15 Must-see tourist sites in Accra and their locations

15 Must-see tourist sites in Accra and their locations

Accra is dynamic for its wide array of holiday vacations for both local and international visitors. It is a fascinating city that blends tradition with modernity, hence attractive for business and settlement. Discover some must-visit tourist sites in Accra and their locations.

Five facts about Accra
5 facts about Accra. Photo: Canva.com (modified by author)
Source: UGC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Accra is the economic and administrative hub of the Greater Accra Region. It is a vibrant destination that offers a wide range of experiences, making it one of the best tourist sites in Accra. The city is known for its historical landmarks, bustling markets, cultural diversity, and beautiful beaches.

15 tourist sites in Accra and their locations

There are many places to visit in Accra, Ghana. Below are some of the tourist sites in Accra you need to visit.

Tourist sitesLocation
The Independence SquareBetween 28th February Road and Accra's southern coastline
National Museum of GhanaNo. 2 Barnes Road in Central Accra
Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Memorial ParkDowntown Accra
National TheatreSouth Liberia Road, Accra, Ghana
Bojo Beach Next to the Densu River Delta
Makola MarketCentral Business District
The Jamestown lighthouse600 Bruce Rd, Accra, Ghana
Kane Kwei Carpentry WorkshopTeshie-Nungua, Greater Accra Region of Ghana
Osu CastleOsu, on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea
Elinesis WaterPark and Leisure CenterGhana Flag, Accra, Ghana
WEB Dubois Memorial CentreFifth Link Rd, Accra, Ghana
Labadi BeachNear Teshie in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana
Artists Alliance GalleryOmanye House
Sandbox beach, AccraSouth La Estate, Accra
Sakumono Beach Harbour of Tema

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1. The Independence Square

The Independence Square
The Independence Square features an eternal flame first lit by Ghana's first president, Kwame Nkrumah. Photo: @ishoot.ghana
Source: Instagram

Independence Square is one of the most attractive places in Accra. It is a major landmark between the Osu district and the Atlantic Ocean. It is an independent theatre that was built to remember and celebrate the hard work of Ghana's independence fighters.

The tourist site reminds the country of its hardships before it could eliminate its colonisers. The locals know it as the Black Star Square because the black star symbol is also present in their flag. It features an eternal flame first lit by Ghana's first president, Kwame Nkrumah, in 1961 after he commissioned the construction of the square

2. National Museum of Ghana

The National Museum of Ghana
The National Museum of Ghana offers a beautiful sightseeing experience for tourists fascinated by works of art. Photo: @GhanaianMuseum
Source: Facebook

The National Museum is among the best places to visit in Accra with family. It offers an extraordinary sightseeing experience for tourists fascinated by works of art, archaeological excavations, and ethnographic exhibits.

The museum's collection includes chief's regalia, gold weights, traditional Ghanaian musical instruments, beads, textiles, and pottery. It was opened in March 1957 as part of Ghana's independence celebrations and is the largest and oldest of the country's six national museums.

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3. Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Memorial Park

Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Memorial Park
The mausoleum houses the mortal remains of Kwame Nkrumah and his wife, Fathia Nkrumah. Photo: @TheHeritage
Source: Facebook

The Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum is a unique and intriguing historical site in downtown Accra. The landmark houses the remains of Kwame Nkrumah and his wife, Fathia Nkrumah. Kwame Nkrumah was a visionary leader who helped Ghana attain its independence in 1957.

Kwame died in April 1972, while Fathia passed on in May 2007. The mausoleum was built in the same spot where Nkrumah declared Ghana's independence. It was designed by Don Arthur and dedicated in 1992.

4. National Theatre

National Theatre
The National Theatre was founded in 1990 to document and showcase the country's culture. Photo: @accratoday
Source: Facebook

The theatre is a great thrill for tourists who want to experience Ghana's culture and traditions. The national theatre was founded in 1990 to document and showcase the country's culture.

Its core purpose is to help develop and nurture the talents of performing artists. Tourists can benefit from the shows of young men and women perfecting their dance, acting, and other talent skills.

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5. Bojo Beach

Crowds of local people on Bojo Beach.
Bojo Beach has several clubs, restaurants, and cafes. Photo: @bojobeachresortofficial
Source: Facebook

Bojo Beach is considered one of the best beaches in Accra, thanks to its promenade, adorned with clubs, restaurants, and cafes. It is located at the delta of the Densu River and the Atlantic Ocean. Local and international tourists must take a boat ride across the Densu River to access the famous beach.

6. Makola Market

Makola Market
Makola Market is the largest open-air market in Accra, with a wide array of products sold, including traditional foods. Photo: @MonarchieBe
Source: Twitter

Makola Market is the largest open-air market in Accra, with a wide array of products sold in the market and its surrounding streets, including traditional foods, medicines, and African regalia. The market is especially renowned for its textiles, considered some of the finest in West Africa.

This market also sells imported foods and jewellery made from locally handcrafted beads. It was constructed in 1924 and has helped boost Ghana's economy. Makola Market operates mainly from Monday to Saturday, from early morning until late afternoon.

7. The Jamestown lighthouse

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The Jamestown lighthouse
The Jamestown lighthouse was built in the 1930s to replace an earlier lighthouse built in 1871. Photo: @ghanatourismauthority
Source: Instagram

The Jamestown lighthouse is one of the oldest landmarks in Accra. The 280-centimetre (92-foot) structure was originally built in the 1930s to replace an earlier lighthouse built in 1871. Its captivating nature makes it an attractive magnet for tourists.

It features a stone tower, a lantern, and a gallery attached to a keeper's house painted with red and white horizontal bands. It is currently used as a great African labour, especially by fishermen.

8. Kane Kwei Carpentry Workshop

Kane Kwei Carpentry Workshop
Kane Kwei Carpentry Workshop is famous for curving unique coffins that reflect the profession and personality of the dead. Photo: @qikipedia
Source: Twitter

This workshop holds the history of great men who have passed on. The founder, Seth Kane Kwei, was passionate about curving unique coffins that reflected the profession, passion or personality of those who died. For instance, an ear of corn for a farmer and fish for a fisherman. His coffins were in different shapes, unique to the dead person.

9. Osu Castle

Osu Castle
Denmark-Norway built Osu Castle to trade gold and ivory. Photo: @Studatour
Source: Facebook

Osu Castle, also known as Fort Christiansborg, is perched on a cliff in Osu overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and is one of the historical sites in Accra. Denmark-Norway built it in the 1660s for trading gold and ivory.

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Osu Castle also served as a holding and dispatching point for slaves. From 1902 until 2013, it was the seat of government in Ghana, and it was relocated to the Golden Jubilee House.

10. Elinesis WaterPark and Leisure Center

Kids are enjoying themselves at Elinesis WaterPark and Leisure Center.
Elinesis WaterPark and Leisure Center offers an ultramodern Waterhouse, lazy river, and water slide. Photo: @Elinesiswaterpark
Source: Facebook

This is one of the famous water parks in Accra, offering a holistic recreational environment for Ghanaians and international tourists. It has a huge open area and a water area, making it fun and drawing many international and local tourists who wish to spend a few days away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

11. WEB Dubois Memorial Centre

WEB Dubois Memorial Centre
WEB Dubois Memorial Centre holds the remains of WEB Dubois and his second wife, Shirley Graham. Photo: @tourguideghana
Source: Facebook

This centre credits the work of American civil rights fighter William Edward Burghardt Du Bois, who dedicated his life to the black African individual. It holds the remains of Dr. Du Bois and his second wife, Shirley Graham Du Bois.

The tourist site also houses a small museum, part of Du Bois's library and a collection of his works. It is a major tourist attraction because of its rich history and literature regarding the rights of black Africans.

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12. Labadi Beach

Crowd enjoying a holiday at Labadi Beach
Labadi Beach has breathtaking views of sparse coconut trees and white sand. Photo: Peeterv
Source: Getty Images

Labadi Beach, also known as La Pleasure Beach, is a great tourist hotspot. It ranks among the best destinations in Accra for those seeking leisure and relaxation. The beach is quite busy and is maintained by local hotels. It has breathtaking views of sparse coconut trees and white sand.

Artists Alliance Gallery
Artists Alliance Gallery was founded in 1993 to nurture and promote local artistic talent. Photo: @ArtistsAllianceGallery
Source: Facebook

Are you in love with sculpting? The three-story building showcases some of the best sculptures in Ghana. Artists Alliance Gallery, also known as Omanye House, has some of Ghana's best fabrics and paintings.

It was founded in 1993 by Ghanaian artist Ablade Glover to nurture and promote local artistic talent and serve as a critical hub for cultural development.

14. Sandbox beach, Accra

Sandbox Beach Accra
Night view of the Sandbox beach, Accra, Ghana. Photo: @sandboxbc
Source: Facebook

The above beach offers beautiful water scenery, a mix of music, and loads to eat, as there are different places where drinks and delicious foods are sold. It is a getaway location with a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean.

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15. Sakumono Beach

Sakumono Beach
Sakumono Beach is located in the capital city of Accra, at the harbour of Tema. Photo: @kyskulture
Source: Facebook

Sakumono Beach is located in the capital city of Accra, at the harbour of Tema. The Ningua Junction Mall and Tema Harbour are nearby. It has good restaurants and music bars on the seashore. Moreover, you can organise a private party for family and friends at this beach.

What are the top tourist sites in Accra?

Accra has some of the best tourist sites in Ghana. They include Jamestown Lighthouse, Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, Labadi Beach, and the National Museum.

What is the best time to visit Accra?

The best time to visit Accra is from October to April in the winter. The weather is pleasant, with lower humidity levels and low rainfall.

Looking for good tourist sites in Accra is not hard because there are multiple options for local and international tourists. The tourist sites mentioned above are a must-see for a memorable, fulfilling holiday in Accra.

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Yen.com.gh published an article about the top places to go with friends. Hanging out with friends can provide memorable moments. Nevertheless, getting the ideal place to hang out and have a great time can be time-consuming.

Numerous accessible locations offer you and your friends opportunities to gather and have a great time. These places include a movie theatre, arcade, bowling alley, and Painting studio. Discover more top places to hang out with friends.

Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
Chris Ndetei avatar

Chris Ndetei (Lifestyle writer) Christopher Ndetei is a junior reporter writer who joined the Yen team in May 2021. He graduated from the Machakos Technical College in 2009 with a diploma in ICT. Chris has over two years of experience in content creation and more than ten working in the hospitality industry. He covers lifestyle/entertainment, focusing on biographies, life hacks, gaming and guides. In 2023, Christopher finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. You can reach him at chrisndetei@gmail.com

Peris Wamangu avatar

Peris Wamangu (Lifestyle writer) Peris Wamangu is a reporter with more than four years of experience as a content writer. Peris joined Yen in 2024. Before that, she worked with Legit's team from 2021 to 2024. Peris graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Nairobi in 2019. She enjoys writing about various topics such as fashion, currency, biographies, entertainment and business. In 2023, Peris finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. Email: wamanguperis@gmail.com