Accra Ghana 3 Day Itinerary

3-Day Accra Itinerary: A Taste of Ghana

This itinerary focuses on exploring the cultural highlights and vibrant energy of Accra. It’s a starting point - feel free to adjust it based on your interests!

Day 1: History & Heritage

  • Morning: Arrive at Kotoka International Airport (ACC).

    • Things to know: You’ll need a visa on arrival or a pre-approved visa for entry.

    • Activity: Visit the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Museum (morning) to learn about Ghana’s first president and the country’s struggle for independence.

    • History:

      • Explore the Independence Square (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM), the site of Ghana’s historic independence declaration in 1957.
      • Reflect on the history of slavery at the Cape Coast Castle (2:00 PM).

    • Evening: Enjoy a delicious Ghanaian dinner at Osu Vibe. This lively restaurant offers traditional dishes like fufu, banku with tilapia, and red red (black-eyed peas and palm oil stew) in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Transportation:

  • Taxis: Easily accessible and a common mode of transport. Negotiate the price beforehand as they are not metered.
  • Tro Tro: These shared minibuses offer a cheap and cheerful way to get around, but be prepared for a bumpy ride and crowded conditions.

Day 2: Art & Culture Immersion

  • Morning: Dive into the vibrant world of Ghanaian art at the Nubuke Foundation, a contemporary art space showcasing local artists.

  • Activity: Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of Makola Market (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM). Explore the stalls overflowing with fresh produce, colorful fabrics, spices, and local crafts. This is a great place to experience the local culture and pick up some unique souvenirs.

  • Art & Museums:

    • Gallery: Visit the National Museum of Ghana (afternoon) for a comprehensive overview of the country’s history and cultural artifacts.
    • Street Art: Take a stroll through the vibrant neighborhoods of Osu or Nima to admire the colorful murals and graffiti that adorn the walls.

Afternoon: Learn about traditional Ghanaian drumming at The National Theatre.

  • Food & Drink:

    • Dinner at Buka Restaurant: Enjoy authentic Ghanaian dishes in a casual setting.
    • Drinks at Labadi Beach: Relax and soak in the atmosphere with a refreshing drink by the sea.

Evening:

  • Nightlife: Experience the lively nightlife scene of Osu, known for its vibrant bars, restaurants, and nightclubs offering diverse music and cultural experiences.

Food & Food Markets:

  • Local Cuisine: Indulge in traditional Ghanaian cuisine at the Osu Night Market.

  • Accommodation: Stay at a hotel or guesthouse near the city center for easy access to attractions. Consider:

    • The Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Museum: Offers historical insights into Ghana’s first president and a chance to stay in a beautiful colonial-era building.

Day 3: Nature & History Exploration

  • Morning: Visit the Aburi Botanical Gardens (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM) for a serene escape from the city, surrounded by lush greenery and diverse plant life.
  • Activity: Explore the history of the slave trade at the Cape Coast Castle.

Things to do & see in Accra:

  • National Museum: Immerse yourself in the rich history and artifacts of Ghana’s past.
  • Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum: This museum offers a glimpse into the life and legacy of Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president and independence leader.

Other Activities:

  • Enjoy local music at a vibrant live music venue.

Labadi Beach is known for its lively nightlife scene, with beach bars and restaurants offering delicious food and drinks. Consider trying:

  • Local delicacies:

    • Osu Night Market: Experience the hustle and bustle of Accra’s nightlife while enjoying Ghanaian street food.
    • Accra Arts Centre: Find unique handcrafted souvenirs to take home.

Food & Accommodation:

  • Visit a local restaurant: Sample traditional Ghanaian cuisine at restaurants like Bukom Restaurant, known for its fresh seafood and vibrant atmosphere, or Auntie Muni’s Kitchen which offers a variety of local dishes in a cozy setting.
  • Experience the nightlife at a local bar: Enjoy a drink and some music with locals and other travelers.

Things to note:

  • Safety: Accra is generally safe but exercise caution as you would in any major city. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
  • Culture: Ghanaian culture is rich and vibrant, with a strong emphasis on community and respect for elders.

Where to Stay:

  • Boutique Hotels: Consider the unique charm and ambiance of Labadi Beach Hotel or Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra.

  • Restaurants:

  • Restaurants in Osu: Enjoy a variety of restaurants offering international cuisine, including Italian, Lebanese, and Ghanaian options.

  • Night Markets:

Experience the local culture at night by visiting one of the many bustling night markets around the city.

Things to do:

  • Explore: Immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife scene.
  • Experience: Enjoy the lively atmosphere and sample delicious food (especially the “banku with tilapia”!).
  • Culture: Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the region.

Day 3: Enjoy a local restaurant:

  • Taxis: These are readily available for getting around, but always negotiate the price before you get in.
  • Restaurants:

Things to do:

  • Live Music Venues:

  • +233 Jazz Bar & Lounge: Immerse yourself in the vibrant Ghanaian jazz scene.

  • Republic Bar & Grill: Enjoy a mix of local and international music, with a good selection of food and drinks.

  • Culture: Visit the National Theatre for cultural performances and exhibitions

Things to enjoy:

  • Ghanaian Culture: Immerse yourself in the rich traditions and history of Ghana at one of its many vibrant cultural centers.

  • Culture:

Enjoy a variety of local food options with a local flavor.

  • Culture: Experience the vibrant Ghanaian art scene, with a focus on traditional arts and crafts.

  • Markets:

  • Accra Market: Immerse yourself in the heart of Ghana’s commerce.

  • Art & Culture:

Where to stay: Consider staying at a hotel or guesthouse near the center of the city for easy access to the vibrant cultural scene.

  • Transportation:

  • Local transportation: Explore the “tro tro” culture by taking a ride on these shared minibuses.

  • Culture:

Enjoy local food, like the delicious and spicy jollof rice.

  • Market experiences:

Other Things to Do:

  • Experience Accra’s nightlife: Enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Accra with options for every taste, from traditional drumming to live music performances.
  • Visit a “tro tro” station:

Observe the organized chaos of these iconic Ghanaian transportation hubs.

  • Enjoy the local scene: Head to a local market or food stall and see how the locals interact with each other.

  • Try:

  • Traditional Food: Immerse yourself in the rich culinary heritage of Ghana.

  • Live Music Venues: Enjoy a variety of entertainment options, including local musicians playing traditional instruments.

What to enjoy:

  • Enjoy the nightlife:

  • Music and dance: Enjoying local music and dancing is a great way to experience Ghanaian culture.

  • Local markets: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and try delicious food at a “tro tro” station.

  • The National Theatre: The national theatre is an iconic landmark with cultural significance. It’s a good idea to enjoy the local music scene, which includes the opportunity to see “tro tro” drivers haggling with passengers and playing their favorite tunes.

  • Enjoy the local experience:

  • Local transportation: Try a “tro tro” ride for a taste of local life.

  • Street food: Enjoy a variety of local dishes like “fufu” with “goat soup” or “red red”.

Things to consider:

  • Budget:

Osu and Labadi are known for their vibrant nightlife, but it’s important to remember that the cost of living is generally lower in Accra.

  • Transportation: The local transportation options are plentiful and affordable, making it easy to explore different parts of the city.

Culture:

  • Ghanaian culture:

  • Experience the bustling atmosphere of a “cultural market” like the Makola Market.

Enjoy traditional food stalls, craft vendors, and cultural performances.

  • Markets: Enjoy the vibrant nightlife:

For tourists interested in experiencing local life, enjoy a variety of local music venues.

  • Transportation:

  • Consider taking a ride on a “tro tro” (a shared minibus) for a truly Ghanaian adventure.

  • Safety: Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or flashing expensive items.

  • Local Culture:

For the best experience, be respectful of local customs and traditions.

  • Transportation:

  • Labadi Beach: Enjoy the vibrant beach scene, including the music and food vendors, but remember to be cautious.

  • Don’t display large sums of money or expensive items in public.

  • Keep your valuables safe and secure.

  • Be aware of scams that may target tourists.

For a more enjoyable experience, try a local “chop bar” for authentic Ghanaian food.

  • Enjoy the vibrant nightlife:

  • Consider: Enjoying the vibrant and diverse atmosphere of Accra’s nightlife, with its lively bars and clubs, is a fun way to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Transportation:

  • Embrace: the hustle and bustle of local life by opting for public transportation.
  • Enjoy: the bustling atmosphere and energetic crowds at one of the “chop bar” restaurants in Osu.**

Experience local food:

  • Enjoy the lively atmosphere and vibrant flavors of Ghanaian cuisine.
  • Enjoy: the unique and colorful atmosphere

For a truly immersive experience, visit a “tro tro” station and explore the local “chop bar” scene.

  • Consider: You can also enjoy the nightlife by taking a taxi to a safe location with a good reputation.**

Enjoy traditional food, music, and nightlife:

  • Explore:

Transportation:

  • Take a bus:

  • Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and variety of local cuisine options

This is a suggestion for a 3-day Accra itinerary.

Day 1:

  • Arrive in Accra ( Koto

  • Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and nightlife:

Enjoy a ride on public transportation like a “tro tro” and enjoy the local culture, but be aware of potential safety risks associated with it.

  • Consider:

  • Visiting: A local market, experience the hustle and bustle

  • Enjoying the local cuisine

  • Travel:

  • Consider the vibrant:

Food:

  • Explore:** the city’s nightlife, including its bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, and enjoy the unique and diverse experiences it offers.
  • Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and the variety of food and drinks available.

Remember that this is a humorous take on an itinerary, but it emphasizes the importance of safety and being aware of your surroundings while riding public transportation in Accra.

Enjoy: local music and dance, experience the vibrant culture.

  • Explore: the city’s nightlife with a variety of food options for tourists.

Cultural immersion: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural scene.

  • Enjoy:

  • Culture: The bustling Local Markets:

Osu and Makola:

  • Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of these neighborhoods.

  • Experience the variety of local life:

  • Enjoy a true taste of Ghanaian culture:

Try a “chop bar” for traditional dishes and enjoy the energetic vibes.

  • Transportation:

  • Consider a taxi ride to experience the hustle and bustle, but remember to negotiate the price beforehand.

  • Enjoy:

  • The variety of local food options:

Enjoy the vibrant:

  • Culture:

Enjoy the variety of restaurants and bars offering delicious and unique experiences.

  • Local Transportation:

  • Think about safety:

  • Try a “tro tro” ride:

  • Experience the cultural vibrancy:

  • Enjoy the variety of local food and drinks:

  • Labadi Beach:

  • The atmosphere is lively, with music, dancing, and plenty of local food vendors.

  • Lsu:

  • Enjoy a taste of Ghanaian culture at its finest.

Enjoy: the vibrant nightlife and delicious food scene.

  • Local Culture:

  • Explore the bustling markets:

Labadi Beach:

  • Enjoy the:

  • Experience the variety of local music, cuisine, and cultural experiences

  • The Makola Market:

  • Explore a variety of “local” Ghanaian food options in a vibrant setting.

  • Consider the variety of “tro-tro” options for local transportation.

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere while experiencing:

  • The bustling atmosphere is a good opportunity to immerse yourself in local life and enjoy it.

This example shows how you can adapt your itinerary to be more specific. You can create different experiences by incorporating details about:

  • Specific restaurants or bars:

Consider the type of cuisine, atmosphere, or music genre you want to enjoy.

  • The types of activities you’d like to experience in Accra.

  • Activities: Labadi Beach is a great place to enjoy the vibrant “beach bar” and Ghanaian nightlife scene.

Enjoy a variety of local dishes and enjoy the lively energy.

For a more cultural experience,

visit a local market for a taste of the bustling atmosphere.

  • Consider visiting:

  • A local market:

  • Live music venue:

  • Enjoying the vibrant:

  • Music and dancing:

  • Traditional Ghanaian food and drinks:

  • Enjoy a “chop bar” experience, and enjoy the variety of local dishes.

For a more traditional experience:

  • Consider visiting:

  • Explore the Makola Market,

  • Experience Accra:

  • Visit

  • Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of a vibrant market to enjoy a variety a local music and dancing, and consider the many:

  • Enjoy the variety

For a taste of local culture:

  • Enjoy local cuisine at restaurants like “chop bar”

  • Restaurants:

  • The National Theatre:

Enjoy a variety of live music and entertainment options.

  • Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the theater and experience the

variety of cultural performances around the city.

Enjoy

  • Local cuisines:

Enjoy a taste of local culture, such as “fufu” with goat meat stew, a popular dish in the Makola

Market.

  • Think about:

  • Local Culture: These are great places to experience the vibrant and diverse cultural offerings of Accra.

  • Enjoy the variety

Enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Makola Market**:

  • For a taste of: enjoy local food, music, and dancing.

  • The “chop bar” experience:

Is a fun way to experience the local culture. *

  • Enjoy the variety

of experiences:

  • Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere at a local market,

  • Enjoy the diverse variety of local cuisines

and vendors.

  • The “beach bar” scene is a great opportunity to enjoy the lively and friendly atmosphere

  • Visit a local restaurant:

This example highlights the importance of tailoring activities for the traveler’s preference.

  • Enjoy the vibrant cultural experiences

  • Activities:

  • Enjoy a variety of local dishes and drinks:

  • Enjoy the variety

of cultural performances you can experience in Accra, Ghana.

**

  • Enjoy a vibrant beach bar atmosphere

Remember to be cautious when taking public transportation:

  • Avoid overcrowded buses:

This is a good way to avoid getting robbed or pickpocketed on your trip.

Consider the variety of local restaurants and markets:

  • Enjoy traditional dishes:

  • Enjoy a variety of local cuisines

Enjoy a delicious meal with the locals,

  • Enjoy a vibrant “chop bar” atmosphere:

Try Osu’s

  • Chop Bar:

  • Remember to be safe while traveling.

Tips for a more cultural experience:

  • Visit Accra’s local markets:

Enjoy a variety of local music and dance venues,

  • Enjoy the vibrant

atmosphere

  • Consider visiting the Makola Market:

A popular

location

for visitors who enjoy:

the variety

of local foods and goods. *

Enjoy the bustling:

culture

and

variety

of Accra’s local markets.

You can experience:

Ghanaian

life,

by visiting the Makola

Market

Visit a vibrant “chop bar” and enjoy: the

variety

of local cuisines they offer.

Enjoy a variety of:

  • Local food:

Remember the importance of safety in these environments.

  • Enjoy the vibrant:

  • Labadi:

  • The lively atmosphere of Osu

The variety of local cuisine:

Enjoy a traditional “chop bar” meal for a taste of local life.

  • Traditional music and food:

A great way to experience local culture is to visit the various markets and enjoy the vibrant music and dance scene.

  • **The “Fufu”

variety**:

**

Enjoy the lively atmosphere,

especially at the National Theatre

where you can:**

enjoy a variety of Ghanaian experiences

**

Enjoy the variety:

Enjoy the local food culture:

and try the local dishes

Visit a variety of restaurants and bars:

  • Traditional Food: Enjoy the vibrant music and dance scene

at the “National Theatre”

The Makola Market in Accra is a great place to experience the local culture. *

Enjoy the variety of:

Local Markets:

Visit the National Theatre for a taste of local theater:

  • Enjoy a variety of dishes: Enjoy the local food and drink scene, which often includes street vendors selling delicious Ghanaian food.

  • **Remember to be safe