customizing Your Journey

Time Constraints

Adjust itineraries based on your available time. Even a short visit to Accra offers rich experiences.

Personal Interests

Prioritize sites and activities that align with your specific interests, whether history, art, nature, or food.

Pace Yourself

Do not overschedule. Accra's heat and traffic mean a slower pace often leads to more enjoyable exploration.

Local Engagement Tip

Engaging with local tour guides and small businesses not only deepens your experience but also directly supports the community.