Accra, Ghana

The best time to visit Accra is during the dry season from November to February, when humidity is slightly lower and the city comes alive with cultural festivities. Weekday mornings are ideal for exploring major historical landmarks and museums before midday heat and weekend crowds set in. Check locally for public holiday closures, especially around Independence Day in March and major Christian holidays.

Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt are widely available, affordable, and generally the most convenient way for independent travellers to navigate the city. Traditional shared minibuses known as tro-tros run on set routes across Accra and offer an authentic, budget-friendly experience, though they can be confusing for first-timers. Yellow-and-orange local taxis are plentiful; agree on the fare before getting in, and be prepared for heavy traffic during morning and evening rush hours.

Accra is considered one of the safer capital cities in West Africa, but basic precautions should always be taken. Avoid walking alone late at night, especially along quiet beach areas or poorly lit streets in busy districts. Keep valuables secure and out of sight in crowded markets, and in an emergency, contact the local police by dialling 191 or 112.

Be cautious of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited tours around major monuments or markets, as they often demand steep fees afterwards. When shopping at craft markets, vendors may inflate prices dramatically for tourists, so polite bargaining is expected. Always confirm ride-hailing fares within the app and ensure standard taxi prices are settled before departing to avoid fare disputes.

Tipping is appreciated but generally discretionary across Ghana. In sit-down restaurants, leaving a tip of around 5% to 10% is customary if a service charge has not already been added to the bill. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is common practice, while small tips for hotel porters and tour guides are warmly received.

The local currency is the Ghanaian Cedi (GHS). While major hotels, upscale restaurants, and modern supermarkets accept international credit cards, cash remains essential for tro-tros, street vendors, and local markets. Reliable ATMs are widely available across central neighbourhoods, but it is wise to carry smaller denomination notes for everyday transactions.

Polite greetings are fundamental in Ghanaian culture; always greet people properly before asking questions or starting business, and use your right hand when giving, receiving items, or waving. Dress codes are generally casual but modest, especially when visiting traditional palaces, religious sites, or government buildings. Always ask for permission before taking photographs of local residents, market stalls, or official structures.