Accra for First-Timers: The Best City Break in West Africa

The first thing you notice about Accra is the energy. The city has a confidence that comes from a growing economy, a stable democracy, and a cultural renaissance that has made it the capital of the African diaspora's return to the continent. The second thing you notice is how easy it is to eat extraordinarily well for very little money.

Visa

Nigerians do not require a visa for Ghana — just a valid passport and return ticket. Stays up to 90 days are permitted. The border is open and land crossings from Lagos to Accra (overnight bus, ~12 hours) are well-established.

Getting Around

Uber and Bolt work well in Accra. Trotros (shared minibuses) are dirt cheap but confusing for first-timers. For airport to hotel, Uber is your safest option.

Where to Eat

Oxford Street (Osu) is Accra's dining strip — everything from fufu at Azmera to jollof at Buka to sushi (yes, really). La Chaumiere in Cantonments is a special occasion splurge. For street food: kelewele from any roadside stand is unmissable.

The Cape Coast Day Trip

No trip to Accra is complete without the 3-hour drive to Cape Coast and Elmina — the slave castles where millions of Africans were held before being shipped to the Americas. It's an emotionally heavy but essential experience. The Canopy Walk at Kakum National Park is right next door.