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Oxford Street, Ghana - Things to Do in Oxford Street

Things to Do in Oxford Street

Oxford Street, Ghana - Complete Travel Guide

Oxford Street in Accra, Ghana, stands as one of West Africa's most vibrant commercial and cultural districts, serving as a bustling hub where traditional Ghanaian life intersects with modern urban energy. This dynamic area, located in the heart of Accra, is renowned for its eclectic mix of street vendors, local markets, restaurants, and nightlife venues that showcase the authentic spirit of Ghana's capital city. The street pulses with activity from dawn to dusk, offering visitors an immersive experience into local commerce, cuisine, and culture. Beyond its commercial significance, Oxford Street has evolved into a cultural melting pot where locals and tourists alike gather to experience Accra's contemporary lifestyle. The area features a diverse array of establishments ranging from traditional chop bars serving local delicacies to modern cafes and international restaurants, making it a perfect microcosm of Ghana's evolving urban landscape. The street's proximity to key landmarks and its role as a transportation hub makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the broader Accra metropolitan area.

Top Things to Do in Oxford Street

Explore Local Street Markets

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Oxford Street's bustling markets where vendors sell everything from traditional kente cloth to fresh produce and handcrafted souvenirs. The markets offer an authentic glimpse into daily Ghanaian life, with opportunities to practice your bargaining skills and discover unique local products. The sensory experience of colorful fabrics, aromatic spices, and lively conversations creates an unforgettable cultural encounter.

Booking Tip: No booking required for market exploration. Best visited in the morning (8-11 AM) when products are freshest and crowds are manageable. Bring small denominations of Ghanaian cedis for bargaining, and expect to negotiate prices down by 20-30% from initial asking prices.

Sample Traditional Ghanaian Cuisine

Oxford Street is a food lover's paradise, offering numerous chop bars and local eateries serving authentic Ghanaian dishes like jollof rice, banku with tilapia, and kelewele. The area's diverse culinary scene ranges from street food stalls to sit-down restaurants, providing options for every taste preference and budget. Many establishments have been family-run for generations, ensuring authentic flavors and traditional cooking methods.

Booking Tip: Most local eateries operate on a walk-in basis with meals costing 10-30 GHS ($2-6 USD). Visit during lunch hours (12-2 PM) for the freshest selections. Look for busy spots with high local customer turnover, as these typically indicate quality and freshness.

Experience Accra's Nightlife Scene

As evening falls, Oxford Street transforms into one of Accra's premier nightlife destinations with numerous bars, clubs, and live music venues. The area hosts a mix of traditional highlife music performances and contemporary Afrobeats shows, providing entertainment that spans generations. Many venues feature both indoor and outdoor seating areas, perfect for enjoying Ghana's warm tropical evenings.

Booking Tip: Most venues charge entrance fees of 20-50 GHS ($4-10 USD) on weekends. Arrive after 9 PM when the atmosphere becomes more lively. Friday and Saturday nights offer the best entertainment options, with many venues featuring live bands or DJ performances.

Shop for Traditional Crafts and Textiles

Oxford Street offers excellent opportunities to purchase authentic Ghanaian crafts, including hand-woven kente cloth, carved wooden sculptures, and traditional jewelry. Local artisans often work on-site, allowing visitors to observe traditional crafting techniques and understand the cultural significance behind various items. The area serves as a gateway to Ghana's rich artistic heritage with items suitable for both personal keepsakes and meaningful gifts.

Booking Tip: Prices vary widely from 20-500 GHS ($4-100 USD) depending on item complexity and authenticity. Visit multiple shops to compare prices and quality. Authentic kente cloth should feel substantial and have tight, even weaving - avoid machine-made imitations at tourist-focused stalls.

Explore Nearby Cultural Attractions

Oxford Street's central location provides easy access to several important cultural sites including local art galleries, cultural centers, and historical landmarks within walking distance. The area serves as an excellent base for discovering Accra's colonial architecture, contemporary art scene, and community cultural spaces. Many nearby attractions showcase Ghana's journey from colonial times through independence to modern-day achievements.

Booking Tip: Most cultural sites charge modest entrance fees of 5-20 GHS ($1-4 USD). Plan 2-3 hours for a comprehensive walking tour of the area. Tuesday through Saturday typically offer the best access as many cultural institutions have limited weekend hours.

Getting There

Oxford Street is easily accessible from Kotoka International Airport via taxi (30-45 minutes, 80-120 GHS) or ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt. From other parts of Accra, the area is well-connected by tro-tros (shared minibuses) and public buses, with major routes converging near the street. For those arriving from other Ghanaian cities, STC and other long-distance bus companies have terminals within reasonable distance, making Oxford Street accessible via short taxi rides from major transportation hubs.

Getting Around

Local transportation around Oxford Street includes abundant taxis, ride-sharing services, and tro-tros that connect to all major areas of Accra. Walking is often the most practical option for exploring the immediate area, as many attractions, restaurants, and shops are within a few blocks of each other. For longer distances, motorcycle taxis (okadas) provide quick transportation through traffic, though visitors should ensure drivers provide helmets and exercise caution during peak traffic hours.

Where to Stay

Osu
East Legon
Airport Residential Area
Labone
Cantonments
Dzorwulu

Food & Dining

Oxford Street's dining scene perfectly captures Ghana's culinary diversity, from traditional chop bars serving local staples like banku, kenkey, and red-red, to modern restaurants offering international cuisine with Ghanaian twists. Street food vendors line the area offering popular snacks like kelewele (spiced plantains), bofrot (Ghanaian donuts), and grilled meat, while established restaurants provide air-conditioned comfort for those seeking a more formal dining experience. The area is particularly known for its fresh seafood preparations, with many establishments specializing in grilled tilapia, prawns, and crab dishes that showcase Ghana's coastal culinary traditions.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Accra

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Polo Club Restaurant & Lounge

4.5 /5
(2211 reviews) 3
bar night_club

Santoku

4.5 /5
(1265 reviews) 3

POMONA

4.5 /5
(1257 reviews) 3

Tunnel Lounge

4.6 /5
(928 reviews)
bar night_club

Tomato

4.7 /5
(878 reviews)
meal_delivery

Le Petit Oiseau

4.8 /5
(576 reviews)
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When to Visit

Oxford Street is vibrant year-round, but the best time to visit is during Ghana's dry season from November to March when rainfall is minimal and temperatures are more comfortable for outdoor exploration. The harmattan winds from December to February bring cooler, drier air that makes walking and market exploration more pleasant. Weekends offer the most dynamic atmosphere with increased local activity, live music performances, and extended operating hours for many establishments, though weekdays provide a more authentic glimpse into daily local life with less tourist-focused activities.

Insider Tips

Carry small denominations of Ghanaian cedis as many vendors cannot make change for large bills, and mobile money (MTN Mobile Money or AirtelTigo Money) is increasingly accepted at modern establishments.
The area becomes significantly more lively after sunset, so plan to experience both day and evening atmospheres - the street food scene particularly comes alive after 6 PM with fresh preparations.
Learn basic Twi greetings like 'Akwaaba' (welcome) and 'Medaase' (thank you) as locals appreciate visitors who make an effort to engage in the local language, often resulting in better prices and friendlier interactions.

Explore Activities in Oxford Street