A first visit to Accra is full of surprises, from the sheer energy of its markets to the warmth of its people. This friendly orientation covers the airport, money, getting around with a driver, and what to eat and see.
Accra is a city that rewards people who arrive curious. It is Ghana's capital and largest city, a sprawling mix of colonial-era landmarks, glass-fronted offices, leafy residential streets and markets that seem to spill into every spare corner. Sitting on the Gulf of Guinea, it is hot and humid for most of the year, and the sea breeze is one of the few things that makes an afternoon feel bearable.
If this is your first visit, the most useful thing you can do is loosen your plans a little. Accra runs on its own rhythm. A meeting may start later than the invitation said, a short drive can take forty minutes at rush hour, and a stranger may walk you to the right trotro stop without being asked. Many visitors say the warmth of the people is what they remember most.
This guide walks you through the practical side of a first trip: getting from the airport, paying for things, moving around the city, the neighbourhoods worth knowing, what to see, and what to eat. It also makes the case for something many first-timers overlook, which is hiring a car with a professional driver. That one decision changes how much of the city you can actually enjoy.
Pre-book a car with a driver or a Kotoka airport pickup — fixed price, agreed before you land.
Most international visitors fly into Kotoka International Airport, a short drive from the city centre. International arrivals are in Terminal 3. Immigration can take a while at busy times, so keep your passport and any health documents your airline asks for within easy reach. Check your visa requirements before you travel, since they depend on your nationality.
Before you leave the terminal, sort out two things. The first is money. The cedi (GH₵) is the local currency, and you will need it for taxis, small shops and market stalls. Banks and bureaux de change at the airport can usually exchange major currencies, and there are ATMs, but it is wise to carry some cedis from the start. Keep your exchange receipts, since they can help if you want to change leftover cedis back before you leave.
The second is a SIM card. MTN, Telecel and AirtelTigo all sell SIMs and data bundles, with shops and kiosks around the airport and across town. SIM registration requires your passport, so bring it with you. Mobile Money, the mobile wallets run by these networks, is how most Ghanaians pay for everyday things, so it is worth setting up early. Plenty of small traders expect it, and a card may not be accepted at a neighbourhood shop.
If someone is meeting you, agree on a meeting point in advance and share a phone number. Arrivals halls can be busy, and a quick WhatsApp message is much easier than searching for each other in a crowd. Our airport transfers start from GH₵450, which is a simple way to skip the taxi scramble on your first night. Confirm the pick-up details with us on WhatsApp before you land.
Distance on a map can be deceptive in Accra. Two places that look close together can take an hour to reach, especially when traffic builds around the Circle, around Kaneshie, or on the main roads into the centre during morning and evening peaks. Plan your day around the traffic rather than against it, and leave more time than you think you need.
You have several options. Ride-hailing apps such as Bolt and Uber operate in the city and are handy for short trips, provided you have a signal and a data bundle. Trotros, the local minibuses, are the cheapest way to travel and an experience in their own right, but they are crowded, the routes can be hard to read if you are new, and they are not practical with heavy luggage. Taxis are available too, but most do not use a meter, so agree the fare before you set off.
For many first-time visitors, the most relaxing answer is a car with a professional driver. A driver who knows Accra can choose a quieter route, knows which roads jam or flood at certain hours, and handles the navigation while you watch the city go by. It is also the easiest way to see several places in one day, or to take a day trip to Kasoa or Cape Coast without juggling taxis or wondering how you will get back. Every CarRentalGH hire includes a professional driver, and a car with a driver starts from GH₵800 a day in a Corolla.
Accra is spread out, and each neighbourhood has its own character. These are the areas you are most likely to hear about, and they are worth knowing when you plan where to stay or where to spend an afternoon.
Visiting several of these in one day is ambitious but manageable with a driver. Plan one or two areas per outing, and build in time to enjoy each place rather than racing from one to the next.
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Independence Square, also known as Black Star Square, and its Independence Arch are a good place to start. The square marks Ghana's independence from Britain in 1957, and the open space is impressive, especially early in the morning. Check beforehand whether ceremonies or events are taking place, since the square is used for official occasions.
Nearby, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park honours Ghana's first president and includes his mausoleum, a museum and gardens. Opening times and visiting conditions can change, so confirm before you go and dress respectfully. The W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre for Pan-African Culture is another important stop, paying tribute to the American scholar who spent his final years in Ghana. Both sites are powerful for anyone interested in African history and the connections between Africa and its diaspora.
For something more relaxed, head to Labadi Beach, a popular stretch of sand east of the centre where you can watch locals, sample grilled fish and cold drinks, and enjoy the Atlantic. Jamestown rewards a slow walk through its colourful streets and the sight of fishermen at work. If you enjoy markets, Makola Market is one of the most intense experiences in the city, with cloth, spices, fresh produce and crafts sold in a maze of stalls. Go with a clear idea of what you want and a relaxed attitude to bargaining. A driver can drop you at the edge of the market and collect you when you are finished, which is far less stressful than navigating the crowds and traffic alone.
Food is one of the best ways to understand Accra. Start with jollof rice, the tomato and pepper rice that Ghanaians and Nigerians both proudly claim as their own. Try waakye, rice and beans cooked with sorghum leaves for their colour, usually served with shito, a spicy black pepper sauce, and a boiled egg. Banku is a fermented corn and cassava dough, often eaten with a rich soup, and grilled tilapia with fiery pepper sauce is a local favourite. From street stalls, look out for kelewele, spiced fried plantain, and kenkey, fermented corn dough served with fried fish.
Culture is part of the experience too. English is the official language, which makes many things easier, but Twi is widely spoken in Accra, and Ga is the traditional language of the Accra area. A few words go a long way. Akwaaba means welcome, and a simple medaase, meaning thank you, is always appreciated. Ghanaians are famously welcoming hosts, and a friendly greeting before you ask for something is good manners.
The weather is hot and humid throughout the year, so pack light, breathable clothing, sunscreen and a hat. Accra has two rainy seasons, roughly April to June and September to October. From about November to March the dry season brings the Harmattan, a dusty wind from the Sahara that can haze the sky and cool the mornings. Ask before photographing people or official buildings, and keep the following in mind on the move:
Ready to see Accra with a driver who knows the roads? Message CarRentalGH on WhatsApp at +233 24 915 1503 or email info@carrentalgh.com, and we will help you plan your airport transfer or day trip.