To help you make the most out of your trip to Accra, please find our travel tips below along with activities and restaurant recommendations.
ACCRA
Safe’ and ‘welcoming’ are two words visitors use to describe Accra, Ghana, making it a great place visit. Accra, the capital and largest city in Ghana, is located on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea in western Africa. Named “Africa’s capital of cool” by the New York Times, Accra is known for its colorful textiles, contemporary art, popular nightlife and entertainment scenes.
Weather: The temperature is likely to be around 32 degrees (with humidity making it feel hotter). Please remember your sunscreen!
Time zone: GMT
Money: The local currency in Ghana is cedis. The exchange rate as of 1 September 2024 is 1 GBP to 20 cedis or 1 US Dollar to 15.5 cedis.
Although the use of debit cards is common, it is advisable to carry some local currency on you. ATMs are common and generally accept foreign cards.
Getting Around and Safety: Accra is relatively safe, however as with any country, it is good to take general safety precautions.
Traffic can be high, please always plan extra time for your journeys. Hiring a car is the best way to get around Accra, but local taxis are available, including through apps such as Uber and Bolt. Please note that even when using taxi apps, drivers often prefer that passengers select the cash option of payment.
Health: Prior to arrival in Ghana, please ensure you have taken any relevant vaccinations (yellow fever certificate is required on arrival). You may want to obtain anti-malaria tablets and use mosquito repellent creams.
Please do not drink tap water.
Key Phrases: Most people in Accra speak English. However, some key phrases in Twi, one of the main dialects spoken in Accra, are below.
How are you: Ete sen?
I am fine: Ey3 paaAy ye paa.
Welcome: Akwaaba
Thank you: Medaase
Good morning: Mem a wo akye (Maa chi)
Good afternoon: Mem a wo aha (Maa haa)
Good evening: Mem a wo adwo (Maa jo)
Local dishes to try:
Jollof Rice – one of the most famous dishes! And a question that arises between Nigeria and Ghana is who makes the best Jollof Rice… Jollof rice is a tomato and rice dish, served with a fried chicken and shito sauce.
Waakye (pronounced Wacchee) – this is another rice dish served with beans. It isn’t often too spicy and is delicious with fried plantain, and other sides such as spaghetti, hard boiled egg and fish or chicken.
Banku – this is a dumpling made of a mix of fermented corn and cassava dough. You will often find this dish with stew and tilapia.
Fufu – similar to banku, this is boiled pounded cassava and plantain. It is often served in soups, like a groundnut soup.
Red-red – this vegetarian dish is mild bean stew and is delicious with a side of fried plantain.
Kelewele – spiced plantain.
Bofrot - these are delicious fried balls, that are doughnut-like in texture and taste.
Accra Arts Centre
This is a marketplace known for showcasing an array of traditional Ghanaian crafts, textiles, and artifacts. The Centre comprises market stalls run by local artisans and craftsmen who gather to display their creations.
Boti Waterfall and Aburi Botanical Gardens
Boti waterfall is a twin waterfall, caused by two rivers, located about two hours drive from Accra (without traffic) in the eastern region of Ghana. It is recommended to visit the waterfalls and then visit Aburi on your way back to Accra, an expansive botanical garden which showcases a rich collection of worldwide indigenous and exotic plant species.
National Museum of Ghana
The museum hosts the history of the country’s rich cultural heritage. The museum showcases diverse artifacts, exhibits, and archaeological findings that span the nation’s prehistoric, colonial, and post-independence eras.
Osu Castle
Osu Castle is a former slave castle which was later used as Ghanaian government offices. Visitors can explore Osu Castle on a guided tour, taking you through the history of the building.
Bliss
Indoor activities for adults and kids from bowling to indoor trampolines.
Beach days
Labadi Beach
Alora Beach Club
Shopping centres
Accra Mall
Guest activities
We'll update this page with any group activities arranged for our guests closer to the time.
Please find some of our recommended restaurants below.
Local Food
BUKA (Osu)
Award winning African restaurant known for its tasty flavours of Nigerian and Ghanaian food.
LIVING ROOM (East Legon)
Outdoor restaurant that fully serves traditional Ghanaian meals, delicious!
AZMERA (Airport)
International food
POMONA (Osu)
Italian restaurant
BôNDAI (Osu)
Mediterranean and Japanese dishes
BRISTO 22 (Labone)
VINE (Labone)
Known for it's cocktails
ROSE GARDEN (Labone)
Popular for its boozy drinks tower and brunch
La Gardenia (Cantonments)
Contemporary French restaurant
KOZO (Airport)
Asian fusion restaurant with a dreamy outdoor atmosphere.
POLO CLUB RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE (Airport)
Mixture of international dishes and sushi.
SKY BAR (Airport)
Rooftop restaurant.
EL PADRINO (Airport)
Italian
CASTILLO
Mexican
SKY BAR
POLO BEACH CLUB
BLOOM BAR