Accra
Visited in January 2019
At a glance
- Country
- Ghana
- Region
- Greater Accra Region
- Population
- 1.8 million
- Best time to go
- November to March
- Main airport
- Kotoka International (ACC)
- Coordinates
- 5.61°N, 0.18°W
Country visited City visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Overview
Ghana's capital is a friendly, energetic city on the Gulf of Guinea, with a creative arts scene, busy markets and live music most nights.
It's also the starting point for trips along the coast to the slave castles at Cape Coast and Elmina, and to the rainforest canopy walk at Kakum National Park.
Things to see
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Photo: Erik B. Anderson, CC BY-SA 4.0 Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
Mausoleum and museum for Ghana's first president, who led independence in 1957.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Fanti Salms, CC BY-SA 4.0 Independence Square
The huge Black Star Gate and parade ground, built to celebrate independence.
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Photo: Livinba, CC BY-SA 3.0 Jamestown
The oldest part of the city, with a lighthouse, fishing harbour and colonial-era forts.
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W.E.B. Du Bois Centre
The home and resting place of the African-American writer and activist.
Tickets and tours -
Artists Alliance Gallery
Several floors of Ghanaian art and crafts near Labadi Beach.
Things to do
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Photo: Benggriff, CC BY-SA 3.0 Makola Market
A sprawling, noisy market for fabrics, food and everything else.
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Photo: Stig Nygaard from Copenhagen, Denmark, CC BY 2.0 Labadi Beach
Accra's liveliest beach, busiest at weekends with music and food stalls.
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Photo: Rjruiziii, CC BY-SA 3.0 Day trip to Cape Coast and Kakum
The UNESCO-listed Cape Coast Castle and the treetop walkway at Kakum National Park.
Find tours -
Photo: Noahalorwu, CC BY-SA 4.0 Eat jollof and kelewele
Try Ghana's famous jollof rice and spicy fried plantain at a local chop bar.
Where to stay
Osu
Lively area with Oxford Street's restaurants, bars and shops.
Hotels in OsuAirport Residential Area
Calm, safe area with international hotels near the airport.
Hotels in Airport Residential AreaLabone
Leafy neighbourhood with guesthouses and good restaurants.
Hotels in Labone
Getting around
Ride-hailing apps are the easiest way around; traffic can be slow at peak times. Tro-tros (shared minibuses) are cheap but crowded and hard to navigate as a visitor.
Kotoka International is in the city, about 15 to 30 minutes from Osu by car.
When to go
November to March is the dry season, though the dusty Harmattan wind can bring hazy skies from December to February. The main rainy season runs from around April to June.
Plan your trip to Accra
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.