Artists Alliance Gallery

Artists Alliance Gallery, Ghana - Complete Travel Guide

Artists Alliance Gallery is located in Accra, Ghana's busy capital city that serves as the cultural and economic heart of the country. This bustling metropolis easyly blends traditional African heritage with modern urban development, offering visitors a rich tapestry of experiences from historic colonial architecture to contemporary art scenes, bustling markets, and pristine beaches along the Atlantic coast. Accra is home to numerous galleries, museums, and cultural centers that showcase Ghana's artistic legacy and contemporary creative movements. The city's neighborhoods each offer distinct personalities, from the historic Jamestown with its colonial-era lighthouse to the upscale East Legon area with modern shopping centers and restaurants. The warm hospitality of Ghanaians, combined with the city's year-round tropical climate, makes Accra an increasingly popular destination for cultural tourism and artistic exploration.

Top Artists Alliance Gallery

Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park

Explore this important historical site dedicated to Ghana's first president and independence leader. The park features Nkrumah's mausoleum, museum exhibits about Ghana's independence movement, and beautiful gardens perfect for reflection.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 10 GHS for adults. Visit early morning (8-10 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) to avoid crowds and heat. No advance booking required, but bring sun protection.

Makola Market

spend time in one of West Africa's largest markets, where you can find everything from traditional kente cloth to fresh produce and handcrafted goods. This bustling marketplace offers an authentic glimpse into daily Ghanaian life and commerce.

Booking Tip: Free to enter but budget 50-200 GHS for purchases. Best visited 9 AM-3 PM when most vendors are active. Hire a local guide (20-40 GHS) to navigate safely and get better prices.

Relax at Labadi Beach

Enjoy Ghana's most popular beach destination with golden sand, Atlantic Ocean waves, and busy beachside culture. The beach offers horseback riding, local food vendors, and traditional drumming performances, especially on weekends.

Booking Tip: Beach access is free, but parking costs 5-10 GHS. Weekdays are less crowded. Horse riding costs 20-40 GHS per ride. Best time is late afternoon for sunset views.

Take Cape Coast Castle Day Trip

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site that served as a major slave trading post, now transformed into a powerful museum and memorial. The castle provides crucial historical context about the transatlantic slave trade and Ghana's colonial past.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost 150-300 GHS including transport and guide. Book through reputable tour operators 2-3 days ahead. Entry fee is 40 GHS for non-Ghanaians. Emotionally intense experience - prepare accordingly.

Accra Arts and Culture Scene

Discover contemporary Ghanaian art at various galleries, including Artists Alliance Gallery, and cultural centers throughout the city. Many venues showcase traditional crafts, modern paintings, sculptures, and host live music performances.

Booking Tip: Most galleries have free entry, some charge 5-15 GHS. Gallery walks typically cost 50-100 GHS. First Friday gallery nights offer multiple venues. Contact galleries directly for private viewings or artist meetings.

Getting There

Kotoka International Airport (ACC) serves as Ghana's main gateway, located about 10km from central Accra with direct flights from major African cities, Europe, and North America. From the airport, official taxis cost 80-120 GHS to the city center, while ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt offer reliable service at competitive rates. Airport shuttles and hotel transfers are available, and car rental agencies operate from the terminal for those preferring self-drive options.

Getting Around

Accra offers various transportation options including tro-tros (shared minibuses) for budget-conscious travelers at 2-5 GHS per ride, though they can be crowded and confusing for first-time visitors. Taxis are widely available but negotiate fares beforehand (typical city rides cost 15-40 GHS), while ride-hailing apps provide transparent pricing and GPS tracking. For longer stays, consider renting a car with driver (200-300 GHS per day) or motorcycle taxis (okadas) for short distances, though traffic can be heavy during peak hours.

Where to Stay

Osu

Airport Residential Area

East Legon

Labone

Cantonments

Dzorwulu

Food & Dining

Accra's food scene ranges from street food vendors serving local favorites like kelewele (spiced plantains), jollof rice, and fresh grilled fish, to upscale restaurants offering international cuisine and modern interpretations of Ghanaian dishes. Popular dining areas include Osu with its mix of local chop bars and international restaurants, East Legon for fine dining experiences, and beachside spots at Labadi for fresh seafood. Don't miss trying traditional dishes like fufu, banku, or red-red at local eateries, while international options include Lebanese, Chinese, and European cuisines at mid-range to luxury establishments.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Accra is during the dry season from November to March when temperatures are more comfortable (24-32°C) and rainfall is minimal, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The harmattan winds from December to February bring cooler, drier air but can create dusty conditions. While the rainy season (April-October) brings higher humidity and afternoon showers, it also means lush green landscapes and fewer tourists, with hotel rates often lower during this period.

Insider Tips

Always carry small denominations of Ghana cedis as many vendors and taxi drivers cannot break large bills

Bargaining is expected at markets and with informal vendors, but not in established shops or restaurants with fixed prices

Dress modestly when visiting cultural sites and religious buildings, and always ask permission before photographing people