4-Day Itinerary for Accra:
Must-See Spots for Weekend Travelers
Visas, vaccines, police bribery and so much more, all wrapped together to make a very exciting weekend in Accra. I’ve never had a trip like this to date!
The best time to visit Accra is during Christmas. Spending a Christmas holiday in Africa sounds unconventional, but have you ever heard of The Gold Coast, now known as Accra? The entire month of December and New Year’s Day in Accra is filled with live events, festivals, delicious foods and beauty treatments. I made many mistakes during my first trip so let me show you the best itinerary for a long weekend in Accra.
Before You Travel
Visa – Travel to Ghana may require a tourist visa so check Ghana’s government website to verify if your home country has a visa-free agreement. If not, I recommend applying for your visa at least 60 days before your travel to ensure enough time to have your passport returned to you.
Vaccines
- Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination is required for Ghana. Your vaccine card will be checked at immigration after landing.
- Covid vaccine is no longer required to enter Ghana.
Pack extra
- Mosquito Repellent – Even with the Yellow Fever vaccine, I’d still recommend packing lots of mosquito repellent to completely avoid getting bitten. You can always pop into a local supermarket if you run out.
- Anti-Malaria pills – It’s typically recommended to start anti-malaria pills 2 days before your trip, every day during your trip and a few days after the trip. Malaria is transmitted through mosquito bites so with the repellent and pills, you should be doubly protected. Check with your doctor for additional information.
What’s the weather in Accra
Beware: Accra is hot, humid and very dusty.
Although it’s December, temperatures in Ghana can be as high as 38C/100F. The best thing you can do for yourself is to pack loose-fitting clothes to beat the heat and dark colour walking shoes that are easy to clean.
What to Wear In Accra
- Loose shirts and dresses – Accra is not the place to wear overly tight clothes, the looser the clothing the better. During the day, go for oversized shirts and flowy dresses as they allow air to easily flow over the body.
- Bottoms – You should opt for linen instead of denim.
- Walking Shoes – A sneaker that will keep you walking all day is the New Balance Arishi v4. If your feet easily get hot, I’d opt for open-toe sandals such as Teva Flatform Universal. Both are fashionable while cushioning your feet as you explore the city and most importantly, they come in dark colours.
- Portable Fan – Beat the heat with an electric fan. They are tiny, but powerful as they quickly blast your skin with cool air.
Where To Stay In Accra
There’s so much to do in Accra, I recommend staying as centrally located as possible. Here are the top 3 best areas to stay in when visiting Accra for a long weekend:
- Osu – Some call it the heart of Accra because it is the city center with the main tourist attractions, Independence Square, Osu Castle, Oxford Street, etc.
- Labone – Still near attractions, but further out from the center. Labone offers a more chilled atmosphere for those looking for a peaceful and upscale neighbourhood.
- East Legon – If you’re looking for a modern and vibrant area, East Legon is your spot. Popular with expats and tourists for the shopping malls and trendy restaurants, check out East Legon.
Top Places To Visit In Accra
Accra is huge and filled with many historical sites to explore. However, careful planning lets you knock out the top Accra tourist sites in just a long weekend. Let me show you!
Here’s a 4-Day Itinerary for Accra’s Top Landmarks and Experiences:
Day 1
Day Trip – Accra to Cape Coast, Elmina Castle and Kakum National Park
Morning
- Drive to Kakum National Park: Located 3 hours from Accra, Kakum National Park is a large rainforest on the Gold Coast. The park is home to over a thousand species of plants and animals. The main attraction here is the Canopy Walk. Suspended 40 meters above the forest floor, you can experience breathtaking rainforest views while walking on rope bridges. The guides start you off on the easiest bridge and then give you the option to continue to the more challenging steeper bridges.
Tip: Wear nonslip shoes. To get to the rope bridges you have to walk uphill through the rainforest which is filled with wet and slippy stone.
Afternoon
- Explore Cape Coast: The next stop should be to visit the historic Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle. Both castle tours walk you through the tragic slave trade experience and give you insight into why it is called The Gold Coast.
Evening
- Return to Accra: After a day of exploring, head back to Accra to relax and unwind at your hotel. Here is a dinner recommendation to fuel you for Day 2: Treehouse Restaurant
Tip: Here’s the tour I used to travel to the Gold Coast. The best things about this company are the private air-conditioned vehicle and the included lunch at a beautiful beachfront restaurant. I recommend getting the Blackend Seabass! Thank me later.
Day 2
Day Trip – Aburi Botanical Gardens, Cocoa Farm and Waterfall Trip
Morning
- Drive to Aburi Botanical Gardens: Bright and early, have your tour guide pick you up from your hotel and then head to Accra’s famous botanical garden. At Aburi Garden you’ll see the many different plants used to make Western medicines, cotton growing on trees, and the Tree of Life. Be sure to grab a picture at the famous Palm Trees entrance!
2. Fun at Tetteh Quarshire Cocoa Farm: If you’re a chocolate lover, Tetteh Quarshire Cocoa Farm should be on your bucket list. Learn the 145-year history of cocoa crops in Ghana, the process of going from seed to chocolate and the exports of cocoa beans around the world.
Bonus: You can sample the cocoa beans! It’s a delicious mix between sweet and sour.
Afternoon
- Swim at a Waterfall: The last stop on the tour will take you up into the mountains to cool down at a refreshing waterfall. Here you can swim, wade or just put your feet into the crystal clear water. I recommend bringing a towel or a change of clothes. Bonus: Ask your driver to stop at a local fruit stand on the way to the waterfall. The pineapple in Ghana will be like nothing you’ve tasted before!
Evening
- Return to Accra: Once back in Accra, first, relax at your hotel and then head to the popular restaurant, Bistro 22 for a fine dining experience.
Tip: Here’s the tour company I used to explore Aburi. The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, entrance tickets and lunch! Lunch will be at a hotel restaurant in Aburi or you can ask the driver to stop at a local ChopShop to experience authentic Ground Nut Soup and Fufu.
Day 3
Accra City Tour – History, Museums and Markets
Morning
- Independence Square – also known as Black Star Square, is a large public space that symbolises Ghana’s freedom from colonial rule and is used for national celebrations. Here you’ll find the Black Star Gate, Independence Arch, and Liberation Day Monument.
- Accra Arts Center – a short walk away from Independence Square is the Accra Arts Center. Here you’ll find local vendors selling trinkets and the best souvenirs. Ask your guide to help you haggle for prices. Check out the list of the best souvenirs from Ghana.
3. Dr Kwame Nkrumah Memorial – this memorial park commemorates Ghana’s first president Dr Kwame Nkrumah. He led the country to independence from British rule in 1957. Here you’ll find Dr Nkrumah’s mausoleum, statue and museum with photographs and personal artifacts. You’ll be surprised at the amount of celebrities and royals Dr Nkrumah has met.
Afternoon
- Makola Market – Accra’s largest and busiest open-air market stationed in the heart of the city. At Makola market you can find an array of goods from everyday essentials to unique local products. The market can be chaotic if you’re not used to bustling environments with dedicated hagglers.
- Lunch – Enjoy a meal at Buka Restaurant for Ghanaian food or at Jamestown Cafe for Western delicacies.
- Ussher Fort – Situated in the Jamestown area is Ussher Fort. Once a trading post, a prison and now a museum, Ussher Fort was built by the Dutch in the mid-17th century and later overtaken by the British. Here you’ll find slave dungeons, The Door of No Return, cannons and panoramic views of Jamestown coastline.
Evening
- Accra’s Nightlife – End your day with a taste of Accra’s nightlife at one of Osu’s popular spots like Plot 7 night club or Republic Bar & Grill for live music and drinks. Another option is Skybar 25 for a more chilled atmosphere with panoramic views of Accra.
Tip: Here’s the walking tour guide for the Accra City Tour
Day 4
Beach and Relaxation
Morning
- Labadi Beach: Start your last day with a visit to Accra’s most popular beach, Labdai Beach. There is a small entrance fee, but it’s worth it because there are many performers and ice cream vendors on the beach.
- Brunch at Labadi Beach Hotel: Pop into this upscale beach resort for a delicious meal with a view of the ocean.
Afternoon
- Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City – After a day in the sun, treat yourself to a sun repair facial and massage. Visit the best 5-star Hotel in Accra for an afternoon at the spa. You can experience luxury without the price tag since the exchange rate makes spas in Accra more affordable.
Evening
- Dinner at a Beachfront Restaurant – End your day at Le Must or Chez Clarisse Restaurants in Osu for a great dining experience on the beach.
Here’s What Went Wrong
Beware of this particular scam! I’m directionally challenged, but for once, this situation was not my fault. Driving to Oxford Street, our hired driver accidentally turned onto a one-way street and within a few seconds our van was rushed by six Ghanaian police officers. The officers were hiding behind a building waiting for innocent drivers to make this mistake. Even though there were no signs indicating the street was one-way, the officers threatened to impound the vehicle.
After a few minutes of arguing, the driver paid the officers 200 cedis out of his own pocket and then we were free to go. Thankfully this wasn’t life-threatening, but it was a very sticky situation and I was glad to have a local driver to manage the local authorities. What did I learn? It seems some situations in Ghana can be solved through a small bride.
What to Buy
I don’t know about you, but I travel for food and souvenirs! Gifts for friends, family and myself! And I’m not talking about fridge magnets or things you’ll never use. When it comes to souvenirs, I buy items you can use every day when you’re home.
Top 3 Souvenirs From Accra:
- Body Butter – You can’t come to Africa without buying body butter from the source. Shea butter and Cocoa butter are very popular in Accra with many vendors crafting it themselves. You can snag a few jars from Oxford Street. Tip: Jars of butter are not allowed in carry-on luggage so be sure to put them in your checked piece!
- Leather Goods – One of my favourite pieces to buy locally are leather bags. Leather is usually cheaper than at home and you’ll be guaranteed to find the most unique handcrafted designs from local vendors. You can buy leather goods from Accra Arts Center.
- Jewellery – Accra is the Gold Coast so you’ll find cheaper gold jewellery in Ghana. I recommend buying from a local jeweller and not at any markets. However, if you want even more affordable options, Accra Arts Center have vendors with handcrafted jewellery made from Ghanaian coins.
Tip: It’s best to have cash when shopping with local vendors and have a local guide to haggle the prices for you. Check out the walking tour guide I recommend for Day 3 because he got me the best deal on my leather handbag!
How To Get Around Accra
Private Driver
I highly recommend hiring a private driver for your entire trip in Accra, but at the very least for your day trips. You’ll be happy with the air-conditioning and the guaranteed ride.
Ride-Sharing Apps
If you want to use ride-sharing apps then Uber and Bolt both work well in Accra.
Here are my tips for ride-sharing in Accra:
- Drivers prefer to be paid in cash. Don’t worry they follow the price set on the app, however, it is common practice to round to the highest whole number. Eg: If the ride cost 9 cedies, drivers appreciate when you give them the full 10 cedies. Most drivers carry change so don’t feel pressured to give more than 2-3 extra cedies.
- Pack your portable fan. Most cars won’t have air conditioning, but if they do, be prepared to be charged extra if you ask the driver to turn it on.
- Give yourself extra time. Don’t be surprised if the drivers contact you before they arrive to inquire about your destination. It’s common for drivers to decline your ride after finding out the distance and time required for the ride.
Local Taxis
I don’t recommend local taxis at all, however, you may end up in a situation that requires immediate transportation.
Here are my tips for local taxis in Accra:
- Before you get in the taxi, confirm the price for your destination.
- Be prepared to fight or compromise. Although you may have confirmed a price, don’t be surprised if the driver increases the price during the ride. Some drivers will start charging extra if there is traffic making the ride longer than anticipated.
- Carry extra cash! If you are at a jam-packed party or club at night, taxis waiting outside may charge triple or quadruple the average price because they are in high demand.
Pack your bags and this 4-Day Itinerary, it’s time to experience the best Accra has to offer!