What to See in Accra: Museums, Markets, and Coastal Highlights

Why Accra Deserves a Spot on Your Travel Map

Accra is often treated as a gateway to Ghana’s beaches, national parks, and inland regions.
Yet the city itself rewards time and attention. It is a place to understand Ghana’s fight for
independence, feel the creative pulse of contemporary Africa, and experience daily life in a
metropolis that is constantly reinventing itself.

From the solemn courts of Independence Square to the lively alleys of Jamestown and the
open-air galleries of Labadi Beach, Accra offers layers of experiences in a relatively
compact area. Museums help you decode the country’s history, markets immerse you in its
entrepreneurial spirit, and the coastline offers the space to breathe, watch the waves, and
take in the city’s skyline.

Top Museums in Accra: Where the City Tells Its Story

The best way to begin exploring what to see in Accra is through its museums. They give
context to the streets, monuments, and neighborhoods you will walk through later. Expect
a mix of classic exhibition halls, open-air memorials, and smaller niche collections.

Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum & Memorial Park

In the heart of downtown Accra stands the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, a striking monument of
marble and fountains dedicated to the man who led Ghana to independence in 1957. The site is
both a museum and a symbolic center of national memory.

Inside the small museum, you will find photographs, personal items, and documents that trace
Nkrumah’s life from his early education to his role as the first president of an independent
Ghana. Outside, his bronze statue and the mausoleum structure dominate a tranquil park where
locals come to rest, reflect, and take photos.

• Best for: Understanding Ghana’s independence movement and political history.
• Allow: 1–2 hours, including time to stroll the gardens.
• Photography: Generally allowed outside; check current rules for the museum interior.

National Museum of Ghana

The National Museum of Ghana is one of the most important cultural institutions in Accra.
After periods of renovation, it continues to serve as a key stop for visitors who want an
overview of Ghanaian anthropology, archaeology, and art.

Exhibits typically include traditional textiles, royal regalia, wooden carvings, instruments,
and archaeological finds from across the country. Labels and explanations help tie the
objects to different ethnic groups and historical eras, giving newcomers a framework to
understand Ghana’s diversity.

• Best for: First-time visitors looking for a broad introduction to Ghana’s cultures.
• Allow: 1–1.5 hours for a relaxed visit.
• Combine with: A walk to nearby Independence Square and the Osu neighborhood.

W.E.B. Du Bois Centre

The W.E.B. Du Bois Centre for Pan-African Culture occupies the former home of the
African-American scholar and activist, who moved to Ghana in his later years at the
invitation of Kwame Nkrumah. The center includes a museum, library, and mausoleum, making it
a powerful place to explore connections between African and African diaspora history.

Personal belongings, letters, and photographs trace Du Bois’s life as a thinker and activist.
The center also hosts cultural events and lectures, keeping its Pan-African mission alive.

• Best for: Travelers interested in Pan-Africanism and diaspora history.
• Atmosphere: Quiet, scholarly, reflective.

Jamestown and Community Museums

Some of the most engaging stories in Accra are told outside formal institutions. In
Jamestown—one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods—community heritage projects and small
museums showcase Ga culture, boxing traditions, and the area’s colonial-era architecture.

Walking tours led by local guides often include visits to informal exhibits, artists’ spaces,
and boxing gyms. Rather than neat glass cases, you get living history: storytellers, murals,
and old colonial buildings still in use. This makes Jamestown an essential counterpart to the
more official museums of central Accra.

Markets of Accra: Where the City Comes Alive

To understand Accra, you need to experience its markets. They are not simply places to shop:
they are living networks of trade, gossip, food, and fashion. When planning what to see in
Accra, make time for at least one major market and one more specialized market or craft
space.

Makola Market: Accra’s Iconic Commercial Hub

Makola Market is the beating heart of downtown Accra. Spread across multiple streets and
alleys, it is a maze of stalls where you can find almost anything: fabrics, shoes, mobile
phones, toiletries, dried fish, fresh produce, and homewares. The colors are intense, the
noise level high, and the energy unforgettable.

This is a working market, not a tourist show. Sellers balance trays on their heads, shoppers
haggle in multiple languages, and tro-tros (minibuses) weave through crowds with practiced
skill. Walking through Makola is a total sensory experience.

• What to buy: Wax print fabrics, hair and beauty products, kitchenware, local snacks.
• Tips: Go with small denominations of cash; keep valuables secure; ask before taking photos.
• Best time: Mornings on weekdays, when the market is busy but not yet at its peak heat.

Arts Centre (Centre for National Culture)

A short distance from the coast lies the Arts Centre, also known as the Centre for National
Culture. This is one of the best places in Accra to browse Ghanaian crafts in one central
location, though it can be intense if you are not used to enthusiastic vendors.

Stalls offer wood carvings, kente cloth, leather sandals, paintings, beads, brass
figurines, and jewelry. Prices are negotiable, and you are expected to bargain. While some
items may be produced with visitors in mind, you can still find quality pieces if you take
your time and talk to artisans.

• Best for: Souvenirs and gifts with a strong Ghanaian identity.
• Approach: Stay friendly, smile, and treat bargaining as a conversation.
• Bonus: Occasional live drumming or dance performances in the courtyard.

Osu Night Market and Street Stalls

Osu, centered around Oxford Street, is one of Accra’s busiest commercial and nightlife
districts. While the main road features shops, restaurants, and bars, the smaller lanes and
informal stalls reveal another side of local commerce.

In the evening, open-air grills and food vendors appear, selling everything from grilled
tilapia and banku to kebabs and fried yam. Small stands might offer clothing, accessories,
and electronics. It is an excellent area to try street food, listen to music, and feel the
city after dark.

Neighborhood Markets and Fresh Produce

Beyond the famous names, Accra’s neighborhoods are full of smaller markets that serve local
communities: Kaneshie Market, Agbobloshie (for bulk produce and wholesale), and countless
roadside stands. Visiting one of these is a chance to see everyday life away from the central
business district.

You will see pyramids of tomatoes, bunches of plantains, baskets of dried fish, and sellers
calling out prices in Twi, Ga, Ewe, and English. For visitors staying in apartments or guest
houses with a kitchen, these markets are the perfect place to shop for fresh ingredients.

Coastal Highlights: Beaches, Cliffs, and Ocean Views

Accra’s location on the Gulf of Guinea shapes its climate, food, and culture. While this is
a working coastline—where fishing harbors sit alongside beach bars and cultural venues—it
still offers some of the city’s most memorable views and experiences.

Labadi Beach: Music, Horses, and Atlantic Waves

Labadi Beach (often called La Beach) is Accra’s most famous public beach. On weekends and
holidays, it fills with local families, teenagers, and visitors enjoying the live bands,
drumming, and open-air bars. Horse rides along the sand, small art stalls, and food vendors
add to the festive atmosphere.

If you prefer a quieter visit, arrive earlier in the day or on a weekday. The Atlantic waves
can be strong, so treat the water with respect and follow local advice about swimming.

• Best for: People-watching, music, and sunset photos.
• Entrance: Expect a small fee for access to the main public section.
• Extras: Occasional concerts and cultural events, especially on weekends.

Osu Castle and the Coastal Road

Also known as Christiansborg Castle, Osu Castle sits on the shoreline just east of central
Accra. With a history that includes Danish, Portuguese, and British periods, it is one of the
most historically charged sites on Ghana’s coast. Access and usage have varied over the
years, but even when the interior is closed, the surrounding area and views along the coastal
road are evocative.

Walking or driving the coastal road nearby gives you a sense of Accra’s layered history:
colonial-era buildings sit near modern offices, while waves crash just beyond the walls. It
is a powerful reminder that the city’s story has always been tied to the ocean.

Jamestown Cliffs and Lighthouse

On Accra’s western side, Jamestown’s red-and-white lighthouse marks a coastline of cliffs,
fishing boats, and densely packed homes. From the lighthouse or nearby vantage points, you
can look out over fleets of wooden canoes and the open Atlantic.

The nearby fishing harbor is a hive of activity, especially in the early morning when boats
return with the night’s catch. This is not a manicured tourist beach but a working harbor,
rich in atmosphere and photography opportunities.

Day Trips to Nearby Beaches

If you have time, consider using Accra as a base for short trips to beaches slightly outside
the city. Areas like Kokrobite and Bojo Beach are within reach and offer a more relaxed
atmosphere, surf spots, and, in some cases, quieter stretches of sand.

These make ideal weekend getaways after a few busy days exploring museums and markets in
central Accra. Check local conditions, safety guidelines, and transport options in advance.

Historic Landmarks and Neighborhoods Not to Miss

Museums and markets are just part of what to see in Accra. The city’s streets, monuments,
and neighborhoods link past and present in ways that are often best understood on foot.

Independence Square (Black Star Square)

Independence Square—dominated by the Black Star Gate and its broad parade grounds—is one of
Accra’s most photographed spaces. Built to mark Ghana’s independence, it hosts national
ceremonies and is a symbolic focal point for civic life.

Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the harshest sun. From the stands,
you get sweeping views toward the ocean and can appreciate the monumental scale of the
architecture.

Osu and Oxford Street

Osu is a lively, walkable district where colonial-era homes sit behind high walls and modern
businesses line Oxford Street. This area is home to a dense concentration of restaurants,
cafés, bars, street food spots, and small boutiques.

In the daytime, you might browse clothing shops and art galleries; after dark, the area
transforms into one of Accra’s main nightlife hubs. For many visitors, Osu is where they
first feel Accra’s contemporary, cosmopolitan energy.

Jamestown and Usshertown (Ga Mashie)

Jamestown and Usshertown, together known as Ga Mashie, form the historic core of Accra.
Narrow lanes, partial remains of colonial forts, and clusters of boxing gyms give the area
a unique character. It is also home to the annual Chale Wote Street Art Festival, which
turns walls and streets into canvases for murals, performance art, and music.

A guided walking tour is strongly recommended here. Local guides can explain the area’s
complex history, from colonial rule to contemporary urban challenges, while introducing you
to residents, artists, and community projects.

Airport Residential and New Districts

In contrast to the old quarters, districts like Airport Residential, Cantonments, and East
Legon showcase a more modern face of Accra: wide avenues, embassies, upscale homes, and
shopping centers. They are also where you will find many of the city’s newer cafés, concept
stores, and contemporary art spaces.

These areas may not have individual monuments like Independence Square, but they reveal how
Accra is evolving into a global city, connecting Ghana’s traditions with international
trends.

Food and Nightlife: Taste and Soundtrack of Accra

Exploring museums, markets, and the coast inevitably leads to another question: where to eat
and what the city feels like after dark. Food and music are central to Accra’s identity, and
sampling both will enrich your experience of the city.

Essential Ghanaian Dishes to Try

Many of Accra’s markets and casual eateries serve classic Ghanaian dishes. Some staples to
look out for include:

• Jollof rice: Spiced tomato rice often served with fried chicken or fish.
• Banku and tilapia: Fermented corn-based dough served with grilled fish and pepper sauce.
• Waakye: Rice and beans cooked together, usually with a choice of sides.
• Kelewele: Spicy fried plantain, sold by street vendors and at casual bars.
• Fufu with soup: Pounded cassava and plantain or yam, served with light soup, groundnut soup, or palm nut soup.

Where Markets and Food Meet

In and around markets such as Makola and Kaneshie, you will find food stalls selling
everything from grilled meats to fresh fruit juices. For many travelers, these simple,
crowded spots deliver some of the most memorable meals of their trip.

Beach Bars and Live Music

Along Labadi Beach and other coastal stretches, open-air bars and venues host live bands
playing highlife, hiplife, reggae, and Afrobeat. Weekends can be lively, with bonfires,
dancing, and DJ sets that last late into the night.

In Osu and other nightlife districts, rooftop bars and lounges offer a different vibe—cocktails,
city views, and a mix of local and international music. This is where you will feel Accra’s
youthful, creative energy most intensely.

Suggested Itineraries: How to Organize What to See in Accra

With so many museums, markets, and coastal highlights, planning what to see in Accra can
feel overwhelming. These sample itineraries balance culture, shopping, and relaxation while
keeping travel times realistic.

One-Day Highlight Tour

If you only have one full day in Accra, focus on the essentials around the city center.

1. Morning: Start at the National Museum of Ghana for an overview of the
   country’s history and culture.
2. Late morning: Walk or drive to Independence Square and the surrounding
   monuments for photos and views toward the ocean.
3. Lunch: Eat near Osu or downtown, sampling Ghanaian dishes like jollof rice
   or banku.
4. Afternoon: Visit the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum & Memorial Park, then
   continue to Makola Market or the Arts Centre for a quick immersion into market life.
5. Evening: Finish with a sunset and dinner at Labadi Beach or a rooftop bar
   in Osu.

Two-Day Culture and Coast Plan

Two days gives you time to go deeper into both history and daily life.

Day 1 – History and Markets

• National Museum of Ghana.
• Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum & Memorial Park.
• Makola Market for fabrics and everyday goods.
• Dinner and drinks in Osu.

Day 2 – Jamestown and the Coast

• Morning walking tour of Jamestown and Usshertown (Ga Mashie).
• Visit to Jamestown lighthouse and the fishing harbor.
• Afternoon at the Arts Centre and coastal road viewpoints.
• Evening at Labadi Beach with live music, if available.

Three to Five Days: Adding Art and Day Trips

If you have three to five days, you can move at a slower pace and add more specific
interests: contemporary art galleries, fashion markets, cafés, and day trips to nearby
beaches or historical towns.

Practical Tips for Visiting Accra

Planning what to see in Accra also means understanding how to move around the city, when to
visit, and how to stay safe and comfortable.

Best Time to Visit Accra

Accra has a tropical climate with a relatively consistent temperature throughout the year.
There are, however, drier and wetter periods that shape the travel experience.

• December to March: Generally drier and popular with visitors. Expect
  more events, festivals, and a busy social calendar.
• April to July: Rainy season, with showers that can affect outdoor plans,
  but also cooler temperatures at times.
• August to November: Transitional period with variable weather; can be
  less crowded.

Getting Around Accra

Distances between major sights are manageable, but traffic can be heavy at peak times.
Consider the following options:

• Taxis and ride-hailing: Widely used for door-to-door travel.
• Tro-tros (minibuses): Very affordable and authentic, but they can be crowded and confusing for first-timers.
• Walking: Practical in certain areas like Osu and parts of central Accra, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.

Safety and Cultural Etiquette

Accra is one of West Africa’s more welcoming capitals, but common-sense precautions apply.

• Keep valuables discreet, especially in crowded markets.
• Ask before photographing people or private spaces.
• Dress modestly in traditional or religious settings.
• Carry small bills for taxis, street food, and market purchases.