Stories · Ghana
A weekend in Accra
The story I wish I had read before going.
My first time in Accra, I tried to see everything and mostly saw queues. Now I do it differently: a few places a day, the right ones, in the right order. Here is my 2-day thread.
Day 1 · Museums and culture
Early in the morning, meet me at Gallery 1957. Give it a good two hours, and leave before you are full: that is the secret to wanting to come back. Unmissable, and for good reason. 4.6 out of 5 across 294 reviews: few places are this unanimous. To get organised: here is the route by public transport; skip-the-line book your visit, otherwise also check Tiqets.
Late morning, I make my way to Nubuke Foundation. The audio guides are worth it; otherwise, follow a group and steal three anecdotes on the way. Everyone goes; everyone is right. Travellers give it 4.5 out of 5 (599 reviews) and I won’t argue with them. Practical: how to get there, and if you’d rather skip the queue, get your tickets in advance or compare on Tiqets.
For lunch, trust the rooms full of locals rather than the menus translated into six languages.
Later, it’s Artists Alliance Gallery. I always pick two or three rooms rather than seeing everything. You walk out light. Everyone goes; everyone is right. To get organised: the public-transport route; skip-the-line book your tickets, otherwise go through Tiqets.
As the light fades, head to Alora Beach Resort. Bring water, shoes that hold, and no watch. Unmissable, and for good reason. 4.6 out of 5 across 2,400 reviews: few places are this unanimous. Practical: here is the route by public transport · travellers’ reviews.
Keep the evening free. Accra is a city that tells itself better at night.
Day 2 · Fresh air
To start, I make my way to Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park. This is the breath of the trip. Even one hour changes the day. Unmissable, and for good reason. 4.5 out of 5 across 4,410 reviews: few places are this unanimous. Practical: here is the route by public transport, and if you’d rather skip the queue, book your visit or also check Tiqets.
Then, head to Ussher Fort. The audio guides are worth it; otherwise, follow a group and steal three anecdotes on the way. To get organised: here is the route by public transport; skip-the-line get your tickets in advance, otherwise compare on Tiqets.
For lunch, Accra is full of options: trust the rooms full of locals rather than the menus translated into six languages.
After lunch, meet me at Black Star Square. Go late in the afternoon: the heat drops, the light softens and the photos take themselves. Everyone goes; everyone is right. Travellers give it 4.6 out of 5 (732 reviews) and I won’t argue with them. Practical: here is the route by public transport, and if you’d rather skip the queue, book your tickets or go through Tiqets.
To end the day, I make my way to Beach View Point. This is the breath of the trip. Even one hour changes the day. Practical: how to get there, and if you’d rather skip the queue, book your tickets or go through Tiqets.
In the evening, let go: a terrace, a walk, and Accra does the rest.
If you’re still hungry
I still have a few up my sleeve: Osu Castle, National Museum of Ghana, W.E.B Du Bois Memorial Centre for Panafrican Culture - Ghana, Makola Market, Accra Zoo and La Pleasure Beach. Your call.
My advice
Walk. Then take public transport: that is where you see the city live.
Book the busiest places the day before: queues have ruined more than one morning.
Keep a little local cash: the best addresses are often the least equipped.
Safe travels. And get lost at least once; that is where Accra begins.
A Triovol story · written by someone who would go back tomorrow
Opening hours, prices and closures change: a quick look at the venue’s website before you go avoids bad surprises.