15 Amazing Things to See And Do in Ghana

Ghana is one of the most talked-about places right now, and for good reason. The ‘Year of Return’ of 2019 was a year-long initiative designed to commemorate the 400-year anniversary of the trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and to connect Black people across the diaspora through various events and activities. You may have seen many people, including celebrities, visiting Ghana throughout the year.

The Year of Return truly catapulted the country to the world stage in terms of tourism and travel. Thus, Ghana has become one of the most highly sought-after destinations. Due to the success of the campaign, the Ghanaian government has announced a 2020 initiative ‘Beyond the Return’ in order to continue this momentum.

I personally believe that Ghana should be on everyone’s travel list. It’s a beautiful country with a significant history, exciting attractions, and rich culture. With one of Africa’s strongest and fastest-growing economies, it’s quickly becoming a travel hot spot among many types of travelers.

If you want to visit Ghana but aren’t sure where to begin, check out my Ultimate Ghana Travel Guide, with tips and resources to help you get started. Now, are you wondering where to go on your first (or next) trip to Ghana? Here are 15 amazing things to see and do while you’re there.

Independence Square/Black Star Gate

If you enjoy visiting beautiful historical places when traveling, stop by Independence Square/Black Star Gate in Accra. Fun fact: On March 6, 1957, Ghana became the first African nation to gain independence from British rule. This massive, concrete monument recognizes and celebrates Ghana’s independence and freedom. The Square borders the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park & Mausoleum and Accra Sports Stadium.

Makola Market

You can’t leave Ghana without visiting Accra’s largest open-air market. This sprawling shopping district and marketplace contains thousands of vendors. Here, you can find produce, handmade goods, toiletries, clothing, traditional Ghanaian Kente cloth, and almost anything else you can imagine. If you’re hungry, you can grab a bite from one of the numerous street food vendors at the marketplace.

The market can be a bit overwhelming, especially for a new visitor, so bring a friend or join a group tour like Yenko GH to help navigate this busy area. Tip: be prepared to haggle (bargain) or bring a friend that can. Also, don’t take photos of merchants without asking first.

Accra Arts Center

Located in the Centre for National Culture, Accra Arts Center contains a gallery that houses a beautiful display of work by local Ghanaian artists. Make a stop here to pick up some bold, awe-inspiring artwork to bring back home. The Centre for National Culture also contains stalls that sell items such as drums, textiles, beads and jewelry, and sculptures.

Madina Market

Located in Madina, this is another popular street market where you can find souvenirs, produce, housewares, and many other items.

Tetteh Quarshie Art Market

If you’re looking for the best souvenirs I highly recommend stopping at Tetteh Quarshie and having a look. At this roadside market, you can find pretty much anything – keychains, jewelry, clothing, bags, and so much more.

Accra Mall

This is one of Accra’s most popular malls and a great place to hang out with friends, shop, or grab a bite to eat. My recommendation for good food? The Counter Burger, a stylish, contemporary American burger joint offering custom-built burgers, salads, milkshakes, and more.

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• The Ultimate Ghana Travel Guide
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Jamestown

This is Accra’s oldest town and the most eccentric, artistic spot to explore in the city. It’s filled with restaurants, cute cafes, and bold street murals. This is also the home of the renowned Chale Wote Street Art Festival, which takes place in August. Fun fact: 2020 marks the 10-year anniversary of the festival, so there are sure to be some surprises in store for this year. For good vibes and good food in Jamestown, I recommend Jamestown Cafe.

Osu/Oxford Street

If you’re looking for one of the best cultural hotspots, Oxford Street Osu is where it’s at! It was named after the famous Oxford Street in London, and is also known as the “West End.” In this lively suburb of Accra, you’ll always find something exciting to do. From live music to shopping, to amazing food and drink, Osu has it all. It’s known for popular spots such as Papaye, Buka Restaurant, and Republic Bar & Grill. Bring your friends or family for the perfect night out. The area is also easy to navigate, via Uber, taxi, or trotro (minibus).

Elmina Castle

Elmina Castle is an important part of history, especially African history. Constructed in 1482 by the Portuguese, Elmina Castle once served as a trading post/settlement during the Atlantic Slave Trade. Men, women, and children were captured, tortured, and confined to unsanitary and dangerous living quarters.

As the tour guide leads you through the Castle, you’ll see the former male and female dungeons (which housed over 200 people at a time), a Portuguese church, a castle yard, and an overlook. The castle is a national landmark and holds tours daily. (9a-5p, $7 for adults). There’s lots of walking involved so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.⁣⁣ This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ghana, and I highly recommend visiting during your trip.

Kakum National Park

Kakum is one of the most famous national parks in Ghana and is a nature lover’s paradise. Nestled within a lush rainforest along the southern coast of Ghana, it’s home to wildlife such as butterflies, birds, primates, and many other exotic animals. Another key feature of the park is the 330-meter Canopy Walkway, where you can get beautiful panoramic views and some Insta-worthy pics.

Aburi Botanical Gardens

Aburi Botanical Gardens officially opened in March 1890 and is located in the Southeastern region of Ghana. This beautiful, botanical garden provides a calming retreat from the chaos of the city. With its majestic, towering palm trees and serene atmosphere, it’s an ideal spot for picnics, walks, meditation, and exercise. Other features of the garden include a bamboo citadel, a horticultural school, and various butterfly and bird species. Be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes, insect spray, and sunscreen.

Aqua Safari Resort

Located in Ada, Ghana, Aqua Safari Resort is another great spot I’d recommend visiting. This luxury beachfront resort offers water sports, live music, and an outdoor restaurant, which makes it a great day trip destination. If you are interested in spending your stay here, additional amenities include free wifi, free breakfast, a pool, and free parking.

Lake Volta

Located in Volta Region is Lake Volta, the world’s largest man-made lake by surface area. It was formed from the Akosombo Dam, which generates a significant portion of Ghana’s electricity. It also supplies electricity to neighboring Togo and Benin. Located in the lush countryside, Lake Volta is an important source of both transportation and the fishing industry. This isn’t a huge tourist destination, but the area is nice to visit and has an important history.

Labadi Beach

Also known as La Pleasure Beach, Labadi Beach is arguably the most popular beach in Accra. It’s maintained by local hotels and is a huge destination among both locals and tourists. This beachfront area offers many activities and entertainment such as outdoor sports, pools, good food, and live music (Reggae night, anyone?).

La Tante DC 10 Restaurant

This is certainly not your typical airplane food! Visit La Tante Restaurant in Airport Residential area and enjoy a meal inside of a re-purposed Ghana Airways plane. The restaurant seats up to 118 people and serves traditional Ghanaian dishes like jollof rice, okra soup, fried fish, and kelewele (spicy fried plantains). Yum!

Final Thoughts

The Year of Return was a massive success for Ghana and I hope it’s inspired more people – especially Black people across the diaspora – to travel home and experience all that Africa has to offer. I’m so proud of my roots and my culture, and I’m also blessed that I’m able to travel back home every few years. I hope my recent Ghana content has helped you learn more about this beautiful country 🙂 These posts have also allowed me to learn so much! Check out my recent posts on Instagram to see some additional tips for visiting Ghana.

Have you ever visited Ghana? What were some of the best things you got to see and experience there? If you haven’t visited, is it on your list? Let’s chat in the comments!

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