Get to know Accra, Ghana’s buzzing capital

With its effervescent culture, flavorful food, and locals that embrace travelers with a warm welcome, Ghana is a place you won’t regret visiting. But as you step off the plane and look out into Accra, Ghana’s buzzing capital, you’ll perhaps ask yourself, ‘should I stick around here a bit longer?’ We give you the run-through of top things to do and what to see in Accra, to help you plan a trip filled with unforgettable wonder.

Get to know Accra, Ghana’s buzzing capital

Though most visitors only use the buzzing capital of Accra as an entry gate to the rest of Ghana, Accra has a charming energy that gradually reveals itself with a bit of exploration. Stay a while, and Accra’s cheeky personality may just win you over.

The sprawling metropolis is architecturally centered around old colonial fortresses and historic districts – yet with its climbing skyscrapers, big shopping centers and the best nightlife in the country, it is fast becoming one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Africa.

Building upon history in Ghana’s capital, Accra

Though rapidly modernizing, Accra presents a fascinating past. Named capital of the British Gold Coast during the 19th century, and a colonial stronghold for hundreds of years before that, the center is scattered with British, Dutch, and Danish remnants which stand poignantly alongside monuments of independence. Historic districts such as Jamestown and Ushertown, communities derived from colonial forts, are still the oldest places in Accra and are fascinating to explore.

For balance, try to catch sight of Independence Square, a large stone arch adorned with the striking black stars that signify Ghana’s 1957 independence. In this same vein, the Kwame Nkrumah Park and Mausoleum pay homage to Ghana’s lauded first president and are scattered with fountains, bronze statues, and wandering peacocks.

Accra’s excellent National Museum encompasses the full gamut of Ghana’s history, spanning from the Stone Age to its more recent history. Housed in a large purpose-built building that opened in the 1950s, the museum exhibits archaeological and ethnographic items and artefacts. Expect engrossing collections of textiles, musical instruments, pottery, beads and ceremonial costumes.

Read more: Retrace your roots in Ghana: tips from our local expert

Eating, drinking and dancing in Accra

Ghanaian food is rich and sumptuous, and the rest of the world is catching on. The scent of barbecue lingers on the streets, while street vendors ladle stews flavored with tomatoes, chilies and groundnuts. Accra definitely offers the widest culinary variety in Ghana, with most restaurants condensed onto Osu, the entertainment district. Authentic food can be found at local ‘chop bars’ all over the city, as well as in famed restaurants serving African food with a side of live Highlife music. Not sure what to order? Read our article on the flavors of Ghana to figure out your kelewele from your fufu.

For high-flying dining and drinks with a view, head to Skybar 25, Accra’s tallest building. With sumptuous surroundings, creative cocktails and fine dining, tables fill up fast. To avoid disappointment, book ahead to bag the best table with sunset city views. Regular live music is programmed, so if you’d like to up the ambience, check the dates. The bar is also open during the day, so if you don’t get an evening table just call in for coffee and gazing.

For glamorous cocktails, roll on to One2One to sip carefully crafted beverages in salubrious settings. If live bands and a more casual atmosphere are your scene, then Rockz Waakye should fit the bill. This established bar/club has live bands and DJs playing into the small hours, as does the legendary club, Twist. For a different angle on Accra after dark, the +233 Jazz Bar & Grill is excellent for live music with a sultry flavor.

Contemporary art in Accra

The contemporary art scene in Ghana is alive and kicking it, and Accra is at its epicenter. To dive straight in, you won’t go far wrong with a visit to the Nubuke Foundation on the outskirts of the city. Set in a striking building with a bold angular design in concrete, the gallery space has a changing program of exhibitions that are always exciting. The foundation was founded in 2006 to support and showcase the visual arts and culture of Ghana through events and community creation. There’s a wide offering ranging from poetry readings to workshops and festivals. Expect to see the work of emerging artists, as well as Ghana’s more established leading lights.

Another must-see on the circuit is the Artists Alliance Gallery in town, with its three floors of cool marble galleries showcasing contemporary painting, carving and textiles. For boutique options, Gallery 1957 is dedicated to showing established contemporary West African art, and Loom is fantastic for a mix of paintings and sculpture from both emerging and established Ghanaian artists.

For something a little different, the Kane Kwei Carpentry Workshop tells the story of Accra’s fantasy coffin trade that first emerged in the 1950s. The workshop creates colorful bespoke caskets designed and decorated to resemble nigh-on anything requested by the departed or their relatives. Examples include brightly painted animals and fish, airplanes, beer cans and favorite foods.

Best markets and shopping in Accra

Africa’s markets are renowned for their assault on the senses, and with its chaotic, unstructured hubbub, Accra’s famous Makola Market is no exception. Imagine throngs of makeshift stalls, loud bartering, hundreds of people squeezed into tiny spaces, and anything you could need – from mangoes to snails to handmade headwraps – all displayed in a vast maze which spreads into the neighboring streets.

Sure, it can be intimidating, but it’s authentic – the perfect place to pick up a few hidden gems and truly immerse yourself in the life of a local. In fact, bear in mind that having a companion who speaks the language is guaranteed to get you better deals.

For a less chaotic shopping experience, head to Wild Gecko Handicrafts for an Aladdin’s Cave of Ghanaian crafts and collectables. Colorful contemporary womenswear can be found all over, but seek out Renee Q and the Kiki Clothing boutique in particular. La Maison is a delight for stylish homeware, even if you won’t be able to fit the majority of the items in your suitcase.

For a real splash of Ghanaian color and ingenuity, look out for Trashy Bags. This unique Accra-based business creates a range of bags made from the multitude of discarded plastic wrappings ending up on the city streets – and these shopping gems will fit neatly in your suitcase.

Read more: Discover Ghana: David’s TravelLocal trip

Life’s a beach

Ghana’s coastline is well loved, with Labadi Beach, otherwise known as La Pleasure Beach, luring flocks of beach-goers who want to tan it up to the tune of Ghanaian Highlife music. Though it won’t win any awards for tropical idylls, Labadi has plenty to keep you busy.

On sunny weekends and holidays expect live reggae and Highlife musicians, traditional drumming and dancing, pony rides, barbecues and throngs of street sellers. It is busy, but full of personality and charm, just like Accra itself.

For a much more chilled affair, heading just a few miles out of town takes you to Bojo Beach – a clean, idyllic stretch of coastline where you can relax in relative peace for a small entrance fee.

Make it happen

To make the most of your journey to Accra, take a look at our destination page for trip ideas and more inspiration, then get in touch with our locally-based travel agents in Ghana.