Accra Travel Guide: The Best Things to See & Do

Akwaaba, miawoezor, marahba: Welcome to Ghana’s capital, Accra! Like so many places, what began as a cluster of settlements along the Atlantic coast has since spread its tentacles, opening up to embrace the communes and hamlets dotted along the route that lead to the foothills of its northern boundary, and the resort town of Aburi with its cooler clime. 

Since being converted into a metropolis in 1877, Accra has become one of the most vibrant places on the continent. Here’s a city so fabulously fashionable that by the time you return to your starting position, you will have sashayed from the most colourful wax print shopping district in the world, to moving to the cool dazzle and sparkle of iridescent lights spinning from a mirror ball in Airport City.

Accra is fun. Accra is a vibe. Accra is happening so fast. It’s a defining destination of Ghana’s place as Africa’s hotbed for events and meetings, with a side of rich cultural heritage and great adventures. To really appreciate Accra is to taste its food, explore its restaurants, visit its neighbourhoods and learn its history, so be ready to embrace its quirks, experience its people and feel the spirit of community.

Here’s my list of the best things to do in Accra, including places to explore and insider tips on how to make the most of your stay at Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City. 

1. IMMERSE YOURSELF IN A PLETHORA OF PROGRESSIVE ART 

Lately, Accra has seen a burst of creativity, buoyed by a flurry of up-and-coming artists with a vibrancy and resilience that stands in the face of economic and social challenges. This dynamism gives both artists and art professionals a means to survive and thrive, fostering a sustainable cultural renaissance that holds a great deal of promise.

For eyebrow-raising art, begin at Gallery 1957, named after the year Ghana gained its independence and right on the grounds of Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City. Hosting thought-provoking exhibitions and events, it’s a popular spot to contemplate the work of leading contemporary African artists.

The hotel also hosts Amadu Baba’s Amba Gallery, famous for its ethnic art and antiques. For other unique buys by established artists, seek out the enigmatic Serge Atukwei Clottey or Amoako Boafo. You can also check out Paa Joe's fantasy coffin ensembles.

Other notable galleries in the city include:

• Nubuke Foundation: Significant cultural hub promoting contemporary works. 
• Artists Alliance: Founded by the respected Ablade Glover, offering a vast and eclectic range, from traditional to contemporary.
• Dikan Center: Ghana's first dedicated photography library and centre for visual arts education. 
• La Foundation for the Arts (LAFA): Cultural institution committed to impact, innovation and inclusion.

For curios, handicrafts and souvenirs, Suntrade in Asylum Down and Wild Gecko at Okponglo offer authentic pieces that inspire. Look out for the outdoor bazaars such as the Green Butterfly Market and Nyaniba Market at Osu.

Feeling inspired? Start planning your journey with the help of the hotel’s latest offers. 

2. EXPLORE ACCRA’S PAST AS IT TRANSFORMS IN REAL TIME 

Home to the popular Chale Wote Street Art Festival, which blends art, history and community, the Ga Mashie district is the location for the defunct iconic lighthouse that once navigated commerce and community in Accra. Here, history is alive in the streets, offering an authentic look at the capital through the colonial architecture that gives the feel and pulse of "Old Accra". 

Be sure to stop by Osekan Bar, where you can save a panoramic memory of the picturesque Atlantic Ocean with the Jamestown harbour in the background.

3. UNCOVER THE STORY OF AFRICA’S MAN OF THE MILLENNIUM

Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park remembers how Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah (known as ‘Africa’s Man of the Millennium’) united his nation, inspired a continent and laid the foundation for African self-determination, even though many of his economic enterprises faced post-independence challenges. He is remembered for his belief that ‘Africa was born in me’, signifying his pan-African identity that extended beyond the borders.

Located downtown, it’s precisely where, on the eve of independence, the incoming President Nkrumah and his supporters stood to make the declaration. Just opposite, you can see colonial Accra’s former administrative hub, including the old parliament building and the high court, with its distinctive column architecture, reminiscent of similar structures in other former British colonies in the Caribbean. Until recently, this part of town housed the headquarters of multinationals operating in the country.

When staying at Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra, book historic city tours led by seasoned guides with a passion for helping visitors understand Ghana’s journey to independence and its continuing push for excellence. 

4. DINE IN THE WILD WITH A PICNIC SAFARI

Picture yourself dining in the wilderness under a tent canopy, being served fresh farm produce transformed into a hearty meal in the great outdoors, alone or with your travel buddies. 

Diners can choose from several locations – on a mountain top, next to a waterfall, on a farm, or by the sea – and WangoWango will take you there for an authentic culinary adventure, their mobile kitchen crafting traditional signature dishes, creating truly delicious stories. 

My favourite? The location by the Asemena waterfalls in the lush Okere Valley, but the last one I joined was atop the second-highest peak in the country in the Volta Region, known as Mount Gemi. Expect a surreal experience sitting down to dine among the clouds. 

5. EXPERIENCE THE THRILL OF WEST AFRICA’S MOST INTENSE OUTDOOR MARKETS 

One of West Africa's epic, chaotic, vibrant permanent bazaars with a whirlwind of colours, sounds, smells and crowds, goods piled high and vendors calling out, Makola Market is an intense outdoor market that almost risks a sensory overload. 

From fresh produce, textiles and cosmetics to electronics, building materials and local delicacies, you need a bundle of energy to visit here and experience an authentic, thrilling dive into Ghanaian daily life and commerce.

6. INDULGE IN THE ALCHEMY OF CHOCOLATE MAKING

Ghana has a rich cocoa heritage, so an interactive workshop with artisanal chocolatier Bioko Treats, infusing local herbs and spices to handcraft dark and milk chocolate, gives a perfect insight. 

Get a hands-on bean-to-bar experience and learn to transform cocoa pods into custom chocolate bars, tasting different varieties, identifying flavours and adding your own toppings, all using locally sourced Ghanaian cocoa and ingredients. You’ll also learn about sorting, roasting, winnowing and ’chocolating’ techniques.

7. BITE INTO A COFFEE BEAN FROM THE FOOTHILLS OF THE VOLTA

Local artisanal coffee makers, Kawa Moka operates an in-house roastery in Accra and offer visits, workshops and open days for visitors to see the bean-to-cup process up close. 

It’s a 100% female-owned company that sources robusta beans sustainably from small-scale female farmers in the Volta Region. These beans are known for their chocolatey, fruity or nutty notes, and you can even bite into them directly. Alternatively, enjoy them brewed up as part of a roastery tour at Adenta, or a tasting session at their café in the Nubuke Foundation in East Legon.

8. DEVELOP A TASTE FOR GHANAIAN CUISINE 

With the growth in culinary delights and foodies seeking out novel dining experiences with authentic flavours, artisanal food is surging to the forefront of Accra’s culinary trends. Pouring passion into every morsel with meticulous attention to detail, Chef Salasie Atadika of Midunu is leading the trend. Chef Salasie curates exquisite dishes made with ancient grains, bringing back tastes and memories only food can conjure. Her periodic dinner encounters are a definite bucket list favourite, if you’re lucky enough to be in town when one is scheduled. 

Another local talent is Chef Abiro of the Ghana Food Movement, which runs regular cooking classes and a supper club where you can delight in a myriad of traditional dishes that give an intimate insight into Ghana’s cuisine. Ask for the groundnut soup when you visit. 

9. DISCOVER GHANA’S RICH HERITAGE AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM 

Take a deep dive into the nation's vibrant history and culture through the fascinating exhibits on archaeology, ethnography (daily life of ethnic groups), traditional crafts, chiefs' regalia, and modern art at The National Museum. Connecting the past to the present, it offers a rich tapestry of stories and visual displays that deepen appreciation for Ghana's dynamic culture and history.

Of course, Ghana’s history is never complete without visits to the other museums from the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board, located inside various forts and castles, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Elmina Castle. 

10. GET UP CLOSE WITH BABOONS AND A DAZZLE OF ZEBRAS 

Just an hour’s drive north of Accra, the lay of the land at the foothills of the undulating Osudoku escarpment signals dramatic landscapes that promise adventure. It’s the location for the Shai Hills Resource Reserve. Wildlife safari encounters with baboons, zebras, antelopes and monkeys await, in a scenic terrain of hills and caves, perfect for day trips with hiking and cultural history. A birdwatching haven, there are also over 100 species, including turacos, hornbills and hummingbirds. 

Having become familiar with the numerous visitors, the park’s baboons are often found hovering around the entrance, and even by the side of the busy highway in front of the park. They are a joy to observe.

Every sunset in Accra inspires a new story of opportunity, every sunrise, a new connection. And Accra’s cosmopolitan residents respond with a dynamism of fresh ideas. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the capital’s nightlife scene. So dynamic is it that, with every blink, eyes open to new possibilities. 

While tourism in Ghana is defined by much of what happens in its rural interior, Accra’s urban flow also promises engaging immersions. Beautiful beaches and a vibrant culinary culture with fantastic street food complete the picture, for a stay that reveals the best of Africa. 

FAQ

Where can you experience the best nightlife in Accra? 
Staying at Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra places you at the heart of the city’s most exciting nightlife. The hotel regularly hosts lively AfroHighlife nights and live music events, celebrating Ghana’s rich musical heritage through rhythm, sound and performance. Just beyond the hotel, nearby districts such as Osu’s Oxford Street come alive with stylish bars, lounges and nightclubs offering an exciting and vibrant experience. 

What events take place in Accra throughout the year? 
Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra offers convenient access to many of the city’s most celebrated annual events in Accra. Each August, the nearby historic district of Jamestown hosts the Chale Wote Street Art Festival, filling the streets with art, music and performance. Another highlight is the Homowo Festival, a traditional celebration that features colourful processions, drumming and feasts. For sport enthusiasts, the Accra Milo Marathon takes place each year (usually in September) and brings together runners across the region. Finally, the city buzzes each December with music, art and cultural celebrations – including the AfroFuture festival – making it one of the many exciting times of year to experience the city. 

If you enjoyed this, why not learn about famous festivals in Accra and further afield?