Accra, the beautiful coastal capital of Ghana, is one of the most vibrant cities in West Africa. With Crystal clear beaches, a bustling nightlife, colorful markets, and inspirational art galleries, there is something for every traveler. Here are ten (10) things you should do on your first visit to Ghana.
1. Take part in a chocolate tasting;As one of the largest producers of cocoa in the world, it’s a wonder there aren’t more chocolate companies in Ghana. Chocolate in Ghana is said to be one of the best in the world. Make sure to stop by the mall or stop a roadside vendor or marketplace to grab yourself a piece
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2. Catch a live music show at Republic;The bustling neighborhood of Osu always has a lot going on. A prime staple in the area is Republic Bar and Grill, an ever-popular spot, as much for its pub-style atmosphere, finger food, and locally brewed cocktails as for its impressive weekly live music selections from highlife to hiplife. Friendly and cozy, it’s the best place to mingle with a large cross-section of the city.
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3. Try local food ;Ghanaian food is delicious and the right amount of spicy cooked with healthy ingredients. Foods like: fufu, banku, Jollof rice, yam, plantain, and beans, as well as much more, including local drinks such as hibiscus juice and freshly tapped palm wine. Check out some of our favorite list of restaurants here
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4. Explore Jamestown; This enclave has become a symbol of modern Ghana, with its annual Chale Wote Street Art Festival, its mix of old colonial architecture, and crazy street-market atmosphere. Take a walk along 'the High' Street and see Accra from a different perspective while taking in the ruins at Ussher Fort and the view of Christiansborg Palace. Climb the lighthouse for the views and pop into Deo Gratia's studio, the oldest photography studio in the city. A visit to Jamestown Café for some cultural highlights can be rounded off with drinks at Osikan, a lovely spot for a beer, situated over the crashing waves below.
5. Learn about Ghana's pioneer of independence at the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum; This museum, named after Ghana’s first president and independence pioneer Kwame Nkrumah, is the ideal place to get an overview of the life of the great man whose burial site is also on the grounds. All of this is in an attractive five-acre (two-hectare) park that was once a British polo ground. Guided tour guides are also available.
6. Shop for gifts at the Artists Alliance Gallery;A popular store in Accra for all kinds of locally made gifts; from children’s books to beaded jewelry, clothing, paintings, sculpture, and antiques. This space is located in Labadi, in a house perched on rocks overlooking a turbulent city beach. All items are labeled and priced, so it’s the perfect stop if you want an authentic slice of Ghana without all the haggling. Those interested in contemporary art will be blown away by Accra's Artists Alliance Gallery. Huge metal sculptures mix with antique Asafo flags, kente cloth, furniture and fantastic masks. One of Ghana's most respected artists, Ablade Glover, is responsible for this three-story treasure trove. Every Ghanaian artist worth their salt is represented in the gallery. You can buy most of the art you see here direct from the artist. The gallery ships all over the world and accepts credit cards, while those on a budget can browse smaller items in the well-stocked gift shop. Admission is free.
7. Join the Crew at Labadi Beach; Labadi is Accra's most popular beach. Waterfront restaurants serve ice-cold Star lager, delicious fried fish, and spicy Jollof; and provide a great vantage point for people to watch. Keep an eye out for little boys performing acrobatic tricks, beautiful young people dancing to hip-life, and Rasta groups playing for money. The waves are strong here, so a dip to cool down is more advisable than a long swim. If you prefer a more peaceful setting, head to a luxury resort-like Labadi Beach Hotel on the Accra-Tema Beach Road.
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8. Explore Oxford Street's Global Restaurants; It's all happening on Oxford Street, a busy thoroughfare in the upmarket area of Osu. Here, you'll find some of Accra's best restaurants, bars, and shops. Stalls selling fake Rolex watches, pirated CDs, and soccer shirts line the street, and bumper-to-bumper traffic adds to the exuberant atmosphere. Step into Arlecchino Gelateria Italiana for refreshing ice cream, or choose nearby Country Kitchen for delicious local favorites. Global Mamas boutique sells quality crafts made by a network of Ghanaian women. The street also has plenty of bars and clubs for a raucous evening on the dance floor.
9. Soak Up the Atmosphere of Makola Market; Chaotic Makola Market features stalls selling everything from fabrics to beads and souvenirs. Many of the stalls are operated by strong, independent African ladies with artistic headdresses and a no-nonsense business sense. Ask permission before taking photographs, and be prepared to negotiate for the best price as you rub shoulders with local Ghanaians doing their daily shop. The fresh produce stalls are interesting, boasting exotic fruit, vegetables, and meat that you're likely never to have seen before. To get there, hop in a taxi or jump in a tro-tro (local bus) from central Accra or Usher Town. 
10. Visit the W.E.B Du Bois Memorial Center; The home of American Civil Rights leader and Pan-Africanist W.E.B Du Bois now serves as a museum of his life's work. Du Bois was invited to live in Ghana by President Nkrumah in 1961, where he began work on an African Encyclopedia at the ripe old age of 93. In early 1963, the United States refused to renew his passport, so he made the symbolic gesture of becoming a citizen of Ghana. His health declined during the two years he was in Ghana and he died on August 27, 1963. His tomb shares the same grounds as the museum, which is small but full of interesting personal artifacts.
Accra remains one of the best places to visit in Africa as it contains several experiences to make your trip memorable. Got any ideas on which of these 10 locations you'll be visiting first?
