A local’s guide to Accra
Written by: Deepa Somasunderam
@palmmoments
Your next stylish stop for delicious food, smooth cocktails and easy weekend trips.
Welcome to our latest series, Live Local. We’re speaking to people of colour to bring you their guide on how to live like a local in their hometowns. We do this both to spotlight POC travel experts but also to help you access a true local experience.
Bright cafes with beautiful food, the hottest bars and open-air markets: the fashion, nightlife and food scene in Accra is unparalleled. So we spoke to a local who gave us a rundown of the most stylish stops.
MEET THE TRAVEL EXPERT
Akosua Shirley is a travel vlogger from Accra. Her social media and YouTube Channel are curated selections of local experiences in Ghana and she is also working towards being the first Ghanaian to travel the world.
Why you need to visit Accra
It’s the heartbeat of Ghana, the city that never sleeps where the party stops at 9am; big city with manners! (Lol) There’s a place for everybody here.
Best places to eat in Accra
@palmmoments
Cafes to work in Accra
Where to stay in Accra
My personal favourite: Accra Fine Suites
Cocktails and a night-out
Definitely Alley Bar, Palm Moments and FrontBack
@alleybargh
Must-see places/sites in Accra that should be on every traveller's list
The Osu Castle or the National Museum: loveeee it there
Favourite off-the-beaten track find
The Osu night market experience… streets lined with food vendors, outdoor music and the best vibes
A fun weekend/day trip from Accra
Take an hours drive to Aburi, stay at the beautiful Hill Buró or Peduase Lodge, take a quad bike tour to Asenema waterfall, send a day in/with nature at Aburi Botanical Garden; read, have a picnic, ride a bike or try my fav vegan restaurant Inity.
If you are into history, there’s the first ever cocoa farm in Ghana (Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farms); the start of Ghana’s famous cocoa bean & chocolate that changed Ghana’s economy for generations to come
Best shopping spots in Accra
Local stuff: Makola
Boutique stores/curated stores: Osu
Beauty must-haves
Lip balm and sunscreen
