Ghana 2 Day Itinerary

Two Days in Ghana: A Taste of Accra

This itinerary focuses on the vibrant city of Accra, the capital of Ghana, allowing you to experience a mix of history, culture, and modern life.

Day 1: History & Culture

  • Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, the final resting place of Ghana’s first president. Explore the mausoleum and its surrounding gardens, reflecting on the country’s journey to independence.
  • Afternoon: Immerse yourself in Ghanaian history at the National Museum of Ghana. Learn about the diverse cultures of the country through their exhibits on Ashanti gold weights, ancient artifacts, and the history of the slave trade.
  • Evening:
    • Enjoy a delicious dinner at Osu Night Market, a vibrant hub for local street food delicacies like kelewele (fried plantains) and grilled fish.

Day 2: Beaches & Markets

  • Morning: Visit the Independence Square, the site of Ghana’s independence celebrations in 1957. Explore the historical monuments and soak in the significance of this landmark.

  • Afternoon: Relax and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at Labadi Beach. Experience the local culture with drumming, dancing, and fresh seafood vendors.

  • Evening:

    • Explore the nightlife: Visit a “chop bar” (local eatery) in Osu for a taste of authentic Ghanaian cuisine and entertainment.
    • Enjoy a live music performance: Many chop bars feature live music, especially on weekends.

Things to know:

  • Currency: The official currency is the Ghanaian Cedi (GHS). US dollars are widely accepted but it’s best to have local currency for smaller purchases and interactions with street vendors.

  • Safety: Accra is generally a safe city, but it’s wise to exercise caution as you would in any major city. Be aware of your surroundings, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and stick to reputable taxis or transportation services.

  • Culture:

    • Embrace the friendly Ghanaian culture: Locals are often welcoming and eager to chat.

    • Respect local customs:

      • Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
      • Always ask permission before taking photos of people.
      • It’s polite to remove your shoes before entering a home or place of worship.

Things to consider:

  • Visa requirements: Most nationalities require a visa to enter Ghana. Check the Ghana Embassy website for your country’s specific requirements and application process: https://www.ghanaembassy.org/
  • Transportation:
    • Taxis are the most common form of transportation in Accra, but be sure to agree on a price before you get in.
    • Consider using ride-sharing apps like Uber and Bolt for safe and reliable transport.

Things to do:

  • Visit the National Theatre: Enjoy a play or concert at this iconic venue.
  • Explore Makola Market: One of the largest markets in West Africa, it’s a vibrant sensory experience you won’t forget.
  • Learn about traditional Ashanti culture: Consider visiting a local craft market like the National Cultural Centre or the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum.

Where to stay:

  • Accra has many accommodation options for all budgets.
    • For luxury stays, explore hotels in Airport Residential Area, Cantonments, or East Legon.
    • Osu and Accra Central offer mid-range and budget-friendly hotels, guesthouses and hostels.

Where to eat:

  • Fine Dining:
    • The Carbon Night Club: Known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious food options.
    • Labadi Beach: Enjoy a variety of local dishes at the numerous restaurants and eateries nearby.
  • Local Experiences:

    • Street Food: Try the “Red Red” (a black-eyed pea stew) or grilled fish with kenkey (fermented cornmeal) at a local stall.

    • Markets & Eateries:

      • Makola Market: Experience the bustling market scene and sample traditional Ghanaian food.
      • Aburi Botanical Gardens: Enjoy the serene beauty of the gardens while having a picnic lunch or exploring nearby eateries for a local meal.

Things to know about traveling:

  • Best time to visit:** Ghana enjoys warm weather year-round, with two rainy seasons and two dry seasons.** The dry season (November - April) is generally considered the best time to visit.
  • Transportation:
    • Trotros (shared minibuses): A cheap and exciting way to travel, but be prepared for a crowded experience.
    • Taxis: Always negotiate the price before you get in the car.

Lighter:
* Ghana is a safe country for tourists, but it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft.

Things to know about safety:

  • Choose accommodation in safe areas.

  • Use reputable taxis or transportation services.

  • Avoid traveling alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas.

  • Be cautious about sharing personal information with strangers.

  • Keep a close eye on your belongings, and be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas.

  • Travel safely:

    • Use common sense and caution as you would in any major city.
    • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and be careful about sharing personal information with strangers.

Remember: This is just a starting point. Accra has many other attractions to offer, depending on your interests.

Things to see:

  • Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum: This monument honors Ghana’s first president and is a must-see for history buffs.
  • National Theatre: A cultural landmark showcasing the country’s arts and entertainment scene.
  • National Museum of Ghana: Explore Ghana’s rich history, from its pre-colonial past to its present-day culture.

Things to consider:

  • Transportation: Explore different transportation options within Accra.

  • Food Safety: Be cautious about food hygiene and stick to restaurants and stalls with good sanitation practices.

  • Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum:

For a more detailed itinerary, please let me know:

  • Your interests (history, nature, food, nightlife, etc.)

  • How long you’ll be in Accra (this itinerary assumes 2 days)

  • Where else you are visiting in Ghana so I can tailor the suggestions to your trip.

  • For a more tailored experience:

    • History & Culture:
      • Visit the National Museum of Ghana and explore the exhibits on the slave trade, colonial history, and traditional Ghanaian culture.

  • Safety:

  • Culture:

National Theatre & Entertainment:

  • Enjoy a performance: Check the schedule at the National Theatre for upcoming shows and events.

  • Consider visiting the National Theatre:

    • Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum:
      • Taxis: It’s a good idea to negotiate the price before you get in the car, as this can help you avoid being overcharged for your trip.

For a more personalized itinerary, I need to know:

  • Your budget: This will help me suggest appropriate accommodations and activities.
  • Dates of travel: Knowing when you’ll be in Ghana helps me consider seasonal factors and events.
  • Length of stay:

This information will allow me to create a more specific and enjoyable itinerary for your 2-day trip to Accra.