Your First 24 Hours in Accra: A Complete Travel Guide

just landed in Accra? Discover the top things to do, eat, and explore on your first day. Plan stress-free adventures with the Akwaaba App travel companion.

Accra, the bustling capital of Ghana, is a wonderful city filled with life, culture, and history. Whether for business or pleasure, the city on the coast provides a lively introduction to Ghanaian life. One day is not a lot of time, so it’s really important to plan accordingly to get the most out of your day. With the Akwaaba app serving as your digital guide, your first 24 hours in Accra can consist of a blend of adventure, history , and incredible food. Here’s how to spend a full day in this vibrant city, from the airport to sunset on the beach.

Accra arrival: Painless airport transfer

As you touch down at Kotoka International Airport, your Ghanaian trip has already started. The airport is well-organized, clean, and friendly. Immigration and customs should be a breeze, especially if you take care of a visa or entry requirements in advance.

What to do:

When you clear customs, bypass the headache of haggling with drivers. Sure, you could hire a private driver, plan to have an airport taxi waiting, or rely on apps like Uber, but if you prefer to avoid the stresses and uncertainty that often come with transportation in a foreign country, just pre-book a transfer in advance.

Pro Tip:

If this is your first visit to Ghana, booking via the app means safety, reliability, and local knowledge from the get-go.

Begin Your Day with Our Local Breakfast

After you’re settled in, it’s time to fuel up with a typical Ghanaian breakfast. Ghanaian food is spicy, fulfilling, and regionally diverse. And don’t get me started on breakfast.

What to eat:

Sample Koko (a fermented corn porridge that is also served with koose—fried bean cakes) or Chibom (a bare-bones but tasty combo of bread and beans).

Where to eat:

Buy it from a street vendor for the most local experience. For something a little fancier, the neighborhood breakfast joints in Osu or East Legon will serve up a hearty version of these classic meals.

Akwaaba App Tip:

On the app, filter restaurants by “local breakfast” to discover places frequented by local denizens and tourists alike.

Visit Key Landmarks in Accra

With the winds in your sails, hit the road. Accra is incredibly rich in history and provides a lot of opportunities to get a look at Ghana’s fight for liberation and cultural self-reliance.

Where to go:

- Mausoleum of Kwame Nkrumah: A gorgeous monument park commemorating Ghana’s first president.

- Makola Market: Crowded but vibrant market that sells craft items, fabrics, and spices.

- Independence Square (Black Star Square): An iconic representation of Ghana’s freedom.

Akwaaba App Tip:

Use the Akwaaba app to get walking directions, and opening hours, and even join guided tours during your visits.

Pro Tip:

If you are traveling to markets and paying entry fees, take cash in Ghanaian cedis and stay hydrated witYou’re hungry by now. Ghanaian lunchtime meals are big, and they boast of a variety of starches and proteins.h bottled water.

Lunch in Accra: To Discover Traditional Dishes

What to eat:

Try jollof rice and grilled chicken, banku and tilapia, or waakye (rice and beans, usually served with boiled egg, fried plantain, and hot sauce).

Where to eat:

Spend some time at a neighborhood restaurant, such as Buka or Chez Clarisse, or even at a chop bar for the real taste.

Akwaaba App Tip:

Search for restaurants by dish type, customer ratings, or location. You can also see if a place takes card payments or is cash only.

Explore the World of Ghanaian Art and Culture

In the afternoon, delve deeper into Ghana’s cultural roots. Accra has so many museums, art galleries, and historic sites that offer glimpses into the soul of the nation.

Where to go:

- National Museum of Ghana: Explore pre-colonial Ghana, the transatlantic slave trade, and national independence.

- W.E.B. Du Bois Center: Named after the late African-American scholar who became a citizen of Ghana and a Pan-African luminary.

- Artists Alliance Gallery: Contemporary art, sculptures, and crafts from across the country.

Akwaaba App Tip:

Reserve your tickets, check out visitor reviews, and even look through featured exhibitions on the app.

Pro Tip:

Many art emporiums shut around 4–5 p.m.; ensure you time your visit accordingly and see as much as possible.

Evening: Sunset and Dinner on Labadi Beach

Once the sun begins to drop, make your way to Labadi Beach, one of the city’s most popular beachfront hangouts. You’ll hear music and drumming, and there’s dancing — especially on the weekend. It is the one spot perfect for unwinding after a long day of sightseeing.

What to do:

- Enjoy a walk along the shore

- Ride a horse for a small fee

- Observe coastal performers or sit back by the waves

Dinner tip:

Travel to a beachfront restaurant — try Labadi Beach Hotel Restaurant — or eat some fresh grilled seafood by a beach vendor.

Akwaaba App Tip:

Plan your sunset time, dinner reservation, or beachside romantic dinner set up right in the app!

Final Thought

When it comes to your first 24-hour experience in Accra, it is exhilarating, rich in culture, and enveloped in the warm reputation of Ghanaian hospitality. From hitting the airport to eating the freshest fresh seafood by the sea, you’re going to get an awesome blend of traditional and modern. Pop in your earphones, and it’s no sweat, painless even, exploring the city with the Akwaaba app. Whether you’re in town for a brief stopover or a longer sojourn, Accra welcomes you with open arms — and leaves you wanting more.

FAQs

Q1: Places to visit in Accra?

Key attractions include the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, Makola Market, Independence Square, Labadi Beach, and the National Museum. Plan tours and receive instant directions with the Akwaaba app.