Things to Do in Accra

About Accra

Accra sits where Atlantic waves pound West Africa's busiest capital. Skyscrapers tower over colonial fortresses, highlife music pours from roadside bars, and grilled fish mingles with salt air. The contrast runs deep. At Makola Market, merchants shout in Twi. Fabrics explode with color. Every corner tells a story—slave castles anchor the sobering past while spontaneous celebrations take over neighborhoods like Jamestown. The city doesn't politely welcome visitors. It pulls you in with akwaaba and won't let you keep your distance. Tradition and modernity collide here, and the rhythm is both slow and electric—contradictions that somehow work under the West African sky.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Bolt and Uber work throughout Accra for 15-50 GHS ($1.20-4) per ride. Trotros (shared minibuses) cost 2-8 GHS ($0.15-0.60) - Kaneshie and Circle stations are major hubs. Yellow taxis have no meters: Airport to Osu runs 40-60 GHS ($3-5). The Ayalolo BRT bus from the airport costs just 5 GHS ($0.40). Request Uber pickups from landmarks rather than exact addresses - Accra's addressing system is unreliable.

Money: Ghanaian cedi (GHS) loses value regularly, so check the current rate. ATMs at Ecobank and Stanbic in Osu and Airport City are reliable. MTN MoMo mobile money is everywhere - set up an account at any MTN kiosk for free. Budget $25-40 daily. Cards work at malls like Accra Mall, but carry cash for markets and street food. Forex bureaux in Osu give better rates than banks.

Cultural Respect: Ghanaians shake with the right hand - using the left is disrespectful. Greetings matter enormously; always say 'good morning' before asking anything. Dress modestly when visiting chiefs' palaces or attending traditional festivals. Photography at military installations is prohibited. When invited to a Ghanaian home, bring a small gift. Learning Twi basics like 'akwaaba' (welcome) and 'medaase' (thank you) genuinely delights locals.

Food Safety: Jollof rice at a chop bar costs 15-25 GHS ($1.20-2) and Ghanaians will insist theirs beats Nigeria's. Kelewele (spiced fried plantains) runs 5-10 GHS ($0.40-0.80). Waakye with shito and protein at any roadside stall before noon costs 10-20 GHS ($0.80-1.60). Banku with grilled tilapia at Osu Night Market is essential at 30-50 GHS ($2.40-4). Fresh coconut water from beach vendors costs 3-5 GHS ($0.25-0.40).

When to Visit

Accra enjoys a tropical climate with two distinct seasons. The dry season (November-March) offers the most comfortable weather, with temperatures ranging 24-32°C (75-90°F) and minimal rainfall (under 50mm monthly). This peak period sees hotel rates increase 30-40%, especially around Christmas and New Year. The wet season divides into two phases: the major rains (April-July) bring heavy downpours and humidity, with temperatures of 23-30°C (73-86°F) and rainfall reaching 200mm monthly, while the minor rains (September-October) are lighter and more manageable. During rainy months, accommodation costs drop 25-35%. Key festivals include Homowo (August-September) celebrating the Ga harvest, Chale Wote Street Art Festival (August), and Independence Day celebrations (March 6th). Budget travelers should visit May-July or September-October for the best deals, though expect afternoon showers. Families prefer the dry season for easier outdoor activities, while culture ensoiasts should time visits around August's lively festival season. Beach lovers will find December-February ideal, with calm seas and clear skies, though expect crowds and premium pricing.