Ghana City Walks: Jamestown, Makola, Kejetia
Walking tours in Ghana
Go early. By mid-morning the heat and the crowds have built, and the walks below are at their best between about 07:00 and 11:00. Ghana’s routes are city routes: a harbour in Accra, two enormous markets and one nightlife street. Figures are in cedis (GH₵); the rate was about 11.7 per US$ on 1 October 2026 and shifts, so treat dollar equivalents as approximate.
Jamestown harbour, Accra (about 2.5 km, 2.5 hours)
Begin at the lighthouse, climb the stairs and look over the fishing harbour and open Atlantic. The route then drops to the beach where painted canoes unload, passes Ga family houses and ends near the street murals tied to the Chale Wote festival. Accredited community guides wait near the lighthouse and typically ask GH₵80 to GH₵120 per person, which also helps you navigate the compounds. Ask permission before photographing fishermen. Look at guided Jamestown walks on Viator .
Makola Market, Accra (about 2 km, 2 hours)
Makola’s lanes are stacked with Kente, Woodin and wax-print fabric, with spice sellers and bead traders mixed in. Take a guide on your first visit, wear sturdy shoes and carry small notes in cedis only.
Kejetia Market, Kumasi
Kejetia is described as the biggest market in West Africa, with over 11,000 stalls selling brass weights, herbal medicine, smoked fish and yams. Fix a meeting spot with your group and settle prices before you accept goods.
Osu, Accra, after dark
Oxford Street in Osu is the easiest area for an evening stroll, with fashion boutiques, leather workers and music. Book a Bolt or Yango for the ride back instead of walking late.
Staying well on foot
Get malaria advice from a doctor or travel clinic before departure; the risk covers the whole country, including the coast and Accra. Drink water often. More visitor information is at visitghana.com .
Paperwork comes first: UK and US passport holders must hold a visa, requested through the government’s e-visa site, evisa.immigration.gov.gh , which shows the current fee. Carry your yellow fever certificate, because it is required and otherwise you may be turned back or vaccinated at the airport. Cedis in cash cover most gates and street food, mobile money is common, and cards work at larger Accra hotels and restaurants.
Verdict: do Jamestown first thing and Makola right after, then save Osu for dinner. Sort the rest with our day trips page or the 2-day itinerary .