EXPERIENCE ACCRA

Overview

Accra sits on the stunning east coast of Ghana, a small country on the West coast of Africa. The capital the city is jam-packed with exciting historical and cultural attractions as well as countless outdoor activities. The pulsating energy of Accra can be enjoyed throughout the city, it is a charming city swarming with hospitable locals, a vibrant culture, stunning scenery, and delicious local cuisine. If you are seeking adventure, thrilling activities, a great food scene, historical attractions, and beautiful beaches then Accra is the place for you.

The people of Accra are some of the friendliest Ghanaians and the most welcoming people you will ever meet. The hospitality in this attractive city is legendary, people here will go out of their way to make sure you feel comfortable and at home in their country. Locals will strike up a conversation on the street, or make kind gestures towards you, here you will always feel welcome. Accra is quickly becoming a top destination for travelers in West Africa, it has a uniquely balanced energy that makes it an ideal spot for varying tastes. Spending a weekend in the endearing city which lies partly on a cliff 25-40 feet high, and spreads northward over the undulating Accra plains.

Accra's ideal location on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea has earned it the name “Africa’s capital of cool” by the New York Times. It is known for its beautiful colorful textiles, contemporary art, exhilarating nightlife, and extensive restaurant, and entertainment scenes. Accra has been the capital of Ghana since 1877 when it was transferred from Cape Coast. The name of the city derives from the Akan word Nkran meaning “ants”, a reference to the many anthills that cover the countryside around the city.

Things to see and do

Visit Osu Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site built during the 17th century and once the property of numerous nations before it officially became Ghana’s after her independence. It served as the residential grounds of Ghana’s first president Kwame Nkrumah, and today has been converted into a presidential museum where visitors can see important artifacts that paint a colorful history of a developing nation.

Catch a performance at Accra’s Alliance Francaise Accra the leading center of French language and cultural exchange in the capital city. The performances here vary from film screenings to performing arts shows and concerts. The lineups usually display a seamless balance between showcasing English, French, and Ghanaian culture. Enjoy dinner and a show at Mama Cuisin the restaurant on site.

Check out one of the tallest buildings in Ghana, the Alto Tower in the Villagio Vista complex. Topped with the Skybar 25, an upscale rooftop bar featuring high-class decor, and breathtaking views over the city. SkyBar 25 is a members-only rooftop venue featuring a bar, restaurant, and rooftop pool, don't miss out on these fantastic views, and a luxurious dinner with a specially crafted cocktail while listening to tunes from the Kentos Music Band.

Kwame Nkrumah National Park and Mausoleum make up one of Accra’s greatest landmarks. The park was established in 1992 to commemorate the life of Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, who led the country to independence from the British in 1957. Among some of his notable achievements, he was a firm believer in Pan-Africanism and established a strong national education system for his people, and other key infrastructures for the nation. The memorial statue was erected in memory of his life’s work, the park includes sculptures, monuments, exhibits, and gardens to honor him.

Visit one of the oldest districts in Ghana, historic Jamestown, a lively, vibrant coastal district and the original part of the city. This coastal district is frequently visited by locals and visitors and is brimming with fantastic old colonial buildings, and historical traces telling the story of this old fishing community during colonial times. Jamestown is a great place to spend the day unwinding, with quaint cafes, charming shops, coastal restaurants, and plenty of historical sites. Visit the famed red and white lighthouse for a quick photo op. Jamestown also contains the Ussher Fort and James Fort, and the Osu Castle. The spellbinding murals in Jamestown are everywhere due to the brooding artist culture and rich cultural history of Accra. There is some beautiful Victorian-era architecture here and a charming seafront where the lighthouse stands, and is lined by colorful wooden boats.

The James Fort Prison and the Ussher Fort are two iconic edifices showcasing the history of colonialism and slavery. These sites are located along the John Evans Atta Mills High Street within close proximity to one another. Take a tour of the Ussher Fort which was built in 1649 by the Dutch. The James Fort Prison was built in 1673 by the British and operated as a prison until 2007 when it was closed due to its deteriorating structure.

Check out the CHALE WOTE Street Art Festival, which draws in over 300 talented artists from all over the world to Jamestown. A whole weekend event that is held in August annually. Come absorb the vibrant art scene of Accra.

Visit the National Museum of Ghana, which is divided into three main sections; one for ethnography, one for archaeology, and one for art. Here visitors can learn the tragic history of the Atlantic slave trade, and fascinating cultural exhibits that give insight into the ethnographic diversity of modern Ghana. There are musical instruments on display as well as some modern paintings. You can see how kente cloth is woven and learn about all the important royal Ashanti stools. The museum was established in 1957 and is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the country and West Africa.

Independence Square is a popular site in the city of Accra, situated across from the Accra Sports Stadium, it is filled with many beautiful monuments including the Black Star Gate, which features four distinct black stars on top of its structure. The words “Freedom and Justice” are etched firmly across the wall. It was built in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to Ghana. Independence Square is the site that holds the celebrations of Ghana’s independence day on March, 6th every year. There are other national festivals and events held here throughout the year.

Legon Botanical Gardens is a beautiful outdoor space filled with lush verdant scenic greenery. It is a one-of-a-kind adventure park where people of all ages can enjoy the spectacular surroundings with a stroll through the park on a canopy walk, or a canoe ride around the lake, as well as a high ropes course for the adventurous type. Visitors can witness high concentrations of different species of birds including Yellow-billed kites, African Grey Hornbills, Black Crowned Night Herons, Barn Swallows, and African Grey Parrots.

The Du Bois Center was the home of American Civil Rights leader and Pan-Africanist W.E.B Du Bois, it now serves as a museum showcasing his life’s work. There is a research library and a gallery of manuscripts here as well as the graves of its namesake, the scholar W.E.B Du Bois, and his wife Shirley Graham Du Bois. Du Bois was invited to live in Ghana by President Nkrumah in 1961 where he began work on an African Encyclopedia at the ripe old age of 93. He became a citizen of Ghana in 1963 when the United States refused to renew his passport.

Brazil House is situated on Brazil Lane in Accra, the ancestral home of the Tabom, a group of self-liberated enslaved people who resettled in the city during the 18th century. Today, Brazil House is an art gallery and the workspace of Accra. Alt, organizers of teh Chale Wote Street Art Festival. The Franklin House is next to the Brazil House and used to be a minor fort for the trading slaves, complete with dungeons and auction blocks, which are still visible today. The roofless villa reveals a hidden fact about Jamestown, the community sits above a network of tunnels that were used to transport the enslaved to captivity. One of the mouths of these tunnels is visible in plain sight at Franklin House.

Shopping

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 experiences 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.

Beaches

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.

Dining

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 it's 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.

Nightlife

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 NIGHTCLUB, 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!

Sports

Football is the most popular sport in Accra, and the most famous football clubs are Great Olympics F.C., and Accra Hearts of Oak. The Accra Sports Stadium is the home for these two teams, and a host venue for Black Stars, the national football team of Ghana. In 2008 the Accra Sports Stadium hosted nine matches in the 2008 African Cup of Nations, and Accra will host the 2023 African Games. The whole country of Africa is crazy about soccer, there are thousands of aspiring players in the country that aim to become professionals and represent their national team, or go abroad to play with the elites in Europe. Notable African players that have been snapped up by European teams include Michael Essien and Andre Ayew who played during the World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations. The Hearts of Oak team plays in the Ghana Premier League, these games are fun to watch as they play their arch rivals the Dumansi’s Asante Kotoko, games are filled with drumming, dancing, fun headgear, and colorful face paint. Accra is home to the Right to Dream Academy, which gives young Ghanaians a chance at a career in professional football. Boxing is also a popular sport in Ghana, with many former world champions including Asumah Nelson, Joshua Clottey, and Ike Quartey.