Accra

Accra is the capital of the Republic of Ghana (West Africa), and its industrial and cultural center. The city is located in the south of the country, on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea. Its architecture blends traditional, colonial, and modern cultures, giving its appearance a special flavor. A variety of historical and cultural attractions, flamboyant African people, rich and extraordinary traditions, as well as comfortable beaches attract tourists from around the world. However, not so long ago, Accra was just a big trading city. The tourism business has only started to develop in recent decades. But that hasn't stopped it from rising to a high level.

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Attractions in Accra

Accra's complicated history dating back to the Middle Ages, the culture and traditions of ancient tribes, and its location have all left their mark on the city. To get the most out of the city and experience its attractions, take advantage of the tours offered by a tour operator.

Jamestown

Makola Market

Salaga Market

Ga Mashie (Old Accra)

Old Fadama (Agbogbloshie)

National Museum of Ghana

Ussher Fort Museum

Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Memorial Park

W. E. B. Du Bois Memorial Centre for Pan-African Culture

Population

Accra is a huge metropolis of nearly four million people. Every year, the city's population grows by 3.3%. Almost all of its residents are of dark skin. The city retains a small community of descendants of immigrants from Lebanon and Syria, which plays an important role in developing the economy. The Chinese community is also growing rapidly.

Most of Accra's entire population works in a variety of industries — textiles, food, oil refining, metalworking, woodworking, and pharmaceuticals. Automotive, jewelry, and handicraft productions are also developed. There is also a large market for diamonds and cocoa beans.

Brief history

The first settlement on the modern territory of the city was founded in the XV century. It was home to the Ga tribes who migrated here from the north. The name Accra itself translates as "black ant," the totem animal of the Ga tribe. When European traders arrived on the Guinea coast, Accra became an important trading center fought over by Ga, Akuapem, and Ashanti tribes. Until the late XIX century, the city had been a central point in the slave trade. Gold, palm oil, and other goods were also traded here.

In the XVII century, the Portuguese erected their fortresses in the city, followed by the Dutch, Swedes, French, Englishmen, and Danes. The bustling economic activity continued until the abolition of the slave trade in 1807.

In 1850, a new era began in Accra. The city was included in the boundaries of the English colony of the Gold Coast. In 1876, the British took over Accra and moved the seat of residence that had previously been located at Cape Coast to the city. An influx of colonists from Britain began, which led to a significant expansion and economic development of the city. Accra had been the capital of the British colony of the Gold Coast until 1957.

After liberation from colonial dependence, Accra became the capital of the independent state of Ghana. Today it is a large city, one of the ten largest cities in Africa. It has a well-developed economy, culture, education, and tourism business.

Trip budget

Before the trip, you should calculate the approximate budget that you will require for the travel:

Hotels booking	Apartment rental	Taxi fare	Gasoline	Average bill in restaurant
from 95 $/night	from 118 $/night	Start - 0.88 $, 1km - 0.99 $	0.91 $/liter	23 $ for 2 person

The best time to visit Accra

Accra is located in a tropical monsoon climate with distinct rainy seasons (April to June and October). The city is hotter in winter than in summer. Recreation on the beach under the warm rays of the sun is available all year round. Therefore, it is best to plan a trip to Accra in winter, which is great for visiting theaters and museums and for natural sightseeing.

Useful notes

Many hotels, restaurants, and cafes in tourist areas offer free wireless Internet access, but the speed may be slower than expected.

English is the official language of Accra. But locals continue to communicate in local dialects: Ashanti, Ewe, and others.

The local currency is the Ghanaian cedi. It is better to change it in official exchange offices. Importation of foreign currency into the city is not limited.

Accra has its own Kotoka International Airport.

The best way to move around the city is by cab. The cost of travel should be discussed beforehand.

Accra is a rather criminal city. Tourists shouldn't appear in some areas and not walk alone at night.

Things to do in Accra

Go to Independence Square. This is Accra's most important landmark, located on the Jamestown Peninsula.
There you can also see the Independence Arch with a star on top symbolizing liberation from the colonizers.
See old colonial buildings in Jamestown and buy the freshest seafood at the fish market.
See a collection of African American pottery, woodwork, and bone at the National Museum founded in 1957.
Admire the works of sculptor Eric Anang, a native of Ghana.
Visit the Aburi Botanical Garden, located 30 km northeast of the city. It has a large collection of African plants (about 640 species).
Go to the Ghana Playhouse Drama Theatre.
Buy interesting souvenirs, jewelry, and more at Makola Market.
Visit the seat of the government of Ghana, the old fortress of Osu Castle, also known as Fort Christiansborg or Asher Fort.
Get acquainted with flora and fauna of Africa in the Shai Hills Resource Reserve, which has 90 species of birds and 400 varieties of plants and animals.
Marvel at the mesmerizing beauty of the Akwapim hills from Akosombo Dam. Walk through cacao, coffee, and banana plantations and enjoy the beauty of the scenery of Lake Volta.
Sunbathe on the white sand, do water sports, and explore flora and fauna of the Gulf of Guinea at one of the city's beaches. La Plage Beach, Pram Pram, and Labadi Beach are the most popular.

Map Accra

Hotels in Accra

Airport View Hotel

from 120 $

The Cabin Hotel

from 114 $

Midindi Hotel

from 108 $

Golden Crystal Experience Hotel

from 37 $

Central Hotel - OSU

from 150 $

somewhere nice

from 18 $

Ibis Styles Accra Airport

from 95 $

Roots Apartment Hotel

from 90 $

Lavender Lodge Hotel

from 108 $

Prestige Suites

from 90 $

Airport West Hotel

from 119 $

Oak Plaza Hotels East Airport

from 108 $

Maple Leaf Korean Hotel

from 25 $

Charleston Hotel Ltd

from 135 $

Alisa Hotel North Ridge

from 119 $

Best Western Premier Accra Airport Hotel

from 149 $

Accra City Hotel

from 153 $

Fiesta Royale Hotel

from 255 $

African Regent Hotel

from 182 $

Tang Palace Hotel

from 250 $

Accra Marriott Hotel

from 229 $

Kwarleyz Residence, Accra

from 238 $

Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City

from 232 $

Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra

from 208 $

Number One Oxford Street Hotel & Suites

from 225 $

Premier Executive Apartment - The Ivy, East Legon

from 72 $

Labadi Beach Hotel

from 258 $

Villa Monticello Boutique Hotel

from 311 $

90 Independence Avenue

from 156 $

Accra Fine Suites - The Pearl In City

from 100 $

Maxwell Court Apartments

from 100 $

Olma Colonial Suites

from 128 $

Stonehedge Place

from 106 $

Accra Luxury Apartments @ The Gardens

from 90 $

Esther's Hotel

from 120 $

Accra Luxury Apartments

from 78 $

Axis Suites

from 111 $

APARTMENTS GH - Accra - Cantonments - Embassy Gardens

from 93 $

Private Executive Apartments

from 20 $

A007 Embassy Gardens Studio Apartm

from 104 $

Sharp Guesthouse

from 39 $

Hallmark Properties- Apartment 2

from 120 $

The Avery Apartments, Dzorwulu

from 125 $

ELLISA HOSPITALITY and SPA

from 35 $

Henlesby

from 50 $

Green Court Serviced Apartments

from 80 $

Embassy Gardens Studio

from 90 $

Westland Villa

from 98 $

Bombay Hotel

from 23 $

Connect Africa Apartments

from 25 $

DanRitzcer Suites

from 30 $

The Congress Hotel

from 75 $

Nana's Holiday Let

from 31 $

APARTMENTS GH - Accra - Airport Residential Area - Mirage Residence

from 74 $

Fiesta Residences Boutique Hotel and Serviced Apartments.

from 230 $

Mahogany Lodge, Cantonments

from 99 $

Saint Mary Guesthouse

from 17 $

Consir Executive Lodge

from 81 $

The Ritzz Exclusive Guest House

from 80 $

Bays Lodge - East Legon

from 51 $

Manjaro Suites

from 85 $

The Palms by Eagles Accra

from 150 $

Konkon Wonderland

from 100 $

St Georges's Height

from 120 $

Tomreik Hotel

from 130 $

Niagara Hotel

from 52 $

Sandpark Place, West Hills

from 43 $

Afri-Royal Hotel

from 50 $

Paloma Hotel Ring Road

from 90 $

Van Der Salle

from 54 $

Jaria Apartments

from 90 $

Cocktail and Dreams Hotel

from 70 $

Brannic Lodge

from 18 $

Regimanuel Apartments - Kwabenya

from 80 $

Tropical Enclave Hotel

from 99 $

Charis Home Services

from 45 $

La Villa Boutique Hotel

from 156 $

Ampomaah Hotel

from 37 $

Bel Air Crest

from 220 $

The Highbridge Guest Lodge

from 96 $

Negolodge

from 32 $

Montecito Apartments

from 115 $

Benconi Lodge

from 60 $

Orchid Hotel

from 100 $

The Winford Boutique Hotel Achimota

from 90 $

Suncity Hotel Apartment

from 162 $

The Urban Space

from 60 $

Eastoment Hotel

from 73 $

Ridge Over Suite

from 59 $

Dokua Royal Hotel

from 19 $

Gallery Apartments by BestWest Hospitality

from 100 $

Monarch Hotel

from 232 $

Bonsukoda Lodge

from 27 $

Omanye Lodge

from 29 $

Jesiwa B's Little Palace

from 38 $

Kunta Kinte Hotel

from 50 $

Hilton View Hotel

from 54 $

The Accra Backpackers Hostel

from 20 $

FANTASTIC APARTMENT, 1 master ensuite bedroom, WIFI, air condition, separate living room, 2 toilets, 2 walk in shower rooms, hot water, separate kitchen, restaurant, bar, garden, 24 hour security, 20 minutes airport, detached property, North Legon Accra

from 34 $

SUPERIOR APARTMENT, 2 MASTER ENSUITE BEDROOMS, WIFI, LARGE LIVING ROOM, 3 BATHS, 3 TOILETS, HOT WATER, AIR CONDITION, 24 hr SECURITY, BIG KITCHEN, DETACHED BUILDING, 20 MINUTES KOTOKA AIRPORT ACCRA, RESTAURANT, BAR, GARDEN, LARGE CHILDREN PLAY AREA

from 50 $

All hotels in Accra