Accra, Ghana 4 Day Itinerary

4-Day Accra Itinerary:

This itinerary offers a mix of culture, history, nature, and relaxation for a well-rounded Accra experience.

Day 1: Immerse in History & Culture

  • Morning: Explore the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, the final resting place of Ghana’s first president and a symbol of the country’s fight for independence. Afterwards, visit the National Museum of Ghana to learn about Ghana’s rich history, culture, and art.

  • Afternoon:

    • History Buffs: Delve deeper into the past at Independence Square, a monumental square where historic events have unfolded.
    • Shopping & Exploration: Dive into Makola Market for a vibrant taste of local life and a chance to buy everything from fresh produce and textiles to traditional Ghanaian crafts.

Where to Eat:

  • Lunch: Mama Put’s (local food stall) for authentic Ghanaian cuisine like fufu, banku, or red-red.
  • Dinner: The Buka Restaurant for a more upscale dining experience with delicious Ghanaian dishes and a vibrant atmosphere.

Things to Know:

  • Currency: The currency in Ghana is the Ghanaian Cedi (GHS).
  • Weather: Be prepared for hot and humid weather, even in the evenings.
  • Safety: Stick to well-lit and populated areas, especially at night. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying expensive items.

Transportation:

  • Consider using a ride-hailing service like Uber or Bolt for safe and convenient transportation within Accra.

Dinner & Drinks:

  • Osu: Explore the lively nightlife in this district with plenty of bars, restaurants, and live music venues.
  • Labadi Beach: Enjoy a drink at a beach bar while watching the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.

Day 2: Nature & History

  • Morning: Visit the Aburi Botanical Gardens, a beautiful and tranquil oasis with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Explore the diverse flora and fauna, and take a leisurely walk through the lush gardens.
  • Afternoon:

Option 1 (Culture Focus):

  • Lunch: Try the street food at a “chop bar” in the afternoon for a truly local experience.

Option 2 (Nature & Relaxation):

  • Morning: Enjoy a morning yoga session on the beach followed by a refreshing swim.
  • Afternoon: Indulge in a traditional Ghanaian meal at a “chop bar” while watching the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.

Things to know:

  • Transportation: Use taxis or Uber for transportation within Accra and hire a car for day trips outside the city.
  • Bargaining: Be prepared to bargain with drivers, especially for local transport.

Option 3 (For all):

  • Dinner & Drinks:

    • The Labadi Beach Hotel: A luxurious option with fine dining options overlooking the ocean.

  • Things to know:

    • Dining in Osu: Consider making reservations at a restaurant, especially for dinner on a Friday or Saturday night.
    • “Chop Bar” Culture: Enjoy a casual atmosphere and delicious, affordable food.

Option 4 (For the adventurous):

  • Dinner:

    • Boti Waterfall: Enjoy a “chop bar” meal (a local Ghanaian eatery) for a taste of the country’s diverse culinary scene.

Activities:

  • Day trip to Aburi: Explore the scenic beauty and tranquility of the mountains and enjoy a traditional Ghanaian meal at a “chop bar” there.
  • Enjoy the nightlife: Head to a bustling “chop bar” in Osu for a taste of local life, or visit one of the many restaurants and bars in the neighborhood.**

Things to know:

  • Safety: Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night.
  • Food Safety: While “chop bar” food is often delicious and safe, exercise caution as you would with any street food.

Day 3: Culture & History (cont.)

  • Visit the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and learn about Ghana’s journey to independence.

Things to do:

  • Explore the National Museum of Ghana for a deeper dive into the country’s history and heritage.**
  • Food: Enjoy the “chop bar” experience at Osu, with its lively atmosphere and local flavors.

Other “Chop Bars” in Accra:

  • Osu:

    • Try the street food: Sample dishes like grilled fish (tilapia), banku with tilapia or fish stew, red-red (a traditional bean stew), and kenkey (fermented cornmeal dough).

Day 4: Shopping & Relaxation

  • Option 1: Explore the vibrant markets of Accra, such as the Arts Centre Market, for authentic crafts, souvenirs, and artwork.
  • Option 2: Visit a “chop bar” with traditional Ghanaian food like fufu (pounded cassava and plantain paste) and red-red (a bean stew with palm oil and fried plantains).

Other “Chop Bars” in Accra:

  • Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum: A great place to visit for local delicacies.

Things to know:

  • Food:
    • Osu: A vibrant neighborhood with a variety of “chop bars” serving delicious and affordable Ghanaian food.**

Activities:

  • Explore the historical significance of Osu: Visit the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, a landmark that showcases the legacy of Ghana’s first president.
  • Enjoy the nightlife: Experience Accra’s vibrant nightlife scene, including local bars and restaurants with live music, dancing, and dancing.

For the foodie:

  • Try “chop bar” classics:

    • Fufu: A staple dish made from pounded cassava and plantains.**

  • Banku: Enjoy this popular street food with a variety of toppings like fish, soup, or beans.

  • Banku with “tilapia” (grilled fish) is a must-try!

Accommodation:

  • Accra: Consider staying at a hotel in the Osu neighborhood for its vibrant nightlife and proximity to restaurants and bars.

Osu’s food scene:

  • The Kwame Nkrumah Museum, a popular tourist destination, offers visitors a chance to experience local delicacies like “red-red” (a traditional Ghanaian dish of black-eyed peas and palm oil) or fufu with “light soup” (a flavorful, broth-based soup).

Other “Chop Bar” experiences:

  • Makola Market: A bustling market filled with vibrant stalls selling everything from fresh produce to local crafts.
  • Arts Centre Market: Explore the vibrant nightlife of Osu and enjoy delicious “fufu” and “groundnut soup” (a traditional peanut soup)

Food & Drink:

  • Enjoy a variety of “chop bar” dishes:

    • Banku with Tilapia or “Red-red”:

These are traditional Ghanaian dishes served with fish, often tilapia.

  • Osu Market:

This is where you can sample local flavors and experience the hustle and bustle of Accra’s vibrant market scene.

  • Other:

Things to Know: (For those looking for a more luxurious dining option)

  • “Chop Bars”:

These are informal eateries that serve food made in large pots, often with traditional ingredients like “fufu,” “banku,” “kenkey,” and “fufu” with “light soup.”

Other “Chop Bar” options:

  • Enjoy a variety of local cuisines: Explore the diverse flavors of Accra by indulging in dishes like “fufu” with “fufu soup,” “red-red” (a dish with fried fish, onions, and palm oil sauce) or “fufu” with “groundnut soup.”
  • Experience the vibrant nightlife:

Enjoy the local “chop bar” cuisine, and experience the vibrant nightlife of Accra.

Things to do:

  • Try a variety of Ghanaian dishes:

Sample dishes like “chicken stew” (a rich and flavorful stewed chicken dish) or “fufu” with “banku” (a fermented cornmeal and cassava paste dish).

Enjoy other local cuisines:

  • Ghanaian food is renowned for its spices, fresh ingredients, and bold flavors.
  • Explore the vibrant nightlife: Many restaurants and bars in Accra offer traditional dishes, music, and drinks.

Things to Know:

  • “Chop Bar” Food Culture:

This is a chance to experience the local “chop bar” culture, which often features fresh seafood caught that day.

Other “Chop Bar” experiences:

  • Enjoy a variety of Ghanaian dishes:

Try the local flavors and cuisine at the bustling “Osu Night Market”.

  • Experience the vibrant nightlife:

Enjoy the local nightlife:

Try a “fufu” with “tilapia” (a popular dish) and savor the diverse culinary scene.

  • Explore

  • The Buka Experience:

  • **T