Plizio Visual Lab

Accra

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

State capital

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Practical info — Accra

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🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt work well, but drivers often call to confirm the destination and negotiate prices offline, especially during traffic.
Tro-tros (shared minibuses) are the cheapest way to get around, but they have no set schedules and can be confusing; ask a local for the hand signals.
When shopping at Makola Market, always greet the vendor with 'Good morning' or 'Good afternoon' before asking the price.
Traffic (known locally as 'go-slow') is intense on weekdays; plan your cross-city travel outside rush hours.

🍽 Food

🍽

Waakye

Best bought from local street vendors in the mornings, often served on plantain leaves with a spicy black pepper sauce (shito).

🍽

Red Red

A hearty plantain and bean stew lunch found in casual chop bars around Osu.

🍽

Kenkey and fried fish

A coastal favorite, heavily sold at stalls near Jamestown or Labadi Beach.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍

Makola Market

A massive, sprawling open-air market in the city center where you can buy colorful wax print fabrics and beads.

🛍

Arts Centre

The premier place for purchasing traditional carvings, drums, and woven Kente cloth, but be prepared to bargain hard.

🧘

Legon Botanical Gardens

Located in the university area, this park has a quiet escape with canopy walkways and calm ponds.

🧘

W.E.B. Du Bois Centre

A serene memorial and museum with peaceful grounds great for quiet reading or reflection away from the city noise.

Accra, the capital of Ghana, is a sprawling, energetic city on the Gulf of Guinea that serves as the gateway to West Africa. Established in the late 15th century by the Ga people, it grew significantly following the arrival of European traders who built several forts along its coastline. The city replaced Cape Coast as the capital of the British Gold Coast in 1877, a position it maintained through Ghana's landmark independence in 1957. Today, Accra is a major regional hub for trade, finance, and telecommunications. The city's geography is characterized by its coastal location, with several lagoons and white sandy beaches like Labadi and Bojo. The skyline of Accra has changed dramatically in the last decade, with the emergence of high-end developments in East Legon and Cantonments. The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, dedicated to the nation's founding father, is a focal point of historical significance, while the Independence Arch and Black Star Square represent the pride of a free nation. Economically, Accra is home to the Ghana Stock Exchange and the headquarters of numerous multinational corporations. The city's demographic profile is young and increasingly tech-savvy, driving an animated startup ecosystem. Cultural life in Accra is diverse, ranging from the historic fishing village of Jamestown, famous for the Chale Wote Street Art Festival, to the upscale boutiques and galleries of the city center. The educational landscape is dominated by the University of Ghana at Legon, which attracts students from across the continent. While the city faces challenges such as traffic congestion and rapid urbanization, it remains one of Africa's safest and most welcoming capitals, offering a unique blend of historical depth and modern African hospitality.

Location: Ghana
Top sights: Alliance Française · Accra Zoo
Nearby: Dome (7 km)
Population: ~1.963.264 (2026)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Aug, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	27	28	28	28	27	26	25	24	25	26	27	27
Rain mm	22	44	104	134	196	197	91	40	102	149	64	25

Geography

Population

1,963,264 (2026)

Coordinates

5.60370, -0.18700

Facts

Accra's GDP accounts for about 10% of the entire Ghanaian economy.
The city is home to the Arts Centre, a major hub for traditional handicrafts.
Accra is the seat of the Supreme Court of Ghana.
The city's Korle Lagoon is one of the most significant water bodies in the area.
Accra has hosted the African Games, showcasing its sports infrastructure.
The Flagstaff House is the current presidential palace of Ghana.
Accra's 37 Military Hospital is one of the largest medical facilities in West Africa.
The city's transport is largely managed by a fleet of over 5,000 tro-tros.