Things To Do
in Gbawe

Gbawe is a residential town in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana, located just northwest of central Accra. It blends traditional markets, local eateries, and growing conveniences with easy access to the capital’s attractions. The area serves as a quieter base for visitors who want to experience urban Ghana without staying in the busiest parts of the city.

Expect friendly communities, a lively street scene, and convenient transport links to explore Accra and beyond.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Gbawe
morning
:

Arrive in Gbawe and check into your accommodation. Spend your morning exploring your surroundings and acclimating to the local atmosphere. Enjoy a traditional breakfast at a nearby eatery to kickstart your adventure.

afternoon
:

Visit the vibrant local market, where you can engage with the friendly vendors and find unique souvenirs. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant, sampling delicious Ghanaian cuisine. Capture the colorful scenery with your camera as you wander the bustling streets.

evening
:

As the sun begins to set, find a spot to view the scenic landscape of Gbawe. Experience the local nightlife by visiting a local bar or cultural venue where you can enjoy some live music or performances. Wind down your day with a relaxing dinner at your accommodation.

day 2
Cultural Exploration
morning
:

Embark on a guided tour of Gbawe to learn about its rich history and culture. Visit local landmarks including historical sites and art galleries that showcase traditional Ghanaian art. Interact with local artisans and gain insight into their craft.

afternoon
:

Enjoy lunch at a popular local spot before heading to the National Museum of Ghana, which is not far from Gbawe. Explore the fascinating exhibits that highlight Ghana's heritage and cultural diversity. Immerse yourself in the stories that shape the nation's identity.

evening
:

Dine at a restaurant known for its authentic Ghanaian dishes, savoring the local flavors. After dinner, participate in or watch a cultural dance event that showcases traditional music and rhythm. Reflect on your day's experiences while enjoying the warm evening breeze.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$5-8
💧Bottled water (1.5L)$0.50-1.50
🥗Meal for two in mid-range restaurant$20-40
🚕Taxi ride (3-5 km)$4-8
🏠Rent for 1 bedroom apartment (city center)$300-600

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Close proximity to Accra’s sights and markets
  • Affordability and friendly neighborhoods
  • Rich street-food culture and welcoming locals
  • Less tourist-oriented infrastructure in Gbawe itself
  • Traffic can be heavy around Accra; limited high-end nightlife in Gbawe
  • Variable mobile and data connectivity in some pockets
  • "Meda wo ase" - Thank you
  • "Wo ho te sɛn?" - How are you?
  • "Mepa wo kyɛw" - Please
  • "Aane" - Yes
  • "Da yie" - Good night

Places to Visit in Gbawe

Visit one of these nice places.

Labadi Beach

A wide sandy stretch ideal for sunset portraits, long-exposure sea scenes, and candid beach life with palm trees and colorful boats.

James Town Lighthouse and Boardwalk

Historic harbor area with colonial architecture, fishing boats, and lively street scenes perfect for urban photography.

Achimota Forest Reserve

Dense greenery, shaded trails, and birds, offering a tranquil backdrop away from the city buzz.

Culinary Guide

Food in Gbawe

Ghanaian cuisine centers on grains, starchy staples, vegetables, and flavorful, often spicy sauces. Expect generous portions, diverse street foods, and hearty meals, with plantain, cassava, and maize playing starring roles alongside fish and chicken.

Gbawe Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Waakye

A beloved rice-and-black-bean dish typically served with gari, spaghetti, boiled eggs, and shito (spicy pepper sauce). Best found at street stalls and markets across Accra and its outskirts.

Must-Try!

Banku and Tilapia

Fermented corn dough mixed with cassava dough, paired with grilled tilapia and pepper sauce, often enjoyed with gwaaz juicy shito.

Jollof Rice

A tomato-based one-pot rice dish, usually accompanied by fried plantain, meat, or fish. A staple at homes and eateries alike.

Kelewele

Spicy fried plantains seasoned with ginger, pepper, and salt; a popular street snack enjoyed with a cool drink.

Kenkey and Fried Fish

Fermented corn dough dumplings served with fried fish, pepper sauce, and sometimes hot pepper or shito. Common at seaside markets and stalls.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Gbawe Market (local market)

Vibrant daily market with fresh produce, spices, and ready-to-eat street snacks like kelewele and fried fish.

Makola Market (central Accra neighborhood)

A bustling hive of textiles, produce, and prepared foods; great for trying affordable Ghanaian dishes and picking up souvenirs.

Street Food Corners

Kebab skewers, fried plantains, fish street grills, and shito-drenched snacks near major bus routes and market pockets.

Climate Guide

Weather

Ghana has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The dry season brings hot days and cooler nights, while the rainy season features regular downpours and high humidity. Harmattan winds from the Sahara can bring dusty conditions during the harmattan months, typically toward late in the dry season. Expect humidity to rise in the afternoons, with cooler mornings during harmattan in some periods.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet others politely with a handshake and ask about their wellbeing; avoid rushing greetings in formal settings.

Dress and behavior

Dress modestly, especially in markets and religious sites; show respect to elders and avoid loud public displays of anger.

Safety Guide

Safety

Exercise typical urban caution: watch belongings in crowded markets and public transport, use reputable transport options, and avoid poorly lit areas at night. Be mindful of traffic, road conditions, and petty theft in busy areas. If you’re unsure about a neighborhood, ask locals or hotel staff for guidance and trusted routes. Travel with a copy of important documents and have emergency contacts handy.

Tipping in Gbawe

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants and cafes, a 5-10% tip is appreciated if service is not included. Small tips to taxi drivers and porters are common but not mandatory.

Payment Methods

Cash in Ghanaian cedi is widely accepted; many places also accept mobile money (MTN, Vodafone Cash) and some larger establishments may take cards; carry small denominations for markets.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Dry season (November to March)

Warm days with lower humidity and little rain; harmattan can bring dusty mornings and hazy skies. Good for outdoor sightseeing but carry water and sun protection.

Wet season (April to October)

Frequent afternoon showers and high humidity; roads can be slippery after rains. Great for lush green scenery and fewer crowds, but plan for indoor options during heavy rain.

Nightlife Guide

Gbawe at Night

Gbawe itself has a quieter nightlife scene with neighborhood lounges and small bars, but the wider Accra area (Osu, East Legon, Airport Residential) offers a lively array of clubs, live music venues, and Afrobeats-dominated nights. Expect a mix of casual pool halls, rooftop bars, and traditional kpekpe joints where you can try local drinks like palm wine or locally brewed beer. If you’re after a high-energy party scene, head toward Osu or Cantonments on weekends for larger clubs and live performances.

Hiking in Gbawe

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Aburi Hills and Botanical Gardens

Pleasant hiking and cooler air about 40-60 km northeast of Accra, offering scenic viewpoints and forested paths.

Shai Hills Resource Reserve

Rugged landscape with trails and wildlife near Dodowa, southeast of Accra; popular for hiking and wildlife viewing.

Airports

How to reach Gbawe by plane.

Kotoka International Airport (ACC)

Primary international airport serving Accra; located roughly 15-25 km from central Accra and connected by major highways, typically 30-60 minutes by car depending on traffic.

Getting Around

Walkability

Gbawe is moderately walkable within residential areas and local markets, but for longer trips to central Accra you’ll rely on taxis or tro-tro buses. Core streets are pedestrian-friendly, while major roads can be busy and not always safe for pedestrians during peak hours.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Ethnic composition

Predominantly Akan (including Fante and Ashanti), with Ga-Dangme communities in the Greater Accra region and a mix of migrants and students from other parts of Ghana.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The dominant sport in the region with local leagues, informal matches, and a strong community following.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic can be heavy during morning and evening rush hours around Accra. Plan for longer travel times if commuting between Gbawe and the city center; consider ride-hailing apps for predictable routes and pricing.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Gbawe.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many Ghanaian dishes can be made vegetarian by omitting meat; opt for bean stews, fried plantains, boiled cassava, yams, and vegetable sauces. Ask for shito or pa-sauce on the side to keep meals flavorful without meat.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Local clinics and pharmacies provide primary care in Gbawe; for more advanced treatment, you’ll access larger facilities in Accra such as Korle Bu Teaching Hospital or 37 Military Hospital. In an emergency, call local emergency numbers and seek care at the nearest hospital or clinic.

Discover Ghana

Read more in our Ghana 2025 Travel Guide.

Ghana Travel Guide