7 Day Accra Itinerary: The Comprehensive Guide to Ghana’s Capital
Accra is the commercial and cultural engine of West Africa. It is loud, humid, and constantly moving. You don't come here to relax in the traditional sense; you come here for the energy, the food, and the history.
This 7 day Accra itinerary balances the high-intensity central districts with necessary escapes to the coast and the mountains.
Day 1: The Historical Core
Your first day focuses on the foundational sites of Ghanaian independence and the oldest neighborhoods in the city.
Morning
Start at Black Star Square (Independence Square). It is vast and Brutalist. Walk across to the Independence Arch. This is the symbol of Ghana’s 1957 victory as the first Sub-Saharan African nation to break from colonial rule. Next, walk 10 minutes to the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park. It houses the mausoleum of Ghana’s first president. The architecture is striking, and the museum provides essential context for the rest of your trip.
Afternoon
Head to Jamestown. This is the oldest part of Accra. Hire a local guide at the lighthouse—it is the best way to navigate the fishing harbor and the colonial ruins without getting lost. You will see the Ussher Fort and James Fort. The street art here is world-class, particularly around the areas that host the Chale Wote festival.
Evening
Drive to Osu for dinner. Oxford Street is the main artery. It is chaotic but packed with street food. Find a spot serving jollof rice or spicy kelewele (fried plantains). If you want a seated experience, try Buka Restaurant for authentic West African dishes in a well-ventilated outdoor setting.
Day 2: Markets and Museums
Day two is about navigating the commerce that defines the city and understanding its artistic heritage.
Morning
Go to Makola Market early. It is the largest open-air market in the city. It is overwhelming. You can find everything from imported electronics to custom-tailored wax print fabrics. Keep your phone in your pocket and bring small bills. If the crowds are too much, head to the Center for National Culture (Arts Center). It is more tourist-oriented but better for buying carvings, drums, and kente cloth.
Afternoon
Visit the National Museum of Ghana. It recently underwent a major renovation. The ethnographic displays explain the various ethnic groups in Ghana, including the Ashanti, Ga, and Ewe. It is the best place to understand the significance of Adinkra symbols and traditional Chieftaincy.
Evening
Head to the Airport Residential Area. This is the upscale side of Accra. Visit Santoku for high-end Japanese-African fusion or Skybar 25 for a view of the city skyline. The change in atmosphere from Makola to here highlights the economic duality of the city.
Day 3: Coastal Views and Contemporary Art
Accra is a coastal city, but the best beaches aren't always in the center.
Morning
Drive to Labadi Beach. Go on a weekday to avoid the massive Sunday crowds. It is a wide, sandy stretch where you can get a fresh coconut and watch the Atlantic. If you prefer a quieter experience, head slightly further east to Laboma Beach.
Afternoon
Visit Gallery 1957 inside the Kempinski Hotel. It is the premier contemporary art gallery in West Africa. The exhibitions feature radical African artists who are currently dominating the international art market. It is a quiet, air-conditioned reprieve from the midday heat.
Evening
Experience the nightlife in Osu. Start at Republic Bar & Grill. Order a "Kokroko" (a cocktail made with local cane spirit). It is a hub for expats and locals alike. There is often live highlife or afrobeat music.
Day 4: Living Like a Local in East Legon
Most travelers skip the residential suburbs, but this is where the modern Accra middle class lives and plays.
Morning
Sleep in. Then head to East Legon for brunch. This neighborhood is home to tech entrepreneurs, returnees, and students from the University of Ghana. Visit a café like Starbites or Josiah’s for a mix of Ghanaian and Continental breakfast.
Afternoon
Walk the grounds of the University of Ghana, Legon. The architecture is a mix of colonial and classical styles. Visit the Balme Library and the botanical gardens. It is one of the few places in Accra with significant green space and quiet walking paths.
Evening
Go to the A&C Mall or the newer Junction Mall. This isn't for shopping—it's for people-watching. Grab dinner at a local "chop bar" (a small, local eatery). Look for a place serving fufu and light soup or banku with grilled tilapia. Eat with your right hand.
Day 5: Day Trip to Cape Coast and Elmina
This is a long day but a non-negotiable part of any 7 day Accra itinerary. Leave by 6:00 AM to beat the traffic.
Morning
Arrive at Kakum National Park. It features a canopy walkway suspended 30 meters above the rainforest floor. It is physically demanding but offers a view of the jungle you won't get elsewhere.
Afternoon
Drive to Cape Coast Castle. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a somber reminder of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. Take the guided tour through the dungeons. It is an emotional, heavy experience. Follow it with a visit to Elmina Castle, the oldest European building in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Evening
Drive back to Accra. You will likely arrive late. Grab a quick bite at a roadside "bush canteen" for some of the best-tasting grilled chicken you will ever have.
Day 6: The Akosombo and Shai Hills Escape
Head north for a different climate and landscape.
Morning
Stop at Shai Hills Resource Reserve. It is on the way to the mountains. You can see zebras, antelopes, and baboons. You can also hike the lookout rocks for a panoramic view of the plains.
Afternoon
Continue to Akosombo. This is home to the Akosombo Dam, which creates Lake Volta—one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. Take a boat cruise on the lake. The air is cooler here, and the scenery is lush. Have lunch at the Royal Senchi Resort for a high-end experience by the water.
Evening
Return to Accra. For your final big night out, check if there are any events at the Alliance Française. They frequently host outdoor concerts, film screenings, and theater performances that showcase the best of Francophone and Anglophone West African culture.
Day 7: Leisure and Last Purchases
Use your final day to tie up loose ends and relax before your flight.
Morning
Visit the W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre for Pan-African Culture. It is the former home and burial place of the American civil rights leader who became a Ghanaian citizen. It is a peaceful, academic spot that rounds out the historical context of the city.
Afternoon
Last-minute souvenir shopping. If you liked the fabrics but didn't buy any at Makola, go to Woodin or Vlisco on Oxford Street for high-quality, pre-cut prints. Alternatively, visit Wild Gecko Handicrafts for high-end home goods and jewelry.
Evening
End your trip at a beach club like Sai Wine & Champagne Cafe or enjoy a final meal at Kozo. Reflect on the week while watching the sunset over the Atlantic.
Where to stay for a week in Accra
Choosing the right base is critical because traffic in Accra is some of the worst in the region.
- Osu: Stay here if you want to be within walking distance of nightlife, bars, and restaurants. It is central but loud. Look for boutique hotels or high-end Airbnbs near Danquah Circle.
- Cantonments / Labone: These are the diplomatic and residential quarters. They are quieter, safer, and home to the best high-end dining. This is the most "plug and play" area for international travelers.
- Airport Residential Area: Ideal if you are in town for business or want maximum convenience. Most of the major luxury hotels (Marriott, Pullman, Kempinski) are located here or nearby in the Ridge district.
- East Legon: Stay here if you want a more "local-luxury" vibe. It is further from the historical sites but has a better selection of modern apartments and independent cafes.
For a 7 day Accra itinerary, staying in Labone or Cantonments offers the best balance of safety, central location, and access to quality amenities. Always use ride-hailing apps like Bolt or Uber to get around; they are cheaper and more reliable than negotiating with street taxis.