Things To Do
in Tema
Tema is a port city in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana, located along the Gulf of Guinea. It serves as an important industrial and commercial hub with a busy harbour, oil-related facilities, and a growing waterfront district. The city blends a working port atmosphere with coastal markets, beaches, and a multicultural community drawn by jobs and trade.
Its proximity to Accra makes Tema a practical base for exploring southern Ghana while offering its own distinct seaside character.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Tema Community 1 Market, where local vendors sell fresh produce and handmade crafts. Engage with the friendly locals as you sample fresh fruits and learn about traditional Ghanaian foods. Afterward, take a stroll through the bustling streets to experience the vibrant morning atmosphere.
Head to the Tema Harbour for a guided tour to understand the importance of this shipping hub in Ghana's economy. Explore the nearby fishing communities and witness the daily life of local fishermen as they bring in their catch. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a waterfront restaurant, sampling local dishes such as jollof rice and grilled tilapia.
As the sun sets, make your way to the beachfront for a relaxing evening by the sea. Enjoy the calming sounds of the waves while sipping on a refreshing drink at a beach bar. Wrap up your day with a stroll along the shore, taking in the beautiful night sky.
If your visit coincides with a local festival, start your day by immersing yourself in the rich culture of Tema. Visit the festival grounds where you can see traditional dances, music performances, and local art displays. Engage with community members to learn about the significance of the festival in their culture.
Indulge in a variety of street food offerings available during the festival, tasting local delicacies that reflect the region's culinary heritage. Participate in traditional games and activities that locals enjoy, adding to the festive atmosphere. Capture the vibrant colors and joyful expressions through your camera as you document this unique experience.
As night falls, enjoy the lively performances that showcase the talents of local musicians and dancers. The festival lights illuminate the area, creating a magical ambiance as you continue to mingle with locals and fellow travelers. Reflect on the day's adventures as you savor your final bites of festival treats.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| 🧃1 liter of local milk or water | $0.70-1.50 |
| ☕Coffee at cafe | $1-3 |
| 🚗Taxi ride (short distance) | $2-5 |
| 🏨1 night in a mid-range hotel | $60-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Accessible base for exploring southern Ghana and the coast
- Active port atmosphere with abundant seafood and markets
- Industrial areas can feel chaotic and crowded
- Distances to major attractions may require transport between sites
- "Agoo" - Hello / Attention please
- "Mepa wo kyɛw" - Please
- "Medase" - Thank you
- "Aane" - Yes
- "Dabi" - No
- "Ɛyɛ sɛn?" - How much is this?
- "Ɛhe na market no wɔ?" - Where is the market?
- "Nante yie" - Goodbye / walk well
Places to Visit in Tema
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic coastal landmark with maritime activity and sea views; best for sunrise or late afternoon silhouettes.
Wide sandy stretches with fishing boats and early-morning color; great for long exposure and candid market scenes nearby.
Busy coastal streets and harborfront perspectives offering gritty urban texture and vibrant life.
Container yards, cranes, and the ocean as a backdrop—great for industrial-chic compositions or wide panoramas.
Food in Tema
Tema Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rice-and-black-bean dish typically served with sides like gari, eggs, avocado, fish, or meat; widely available from street stalls and markets.
Must-Try!
Fermented corn and casswa dish paired with grilled or raw tilapia, often served with pepper sauce and spinach (ankasa) or salsa.
A spicy bean stew cooked in palm oil, usually served with fried plantain or gari; a hearty, filling Ghanaian staple.
Fermented corn dough dumplings (kenkey) served with fried or grilled fish, pepper sauce, and shito (hot pepper sauce).
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market district where you’ll find fresh fish, plantains, okro, spices, and prepared street snacks; ideal for an immersive local food experience.
Casual stalls and small eateries along the waterfront offering grilled fish, yams, kebabs, and light Ghanaian bites with sea views.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet others warmly with a handshake and inquire about well-being; show respect to elders and those in authority, using appropriate titles.
Dress modestly in public places, especially religious sites and markets; shoulders and knees should be covered in more conservative spaces.
Always ask for permission before photographing people, particularly in markets, churches, mosques, or at ceremonies.
Respect local customs when visiting churches, mosques, and traditional sites; follow posted rules and speak softly.
Safety
Tipping in Tema
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected; round up bills or leave 5–10% for good service, especially in larger restaurants or organized tours.
Cash in Ghanaian Cedi is widely accepted; many shops and restaurants also accept bank cards in urban areas. Mobile money (MTN Mobile Money, AirtelTigo Money, Vodafone Cash) is widely used for transfers and small purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Typically cooler and less humid; bright sunny days and pleasant evenings. A good time for outdoor activities and photography with clear skies.
Frequent afternoon showers and higher humidity; plan indoor options or early-morning outings when showers are less likely.
Mix of warm, humid days with occasional rain; vegetation is lush and landscapes are vibrant, though pockets of rain can interrupt plans.
Tema at Night
Hiking in Tema
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest-covered hills with viewpoints and cooler air; a popular day trip from Tema/Accra for hiking and photography.
River delta ecosystem offering birdwatching and nature trails; close to coastal towns and suitable for easy hikes.
Airports
How to reach Tema by plane.
Ghana’s main international gateway, located in Accra; commonly accessed by road from Tema with a drive of roughly 20–60 minutes depending on traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A diverse community drawn to Tema for employment in the port, industry, and services.
Active in markets and coastal areas, contributing to a lively local economy.
People from various regions of Ghana and neighboring countries who come for opportunities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport with local clubs and street games visible across neighborhoods.
Running and field events are popular at schools and community centers.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tema.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Ghanaian dishes can be made vegetarian by omitting meat; look for stews with vegetable bases, beans, yams, plantains, and rice. In larger eateries, request oil-free or lighter preparations and confirm stock used in soups.