Home › Destinations › Oxford Street
Oxford Street, Ghana - Things to Do in Oxford Street

Oxford Street

Oxford Street, Ghana - Complete Travel Guide

Oxford Street in Accra, Ghana, is one of West Africa's most busy commercial and entertainment districts, serving as a bustling hub where traditional Ghanaian culture meets modern urban life. Located in the heart of Accra near the coast, this area is renowned for its eclectic mix of street food vendors, local markets, nightlife venues, and cultural attractions that showcase the authentic spirit of Ghana's capital city. The district pulses with energy from dawn to dusk, offering visitors an immersive experience into local Ghanaian life through its busy streets filled with colorful taxis, street vendors selling everything from traditional kente cloth to modern electronics, and the constant rhythm of highlife and Afrobeats music flowing from nearby establishments. Oxford Street serves as an excellent base for exploring Accra's rich history, busy arts scene, and renowned hospitality.

Top Oxford Street

Local Markets and Street Shopping

spend time in the bustling atmosphere of Oxford Street's numerous markets and street vendors selling traditional crafts, textiles, and local goods. The area is perfect for purchasing authentic Ghanaian souvenirs, including beautiful kente cloth, handcrafted jewelry, and traditional wooden sculptures.

Booking Tip: No advance booking required, but visit during morning hours (8-11 AM) for the best selection and cooler temperatures. Bargaining is expected, so start at about 30-40% of the asking price. Bring small denominations of Ghanaian cedis for easier transactions.

Accra's Famous Street Food Scene

Oxford Street offers some of Accra's best street food experiences, from spicy kelewele (fried plantains) to fresh grilled tilapia and traditional banku with okra stew. The area comes alive in the evenings with food vendors setting up along the streets, creating an authentic culinary adventure.

Booking Tip: Street food is available throughout the day, but evening hours (6-10 PM) offer the most variety. Meals typically cost 10-30 GHS ($1-3 USD). Look for busy stalls with high turnover for the freshest food, and consider joining a food tour for safer guided experiences.

Accra's busy Nightlife

Oxford Street is the epicenter of Accra's legendary nightlife scene, featuring everything from rooftop bars and live music venues to traditional highlife clubs. The area offers an authentic taste of Ghana's music culture with local bands, DJs, and spontaneous street performances.

Booking Tip: Most venues open after 8 PM and stay busy until 3-4 AM on weekends. Cover charges range from 20-50 GHS ($2-5 USD). Dress smart-casual and keep valuables secure. Consider hiring a local guide or joining a nightlife tour for the best experience and safety.

Nearby Historical and Cultural Sites

Oxford Street's central location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring Accra's rich historical sites and cultural attractions. The area provides easy access to museums, art galleries, and important landmarks that tell the story of Ghana's fascinating past and busy present.

Booking Tip: Most cultural sites charge entrance fees of 10-40 GHS ($1-4 USD) and are open 9 AM-5 PM. Consider hiring a local guide for 100-150 GHS per day for deeper cultural insights. Book guided tours in advance during peak season (December-February).

Local Arts and Crafts Workshops

Participate in hands-on workshops where you can learn traditional Ghanaian crafts such as kente weaving, wood carving, or pottery making. These experiences offer unique insights into Ghana's rich artistic heritage while allowing you to create your own authentic souvenirs.

Booking Tip: Workshop prices range from 50-200 GHS ($5-20 USD) depending on duration and materials included. Book 1-2 days in advance through local cultural centers or hotels. Morning sessions (9 AM-12 PM) are often cooler and more comfortable.

Getting There

Oxford Street is easily accessible from Kotoka International Airport, located about 20 minutes away by taxi (40-60 GHS) or ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt. From other parts of Accra, the area is well-connected by local taxis (trotros), which are the most economical option at 2-5 GHS per ride, though they can be crowded. Private taxis and ride-sharing apps offer more comfort and typically cost 15-30 GHS for trips within Accra. If arriving from other Ghanaian cities, STC and other bus companies provide regular services to Accra's main stations, from where you can easily reach Oxford Street.

Getting Around

Getting around Oxford Street and the surrounding areas is best done on foot for short distances, as the area is quite walkable and you'll experience the busy street life. For longer distances, shared taxis (trotros) are the most authentic and economical way to travel, costing 2-5 GHS per ride. Private taxis can be hailed on the street or booked through hotels, with fares typically 10-25 GHS for local trips. Uber and Bolt operate in the area and offer transparent pricing and added security. Motorbike taxis (okadas) are fast but not recommended for tourists due to safety concerns.

Where to Stay

Oxford Street Central Area
Osu District
Airport Residential Area
East Legon
Labone Beach Area
Ridge/Roman Ridge

Food & Dining

Oxford Street offers an incredible diversity of dining options, from authentic street food vendors serving local favorites like jollof rice, grilled tilapia, and spicy kelewele, to upscale restaurants featuring both traditional Ghanaian cuisine and international dishes. The street food scene is particularly busy in the evenings, with numerous stalls offering fresh, affordable meals for 10-30 GHS. For those seeking more formal dining, the area has several mid-range restaurants serving excellent local dishes like banku and okra stew, red-red (bean stew), and fresh seafood. Many establishments also offer continental and Lebanese cuisine, reflecting Accra's cosmopolitan nature, with meals at sit-down restaurants typically ranging from 40-120 GHS.

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)

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Oxford Street is during Ghana's dry season from November to March, when temperatures are more comfortable (24-32°C) and rainfall is minimal, making it ideal for exploring the outdoor markets and street food scene. December through February sees the most pleasant weather but also higher prices and crowds due to the holiday season and Ghanaian diaspora returning home. The area is particularly lively during evenings and weekends year-round, but the cooler dry season months make the bustling street atmosphere more enjoyable for extended exploration.

Insider Tips

Learn a few basic phrases in Twi (local language) - greetings like 'Akwaaba' (welcome) and 'Me da wo ase' (thank you) will earn you smiles and better prices
Always carry small denominations of Ghanaian cedis for street vendors and taxis, as change can be difficult to come by
The area is generally safe during daylight hours, but avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics, and stick to well-lit, busy areas after dark

Activities in Oxford Street