Welcome to Accra, the pulsating heart of Ghana and one of West Africa’s most captivating capitals. This sprawling metropolis seamlessly blends rich cultural heritage with modern dynamism, offering visitors an authentic taste of Ghanaian hospitality alongside world-class amenities. From the historic slave forts that tell sobering tales of the past to the vibrant markets bursting with kente cloth and contemporary art galleries showcasing Africa’s creative renaissance, Accra promises an unforgettable journey through time and culture.

Accra stands as a gateway to understanding Ghana’s remarkable story – from its pre-colonial kingdoms through the struggles of the Atlantic slave trade to its position as Africa’s beacon of democracy and stability. The city pulses with an energy that’s uniquely Ghanaian: highlife music spilling from local bars, the aromatic blend of palm nut soup and jollof rice wafting through busy streets, and the warm smiles of locals eager to share their “Akwaaba” (welcome) with visitors.

The capital serves as the perfect base for exploring Ghana’s diverse attractions, from the UNESCO World Heritage slave castles along the coast to the lush rainforests of the interior. Modern Accra offers excellent infrastructure, reliable internet connectivity, and a growing reputation as a hub for business and tourism in West Africa.

Getting to Accra

By Air

Kotoka International Airport (ACC) serves as Accra’s main gateway, located approximately 10 kilometres from the city centre. The airport welcomes direct flights from major international destinations including London Heathrow (British Airways, Virgin Atlantic), Amsterdam (KLM), Dubai (Emirates), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), and Johannesburg (South African Airways).

Airport Transfer Options:

• Uber/Bolt: $8-15 to the city centre (20-40 minutes depending on traffic)
• Official airport taxis: $20-25 (negotiate fare beforehand)
• Private transfers: $25-35 (bookable through hotels)
• Tro-tro (shared minibus): $1-2 (budget option, longer journey time)

Visa Requirements

Most visitors require a visa to enter Ghana. British citizens can obtain a visa on arrival for $150 (30 days) or apply online through the Ghana eVisa portal. Ensure your passport has at least six months’ validity and two blank pages.

When to Visit Accra

Best Time to Visit

November to March offers the most pleasant weather with minimal rainfall, lower humidity, and consistent sunshine. This dry season coincides with the Harmattan winds from December to February, bringing cooler temperatures and occasional dust haze.

Weather Patterns

• Dry Season (November-March): 24-32°C, minimal rainfall, ideal for outdoor activities
• Wet Season (April-October): 23-30°C, heavy but brief afternoon showers, lush green landscapes
• Harmattan Season (December-February): Cooler temperatures, dusty conditions, excellent visibility after dust settles

Cultural Calendar

• March: Independence Day celebrations (6th March)
• August: Homowo Festival (Ga people’s harvest celebration)
• December: Panafest and Emancipation Day events
• Year-round: Vibrant nightlife and cultural events

Where to Stay in Accra

Luxury Accommodations

Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City The epitome of luxury in Accra, this 269-room hotel in the Airport City development offers unparalleled elegance. Kempinski features multiple restaurants, a world-class spa, and impeccable service standards that have made Kempinski a global hospitality leader.

• Price: $280-450 per night
• Highlights: Rooftop pool, multiple dining options, business facilities
• Best for: Business travellers and luxury seekers

Labadi Beach Hotel Accra’s premier beachfront resort, offering direct access to Labadi Beach alongside comprehensive amenities. The hotel’s prime location makes it perfect for combining business with leisure.

• Price: $200-320 per night
• Highlights: Private beach access, multiple pools, spa services
• Best for: Beach lovers and conference attendees

Movenpick Ambassador Hotel A sophisticated business hotel in the heart of Accra, known for its Swiss hospitality standards and excellent conference facilities.

• Price: $180-280 per night
• Highlights: Central location, rooftop restaurant, fitness centre
• Best for: Business travellers and city explorers

Mid-Range Options

Alisa Hotel North Ridge A charming boutique property offering personalised service in one of Accra’s most desirable neighbourhoods. The hotel’s intimate atmosphere and attention to detail create a memorable stay.

• Price: $120-180 per night
• Highlights: Boutique charm, excellent restaurant, quiet location
• Best for: Couples and discerning travellers

Tang Palace Hotel Popular with both business and leisure travellers, offering reliable service and well-appointed rooms at competitive rates.

• Price: $90-140 per night
• Highlights: Good restaurant, business centre, airport shuttle
• Best for: Value-conscious travellers

Villa Monticello A stylish property combining modern amenities with local character, featuring spacious rooms and personalised service.

• Price: $100-160 per night
• Highlights: Unique design, good location, friendly staff
• Best for: Design enthusiasts and comfort seekers

Budget-Friendly Accommodations

Somewhere Nice Backpackers Accra’s most popular hostel, offering clean dormitories and private rooms in a social atmosphere perfect for meeting fellow travellers.

• Price: $15-35 per night
• Highlights: Social atmosphere, tours available, central location
• Best for: Backpackers and budget travellers

Gye Nyame Hotel A reliable budget option offering basic comfort and good value in a convenient location.

• Price: $25-45 per night
• Highlights: Clean rooms, helpful staff, good location
• Best for: Budget-conscious independent travellers

Accra Luxury Lodge Despite its name, this property offers mid-budget accommodation with decent amenities and service.

• Price: $40-70 per night
• Highlights: Good value, restaurant, helpful reception
• Best for: Mid-budget travellers seeking comfort

Where to Eat in Accra

Fine Dining

Bistro 22 Accra’s most sophisticated restaurant, offering contemporary international cuisine with African influences in an elegant setting. The wine selection and service standards rival international destinations.

• Price Range: $40-80 per person
• Cuisine: International with African fusion
• Highlights: Extensive wine list, impeccable service, romantic ambience

Buka Restaurant Celebrating authentic Nigerian and West African cuisine in upscale surroundings, Buka offers traditional dishes prepared with contemporary techniques.

• Price Range: $25-45 per person
• Cuisine: Nigerian and West African
• Highlights: Authentic flavours, elegant presentation, cultural atmosphere

La Chaumière A slice of France in Accra, offering classic French cuisine and an impressive wine cellar in an intimate setting.

• Price Range: $50-75 per person
• Cuisine: French
• Highlights: Authentic French cooking, wine selection, romantic setting

Local Cuisine

Azmera Restaurant The best place to experience authentic Ghanaian cuisine, from perfectly spiced jollof rice to rich palm nut soup. The family-run establishment maintains traditional cooking methods.

• Price Range: $8-15 per person
• Specialities: Jollof rice, banku with tilapia, palm nut soup
• Atmosphere: Authentic local dining experience

Asanka Local A beloved local institution serving hearty Ghanaian dishes in generous portions. The restaurant’s popularity with locals guarantees authentic flavours.

• Price Range: $5-12 per person
• Specialities: Waakye, red red, fufu with light soup
• Best for: Authentic local experience

Santoku Restaurant Offering excellent Japanese cuisine with some of the best sushi in West Africa, popular with Accra’s international community.

• Price Range: $20-35 per person
• Cuisine: Japanese
• Highlights: Fresh sushi, authentic preparation, modern atmosphere

Casual Dining

ChopsBar A trendy gastropub offering elevated pub food and craft cocktails in a lively atmosphere popular with young professionals.

• Price Range: $12-25 per person
• Cuisine: International pub fare
• Highlights: Craft cocktails, lively atmosphere, good music

Republic Bar & Grill A popular spot for both locals and expats, offering a diverse menu and excellent cocktails in a stylish setting.

• Price Range: $15-30 per person
• Cuisine: International grill
• Highlights: Great cocktails, diverse menu, popular nightspot

Street Food and Markets

Makola Market Food Stalls The heart of Accra’s street food scene, offering everything from kelewele (spiced fried plantain) to fresh coconut water.

• Price Range: $1-5 per item
• Must-try: Kelewele, bofrot, fresh coconut
• Tips: Go with an empty stomach and an adventurous spirit

Oxford Street Food Vendors Evening food stalls serving grilled meat, jollof rice, and local snacks to late-night revellers.

• Price Range: $2-8 per meal
• Specialities: Grilled chicken, jollof rice, kebabs
• Best time: Evening and late night

What to Do in Accra

Historical and Cultural Sites

Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum A must-visit monument dedicated to Ghana’s first president and pan-African icon. The mausoleum and surrounding park offer insights into Ghana’s independence struggle and Nkrumah’s vision for African unity.

• Entry Fee: $3
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
• Duration: 1-2 hours

National Museum of Ghana The country’s premier museum showcases Ghanaian culture, history, and traditions through comprehensive exhibits spanning from prehistoric times to the modern era.

• Entry Fee: $2
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (closed Mondays)
• Highlights: Traditional crafts, historical artefacts, cultural displays

Centre for National Culture (Arts Centre) A vibrant hub for Ghanaian arts and crafts, featuring workshops, galleries, and shops selling authentic local artwork, kente cloth, and traditional instruments.

• Entry: Free (purchases separate)
• Best for: Souvenir shopping and cultural immersion
• Tip: Bargaining is expected and part of the experience

Religious and Spiritual Sites

Holy Trinity Cathedral An impressive Anglican cathedral showcasing colonial architecture and serving as an important religious landmark in Accra’s history.

• Entry: Free
• Services: Sunday mornings
• Architecture: Gothic Revival style

Accra Central Mosque One of the city’s most important Islamic sites, featuring beautiful architecture and welcoming visitors outside prayer times.

• Entry: Free (modest dress required)
• Best time: Outside prayer times
• Cultural significance: Important community gathering place

Markets and Shopping

Makola Market West Africa’s largest market, a sensory overload of colours, sounds, and smells. Navigate narrow alleys filled with everything from fresh produce to traditional textiles.

• Best time: Morning (less crowded)
• Highlights: Kente cloth, traditional crafts, spices
• Safety tip: Keep valuables secure and go with a guide

Accra Mall Modern shopping centre offering international brands, restaurants, and air-conditioned comfort. Perfect for a break from the tropical heat.

• Highlights: Cinema, food court, international shops
• Best for: Modern shopping experience, family entertainment

Global Mamas Shop Fair-trade boutique supporting local artisans, offering high-quality African-inspired fashion and home décor.

• Speciality: Ethical fashion and crafts
• Price range: $15-150 for clothing items
• Impact: Supports local communities

Beaches and Outdoor Activities

Labadi Beach Accra’s most popular beach, offering golden sand, warm Atlantic waters, and beachside bars. Weekend afternoons feature live music and beach football.

• Entry fee: $2-3
• Activities: Swimming, beach volleyball, horse riding
• Best time: Weekends for atmosphere, weekdays for tranquillity

Kokrobite Beach A more laid-back alternative to Labadi, popular with backpackers and featuring reggae bars and drumming sessions.

• Distance: 30km from city centre
• Activities: Surfing, drumming lessons, beach relaxation
• Atmosphere: Bohemian and relaxed

Aburi Botanical Gardens Escape the city heat in these beautiful gardens in the Akuapem Hills, featuring tropical plants and panoramic views of Accra.

• Distance: 1 hour from Accra
• Entry fee: $3
• Activities: Nature walks, photography, picnicking

Nightlife and Entertainment

Republic Bar & Grill Accra’s premier nightlife destination, featuring live music, DJ sets, and a sophisticated cocktail menu that attracts the city’s social elite.

• Peak times: Thursday-Saturday nights
• Dress code: Smart casual
• Highlights: Craft cocktails, live music, upscale crowd

+233 Jazz Bar & Grill Intimate venue showcasing Ghana’s best jazz musicians alongside international acts, offering sophisticated entertainment in a cosy setting.

• Music: Live jazz Wednesday-Saturday
• Atmosphere: Intimate and sophisticated
• Food: International cuisine with local influences

SkyBar 25 Rooftop bar offering panoramic city views and sophisticated cocktails, perfect for sundowners and romantic evenings.

• Best time: Sunset hours
• Views: 360-degree city panorama
• Dress code: Smart casual to upscale

Day Trip Options from Accra

Cape Coast and Elmina Castles

Distance: 150km (2-3 hours drive) Duration: Full day

Visit these UNESCO World Heritage sites that served as major departure points during the Atlantic slave trade. The castles offer sobering insights into this dark chapter of history while showcasing impressive colonial architecture.

What to expect:

• Guided tours through dungeons and slave quarters
• Museum exhibits on slave trade history
• Emotional and educational experience
• Tour cost: $50-80, including transport and guide

Kakum National Park

Distance: 170km (3 hours drive) Duration: Full day

Experience Ghana’s rainforest canopy on the famous suspended walkway, 40 metres above the forest floor. The park protects 375 square kilometres of tropical rainforest.

Activities:

• Canopy walkway (7 suspension bridges)
• Nature walks and bird watching
• Butterfly sanctuary visit
• Tour cost: $60-100, including transport and park fees

Shai Hills Resource Reserve

Distance: 50km (1 hour drive) Duration: Half or full day

Closer to Accra, this reserve offers wildlife viewing, rock climbing, and cultural sites, including ancient caves and burial grounds.

Activities:

• Wildlife spotting (antelopes, baboons, birds)
• Rock climbing and hiking
• Cultural site visits
• Tour cost: $30-5,0, including transport

Getting Around Accra

Transportation Options

Uber and Bolt The most convenient and safe option for visitors, offering fixed pricing and GPS tracking. Both services operate reliably throughout Accra.

• Cost: $2-8 for most city journeys
• Availability: Excellent in central areas
• Payment: Cash or card accepted

Taxis Traditional taxis are abundant but require price negotiation before travel. Ensure meters are used or agree on fares beforehand.

• Cost: $3-12, depending on distance and negotiation
• Tips: Always negotiate the fare before starting the journey
• Safety: Use hotel-recommended drivers when possible

Tro-tros Shared minibuses offering the authentic local transport experience at very low cost, though not recommended for first-time visitors.

• Cost: $0.30-1 per journey
• Experience: Authentic but can be crowded and confusing
• Best for: Adventurous budget travellers

Car Rental Several international and local companies offer rental services, though traffic can be challenging for unfamiliar drivers.

• Cost: $40-80 per day
• Requirements: International driving licence
• Considerations: Traffic congestion and different driving styles

Navigation Tips

• Traffic is heaviest during the morning (7-9 AM) and evening (5-7 PM) rush hours
• Many streets lack clear signage – use GPS apps
• Ask for landmarks rather than street addresses
• Allow extra time for all journeys

Practical Information for First-Time Visitors to Accra

Money and Banking

Currency: Ghanaian Cedi (GHS) Exchange Rate: Approximately 12-15 GHS = $1 USD (rates fluctuate)

ATMs and Banking:

• ATMs are widely available, but may have daily withdrawal limits
• Major banks: Ecobank, Standard Chartered, Stanbic
• Credit cards are accepted at upscale establishments
• Carry cash for local markets and street vendors

Health and Safety

Vaccinations Required:

• Yellow fever (mandatory – certificate required for entry)
• Recommended: Hepatitis A&B, typhoid, meningitis
• Malaria prophylaxis advised – consult travel clinic

Health Precautions:

• Drink bottled or filtered water
• Avoid raw vegetables and fruits you can’t peel
• Use insect repellent (DEET-based)
• Carry a basic medical kit

Safety Tips:

• Avoid displaying expensive items publicly
• Use hotel safes for valuables
• Don’t walk alone at night in unfamiliar areas
• Be cautious in crowded markets
• Trust your instincts and avoid uncomfortable situations

Communication

Mobile Networks: MTN, Vodafone, and AirtelTigo offer good coverage
SIM Cards: Available at the airport and shops for $2-5
Internet: WiFi is available in most hotels and restaurants
Calling: International calling cards are widely available

Cultural Etiquette

Greetings: Handshakes are common; right hand is preferred Dress: Modest dress appreciated, especially in religious sites Photography: Ask permission before photographing people Tipping: 10-15% in restaurants; small tips for helpful services Bargaining: Expected in markets and with taxi drivers Religious Respect: Remove shoes when entering mosques; modest dress in churches

Language

Official Language: English (widely spoken) Local Languages: Twi, Ga, Ewe (basic greetings appreciated) Useful Phrases:

• Hello: “Akwaaba” (Welcome) / “Hello”
• Thank you: “Medaase” (Twi) / “Oyiwaladon” (Ga)
• How much?: “Sɛn?” (Twi)

Budget Planning

Daily Budget Estimates

Budget Traveller: $30-50 per day

• Accommodation: $15-25 (hostels/budget hotels)
• Food: $8-15 (local restaurants and street food)
• Transport: $5-10 (tro-tros and occasional taxis)
• Activities: $2-10 (museums and local sites)

Mid-Range Traveller: $80-150 per day

• Accommodation: $40-80 (mid-range hotels)
• Food: $20-40 (mix of local and international cuisine)
• Transport: $15-25 (taxis and ride-sharing)
• Activities: $15-30 (tours and attractions)

Luxury Traveller: $200-400+ per day

• Accommodation: $150-300+ (luxury hotels)
• Food: $50-100+ (fine dining and hotel restaurants)
• Transport: $30-60 (private transfers and car rental)
• Activities: $50-100+ (private tours and experiences)

Money-Saving Tips

• Eat at local restaurants rather than hotel dining rooms
• Use public transport and shared taxis
• Visit free attractions like beaches and markets
• Buy souvenirs at local markets rather than hotel shops
• Book accommodation outside peak season

Conclusion

Accra offers an extraordinary introduction to West African culture, combining historical significance with modern vibrancy in a uniquely Ghanaian way. From the sobering history lessons at former slave forts to the joyous celebration of life in local markets and music venues, the city provides experiences that educate, inspire, and entertain.

The warmth of Ghanaian hospitality, known locally as “Akwaaba” (welcome), extends far beyond mere politeness – it represents a genuine desire to share their rich culture with visitors. Whether you’re exploring the entrepreneurial energy of Makola Market, savouring the complex flavours of palm nut soup, or dancing to highlife music under the stars, Accra invites you to become part of its ongoing story.

As Ghana continues to position itself as the “Gateway to Africa,” Accra stands ready to welcome travellers seeking authentic African experiences without sacrificing comfort or safety. The city’s blend of tradition and progress, combined with its strategic location and stable political environment, makes it an ideal destination for both first-time Africa visitors and seasoned travellers.

Pack your sense of adventure alongside your camera, bring an open mind and empty stomach, and prepare to discover why Ghana calls itself “Africa for Beginners” – though you’ll quickly realise there’s nothing basic about the depth of experiences awaiting in this remarkable capital city.

Akwaaba to Accra – Welcome to Ghana!