Accra
Africa · Ghana
See also
Lomé
Togo6.13°N 1.22°E · 10 m
.jpg){kind=link}
Kumasi
Ghana6.67°N 1.62°W · 300 m
Overview
Accra is the capital of Ghana, a city of contrasts: 19th-century colonial buildings stand alongside modern skyscrapers and dusty shanty towns. It's a hub for history, culture, and nightlife, with lively markets, beaches, and a growing arts scene.
Languages: English
Why go?
Accra is the capital of Ghana, a city of contrasts: 19th-century colonial buildings stand alongside modern skyscrapers and dusty shanty towns. It's a hub for history, culture, and nightlife, with lively markets, beaches, and a growing arts scene.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get in
Kotoka International Airport (ACC) is the main gateway, with flights from major cities. Long-distance buses and shared taxis (tro-tros) connect to other Ghanaian cities. The central train station is on Kwame Nkrumah Avenue.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get around
Getting around Accra is by tro-tros (shared minibuses), taxis, and walking. Tro-tros are cheap but crowded. Taxis are widely available; negotiate the fare before starting. Driving can be chaotic.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
Accra has a hot semi-arid climate year-round. The rainy season is April to mid-July, with brief thunderstorms. A second rainy period occurs in September-October. Daily temperatures range from 22°C to 32°C.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
Visit the National Museum (80 GH₵), Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Independence Square, and Jamestown with its lighthouse and fishing harbour. Relax at Labadi Beach (GH₵5 entry) or Bojo Beach. Swim at A&C Mall pool (7 cedis/day) or La Palm Royal Beach Hotel pool (10 cedis/day).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Eat & drink
Osu district is packed with restaurants: Tatale Vegan serves traditional Ghanaian dishes; Frankie's on Oxford Street is a popular oasis. For nightlife, Oxford Street area has clubs like Tantra (entry GH₵20, small beers GH₵5), Duplex (free entry), and open-air spots like Container (large beers ~GH₵3). Try 'beer towers' at Epo's (3L for GH₵15).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Budget options include the YMCA (men-only dorm, $5), Agoo Hostel (bunks ~104 cedis), and Somewhere Nice (bed from 162 GH₵). Mid-range hotels like Gye Nyame Hotel ($55) offer good value. Luxury options are available in the Airport area.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Stay safe
General safety precautions apply. Bywel's bar in Osu is a known mugging target on Thursday nights; leave in a large group and take a taxi immediately. Be cautious at night and avoid isolated areas.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Respect
Most Ghanaians are devout Christians and have a traditional lifestyle; respect religious practices and dress modestly, especially in churches and mosques.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Popular onward destinations include Koforidua, Cape Coast, Kumasi, Keta, Kakum National Park, and Tamale. These can be reached by bus or tro-tro.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- eat
50 50 Special Dish
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Coco Vanilla
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Eddys Pizza
Eddys pizza is a restaurant in Accra that serves delicious pizza based on customer review.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Fantastic
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Frankie's
Popular oasis for tourists offering accommodation, restaurant, salad bar, ice cream, and bakery.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Papaye
Fast food restaurant in Osu.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Tatale Vegan Restaurant
Cozy restaurant serving a wide variety of traditional Ghanaian dishes with entrees from elsewhere. Delicious and highly recommended.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Accra Central Mosque
This is kind of a diminutive mosque compared to some of the great ones out there, but, if you are interested in religious sites, this may interest you. It is close to the Agbogbloshie borough though, so try not to get lost.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Language
Official language is English; local languages include Ga, Twi, Ewe, and Hausa.
Money
Currency is Ghanaian cedi (GH₵). Many places accept credit cards in upscale areas, but cash is king in markets and for tro-tros.
Safety
Avoid Bywel's bar in Osu on Thursday nights due to mugging risk. Be vigilant at night.
Water
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or treated water.