Accra gives you a lot to do on a free Saturday, from the beach to the market to a drive up into the hills. Here are ten that are worth the trip, with a note on what to check before you go, since opening hours and entry fees change.
Labadi Beach
The city’s best-known beach, out at La. Weekends bring drumming, horse rides along the sand, and food stalls. It gets busy and there is usually a gate fee, so go early if you want space.
Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
The mausoleum and museum of Ghana’s first president, set in gardens in the city centre. It is a short, easy visit and a good place to start if you want the history.
Jamestown
The oldest part of the city, with a lighthouse, a working fishing harbour, and walls covered in murals from the Chale Wote street art festival. Walk it with a local guide to get the stories.
Makola Market
Not a tourist site, but the heart of how the city trades. Go to buy cloth, beads and foodstuff, or just to see it move. Keep your bag in front of you and small notes ready.
Osu
Oxford Street and the roads around it hold most of the city’s shops, restaurants and bars. It is quiet by day and comes alive in the evening, which is when most people go.
Accra Arts Centre
The Centre for National Culture, near the seafront, is where to buy carvings, kente, beads and drums. Prices are open to bargaining, so do not take the first figure.
Aburi Botanical Gardens
About an hour north, up into the Akuapem hills, where the air is cooler and the trees are old. It is an easy day out and a break from the city heat.
Legon Botanical Gardens
Near the university, with a canopy walkway, paddle boats and space to picnic. It suits families and a slower afternoon.
Independence Square
The parade ground on the seafront, with the Black Star Gate and Independence Arch. There is not much to do beyond look and take photos, but the monuments are worth seeing once.
Kokrobite
A beach town west of the city, known for a slower weekend scene and live music. It is a longer drive but a full change of pace from Accra.
Whatever you pick, plan around the traffic. The roads to the beach and out of town fill up on Saturday mornings and again on Sunday evenings, so leaving early buys you more of the day.
