busy accra town

Accra

Full City Guide, Map & 119 Things To Do

Nkran
CAPITAL
1500 FOUNDED
526 YEARS OLD
28°C
61m ELEVATION
POP. 5.27%

Accra is the energetic and culturally rich capital of Ghana, positioned beautifully along the Atlantic coast. It offers a fascinating blend of historical depth, from ancient forts to powerful monuments of African independence, alongside a vibrant modern lifestyle. Visitors can explore lively markets, sample incredible local flavours, and experience the warmth of the Ga people. The city serves as a perfect gateway to West Africa, boasting golden beaches, a thriving arts scene, and a nightlife that pulses with highlife and afrobeats. Exploring this city promises an unforgettable journey through resilience, creativity, and incredible hospitality.

History of Accra

Tall, red mounds of earth once dotted the plains along the Gulf of Guinea. Twi speakers observed the aggressive soldier ants swarming these anthills and applied their word for the insects, Nkran, to the local Ga people. The name eventually warped into Accra. The early kingdom operated out of Ayawaso and showed little patience for outside interference. When a Portuguese fort was erected in the sixteenth century, local inhabitants simply destroyed it in 1576. European merchants had to conduct their trade directly on the open sand. A bizarre diplomatic incident shattered the region in 1677. Using the circumcision of a visiting prince as an excuse, the expanding Akwamu Empire invaded. The attackers sacked Ayawaso and executed the local king. His son, Ofori, fled to the coastline and set up a refuge named Small Accra under the protective stone walls of the Dutch Fort Crèvecœur. Danish cannons from nearby Fort Christiansborg initially kept the invaders at bay. The relief was strictly temporary. The Akwamu fomented a rebellion within the Danish garrison, seized the stronghold, and returned in 1681 to burn Small Accra down, chasing Ofori into exile in Fetu. Britain systematically bought out the Danish and Dutch interests, transferring the capital of the Gold Coast from Cape Coast to Accra in 1877 simply because the weather was drier. The original settlement was squeezed tightly between Ussher Fort and the Korle Lagoon. Colonial administrators soon built Victoriaborg as an exclusive residential enclave for Europeans. A severe bubonic plague outbreak in 1908 forced authorities to completely redraw the map. They established the Adabraka neighbourhood to the north to relieve severe overcrowding in the original districts. Infrastructure followed the expanding borders. By 1923, a new bridge spanned the Korle Lagoon, opening up western areas like Korle Gonno and Chokor for rapid settlement. Frustration with colonial rule boiled over in 1948. Nii Kobina Bonney III, a local chief from Osu Alata, organised a sweeping boycott of European goods just as returning military veterans began demanding their promised wartime pay. The ensuing unrest paved the way for independence in 1957. Prime Minister Kwame Nkrumah completely reimagined the urban landscape to project a fierce new nationalism. He directed the construction of immense public areas like Black Star Square to display Pan African confidence. Today, the physical legacy of these colliding eras dictates the morning commute. Minibuses modified from Nissan Urvans and Mercedes Sprinters weave past colonial remnants and the geometric roof of the National Theatre, their bumpers heavily decorated with local proverbs and football club crests.

13 Events spanning 523 years

YEAR 1500

Establishment of the Ga Kingdom

The Ga people arrive on the coast and establish a kingdom, naming their settlement Nkran after the local anthills.

YEAR 1576

Destruction of the Portuguese Fort

Local inhabitants destroy an early Portuguese trading fort, forcing European trade to be conducted directly on the beaches.

YEAR 1646

Rise to Regional Power

Bolstered by European trade, the Kingdom of Accra becomes a formidable regional power on the Gold Coast.

YEAR 1677

The Akwamu Conquest

Akwamuhene Ansa Sasraku attacks the city, sacking the capital at Ayawaso and beheading King Okai Koi.

YEAR 1681

The Burning of Osu

Akwamu forces return to suppress resistance, burning Osu town and chasing the local leadership into exile.

YEAR 1730

Reclaiming Independence

Following the defeat of the Akwamu Empire by the Akyem, Accra successfully regains its independence.

YEAR 1851

British Acquisition of Christiansborg

Britain purchases Christiansborg Castle and other forts from Denmark, consolidating European control under the British Empire.

YEAR 1877

A New Colonial Capital

The British relocate the administrative capital of the Gold Coast from Cape Coast to Accra due to its drier climate.

YEAR 1908

Urban Expansion Following the Plague

A devastating bubonic plague epidemic forces the city to stretch its boundaries, leading to the creation of new neighbourhoods like Adabraka.

YEAR 1923

Bridging the Korle Lagoon

Governor Gordon Guggisberg oversees the construction of a major bridge across the Korle Lagoon, drastically increasing western settlement.

YEAR 1948

The Deadly 1948 Riots

Colonial police fire upon unarmed ex servicemen marching to present a petition, sparking massive riots that ignite the independence movement.

YEAR 1957

Birth of an Independent Nation

Ghana gains independence from Britain, and Accra becomes the proud capital of the new nation under Prime Minister Kwame Nkrumah.

YEAR 2023

UNESCO World Book Capital

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization names the city the World Book Capital, recognising its literary culture.

Map of Accra

Interactive Destination & Itinerary Map

This map blends our curated city guides—featuring best photo spots, scenic walks, viewpoints, hidden gems and much more—with a live Wikipedia explorer. Click on our numbered pins to plan your routes, or zoom in on the surrounding neighborhoods to discover verified local landmarks, museums, and stories with dynamic Wikipedia summaries and photos!

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Interactive map showing locations of 94 points in Accra, attractions, parks and hidden gems among them.

Fun Facts

  • The city's name is derived from the Akan word Nkran, which literally translates to ants, referencing the numerous large anthills that once dotted the surrounding countryside.
  • Local artisans in the Teshie neighbourhood are world famous for creating fantasy coffins, crafting custom burial boxes shaped like everything from aeroplanes to chilli peppers to celebrate the deceased's life.
  • The enormous Makola Market is overwhelmingly run by powerful female merchants affectionately known as market queens, who control much of the local economy.
  • Public transport minibuses, known as tro tros, are usually decorated with fascinating decals, ranging from religious proverbs to local slang and international football club logos.
  • Despite its massive urban sprawl, the city sits incredibly close to the equator and the prime meridian, making it geographically one of the most central cities on the planet.
  • The iconic Black Star Square is so massive that it ranks as one of the largest public squares in the world, capable of hosting over thirty thousand people.

Did You Know?

  • The tragic shooting of unarmed veterans at the Christiansborg crossroads in 1948 directly triggered the movement that led to Ghana becoming the first sub Saharan African nation to gain independence.
  • The celebrated African American civil rights activist W.E.B. Du Bois chose to spend his final years in the city, cementing its reputation as a global centre for Pan African philosophy.
  • The city's coastal forts, including Osu Castle and Ussher Fort, are officially recognised by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites due to their profound historical impact during the transatlantic slave trade.
  • The Kantamanto Market is one of the largest second hand clothing markets in the world, handling an overwhelming flow of discarded fast fashion and highlighting complex global recycling challenges.
  • Ghana's first president, Kwame Nkrumah, deliberately chose to build grand new national monuments rather than a lavish parliament complex, aiming to inspire pride and nationalism across the entire African continent.
  • The Agbogbloshie area became internationally known as a major hub for e waste recycling, drawing attention to the severe environmental impacts of global electronic disposal networks.

Videos of Accra

Top Attractions in Accra

Accra Itineraries

TRIP PLANNER

4 Days Recommended

Four days provide the perfect window to experience the city's highlights without feeling rushed. This allows enough time to dedicate a day to historical forts and museums, another day to navigate the vibrant markets, a day for coastal relaxation and cultural centres, and an extra day for a nearby excursion.

Food in Accra

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Free Things to do in Accra

Parks & Nature

Highlights & Must-Sees

Best Walks in Accra

Hidden Gems in Accra

Architecture & Landmarks

Markets & Shopping

Accra Nightlife

Activities & Experiences

Cycling Routes

Self-Guided Tours

Annual Festivals & Events

Insider Tips

TRANSPORT

Download the Yango or Bolt apps before arriving, as they are often more affordable and reliable than hailing traditional street taxis, eliminating the need to haggle over fares.

SHOPPING

When navigating the massive Makola Market, do not be afraid to bargain respectfully; it is an expected part of the local shopping culture and helps you secure fair prices.

PAYMENT

Set up a mobile money account via a local telecom provider if you plan on staying a while, as it allows you to pay for everything from street food to groceries instantly via your phone.

ETIQUETTE

Always use your right hand when giving or receiving items, greeting someone, or eating traditional meals, as using the left hand is culturally considered highly disrespectful.

SAFETY

Avoid taking photographs of government buildings, military installations, or the presidential Jubilee House, as security personnel are strict and will demand you delete the images.

LOGISTICS

If you are calling an Uber from the airport, it is often faster and cheaper to walk just outside the main terminal area to avoid the mandatory airport parking fees added to your ride.

SAFETY

Watch your step when walking along the city streets, as many neighbourhoods feature deep, open drainage sewers right next to the pavements.

PERFECT FOR

This city is perfect for culture seekers, history enthusiasts, and anyone looking to experience the vibrant pulse of modern West Africa. It strongly appeals to the African diaspora seeking to connect with heritage roots, as well as adventurous foodies eager to taste bold local flavours. Travellers who enjoy a mix of meaningful historical landmarks, lively street art, and energetic nightlife will find themselves right at home.

VIBE

Accra feels incredibly alive, radiating a warm, welcoming, and high energy atmosphere. The streets hum with the sounds of colourful tro tros, vibrant market chatter, and the constant, infectious rhythm of afrobeats. It is a place where tropical heat meets ocean breezes, creating a laid back yet industrious environment.

Frequently Asked Questions about Accra

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