Accra is one of Africa’s most exciting and underrated cities. Ghana’s capital combines vibrant markets, colourful street art, rich history, beautiful beaches, buzzing nightlife and some of the best food you’ll find anywhere in West Africa.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or spending several weeks exploring Ghana, there’s no shortage of memorable experiences waiting for you.
Here are some of the best things to do in Accra in 2026.
If you want to understand Accra, start with the food.
The city’s streets are packed with vendors selling everything from waakye and kelewele to chinchinga (Ghanaian kebabs), grilled tilapia and fresh tropical fruit.
Some of the best food experiences happen in places that don’t appear on Google Maps, making local knowledge invaluable.
For a deeper introduction to Ghanaian food culture, join the Kofi Culture Street Food Safari and discover some of Accra’s most authentic flavours.
Related: Best Street Food In Accra (2026 Guide)
Waakye is one of Ghana’s most loved dishes and can be found across Accra throughout the day. The dish combines rice and beans cooked together and is usually served with a variety of sides including spaghetti, boiled eggs, fried fish, meat, shito (spicy black pepper sauce) and salad.
Every vendor has their own version and locals are often fiercely loyal to their favourite waakye spots.
Waakye is especially popular as a breakfast or lunchtime meal, although many places continue serving it later into the day. Some of the busiest and most authentic waakye spots are found slightly away from tourist-heavy areas where locals queue early in the morning.
For visitors wanting to experience everyday food culture in Accra, waakye is essential.
Located near Labadi Beach, Artist Alliance Gallery is one of Ghana’s most important art spaces.
The gallery showcases paintings, sculptures, textiles and contemporary African art across multiple floors. It’s an excellent place to learn more about Ghana’s creative scene and purchase authentic artwork directly from local artists.
Even visitors with little interest in art often find themselves captivated by the colour and diversity on display.
For those interested, a guided tour around Artist Alliance Gallery is included in the Accra art and culture experience.
No visit to Accra is complete without spending some time by the ocean.
Labadi Beach remains one of the city’s most popular coastal destinations, attracting locals and visitors alike.
Weekends often feature:
It’s particularly lively on Sunday afternoons.
Other beach areas worth visiting including Bojo beach and Kokorobite.
One of Ghana’s most unique cultural traditions can be found in the coastal communities of Teshie and La.
Known as fantasy coffins, these extraordinary handcrafted coffins are created in the shape of objects that represent a person’s life, profession or passions. Fish, aeroplanes, cameras, cocoa pods and even mobile phones have all inspired designs.
Visiting a workshop offers a fascinating insight into Ghanaian culture, craftsmanship and creativity.
This experience is included as part of Kofi Culture’s Art, Craft & Culture Tour.
Jamestown is one of Accra’s oldest neighbourhoods and one of the city’s most fascinating areas.
The district combines:
Walking through Jamestown provides a very different perspective on Accra compared to the city’s modern business districts.
It’s also home to many of the cultural projects supported by organisations such as DUNK Grassroots.
Officially known as the Centre for National Culture, this is one of the best places in Accra to buy souvenirs and handmade crafts.
You’ll find:
The market is also a great place to practise your bargaining (as well as dumming) skills.
The Arts Centre features on Kofi Culture’s Art, Craft & Culture Tour.
Dedicated to Ghana’s first president and independence leader, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park is one of the country’s most important historical sites.
Visitors can explore:
It’s one of the best places to understand Ghana’s journey to independence and its significance within African history.
Accra comes alive after dark.
Popular nightlife districts include:
The city’s entertainment hub packed with bars, restaurants and live music venues.
A more relaxed area featuring stylish restaurants and cocktail bars. In fact you’ll find founder, Kofi James, regularly cheering on his beloved Arsenal at The Honeysuckle pub in Labone.
Popular with younger professionals and known for its energetic nightlife scene.
Whether you’re looking for rooftop cocktails, Afrobeats, live music or street food, Accra has something for everyone.
Many visitors only scratch the surface of Accra.
A guided experience helps connect the stories, traditions, food and people that make the city unique.
At Kofi Culture, our experiences focus on the food, creativity and culture that define modern Accra.
Whether you’re interested in street food, local art, craft traditions or Ghanaian beer, our tours help you experience the city through a local lens.
Check out our experiences in Accra.
Three to five days is ideal for first-time visitors. This allows enough time to explore the city’s food, culture, markets, beaches and historical attractions.
Absolutely. Accra offers a unique combination of culture, history, food, music and friendly hospitality that makes it one of Africa’s most rewarding city destinations.
Accra is known for its street food, vibrant markets, beaches, nightlife, art scene and important role in Ghana’s history and independence movement.
Don’t miss:
Accra is a city that rewards curiosity.
Some of its best experiences aren’t found in guidebooks but in local markets, hidden food stalls, creative workshops and conversations with the people who call the city home.
Whether you’re tasting your first plate of waakye, watching fishermen return to shore in Jamestown or exploring Ghana’s thriving creative scene, Accra offers experiences you’ll remember long after your trip ends.
And if you’re looking for a deeper connection to the city, Kofi Culture’s food, beer and cultural tours provide the perfect introduction to modern Accra.