Accra’s called ‘the gateway to Africa’, but if you don’t stop you’ll miss out on the friendliest akwaaba (welcome) in the land.

Ghana’s capital is hot and sticky, but there’s great food, some of the world’s best beaches and layers of messy history to get stuck into…

Art

Accra’s the engine room of West Africa’s thriving art scene 🎨

From socially-conscious street art to a new theatrical movement, local artists explore Ghanaian culture through art foundations and pop up galleries.

See spoken word at Ehalakasa, go to ‘paint nights’ at Republic Osu and check out Brazil House for a collaboration of Brazilian-Ghanaian exhibitions.

Food

It’s all about the humble roadside chopbar here. Auntie Muni’s street food stall is by the side of the Accran M25. Order waakye (rice and beans) with shito sauce for spice, meat and plantain.

Wash your right hand in a bowl (the left is for wiping your arse) then use it to mix the whole lot up and tuck in.

For a wider selection of local food Azmera Restaurant’s your man.

Nightlife

Nobody parties like the Ghanaians - dutty winin’ in the street till 5am is compulsory.

You could hit up the legendary clubs like Fire Fly, or find yourself dancing to afro-bashment in the tiny shack-bars like Purple Pub.

If it’s jazz you’re after get down to +233 Jazz Bar & Grill. They’ll do you simple but tasty BBQ food and local jazz music every night of the week (cept Monday).

Beaches

This is why people should come to Ghana. There’s hundreds of beaches lining the 560km of coastline - and they’re all peng af.

If you’re staying put in Accra try Labadi Beach. There’s horse-riding and live music by day and bonfire beach parties when the sun goes down. La Palm Royal Beach is less busy and also smack bang in the capital.

Just a few kilometres out you’ll find Bojo Beach - you need to cross a river to get here - and Kokrobite Beach with a rasta party vibe.

History

About 2-3 hours from Accra is the portside town of Elmina. This was one of the largest slave trading centres in the world.

Today it’s a fishing town with relaxed, artsy vibes but its castle used to hold thosands of slaves in terrible conditions in the 17th century.

You’ll find masses of wildlife and a rainforest canopy walk at the nearby Kakum National Park.

The best time to visit is between October and March (i.e NOW) when the weather’s slightly cooler and drier. Don’t worry it’s still gonna be 30+ degrees 😱

And because its a beachy African paradise, its also CHEAP. Well, whadaya waiting for?