Participating in an Accra walking tour can be a great way to explore the vibrant capital city of Ghana, soak in its rich culture, and savor delicious cuisine. Here’s a suggested walking tour route with interesting sites, attractions, restaurants, and other stops along the way, some of which are amongst Ghana’s top tourist sites.
The duration of this proposed Accra walking tour can be half a day, or even a full day (depending on how fast or slow you want to take your visits). You can also choose to pick Okadas at any point if you feel you are tired and want to save some energy to be able to visit everything we propose on this walking tour.
Osu Castle (The Christianborg Castle)
Start your walking tour at the Osu Castle, built by the Danish in the 1660s, it still holds a rich layer of history around slave trade. Later it became the seat of government and today it serves as the office of Ghana’s president.
While you may not be able to enter the government buildings, you can appreciate the historic architecture and the sea views from the castle grounds.
Independence Arch and Black Star Square
Continue your walking tour by walking alongside the Osu beach shore towards the Black Star Square, the site which symbolizes Ghana’s independence from British colonial rule. Take some time to appreciate the architecture and historical significance of these landmarks.
You may be able to go up towards the black star and get some nice views from the top. For some extra information, the black star (which is also part of the Ghana flag) is a symbol of African emancipation from slavery.
Arts & Crafts market
Accra Arts Centre
From the Black Star Square, continue walking towards the Accra Arts Centre, a bustling hub for local crafts, art, and textiles. Here, you can shop for souvenirs, traditional clothing, jewelry, and more. Check out our guide on essential gifts you should buy in Ghana, because you may find some of these here! Bargaining is common, so be prepared to negotiate prices.
Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Museum
Just a 5 minute walk from the Arts Centre, this Accra walking tour will take you to the newly renovated Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Museum. The museum is a great place to visit to learn deeper about Ghana’s struggle for independence and all its history which will definitely make you better understand the country.
If you’re a museum lover, here is a list of other museums you can visit whilst in Ghana.
Makola market
A further 10 minute walk from the Kwame Nkrumah museum, you have the famous Makola Market. No visit to Accra is complete without immersing yourself in the vibrant chaos of Makola Market, one of Accra’s most important markets.
This bustling marketplace is a sensory overload, with colorful stalls selling anything from fresh produce and traditional textiles to handicrafts and souvenirs. Savor the aromas of local spices and indulge in a bit of bargaining while soaking up the lively atmosphere. Here you will definitely get to see, smell and experience things you will never experience back home.
Makola market you will also get to witness the Kayayo girls, the real life shopping baskets. Put in simpler words, women carrying things that seem to triple their weight on their heads.
Whilst at Makola, it’s also worth visiting the Kantamanto market which is its own market, separate and distinct from Makola but annexed to it. It is Ghana’s biggest second hand clothes market. It’s home to more than 30,00 traders, who sell most commonly secondhand clothing, but also spare parts and household decorations.
Osekan Beach Resort
Osekan beach resort
From Makola market we will be exhausted, thirsty and maybe hungry. We will go towards Osekan Beach Resort to enjoy some very nice views of the ocean and catch a breath.
Jamestown and Ussher Fort
Jamestown lighthouse
After recharging our batteries, we will head southwest towards Jamestown, one of the oldest of Accra’s neighborhoods. Explore the historic Ussher Fort (another slavery castle) and Fort James (Jamestown LightHouse), as well as the active boxing culture of Accra.
We will also enjoy strolling through the colorful streets, adorned with street art and murals. In Jamestown we can also stop by at the Jamestown cafe – a stylish and artsy cafe which also hosts live music and concerts.
Whilst in Jamestown, we will also make a stop at the Brazil House, an intriguing historical site that commemorates the Afro-Brazilian returnees who settled in Ghana in the 19th century.
And this would be our last stop of this unforgettable Accra walking tour. We hope you get to enjoy this proposed walking tour! Do share with us in the comments your experience if you do go ahead and try it out!
