My trip to Ghana had many firsts, including:
- Joining a travel group for the first time in a while (the last one was in college to Barbados)
- Going to my first African country
- Traveling solo for the first time in a while (the last solo trip was to Barcelona)
- Ringing in the new year in another country
As an avid traveler, it was nice having someone else plan a trip for once. All I had to do was get the required documents for entry and book my flight. I stayed in Accra, so I’m sharing recommendations on where to eat, play, and stay around the capital.
Where to stay
Where to eat
Where to play
La Villa Boutique Hotel
Located in the heart of Accra, La Villa Boutique Hotel provides a tropical oasis in the middle of the city.
Rooms
Pick between their standard double room, executive suite, or one-bedroom apartment. I stayed in their standard double room which included: a full bed, a TV with cable, a refrigerator, and more.
Activities and amenities
From the freshwater pool and spa center to its restaurant and bar — La Villa Boutique has a lot to offer.
Their restaurant serves a breakfast buffet from 6:30-10:30 am, lunch from 11:30 am-5:30 pm, and dinner from 5:30-10:30 pm. I only tried their breakfast, a mix of traditional and Ghanaian food (e.g. waakye, fruit, eggs, bread).
Before sharing places to eat, I’d like to add a little caveat regarding service at restaurants. Expect the service to be slower than what you’re used to (especially from the States) as Ghanaians are more laid-back. You might find yourself asking for something — like water — more than once, or your food comes out an hour later. Don’t take it personally, the lifestyle and mentality is just different in Ghana.
Buka Restaurant
Great place for authentic dishes from Ghana and Nigeria like jollof rice and ogbonno and okro soup. I ordered the grilled tilapia and kelewele, which was delicious. The ambiance was amazing and the decor was beautiful, it felt like a tropical escape. I’d highly suggest making a reservation because it gets crowded and busy quickly. In fact, when we went, told folks that the wait would be up to two hours.
The Republic Bar and Grill
Great spot to listen to music, drink, and eat (although I didn’t do the latter). If you come here, you must try the Kokroko — a drink that includes hibiscus, lime, mint, and brown sugar.
Osikan Beach Resort
This resort provides beautiful views of the ocean, a relaxing vibe, live music, and the food was delicious. We went for lunch and I got their grilled tilapia and jollof rice.
Chez Clarisse
The food here is great — although the service was okay (we had some issues with the bill at the end). Our waiter told us what menu items weren’t available, so I ended up ordering eba and okro soup. The vibes here were great, and so was the music.
Lemon Beach Resort
Although I didn’t stay at this resort, I’m absolutely going to the next time I’m in Ghana. Located in Elmina, this place was so relaxing and peaceful. We ate lunch here after our Cape Castle tour and the food and service were great. I got their Lemon Beach Special and Catch of the Day (Snapper), which were both delicious.
Hillburi
Located in the Akwapim mountain range in Eastern Ghana, this resort provides amazing views of the valleys and plains nearby. However, the service honestly wasn’t great, it seemed like many customers were frustrated when we went. They messed up our drink orders, and even though we ordered before arriving, our food still took over an hour.
Tatale Vegan Restaurant
Although I’m not vegan, the food here was amazing, so definitely give it a try! I went on a date here and the vibes were lowkey and intimate, which I loved. If you know me you know I love pink, so their pink neon signage outside caught my attention. I got their watermelon, pineapple, and ginger juice, which I inhaled and didn’t get a photo of 😂. And I only got one photo of my food — the sweet potato potage.
Cape Coast and Elmina Slave “Castles”
I’m not crazy about the term “castles”, however, that isn’t important. What’s important is visiting one (or both) of these historical landmarks, especially as a person of African descent. The coast was a major hub for the slave trade, and these landmarks were the last “home” for enslaved Africans before being transported.
I visited the Cape Coast slave castle, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and smaller than Elmina Castle. All in all, there are around forty slave castles in Ghana, and these are just two of them.
Kakum National Park
A great place for nature lovers because of its beautiful scenery and fascinating wildlife. Kakum is best known for its seven suspension bridges, and there are two pathways to choose from. After making it across the first bridge, you can continue or take the shortcut to the exit.
Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farm
This cocoa farm is named after an agriculturalist who introduced cocoa crops to Ghana – still one of Ghana’s main cash crops. In fact, Ghana is the second largest cocoa exporter in the world, after Ivory Coast. Through the tour, you learn how to harvest cocoa and even try a ripe cocoa pod, and cocoa bean.
Aburi Botanical Gardens
A garden in Aburi (located in the Eastern region of Ghana), the scenery is beautiful and peaceful. There’s a wide range of trees and plants, and so many places to take beautiful photos.
Asenema Waterfalls
A beautiful, hidden, waterfall located north of Aburi. The trail to the waterfall is very quick, the walk is only like five minutes. Although we didn’t go during Ghana’s rainy season, it was still a beautiful sight.
Makola Market
Get all your shopping done here — from jewelry and beauty products to fabric and other fashion items. Keep in mind that this place can get very busy during the day, so be mindful of your belongings.
The Shop Accra
From jewelry, apparel, and bags — to food (like coffee), skin/hair care products, and home decor, the Shop Accra sells everything. And after all that shopping, treat yourself to one of their smoothies! You’ll also get a welcome drink when entering the shop. Did I also mention that the Shop is Black-woman owned? 😍
Afrochella
If you’re visiting Ghana during their “Beyond the Return” campaign in December, then you should check out Afrochella. It’s like Coachella, but Black AF. Afrochella is a celebration of Africa’s diverse culture and the work of African creatives and entrepreneurs. There are several events during the week, but the main festival is one day and includes: music, food, fashion, and art. During the afternoon, enjoy the art installations and food, drink, and shopping vendors. And at night, it turns into a music festival.
Asomdwe Park and Ostrich Park
- Asomdwe Park is where Former President John Evans Atta Mills is buried
- Ostrich Park is almost like a mini zoo with ostriches, geese, and more
Black Star Square
Also known as Independence Square, it has held many events including its annual Independence Day parades, public gatherings, and more. Black Star Square includes the Black Star Gate/Monument, Independence Arch, and Liberation Day Monument.
Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
This park honors Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah — it’s also where he (and his wife) were laid to rest. There are fountains, statues, and a museum that shares more about President Nkrumah’s life through photos, books, and more.
Accra Arts Center
Situated next to the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, the Accra Arts Center is a perfect place to get your souvenirs. From shot glasses, clothing, and bags — to art pieces, drums, and jewelry. We did a drumming lesson, which was so much fun, and then shopped.
Labadi Beach
So I only went to Labadi beach after a New Year’s Eve party at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel. However, it was so much fun watching the sunrise and people pouring onto the beach from the different parties nearby.
