With so much to do in Accra, Ghana, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s why we created a guide for how to spend 48 hours in Accra that will allow you to learn some of the city’s history, enjoy local cuisine, and relax, all while enjoying Accra’s beauty.
Day 1
Catch the sunrise and ride horses at Labadi Beach
Labadi Beach, or more properly known as La Pleasure Beach, is the busiest beach on Ghana’s coast.
Its spacious shoreline with coconut trees, street food, and various activities for visitors is what makes it aa popular destination.
One activity, in particular, you should consider is horseback riding. Locals will bring their horses and allow visitors to ride along the sand.
A trip to Freedom Plaza
Black Star Square, also known as Independence Square, is a public square in the city’s center. It’s bordered by the Accra Sports Stadium and the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.
The square is the site for Ghana’s annual Independence Day Parade held on Mar. 6 –which marks Ghana’s anniversary from British rule.
The square has three monuments that represent Ghana’s fight for independence and liberation including the Independence Arch, the Liberations Day Monument, and the Black Star Monument.
Next, head to Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
After Freedom Plaza, you should hop right over to Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park – the final resting place of Ghana’s first President and Africanist Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and his wife Fathia Nkrumah.
Dine At Sister’s Waakye Joint
A trip to Accra wouldn’t be complete without experiencing waakye – a Ghanaian dish of cooked rice and beans.
If you’re traveling to Accra and don’t have someone who can prepare you waakye at home, head to Sister’s Waakye Joint for authentic waakye.
Visit Osu Castle
Christiansborg Castle is a 17th-century castle located on the shores of Osu in Accra, according to Visit Ghana. Situated on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, the castle served as the seat of government in Ghana with some interruptions until the seat of government was moved to the Jubilee House.
The castle, which is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, was converted into a Presidential Museum as part of Ghana’s 60th-anniversary legacy project. It houses presidential artifacts, presidential papers, waxworks of Ghana’s presidents and also on display are personal possessions of past leaders like books, artworks, and items of clothing.
RELATED: The Best Black-Owned Night Clubs In Accra, Ghana
Day 2
Shop at Makola Market
For day two, get ready to do some shopping. Located in Jamestown, Makola Market is the city’s biggest market. Here is where you want to buy fabric, clothes, try street food, and just see the hustle and bustle of Accra.
Keep in mind before your visit, the market opens up at 7 am. If you’re planning on driving, get there early for a parking space and expect to pay anywhere from GHC 5 to GHC 15 for parking.
Also, don’t be afraid to bargain. We can’t express that enough. If you find something you really want to buy, it’s best to try a couple of vendors and get an average price of the item then bargain few Cedis down.
Capture some stunning views inside Jamestown Lighthouse
Makola Market is right near Jamestown Lighthouse so after you’ve done some shopping, unwind here. Climb to the top for a great view of the city and the fishing harbor.
Stroll through Accra Mall
Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, you should pay a visit to Accra Mall.
Located on the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange, adjacent to the Tema Motorway, it is one of the most modern shopping malls in West Africa.
Take pictures at Aburi Gardens
Snaking through the lush Akwapim hills, the Aburi Gardens offers beautiful scenery of native trees and plants.
Enjoy local cuisine at Yenkodi Bar & Restaurant
The first day you enjoyed some waakye, now it’s time to enjoy some Ghanaian banku, fufu, and fish, and stew at Yenkodi Bar & Restaurant.
