Things to Do in Accra, Ghana: My Honest First-Timer Guide

Ghana was the third stop on my West African road trip. After Benin and Togo, I was in full travel mode, living out the dream of my first time leaving Nigeria. I wrote all about it here.

Looking back, I could’ve seen way more than three countries; these borders are closer than you think! If you would like to explore 9 African countries instead of 3, read this guide on how to go about it.

One of the first things I noticed when I got to Accra was how much it reminded me of home. If you are Nigerian and you are wondering whether Ghana will feel foreign, it will not. The energy, the people, THE MUSIC (Our Nigerian music is played everywhere), the noise (lol), there is a Nigerian similarity to it that I was not fully expecting. It made settling in very easy.

The only thing I couldn’t bear was the sun. I’ve been to Ghana twice now and oh Lord! The sun is hottttttt every time I go, I get extremely sunburned, and my skin goes darker (where is the laughing emoji when I need it).

I had planned to stay for a full week. I ended up staying about three to four days because I had to head back home for an emergency (Ps: I got sick from eating a bunch of bananas on my way back. I will only give you a story time if you want, so leave a comment).

Ghana did not get to keep me for long that first time. But I’d always know I’d go back. The first time I visited was in 2024. I went back in 2026 with my 2 best friends, and we explored the Southeastern part of Ghana. I had fun. I can’t wait to tell you all about it. Read it here.

This one is about that first trip: solo, short, and everything I did in Accra.

Getting Into Ghana: What Nigerians Need to Know

Good news: Nigerians do not need a visa to enter Ghana. No visa application, no embassy appointment. Because it’s a West African country.

But you do pay a border fee when you cross in. This fee is for those who want to stamp their passports. The fee is in CFA francs:

• First-time visitors: 5,000 CFA
• Return visitors (people who have been before): 2,000 CFA

Note, you will pay it twice. On the Togo side and on the Ghana side.

Since I came in by road from Togo, I crossed at a land border. Keep this in mind if you are planning a similar road trip route through Benin, Togo, and into Ghana.

Also, carry your international passport (if you have one. If you don’t, here’s how to apply.) Even though there is no visa requirement, your passport is what gives you that travel history, and you will need it at the border crossing.

Places I Visited in Accra

Accra has no shortage of things to do. From historical landmarks to green spaces to local spots that just make you want to stay longer, the city keeps you busy. I only spent four days, and I still could not fit everything in. These are the places I visited and what I thought of each one.

1. Black Star Square and Independence Arch

These two are in the same area, so I am putting them together.

Black Star Square is a large open plaza in central Accra. It was built to mark Ghana’s independence and has hosted major national events over the years. When I visited, it was quiet, mostly open space, and I had room to just walk around and take it all in. I especially liked that I could take pictures freely. I used my tripod, and a nice lady also offered to take my picture.

Of course, there are no gate fees for both places.

Ps: If any of the guys who sit around call you to help or anything, do not answer because you really don’t need any help whatsoever, just go, take pictures, and head out.

Right there at the square, you will find the Independence Arch. Ghana was the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from colonial rule in 1957, and this arch marks that moment. The inscription reads “Freedom and Justice.” There is also a flame nearby that is kept burning as a symbol.

Apart from taking pictures, there was nothing else to do. Though I did get ice cream and a screen guard for my phone from a gadget accessories seller passing by.

Go early in the morning for better light and fewer people.

I went from here to Kwame Nkrumah Park. It’s a straight road from the Independence Arch, though you would have to take a long walk. On my way, I stopped by a cultural center where they had different artifacts. If this is your thing, you’d like it there.

2. Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park

If you want to understand Ghana, you need to know Kwame Nkrumah. He was Ghana’s first president and one of the most significant pan-African voices of the 20th century. This park is where he and his wife are buried, and the grounds are well-kept and peaceful.

There is an entry fee to get in. It costs 100 GHS for non-Ghanaian adults and 25 GHS for Ghanaian adults.

There is a museum on-site that walks you through his life, his politics, and what he believed about Africa’s future. I spent more time here than I planned, and I did not mind at all. The museum is informative without being overwhelming, and the mausoleum architecture is striking.

Also, at the park, there is a tour guide who takes everyone to Kwame Nkrumah’s grave. Then I took cute pictures with his statues and some of his quotes.

Afterward, I went to get fridge magnets and Ghana bracelets at the shop, then I explored the other parts of the park. It was scenic, and I just sat on one of the benches for a while as I took in the serene surroundings.

Even if history is not your thing, the park itself is a calm space worth spending an hour in.

3. Accra Mall

I know what you are thinking. “You went all the way to Ghana and visited a mall?”

Yes. And I have no regrets.

After hours of sightseeing, sometimes you just want air conditioning, a proper sit-down meal, and a few minutes of familiar. Accra Mall gave me that. It has restaurants, cafes, and other shops. My favorite is Miniso, and I did some shopping before leaving.

I got Ice cream (you know by now that I love it)

I also looked around the mall to see if it was any different from what I’m used to back home, but it wasn’t. It was a good experience, overall, a nice place to just sit or look around.

4. Aburi Botanical Gardens

This one is outside Accra. Aburi is about 35km from the city, in the hills of the Eastern Region, and it is well worth the trip out.

The botanical gardens are large, green, shaded, and quiet in a way that feels completely different from the city.

I took an Uber there, and he was kind enough to wait for me the whole time, so he took me back as well. If you can find a driver willing to do that, it makes the day much easier. The drive up to Aburi was a scenic one.

Negotiate with them beforehand and agree on a waiting fee (he didn’t collect one from me, though); he just felt it would be a waste to just go back to Accra, so he waited and took me back.

The gate fee at Aburi costs 60 GHS for non-Ghanaian adults and 20 GHS for Ghanaian adults

When I got there, I paid at the entrance, then walked around and saw different types of trees and plants. It was rainy, so I had to wait a bit for the rain to go down. Then, I went to take videos and pictures at the iconic Palm Tree Avenue in Aburi.

I couldn’t explore for too long, mostly because I felt I had seen enough.

5. Legon Botanical Gardens

This one was my favourite place on the whole trip.

Here is the Legon Botanical Gardens entrance fee image I saw.

The entrance fee is 20 GHS, but you have to pay separately for other activities like the Canopy Walk and High Rope Challenge.

Legon Botanical Gardens is on the grounds of the University of Ghana campus in Legon, much closer to Accra than Aburi. It is smaller and quieter, with a calm atmosphere that I loved from the moment I arrived.

I went on a boat ride there. That was probably the highlight. Being out on the water in the middle of all that greenery, with no noise and no rush. I am not usually someone who slows down easily when I travel, but Legon made me slow down.

I did the canopy walk. It is not as intense or as long as the canopy walk I had done in Lagos, Lekki Conservation Center, but it was much more scenic. It is elevated enough to give you a good view of the birds and trees from above. There is also a rope climbing structure there, a proper, challenging one.

There were students doing it while I was there, and they made it look effortless. I watched them. I did not attempt it. Maybe next time. The grounds of the garden are mostly a children’s playground, so if you go around the holidays, you may meet more children than adults.

If you are short on time and cannot make the full Aburi day trip, Legon is the one to prioritise. It is accessible, affordable, and genuinely peaceful.

Getting Around Accra

Accra traffic is real. Build it into your plans.

Uber works well within the city and is my top recommendation, especially if you are solo and do not want to spend your energy negotiating fares every time. Budget about 80 – 150 GHS for short trips, and 150 – 250 GHS (or more) for longer trips.

For most of my trips, I used Uber, and it worked out well for me. You can just download the Uber app and use your Ghana sim (I recommend Mtn or get an eSIM for easy access).

Trotros are the local shared minibuses and are very affordable. They take longer because of stops and traffic, but they are how most people in Accra move around. If you are on a tight budget, this is a practical option and a real experience in itself. I took it once, and it is very affordable. But you have to constantly remind them you don’t understand their language. Budget about 5 – 15 GHS for short trips, and 15 – 30 GHS (or more) for longer trips.

What to Eat in Accra

Ghanaian food will feel familiar to any Nigerian, but it has its own character. Do not leave without trying the local dishes.

What to try:

• Waakye – rice and beans cooked together, served with a range of sides like fried plantain, spaghetti, boiled eggs, and stew. A classic Ghanaian lunch dish.
• Jollof rice – yes, Ghanaian jollof exists and yes it is good but as a Nigerian who has tried Ghana Jollof, Nigeria Jollof is the Best. Feel free to try it and form your own opinion.
• Fufu with light soup or groundnut soup – fufu here is similar to what you know, served in a rich soup. Eat with your right hand only, this is cultural practice in Ghana.
• Banku with tilapia – fermented corn dough served with grilled tilapia and pepper sauce. One of the most popular dishes in Accra.
• Kelewele – spiced fried plantain cubes sold as street food, especially around Oxford Street in Osu at night. Do not miss this one.
• Red red – black-eyed peas cooked in palm oil, served with fried plantain. Simple and very good.

Where to eat:

• Aduanipa is a 24-hour restaurant in Accra that serves Ghanaian classics all week. Palm nut soup is always available. Good for any time of day.
• The Buka Restaurant is known for its authentic African meals and is considered one of the best spots for red red in Accra by many Ghanaians. It is in Osu, an open-air setting with plenty of seating.
• Papaye is a fast food chain across Accra that is popular, affordable, and reliable for a quick meal.
• For street food, Oxford Street in Osu at night is where to go. You will find grills and food stalls at almost every turn.

The average daily cost for food in Accra is around $18 per person, with budget options starting from around $7. If you eat local, you will spend far less.

I tried some street food when I visited Southeastern Ghana, and I will tell you all about it in this article.

Where to Stay in Accra

Accra has accommodation options for every budget, whether you are coming in as a solo traveler watching your spending or you want something more comfortable after days of sightseeing. I booked my stay through Booking.com, and it was straightforward. You get to see pictures, read reviews, and compare prices before committing, which takes a lot of the guesswork out of it.

Whether you want to stay close to the main attractions in central Accra or somewhere quieter, there is something available. I stayed at Connect Africa Apartments when I visited, and I really loved it.

I lived like a local by going to a nearby store to buy foodstuffs, then I cooked in the kitchen. The home was neat, and I had a sitting room, bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen all to myself. The area is also secure and very quiet.

One thing I will say: book ahead. Do not arrive in Accra without accommodation sorted, especially if you are traveling solo. It saves you stress and usually saves you money, too.

Other great areas to stay in Accra as a first-timer are:

• Osu – the most popular area for tourists. Busy, central, great nightlife, lots of restaurants and shopping nearby. If you want to be in the middle of things, stay here.
• East Legon – a quieter, more residential neighbourhood. Good option if you want something calmer and still accessible.
• Airport Residential – convenient if you are arriving late or leaving early, closer to Kotoka International Airport.

In terms of budget:

• Budget hotels and guesthouses in Ghana average around $40 to $60 per night, with hostels starting from as low as $20 per night.
• Mid-range hotels and Airbnbs will run between $40 to $80 per night and usually come with private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and more comfort.

Budget Breakdown: How Much Does a Trip to Accra, Ghana Cost Per Day?

Here is a rough idea of what to expect if you are traveling on a budget. All conversions are based on current rates: $1 ≈ GH₵11.26 ≈ ₦1,359. Rates fluctuate, so always check before you travel.

Expense	GHS (₵)	USD ($)	NGN (₦)
Border fee — first time	CFA 10,000	~$16	~₦22,000
Border fee — return visitors	CFA 4,000	~$6	~₦8,200
Budget accommodation (per night)	₵225 – ₵675	$20 – $60	₦27,000 – ₦81,500
Food per day (eating local)	₵79 – ₵202	$7 – $18	₦9,500 – ₦24,500
Trotro ride	from ₵3	from $0.30	from ₦410
Uber (within Accra)	₵45 – ₵112	~$4 – $10	~₦5,500 – ₦13,600
Attraction entry fees	~₵20	~$1.80	~₦2,400
SIM card + data	₵56 – ₵112	$5 – $10	₦6,800 – ₦13,600

A budget traveler can realistically expect to spend around $30 to $50 (₵338 – ₵563 / ₦40,800 – ₦67,950) per day covering accommodation, meals, transport, and activities. Eat local, use trotros where you can, and you will spend even less.

How to Stay Safe When You Visit Ghana

Accra is one of the safer capital cities in West Africa, but common sense still applies.

• Pickpocketing can be prevalent in crowded areas like Osu, Madina, and Makola Market. Always keep your bag in front of you and away from the roadside to avoid snatching.
• Always agree on a price before getting into a taxi or making a purchase at a market.
• Never carry all your cash in one wallet. Split it between a money belt and your regular wallet. Avoid using ATMs alone at night; choose machines inside banks or malls.
• In Ghana, eating, waving, and handing items to someone should be done with your right hand only. Using the left hand for these things is considered disrespectful.
• Cash is king in Accra. Cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, but carry cash for markets, trotros, and street food.

Final Thoughts

I had planned a full week in Ghana. I got three to four days. And even with that short time, Accra gave me more than enough to love.

The Ghanaian similarity to Nigeria made everything feel easy. The people were warm, English is spoken everywhere, and getting around was not stressful once I figured out the Uber situation.

Legon is the place I think about most from that trip. If you go and you visit only one green space, make it Legon.

I left knowing I would come back. And I did. The second time was a girls’ trip, and we went beyond Accra and explored a completely different side of Ghana. That experience is a whole other story, and I will be sharing it soon.

For now, if Ghana has been sitting somewhere on your list, it’s time to go.

Read next: My road trip through Benin Republic, Togo, and Ghana, where this whole West Africa adventure started.

Check out my girls’ trip to rural Ghana, and what I found when I went beyond the city.