Things To Do
in Ghana
Ghana, located along the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa, offers a vibrant blend of history, culture, and landscapes. Its welcoming people and rich traditions create a warm and inviting atmosphere for travelers. From bustling markets and colonial-era architecture in Accra to coastal forts and lush rainforests in the south and east, Ghana reveals a mosaic of experiences.
With lively music, flavorful cuisine, and accessible wildlife, Ghana makes for a compelling and rewarding West African adventure.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Kotoka International Airport and settle into your accommodation. Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast featuring local Ghanaian dishes as you begin your adventure. Take some time to relax and adjust to the vibrant energy of Accra.
Visit the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, a fitting tribute to Ghana's first president. Stroll through the nearby gardens and reflect on the history of Ghana's independence. Take a leisurely walk to the bustling Osu Oxford Street for shopping and local snacks.
Dine at a lively local restaurant, sampling traditional jollof rice and kelewele. Enjoy live music while mingling with locals and other travelers. Experience the nightlife at one of Accra’s popular bars or clubs.
Start your day with a visit to the W.E.B. Du Bois Center, where you can learn about the life and impact of this civil rights leader. Head to the nearby Arts Centre for National Culture to admire and purchase local crafts. Enjoy a breakfast of fresh fruit and coffee to fuel your explorations.
Take a guided tour of the Cape Coast Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site that tells the story of the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Spend time reflecting at the beach nearby, known for its scenic views. Grab lunch at a local eatery, enjoying typical dishes like banku and tilapia.
Return to Accra and unwind at your hotel before dinner. Sample any local street food you might have missed earlier in the day. Watch the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean while sipping on a cold beverage at a seaside bar.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-8 |
| 🥘Meal for 2 at mid-range restaurant | $20-40 |
| 🏨One-night at mid-range hotel | $60-120 |
| 🚇Public transportation (local ride or bus) | $1-3 |
| 🛍️Groceries and essentials (weekly) | $40-100 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm, welcoming people and vibrant culture
- Strong music scene and delicious, varied cuisine
- Reasonable prices and great value for money in many areas
- Rich history found in forts, castles, and museums
- Traffic congestion in major cities
- Limited public transportation outside urban centers
- Healthcare access can be limited in rural areas; plan ahead
- "Ɛte sɛn?" - How are you?
- "Medase" - Thank you
- "Wo din de sɛn?" - What is your name?
- "Mepa wo kyɛw" - Please
- "Aane" - Yes
- "Da yie" - Goodbye
Places to Visit in Ghana
Visit one of these nice places.
A grand open space with monumental gates and flagpoles; dramatic sunrise or sunset shots.
Long sandy shoreline, horse riders, and palm trees framed by the Atlantic horizon.
Historic Dutch-style lighthouse with vibrant street murals and lively fishing scenes.
Historic fort with atmospheric interiors and sea views; great for atmospheric portraits.
Suspension canopy walk high above rainforest with sweeping canopy views.
Trek to Africa's tallest waterfall with lush jungle scenery and dramatic spray patterns.
Food in Ghana
Ghana Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A vibrant tomato-based rice dish often served with fried plantains or meat; widely available in homes and eateries.
Must-Try!
Fermented corn and cassava dough with grilled tilapia and pepper sauce; a classic coastal meal.
Pounded cassava and plantain dough served with meat or fish pepper soup.
Spiced, fried ripe plantains—perfect as a snack or side.
Rice and beans cooked with millet leaves, usually served with sides like gari, stew, and eggs.
Fermented corn dough dumplings served with fried fish, shito, and salsa.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling market where you can find fresh produce, fried fish, and local snacks; great for people-watching and bargaining.
Large market with textiles, clothes, and street foods; a hub of everyday Ghanaian life.
Look for grilled kebabs, fried fish, roasted plantains, and spicy meat skewers in neighborhoods like Osu and Adabraka.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a firm handshake; use right hand; maintain respectful eye contact and avoid overly familiar gestures with elders.
Smart-casual attire is appropriate in cities; more conservative dress is appreciated in rural areas and religious sites.
Ghanaians are hospitable; accepting offers of food or drink is common; a polite refusal is fine if needed.
Safety
Tipping in Ghana
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; round up bills in restaurants and offer small tips to porters, guides, and drivers.
Cash in Ghanaian cedi is widely accepted; major cards are accepted in hotels and major restaurants; mobile money (momo) is popular for small purchases; carry small change for markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot days, cooler evenings, harmattan dust in some years; great for outdoor sightseeing and beaches; expect lower rainfall.
Periods of heavy rainfall and humidity; plan for afternoon showers; lush, green landscapes.
Occasional showers; crowds, wildlife activity around parks; good for photography with rain-kissed foliage.
Less predictable rain, moderate temperatures; travel should anticipate some damp days but less humidity.
Ghana at Night
Hiking in Ghana
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle hills with forest trails and city views just outside Accra; good day hike.
Forest trails lead to a scenic waterfall with swimming spots; a popular hiking destination.
Gorgeous multi-tier waterfall with jungle trails; best visited in the rainy season for full flow.
Airports
How to reach Ghana by plane.
Ghana’s main international gateway; flights to Africa, Europe, and North America; taxi or ride-hailing to the city center is about 20–45 minutes depending on traffic.
Northern Ghana hub for regional flights; connects to Accra and other major towns; good starting point for Mole National Park and the north.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group; speaks Twi, widely represented in central and southern Ghana.
Northern communities with languages such as Dagbani; substantial presence in the northeast.
Significant in the Volta Region; vibrant cultural traditions and music.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; local teams and national games attract large crowds and passionate fans.
Active community sports with running clubs and school events.
Popular in coastal towns and resort areas; easy, social outdoor activity.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most dishes can be prepared without meat; choose dishes like palava sauce with fufu, banku with vegetables, or bean stews; ask for vegan options and avoid heavy meat broths.
Many dishes are naturally gluten-free (rice, yams, plantains) but be cautious with fufu and soy-based sauces; ask for confirmation and request cross-contamination-free preparation.
Halal options exist in urban centers; request halal meat, and verify with cooks or hosts; many fish and plant-based dishes are naturally halal.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ghana.