A Student City Guide to Accra

Just moved to Accra to start university or college? We’ve put together a list of ways to spend your time in your new city.

Explore the city centre

Get to know your new town with a quick trip to the city centre. Request a ride to take you right to the heart of the action, so you can spend a full-day exploring. It’s a great time to find out which shops are going to be your go-to, where the best places to go for a night out are, and where your new favourite coffee shop is. Keep an eye out for community centres, cafés and bars that host regular events as well as handy places like libraries and gyms.

Eat local street food

One of the best things about moving to a big city is discovering all the food options on offer. Take a trip to a street-food market and start sampling all the local cuisine. Try to find some new food that’s specific to the city or region that you’re in like Jollof rice and tilapia. Food halls are also great places to check out, as well as small, family businesses where you’ll usually find fresh food at reasonable prices.

Immerse yourself in the culture

Make the most of Accra’s rich cultural scene by checking out the many museums, galleries and attractions the city has to offer. If you want to learn more about Ghana’s contemporary art, head to the Artist Alliance Gallery. The city is also home to the W.E.B Du Bois Memorial Centre – the home of the American Civil rights leader and Pan-Africanist W.E.B Du Bois. It’s situated in the north of the city, an easy ride away.

Chill in a park

Fancy getting away from the busy city life? Try one of Accra’s city parks. There are impressive attractions such as the Legon Botanical Garden and Playground or the Crystal Park, as well as many smaller green spaces scattered throughout the city. If you want to combine your wind-down with something educational, there’s also the city’s popular Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, where you’ll learn more about the country’s first president and his campaign for Ghana’s liberation.

Discover new finds at markets

As a new student, thrift shopping is about to become your new favourite pastime. Get some practice in early and take a trip to one of Accra’s thriving markets. You’ll find different markets depending on what you’re looking for, with everything from handmade arts and crafts to fashion to food. Spend the weekend browsing the Makola Market or take a trip over to the AACD African Market.