Accra Overview

Overview

The capital of Ghana, Accra, is a pleasant city (pop. 1 100 000) on the southern coast. Start your sightseeing at the Perpetual Flame at the Cenotaph in Revolution Square then go on to the National Museum (one of the best collections in West Africa, allow at least two hours). Next to the museum is a good craft market which sells paintings prints and postcards. The city's main sites are the Makola Market (the city's central market,) Liberation Square (memorial to three Ghanaians who were shot during colonial times,) the tropical gardens, the Art Centre (for shopping and cultural events,) the grave of Kwame Nkrumah (the first Ghanaian president) and that of W. E. B. Du Bois (the American-born civil rights leader who spent his last years in Accra).

Accra also has some beautiful beaches, some more touristy than others. Labadi and Kokrobite will ask for an entrance fee, expect a busy crowd on Saturday and especially Sunday. You'll probably be entertained by musicians and acrobats, they will usually ask for a small token for the entertainment. It's up to you. Bear in mind that they count on it for their livelyhood. You will also find a lot of peddlers selling all sorts of things. If you like a more quiet beach, you should check out CoCo beach (in Teshie) though very rocky and not so good for swimming. Also Misty (in between Teshie and Tema.) Ada beach is another quiet beach situated on the mouth of the river. There you will find some water sport activities. The trip there will take a bit longer but it's worth it. For the best beaches you really need to head outside of Accra.

The most touristy area of Accra is Osu. It's located quite close to the Art Centre and Liberation Square. The main street (Cantoments Road) and those around the area have plenty of good hotels and restaurants of all kinds. Fast foods like burgers & pizza are widely available. International foods like Chinese, Indian, Lebanese, French etc.. But for those who like Ghanaian food better or would like to try it for the first time, there is a big (and really clean) chopbar nearby.

If you're into the club scene there are loads of places to choose from. Depending on the style of music, atmosphere and crowd you prefer. There is something for everyone. If you happen to be travelling with children, there is a bowling alley in Teshie, and go carts near the trade fair site in Labadi.