Staying in Takoradi for a year now, I have realized it is expensive here too. Yes, I was running from Accra to a less expensive city but it seems they are all the same. Just that Takoradi has a cheap transport system, so I’m cool staying here. But there are always things to see and do here in Takoradi on your tight budget.
Takoradi is an amazing city to visit as a tourist or even to stay. I have always wanted to come here and finally, I’m living in that dream. To be honest, there’s so much to do here but can be expensive. And since I have been here for a year, I have some tips for 10 things to see & do in Takoradi on a budget. These tips will help you save money as you visit. Some may be cheap and others are totally free.
Before I start with my list, It’s always important to book where to sleep in advance before visiting the oil city, Takoradi. It can be a little expensive when you get here before booking. But since you are reading this post, I’m pretty sure you traveling on a budget. So you can have some affordable deals on booking.com.
Thing To See & Do In Takoradi On A Budget
1.Take A Free Tour
Takoradi is one of the fast-growing cities in the country and the best thing to do first when you arrive is to take a tour through the city. This can help you know your next move, where to visit next, and even where to eat. You don’t need a tour guide to explore Takoradi. Trust me, you won’t get lost when you tour alone, you will always know your way back. It is always better to take a taxi. It may sound expensive but try, it is very cheap here than other cities.
This is the best way to orient yourself, see the main sights, and interact with some locals who can answer all your questions. But be very careful. I can link you with someone to help you explore If you can send me a message on Instagram or by email. Just make sure you tip the person at the end.
2.Visit The Takoradi Mall
The mall is one of the cool places to spend your day in Takoradi. It is not big as the other mall in the country but it will be your only option when you are in Takoradi because that is the only mall here. It’s always open and has some cool restaurants you would like to sit and eat at. It is always fun when you visit during weekends.
Some Locals won’t work on weekends and they spend most weekends there. You’ll get the chance to interact with some locals and know more about the oil city, Takoradi.
3.Visit The Beach For Free
Aside from visiting the beach on occasions, it is also free to visit any day. Not like other cities, the beaches here are free and no one will charge you before seeing it. The beaches are mostly active on weekends and have some cool bars and restaurants you would love to sit and watch the sea, but you have to buy something first. A bottle of water will do or any cheap thing on the menu that suits your budget.
There are some rocky stones that will be cool for taking instagramable pictures. And it is totally free to do all these things. You will get a wonderful view and love it out there. Visiting the best is one for the best things to see and do in Takoradi
4.Eat Cheap At Some Top Restaurant
The food here is what you can spend all your money on. It’s a little hard and expensive here when getting some nice place to eat. Maybe if you ok with some of the local joints, then just a dollar will fill your stomach for one meal. But if restaurants are your thing, then check out some to top places to eat in Takoradi. You will spend just 3 dollars on a meal.
5. See Atlantic Hotel
The heart of Takoradi, Best Western Atlantic Hotel, the higher star hotel in Takoradi. You can easily spend all day getting some nice view of the sea and also swimming in their pool for a very affordable price. You don’t have to book a room there before you get access to the pool, you can still pay and swim without booking a room. They have a nice restaurant but the food are very expensive, it’s better to check the menu before you order.
6.See Aqua Makarios
This is one of my favorite places to visit here in Takoradi. Made from strong wood, a restaurant on the water, Aqua Makarios. I normally work from home and when I need a new environment then I visit this beautiful place. Don’t visit on weekdays, it will be boring and alone. Weekends are the best time to see Aqua Makarios and you can pay a dollar for canoe riding. You won’t get any places to experience canoe riding here in Takoradi, only at Aqua Makarios. Don’t worry, their foods are cheap.
7.Enjoy Free Night Life
Nightlife in Takoradi is sometimes wired, I didn’t say scary. It is most active and crowded on Sundays. Fridays and Saturdays here are not really active as Sundays and it’s strange for me. It’s not like that in some top cities around the world. But hey, you are going to love it every Sunday night here and it’s free. I have been to a few nightclubs and bars and I don’t remember paying a gate fee or even being forced to buy something
If you’re on a budget it’s better to not worry about a high table but just order a bottle of beer for just a dollar and enjoy your night. There are places you can enjoy live music and you don’t have to worry about paying anything.
8.Visit The Local Fishing Harbour
One of the beautiful things to see in Takoradi is the local fishing harbor. With different colored boats and canoes at the shore, you’re going to love the view. The local fishing harbor is the best place to feel the true culture and way of life of the people of Sekondi-Takoradi.
Online Taxis are cheap here and you can other a ride to the Sekondi fishing harbor so you don’t get lost. Pay or tip a local fisherman to take you on a canoe ride. I haven’t tried that before and don’t know if it will work, but you can give it a try.
9.Walk The Market Circle
Visiting Takoradi without taking a walk at the market circle is like not coming at all (lol does anyone find that funny?). You don’t need to pay a tour guide for that, it is free and you would also love to buy some cheap stuff whiles exploring the big Takoradi market.
10.Biking
One of the safest places in Ghana for biking is Takoradi. Nice pavement roads for bikers and drivers always give you way. There are biking groups here in Takoradi you would love to ride with or you can hire a bike at a cheap price and explore all by yourself. It is best not to ride at night.