Accra – Useful Information for Travellers
Want to know what it’s like in Accra? Or where to find some delicious vegan restaurants? ‘Accra – Useful Information for Travellers’ is our personal experience exploring this city in 2024. We share our insights on where to stay, where to eat and drink, and things to see and do. ‘Accra – Useful Information for Travellers’ reflects our travel style and aims to provide useful things to know before visiting this obscure destination.
Ghana, ‘the gateway to Africa’. Accra’s Kotoka International Airport is a transit point for many flights in the region, and some people only pass through. But Accra is a worthwhile stop to spend a few days or more, and acquaint yourself with the West African vibe. Tourism here is well established, and you will have most things at your disposal. Accra may be short on world class attractions, but there’s enough to keep you occupied, and plenty of opportunities to mix with the locals and learn a bit about them and their country.
Why go to Accra?
Accra offers travellers a great introduction to Africa. Famous for its cuisine, there’s plenty of local delicacies to discover. If shopping is your thing, you won’t be disappointed. Nightlife? Accra has that covered. For those who are venturing inland or to a country next door, Accra makes a perfect base. It may be hot, humid and sticky, but it’s also safe, affordable and welcoming. Come to Accra to recharge after a long flight, or to refresh after travelling in the region. Whatever the purpose of your stop, Accra won’t let you down.
- Country: Ghana
- Capital: Accra
- Best time to visit: October – April (wet season is May to September)
- Budget/Mid-Range/Couple: AU$100 per day
- Currency: Ghanaian Cedi (8Cedi = AU$1)
- Language: English
- Visa: Yes
- Difficulty: 1 (1-basic & 5-challenging)
Where to stay in Accra
There’s no shortage of appealing areas to stay in Accra. Prime locations such as Cantonments or Labone are sort after by expats. However, Osu is becoming a popular choice. With restaurants, nightlife, shopping and a bustling vibe, Osu is often referred to as the ‘West End’ of Accra. This is where we based ourselves. With a growing number of Airbnb’s and guesthouses in and around the area, finding somewhere suitable to stay wasn’t a problem. With options for every budget, you can’t go wrong.
Where to eat and drink in Accra
Street food is abundant all over the city, and you won’t have to venture far to sample one of the many delicacies. Osu has loads. We ate street food every day and drank fresh coconuts to cool off. Additionally, the tropical fruits were amazing, with the biggest mangoes we have ever seen. Plenty of cafes and restaurants, and even a vegan food van (we ate vegan pies daily!). For a decent selection of wine, head to Liquor Junction.
- Get to Tatale Vegan (with a restaurant and a food truck, there’s something for everyone)
- Don’t miss Beas Vegan kitchen (good local dishes, with three to choose from each day)
- Check out Asabeas Kitchen (packed with locals, great place to try a local dish)
Things to see and do in Accra
Osu Castle – Constructed in the 1600’s, and located on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic, a visit here is a worthwhile activity. Tours depart on the hour (80Cedi), and last around forty-five minutes. Don’t miss the dungeons.
National Museum – excellent place to see different aspects of Ghanian culture and traditions.
Makola Market – You can’t leave Accra before you check out the cities largest market. Good luck!
Immerse yourself and walk the streets. Despite the heat, our daily walks to gather supplies were a definite highlight. Streets are lined with an assortment of locally made products, which some people carry around on their head. We found beautiful, natural products and freshly made street foods.
Getting around Accra
You will be able to navigate the local streets on foot without any issues. To visit a nearby neighbourhood, taxis cruise the streets looking for business. Uber and local ride share options are plentiful, and the bus network is extensive.
Getting to Accra
Accra’s Kotoka International Airport is one of West Africa’s main transport hubs, with direct flights from Europe, The Middle East, North America and many African countries. Buses from nearby countries are regular, with many destinations. The city center and the Osu area is an easy twenty- minute taxi ride from Kotoka International Airport. Fares are negotiable, somewhere around Cedi150-200. Returning to the airport is a lot cheaper, Cedi70-100 will get you there from most areas of the city.
Useful things to know before visiting Accra
It’s humid most of the year.
Accra has some of the best flight connections in West Africa.
Embassies are plentiful if you require visas for onward travel.
Fast wifi is common.
Esim networks are supported here.
They will check your yellow fever certificate on arrival.
There’s a duty free and currency exchange at the airport.
There are amazing locally made natural products including African Black Soap, Shea Butter and raw Baobab powder. Keep an eye out for pop up road stalls for best prices.
Final thoughts on travelling in Accra
Accra is fun. It’s a refreshing break after some of the challenges of travelling in other parts of West Africa. You can find many of the modern conveniences that you would at home. Accommodation standards are high, and you can enjoy a bit of comfort. The people are engaging, warm and welcoming. Accra is the perfect base to explore the North of Ghana, or head to one of the numerous neighboring countries in the region. It’s safe and one of the most stable countries in Africa. It’s Africa for beginners, yes, but it is also located perfectly for the experienced African traveller. Accra has it all.