Best Things to Do in Accra, Ghana
Accra is Ghana's sprawling capital on the Gulf of Guinea, a city of contrasts where colonial forts, traditional markets, and a thriving arts scene coexist with heavy traffic and rapid development. This guide covers the best things to do in Accra, from the historic Jamestown fishing harbor to the National Museum, Cape Coast day trips, and the city's excellent food.
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Accra is one of West Africa’s most accessible and dynamic capitals. The things to do in Accra span colonial history (the Osu Castle and James Fort, built by the Dutch and later used in the slave trade), Ghanaian political heritage (the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, where the father of pan-Africanism is buried), traditional markets (Makola Market, the largest market in Accra), and a genuinely good contemporary arts scene centered on the Nubuke Foundation and Accra Art Fair. Jamestown, the old colonial fishing quarter, has a distinctive lighthouse, a boxing gym, and a harbor still actively worked by colorfully painted pirogues. The W.E.B. Du Bois Centre, where the African-American intellectual spent his final years, is a worthwhile cultural stop.
Best time to visit
November through mid-March is the main dry season and the most comfortable time to visit. Temperatures are warm (28-33°C) but humidity is lower than the wet season. The harmattan wind from the Sahara brings haze in January and February. The Chale Wote Street Art Festival in August is Accra’s biggest cultural event, transforming Jamestown into an open-air gallery. The Accra Art Week in November draws an international crowd. Ghana’s independence day (March 6) sees celebrations across the city.
The rainy seasons (April through June and September through October) bring heavy afternoon downpours and road flooding. The green season has its appeal if you are visiting the Volta Region or northern Ghana; travel with flexibility.
Getting around
Accra is spread out and traffic is heavy. Uber and Bolt operate reliably and are the recommended way to get around; prices are cheap by international standards. Trotros (shared minibuses) are the local choice and are cheap but routes require local knowledge. Taxis are widely available; always negotiate or use a meter. A private driver for the day is worth the cost for visiting multiple sites; rates are reasonable. The airport is about 12 kilometers from the city center, typically 30-60 minutes depending on traffic.
What to eat and drink
Ghanaian food is excellent and Accra has the country’s best spread of it. Try waakye (rice and beans with shito chili sauce) at any roadside stall; the most famous is the Auntie Muni spot in Osu. For sit-down Ghanaian cooking, Buka Restaurant in Cantonments does jollof rice, fufu, and peanut soup with proper depth of flavor. For seafood, the Aphrodisiac Beach restaurant at Labadi is a local institution. The Twist in East Legon is popular for cocktails and modern Ghanaian-influenced small plates.
Neighborhoods to explore
Jamestown – The oldest part of Accra, with colonial-era buildings, the lighthouse, James Fort, and a working fishing harbor. The most atmospheric and photogenic neighborhood for walking.
Osu – The main commercial and nightlife district, centered on Oxford Street. Good restaurants, bars, and shops; busy at all hours. The Osu Castle (Christiansborg) is at the eastern end.
Labone and Cantonments – Upscale residential neighborhoods with the city’s best international restaurants and expatriate-facing businesses. Less chaotic than Osu.
Makola and the CBD – The city’s central business district and the Makola Market, a vast warren of stalls selling everything from fabric to electronics. Good for immersion; carry minimal valuables and navigate confidently.
Labadi Beach – The main public beach area east of the center, with the La Pleasure Beach (paid entry), restaurants, and weekend crowds. Best on a weekday for a quieter experience.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Accra?
The best things to do in Accra include walking Jamestown and the fishing harbor, visiting the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, exploring Makola Market, seeing Osu Castle (Christiansborg), and spending time at the W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre. A day trip to Cape Coast Castle and Kakum National Park (two hours west) is one of the most important historical and ecological excursions in West Africa.
Is Accra safe for tourists?
Accra is one of the safer capital cities in West Africa. Petty theft, bag snatching, and scams targeting tourists exist but serious violent crime against foreign visitors is uncommon. Use Bolt or Uber rather than hailing taxis on the street. Avoid displaying expensive equipment in crowded markets. The main tourist areas (Osu, Cantonments, Labone) are generally safe day and night.
How many days do I need in Accra?
Three days covers the city's main sites. Add one or two days for the Cape Coast and Kakum day trip, which most visitors consider the highlight of a Ghana trip. Five days total is a well-paced Accra visit including a day excursion. Allow more time if you plan to travel north to Tamale or to the Volta Region.
Is Accra expensive?
Accra is mid-range by African standards. International-standard hotels are relatively expensive; guesthouses and budget hostels are cheaper. Eating local food from wayside stalls is very cheap. Uber and Bolt rides are affordable. Imported goods and international restaurants approach European prices. The Ghana cedi has fluctuated significantly; check current exchange rates before your trip.
What is Jamestown in Accra?
Jamestown is the oldest surviving neighborhood in Accra, originally a fishing village that grew around James Fort (built by the English in 1673). Today it has a working fishing harbor with hand-painted pirogues, the Jamestown Lighthouse (open for views), a famous boxing gym (the Attoh Quarshie gym), and a street art scene that intensifies during the Chale Wote Festival in August. It is the most historically layered and visually interesting part of the city.
What day trips can I do from Accra?
Cape Coast and Elmina Castle are the most important day trips, about two hours west: these are the former slave-trading fort complexes, UNESCO listed, and among the most sobering historical sites in Africa. Kakum National Park, near Cape Coast, has a canopy walkway through rainforest. The Shai Hills Resource Reserve, an hour east, has baboons and short game drives. Boti Falls, two hours north in the Eastern Region, is good in the wet season.
Is Accra good for families?
Yes, with planning. The Accra Zoo, Legon Botanical Gardens, and the beach areas at Labadi are suitable for children. The Shai Hills wildlife reserve works for older children. Traffic and the uneven pavement in older neighborhoods can be challenging with strollers. Accra is a welcoming city and Ghanaians are famously hospitable to visiting families.