Ghana’s capital and largest city, Accra, sits on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, part of the Atlantic Ocean. In this 13th-largest metropolitan area in Africa, travelers can get a taste of everything Africa offers: traditional and contemporary cultures, 17th-century architecture alongside modern skyscrapers, beaches and safaris. Take in the colorful, vibrant experience of Accra, also a hotbed for artists and grassroots enterprises.
GETTING THERE & AROUND
Accra Kotoka International Airport, located around 5 miles from city center, lies about 20–30 minutes from central Accra by car. Labour Enterprise Trust Co. Ltd. runs metered taxis to and from the airport, available at Car Park 5. Buses and Ubers also operate to and from the airport. Within Accra and Ghana, public buses are the main form of transportation for short-haul and long-distance travel; buy tickets online in advance. The two main bus companies are State Transport Corp. and VIP. If traveling by taxi, negotiate and confirm fares before the trip begins. Uber arrived in Accra in 2016 and proves a popular option for getting around.
LODGING
Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast Accra
This 5-star hotel is one of superlatives: largest guestroom size in Accra; largest meeting facilities in Accra; and ReSense, the largest spa in the city. Its 269 guestrooms, 24 suites and multiple eateries are conveniently located in the downtown business district.
Ministries PMB, 66 Gamel Abdul Nasser Ave., Accra, Ghana, tel 233 24 243 6000
Offering a private beach with 24-hour surveillance adjacent to popular Pleasant Beach, Labadi Beach Hotel boasts 164 guestrooms across seven room types. Enjoy tranquility amid the property’s landscaped gardens, 10 minutes from the airport and 15 minutes to the Central Business District.
No. 1 La Bypass, Accra, Ghana, tel 233 302 772 501
Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra
These modern guestrooms and suites feature state-of-the-art amenities with garden or city views. A tropical oasis in the middle of the city, Mövenpick offers complimentary breakfast, multiple dining outlets and the largest outdoor swimming pool in Accra.
Ridge, PMB CT 343, Independence Avenue, Accra, Ghana, tel 233 30 261 1000
DINING
Designed to appeal to discerning international travelers, Buka opened in 2004, serving a fusion of local foods with fine ingredients. Buka serves authentic dishes from Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Togo and Nigeria on an open-air terrace and in two indoor dining rooms.
10th Street, Osu, Accra, Ghana, tel 233 24 484 2464
bukarestaurant.com
To the Ewe people, Midunu means “let us eat,” and this space is dedicated to the intersection of African culture, community and cuisine. Offerings include a bespoke event space, on- and off-site private dining, nomadic dining experience pop-ups and artisanal chocolates.
21 Silica St., Accra, Ghana, tel 233 59 343 3843
Santoku brings a taste of Tokyo to Accra with its minimalist interiors across the restaurant, bar and terrace. Staples include sushi, sashimi and gyoza, or guests can indulge in the tasting menu. Champagne, whiskey and lots of creative cocktails complement the cuisine.
Villaggio, 16 N. Airport Road, Accra, Ghana, tel 233 54 431 1511
ATTRACTIONS
Aburi Botanical Gardens
About 45 minutes outside Accra at the top of Akwapim-Togo Range sits the 160-acre Aburi Botanical Gardens. With only 3 acres developed and the rest a botanical reserve, visitors can tour the gardens and attractions like Bush House, Rock Garden, School of Horticulture and more.
VR2G+FRG, Aburi, Ghana, tel 233 20 585 4949
Makola Market
Since 1924 Makola Market has served as a market place and shopping district in the center of Accra. Across an array of products and women traders, shoppers can find everything from fresh produce, foods and clothes to tools; pots and pans; and jewelry made from local, hand-crafted beads.
A20 Kojo Thompson Road, Accra, Ghana
Also known as Christiansborg Castle, this 17th-century castle sits on the shores of Osu Township. Built by the Danes and rebuilt several times, the UNESCO World Heritage site was under the control of Denmark, Norway, Portugal and Britain before being handed over to Ghana. Today it houses the Presidential Museum.
Osu, Accra, Ghana
Read This Next
Global City Guidebook: U.S. Virgin Islands
GCGB 2023
Aug 5, 2023All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
May 30, 2025Grupo Brisas Opens New Las Brisas Mérida Boutique Hotel
Grupo Brisas opened its newest property in Mexico. Las Brisas Mérida, an exclusive boutique hotel strategically located in the heart of the interesting Mexican town of Mérida within the Yucatan Peninsula, marks the brand’s 13th property in Mexico. Grupo Brisas reaffirms its leadership as one of the fastest-growing Mexican hotel chains in the country.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Introduces Groundbreaking Safety Video: A Captivating Invitation to Discover Moroccan Heritage
Royal Air Maroc continues to elevate the passenger experience with the launch of its new in-flight safety video — a cinematic journey that seamlessly blends essential safety instructions with a celebration of Moroccan cultural heritage.
May 2025
May 30, 2025By-the-cabin Yachting Redefines the Cruise Experience
I wish this day could last forever!” my windswept 9-year-old exclaimed, his voice soaring over the Mediterranean. He gripped the helm of a Bali 4.6 sailing catamaran off the coast of Marseille, his sun- bleached hair whipping in the salty breeze. The scent of the sea mingled with the aroma of warm baguettes drifting from the Côte d’Azur shoreline. Our captain, a seasoned sailor, subtly adjusted course, letting my son feel the exhilarating pull of the wind against the sails. As the waves lapped against the hull, I realized this was no ordinary vacation — this was freedom, unfiltered.
Daily
May 30, 20254 U.S. Hotels to Stay at This Pride Month
Pride Month kicks off June 1, and hotels around the country celebrate with special events and offerings.
Sponsored Content
Sail Unique with Explora Journeys
SAIL UNIQUE: A New Chapter in Luxury Ocean Travel Imagine a place where modern European elegance meets the rhythm of the sea — where time slows down, and every detail is crafted to inspire connection and quiet indulgence. This is Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean brand from MSC Group created to redefine how we explore the world.
Daily
May 30, 2025Summer Gin Cocktail Recipes Inspired by Destinations Around the World
Sometimes our memories of trips to certain destinations and cities around the world become synonymous with a specific dish or drink we had there — whether it was sipping an Aperol Spritz on the Italian coast or cooling off with a gin and tonic in London, a good cocktail in particular elevates a destination.
These 5 Hotels Offer Beekeeping Experiences
Daily
May 29, 2025Tea Time is Tree Time at This Banyan Tree Resort
Daily
May 28, 2025May 2025
May 28, 2025Discover the Dazzling Beauty of Amalfi’s Legendary Cave
PHOTO: © GUILLOHMZ | DREAMSTIME .COM
Sponsored Content
Lech Walesa on Tour: A Conversation with a Man Who Changed the World
Some events change a nation. Some change the world.
Daily
May 28, 2025Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Announces First-Ever Extended Weddell Sea Expedition
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises recently announced its 2025/2026 Antarctic season will include a 22-day expedition into the rarely visited Weddell Sea for the first time in the company’s history. The extended route will sail on HANSEATIC spirit.
ShareThis