Accra is known for giving its guests a cultural experience of a lifetime. With an extensive restaurant scene, exhilarating nightlife, and history that lingers through the city streets, running out of things to do in Accra simply isn’t possible.
While the beauty in Accra lies in the everyday interactions with people and the blissful community-oriented spirit, there are sides to this city that are rarely mentioned yet add to its charm.
Here are our favorite ways to explore Accra.
1. Get lost in a traditional Ghanaian market
The constant honking, smell of fresh fish being distributed, and crowding of colorful market stalls down several blocks will mark your arrival at the famous Makola Market.
An open-air market with any and everything you could possibly need, Makola is a commercial gold mine. Whether you need fabric, household cleaning supplies, or groceries, Makola Market has it all. The sweltering heat hits your face while trying to make purchases and dodging trucks as they aim to pass through the narrow roads filled with merchants – it’s all part of the exciting experience.
Visiting Makola Market is not for the faint-hearted; you’re bound to get lost, but allow yourself to explore every corner. After all, you never know what you’ll find!
Planning Tip: Leaving the market can be extremely difficult as tro-tros (mid-sized minivans) tend to back traffic up and down the roads, making it difficult for Ubers to find you. The easiest way out is to hop in a taxi already headed towards the market’s exit.
2. See a French show at Alliance Française
The leading center of French language and cultural exchange in Accra, Alliance Française is also known for hosting film screenings, performing arts shows, and concerts. The plot of the performances varies, but the lineup usually displays a seamless balance between showcasing English, French, and Ghanaian culture. You can plan on having dinner and a show with a stop at Mama Cuisine, the on-site restaurant.
Planning Tip: Stay updated on what shows are happening via their social media channels. While some shows are free, others require you to acquire tickets ahead of time.
3. Soak in views from the tallest building in Ghana
When it comes to ambiance, you’ll quickly learn that Accra does not disappoint, and it is apparent with Skybar 25, an upscale rooftop bar. The bar has high-class decorations and stunning views of the city from what is said to be the tallest building in West Africa. Have a luxurious dinner with a specially crafted cocktail while enjoying the tunes of the Kentos Music Band, a Ghanaian brass ensemble that frequently plays live music at Skybar 25.
Planning Tip: The bar is in one of the most popular buildings in the city, and tables fill up quickly. Make sure to reserve a table 24-48 hours in advance to avoid delays or being turned away.
4. Learn the history of one of Africa’s greatest leaders
Together, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum make one of Accra’s greatest landmarks. The park was commissioned in 1992 to commemorate the life of Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah. Nkrumah was instrumental in leading Ghana to independence in 1957 and setting the tone for African unity on the continent with his ideologies.
The walk-through park includes sculptures, monuments, exhibits, and gardens to honor Nkrumah. Today, the site hosts his final resting place and is a great place to learn the history of Kwame Nkrumah and early Ghana.
5. Support local businesses at the Labone Green Market
Every Saturday, the Labone Coffee Shop hosts the Labone Green Market. Local business owners set up mini pop-up shops for the public. As this mini farmers market’s name suggests, the shops sell fresh, organically grown fruits and vegetables and gluten-free products. Vendors also showcase batik, natural skincare options, baked goods, flowers, and other wares available for purchase.
Planning Tip: Vendors at the market only accept cash. It’s best to bring a variety of bills so you are prepared to make purchases.
6. Recount the legacy of W.E.B. Dubois
Once a prominent civil rights activist and passionate Pan-Africanist, W.E.B. Dubois’s contributions toward the advancement of Black people have been notable. Toward the end of his life, Dubois chose to do some work in Ghana and died in the country in 1963. The W.E.B. Dubois Center for Pan-African Culture is located in the center of Accra. It is his former home transformed into a museum, where each room takes you through the accomplishments and obstacles Dubois faced during his life.
7. Document your time in Accra with a photoshoot
A city with young entrepreneurs, a creative spirit running rampant, and vivid scenery almost everywhere you look, Accra is a place where you’ll want to document your experience to look back on forever. Photoshoots in Accra aren’t just about the pictures but the experience of working with creatives in the city who are beyond talented and know how to bring creative visions to life.
8. Work with a seamstress or tailor to bring your designs to life
Shopping for elaborate fabric schemes to have custom clothing sewn by seamstresses and tailors is a way of life in Ghana. After all, it’s how all the captivating fashions you see while exploring Accra are most likely created. You can purchase a range of beautiful prints at shops or head to a local market and see what you can find!
Look out for local sewing businesses close to where you are staying or check roadside shops where sewers work, and inquire about their rates.
Planning Tip: It will be helpful to discuss your clothing designs with a sewer before purchasing fabrics to avoid under or over-buying. It’s also best to do this activity towards the beginning of your trip if you aren’t staying long, as it can take time for your seamstress to custom-make your clothing.
9. Bar hop through Accra’s hottest nightlife venues
Accra’s nightlife reputation is starting to be recognized globally as one of the best in Africa. Parties begin around 1 am and can go on until it’s time to clock into work! Venues tend to have themed nights known for being more hype than the others. It’s common to hop from venue to venue in Accra, ending up at as many as five locations, so wear comfortable shoes!
10. Channel your inner potter with a pottery session
At Happy Art Academy, you are given a clump of clay and expected to make magic –with guided instruction from the pros, of course! The Academy runs pottery classes for all ages and assists visitors in making pots, bowls, jars, vases, and anything else you desire while crafting your clay.
Planning Tip: The Academy often runs promos for large groups (10 or more people), so be sure to inquire about any current discounts if you’re traveling to Accra with a group.
11. Visit Independence Square
A tour of Independence Square is one of the first sights you should place on your Accra itinerary. The experience will provide you with a much-needed background on Ghana’s independence.
Only gaining independence 65 years ago, in 1957, Ghana’s journey to freedom is one of pure inspiration. Just a few feet away from Independence Square are the Black Star Square, Liberation Day Monument, and Independence Arch – all structures that have played their role in the history we revere today.
Planning Tip: To grasp the importance of Independence Square, we highly recommend that you explore it with knowledgeable guides who can best explain Ghana’s history.
