The Kotoka International Airport is the main airport located in Accra around 6 miles from the heart of downtown. There are options for buses, taxis, and rental cars at the airport.

Bus line 1A is operated by TrafikuUrban and runs on the hour every hour from the airport to the city center. The journey takes around 40 minutes and costs about 3 Euros. Buses are yellow and can be found outside the airport, take a left and you will find the bus stop. The bus does not operate between 9:00 PM and 3:00 AM.

Taxis can be found outside of the airport as well and a ride into the city costs around 15-20 Euros. Several rental car companies can be found at the airport, which links to the M-9 motorway that connects with the R7 motorway.

The city is connected by rail to Kumasi and Takoradi, and there is a subway railway line from Accra Central Station to the port city of Tema.

Riding a bike in the city is becoming more popular and bike lanes are being added to many of the main roads. Go city cycle share and Cafe is Accra and Ghana’s first and best bicycle share and cafe. It was established in 2018 to promote green cycling in the country. Accra offers bicycle tours to see some of the popular landmarks such as Osu Castle, Jamestown, Black Star Square, and Asmdwe Park.

The city of Accra is served by Intercity STC the national bus service in the country. Buses run between Accra and other regional cities in Ghana, buses are air-conditioned and comfortable and the cost is relatively cheap. Most bus services leave from the main bus terminal in Accra, it is a safe way to get around with a reliable schedule, tickets should be purchased at a local STC office.

The most common way to get around Accra is by tro tros (minibusses or cargo vans modified for passenger transport), it is the second most efficient and cost-effective way to get around the city. The buses are typically minibusses or vans and are typically decorated with decals such as flags of various countries or Bible verses. Tro tros pick up and offload passengers at designated bus stops along their regular routes. Passengers can offload as requested along the route, most of the routes commence and terminate at large urban transport terminals; such as the Neoplan station, or the Achimoat Transport.

Hiring a car in Accra is a great way to get around and explore the country. Drivers need an International Drivers Permit (IDP) as well as their home license. Main roads in Accra are generally paved and well maintained with significant improvements being made. Many of the side roads in major cities, and main roads outside of major cities, are in poor condition. Take caution when driving at night, many locations have poor street lighting and unpredictable pedestrians, cyclists, and farm animals.

Taxis are everywhere in Accra with numerous taxi ranks dotted around the city. They can be recognized by the yellow color on each side, they are not metered so negotiating a fare with the driver before taking the ride is advised. Prices are negotiable but beware of the different types of taxis as each has different fares. Always bargain the fair, whatever the driver quotes you, offer a third of that and work your way to an agreement. Taxis are a safe option to get around the city, you can flag them down on the road, or find parked taxis at taxi ranks, you can even have your hotel call and order a taxi for you.

Uber is available in Accra and is another cheap option to get around. A straightforward way to bypass negotiation, Uber defaults to paying in cash instead of cards as it is a cash economy in Ghana. Drivers will cancel rides if you choose card payments over cash. Uber arrived in the country in 2016.

Exploring Accra on foot is easy to do in the compact city center, walking is one of the most important forms of transport in Ghana. Accra is one of the safest cities in Africa when exploring the city always remain aware of your surroundings. There are pedestrian sidewalks in certain areas of the city, some of them may be congested with hawkers, some are not well maintained, and others can be unclean making walking inconvenient. There are a lot of unique attractions to visit in Accra including The National Museum, well-preserved forts, and shopping at local markets can all be accessed quite easily on foot. Due to Accra's location on the Gulf of Guinea wandering along the beautiful coastline and enjoying the Atlantic breeze makes for a wonderful walk.

Accra is considered one of the safest cities in Ghana. The police force in Ghana is highly visible and well-trained, and crime is relatively low compared to other African cities. Take the necessary precautions when sightseeing, be sure to keep your eyes open and your wallet out of sight from pickpockets, especially in crowded areas. At night stay in well-lit and populated areas, and use reputable transportation companies instead of taking rides from strangers.

Accra is a vibrant cosmopolitan capital city offering some luxurious shopping opportunities. The city is a shoppers' haven boasting bustling street markets, luxury “western style” shopping malls, and traditional shops. Fashion is in full effect on the streets of Accra, whether it be traditional African textiles, colorful fabrics, or modern items the city has some of the hottest retail “hidden gems” in the country. This wonderful city is filled with fascinating markets, and bazaars that offer everything from arts and crafts to handmade jewelry and clothing. The Makola Market is an expansive outdoor market, and the most popular market in the city where all kinds of traditional goods can be found. The pavements of the market are clogged with vendors hawking food, secondhand clothes, and shoes. A fun and unique experience that everyone should experience when visiting Accra. There are plenty of unique souvenir shops found in the city center where handmade items and traditional crafts are sold.

There are more modern shopping experiences found on Oxford Street where high-end shops and boutiques line the road. Places such as Viva Boutique, a multi-brand luxury retail experience located in the hip Osu neighborhood. This beautiful boutique is home to international brands such as Bottega Veneta, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Alberta Ferretti, MaxMara, and more.

Accra is home to many prolific designers, who may accord you a personalized shopping experience if you schedule an appointment ahead of time. There are custom tailoring experiences that are an integral part of shopping in the city. The Lotte is an elevated shopping experience, located in Airport City, a modern concept store boasting incredible fashion, art, beauty, and homeware by famed artists and designers such as Studio Badge, Christie Brown, and Osei Duro. The Lotto offers a marketplace serving African fusion food and drinks.

Modern shopping malls burst into the shopping scene in Accra where shoppers flock to purchase the latest international and local clothing, electronics, and food. There are a plethora of shopping malls in Accra such as Melcom, and Accra Mall. The Accra Mall was the first large-scale shopping center in Ghana, established in 2008. A state-of-the-art structure located on the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange, it is filled with shops, and two leading department stores; Shoptire, and Game. Franchise food restaurants in the mall include Burger King, Pizza Hut, Creamy Inn, Second Cup, Barcelos, Chicken Inn, and Basilissa.

The coastline of Ghana stretches for 350 miles from Aflao in the Volta Region all the way to Cape Three Points in the Western Region. There are many beautiful beaches dotted along this stretch of coastline with different sand and rock formations that hug the Atlantic Ocean.

Labadi Beach also known as La Pleasure Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the city of Accra. The beach offers a unique combination of natural beauty and cultural richness where beachgoers can enjoy both black and white sand beaches, sunbathing, swimming, and strolling along the shoreline. There are plenty of activities to do including beach volleyball and watersports, and there are plenty of hotels and restaurants that line the beachfront. Labadi Beach is within close proximity of downtown and is the scene for hosting big entertainment events like concerts and festivals. The beach is also well known for night-time parties by bonfires on the beach, and the place to hear traditional music and watch the local dancers.

La Palm Royal Beach is located in Accra with a luxurious seafront. A premium, relaxing atmosphere popular with travelers and has been in operation for over 20 years. The beach is suited for holidaymakers craving pristine, disturbance-free time in the city.

Akosombo Beach is another popular location on the eastern side of Lake Volta, this beautiful spot offers a more tranquil atmosphere for those looking to spend a relaxing day at the beach. There is soft sand and crystal clear waters to enjoy at this location.

Kokrobite Beach is located 15 miles away from Accra, known for its lively atmosphere and packed with restaurants, lively bars, and live entertainment. The beach comes alive at night with bonfires festivals featuring music, dance, and drumming.

Bojo Beach is situated on the western side of greater Accra’s Densu Delta Protected Area around 17 miles from the airport. An intimate and private stretch of white sand island beach is reachable across the Densu River via a guided canoe tour. A great place to relax on the warm sand and swim in the sea without the crowds. Bojo is just 3 miles from the center of the city, it is a clean and quiet beach with food and drinks available on site, and mesmerizing sunset views. This exclusive beach offers top-notch facilities including hotel lodging and unmatched service.

The official language spoken in Accra is Twi, other commonly spoken languages include Ewe, Fante, and Ga. However, many Ghanaians speak English, especially in the service industry, especially in the service industry at hotels and restaurants. Akan is the most widely spoken in the south, and Dagbani is the most widely spoken in the north. We recommend you get a good English-African guidebook and learn the common phrases such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you, and numbers 1-10.

Ghana is located in a subtropical zone with reasonably consistent temperatures throughout the year. Daily average temperatures are over 85F all year long, Accra experiences its hottest temperatures from November to January despite lying in the same hemisphere as Europe. The city enjoys a warm, tropical climate with temperatures that rarely drop below 60F or rise above 90F. November to January are the hottest months, and the rainy season peaks in May and June, and things dry up between June and October. The country’s combination of low altitude and proximity to the Equator adds to its tropical climate, humidity is usually high and upwards of 80% along the coast. Humidity clings to the coastline in Accra, the further north you go the hotter and dryer the weather will be. Ideal months to visit are October through April when temperatures are comfortable since the humidity levels are lower and exploring and sightseeing is much more enjoyable this time of year.

The currency of Accra is the Ghanaian cedi (GHS), and the smaller pesewa the US dollar is not accepted. You will need to exchange your currency for Ghanaian cedi, which can be done upon arrival at the airport currency exchange desks or banks and specialized stores called Foreign Exchange Bureaus. ATMs can be found in Accra, tipping is discretionary and appreciated, and cash is usually preferred.

Accra is an absolute delight when it comes to the food scene, some of the most dynamic chefs in the world are part of the international culinary scene in the country with innovative interpretations of Ghanaian cuisine, and the capital remains the motherhood of taste. Chefs transform everyday ingredients into tasty dishes that are highly photogenic and mouthwatering. The city has a wide range of dishes to sample from traditional Ghanaian dishes to fusion cuisine like local stews and sauces cooked with fresh fish, chicken, or beef. Try the red-red, a delicious bean dish cooked with palm oil and served with fried plantains. There are some delicious sweet treats to enjoy such as the popular deep-fried doughnuts. Ghanaian cuisine is delicious and its essential to try these dishes when visiting Accra.

The food can be quite spicy, so if you don’t like hot food, then say no to ‘shito sauce’, and extra spicy sauce dolloped over your meal. Jollof Rice is a famous dish to try, a tomato and rice dish served with fried chicken and shito sauce. Waakye is another rice dish served with beans served with sides like fried plantain, spaghetti, hard-boiled eggs, and fish or chicken. Banku is a dumpling made of a mix of fermented corn and cassava dough, normally served with stew and tilapia. Fufu is boiled, pounded cassava and plantain, often served in soups, take the dough and dip it in the accompanying stew. Chicinga is a Ghananian kebab, a popular street food normally a mix of chopped vegetables, and a protein sauce such as chicken or goat.

The capital city of Accra is known for its lively and vibrant nightlife boasting many bars, clubs, and restaurants to enjoy an evening out on the town. There is something for everyone in the city from casual bars, upscale restaurants, and live music venues to stunning rooftop bars with a view, there are so many options for everyone when it comes to nightlife. Accra is home to some of the best DJs in the country who come to perform in the many clubs and bars around the city; such as Ghana, Kavalli @ Night, EMINME’S LOUNGE AND NIGHTCLUBE, Play Ghana, Bloom Bar, One2One Bar, and Alley Bar. Accra is home to some beautiful beaches such as Labadi Beach which happens to be one of the most amazing beaches for evening entertainment. There are several beach parties organized here, Thursday nights are the most enjoyable with an abundance of food and drink along with live local music, dance, and drumming. The parties go on until sunrise!

In case of an emergency dial 112, for the fire department dial 192, 191 for the Police, and 193 for an ambulance.

Hospital: Greater Accra Regional Hospital tel.233-24-781-4770

Bemuah Royal Hospital tel.233-30-254-3652

Family Health Hospital tel.233-50-332-6753