Is it possible to travel or live in Accra on a budget? Yes, Accra city can be a little expensive but you can still visit or stay on a budget. Plan your trip or tour with my Accra city travel guide – featuring travel tips, costs, things to do, where to stay, and more. Experience the best Accra as a city has to offer.
Accra is Ghana’s capital and largest city, and it is situated on the southern shore of the Atlantic Ocean’s Gulf of Guinea. Accra has a land area of 225.67 km2 (87.13 sq mi) and a population of 4.2 million people in 2020. It is divided into 12 local government districts: 11 municipal districts and the Accra Metropolitan District, which is the capital’s only district with city status.
Accra city has been one of the top and most popular tourist destinations for both local and international travelers. Because it hosts some historical sites, nice restaurants, wild nightlife, etc. Arguably, Accra is the best city to stay in Ghana. Even though Accra can be a little expensive but you can still explore without breaking the bank.
In this article, Mrpocu.com will share his Accra travel experience with some travel tips, places to stay, where to eat, things to do, etc. What are you waiting for? Start scrolling and explore Accra city cheaply.
About My Guide
Everyone travels differently. It is best to know your travel type when planning for any trip. This guide may not help you but may help others. But using my guide will help you save more whiles you explore Accra.
My Accra City travel guide is completely free! I’ve worked hard putting it together for you. if you find it useful, please share it with others to help them plan their trip to Accra, Thank you.
Accra City Budget Travel Guide
Accra attracts visitors because of its international airport (lol, was that funny?). Yes, it is the reason. Because it is the sole location where Ghana’s international airport is located, international travelers arrive here. Because most travelers come here first, they plan to begin their journey here.
Aside from that, there is hundreds of reason to start your trip here in Accra. From find beaches to luxurious hotels and luxurious restaurants. And it’s one of the best places in Ghana to learn how our history.
While Accra can be a perplexing and tough destination for many travelers, I encourage you to give it a shot and see for yourself what Accra has to offer.
There are many wonderful reasons to visit Accra for your next vacation.
Planning A Trip To Accra Ghana
Accra City is generally pretty expensive, especially compared to other cities in Ghana, yet is also cheap if you know how to plan your trip. If locals get to know you are a tourist, either local or international tourist, they will try to charge you big whiles exploring and paying for service.
Budget travelers can survive around $15 (Ghc 100) a day.
Ghana’s local currency is the cedis and which translates to Ghc 7.50p for $1 USD. As a tourist, it is best to change your currency to cedis since locals don’t accept your currency.
For the local tourists, you don’t need to change it since we all spend some money.
How Much Does It Cost To Travel In Accra
Remember, everyone travels differently. Your personal travel budget in Accra can be high or less.
When you are traveling through the city, it is best to eat at cheap places to help you save more. Or do cheap things to help you spend less. There are top attractions that don’t even charge entry fees.
One can even spend less than $15 USD a day whiles exploring Accra. Don’t be scared to try some street food and also sleep at cheap places.
How much you can spend during your trip to Accra depends on how long you are staying. So it is best to know how to manage your expenses to save more money.
Transportation in Accra
Accra has a diverse range of transportation options, including low-cost buses, public minibusses (Trotro), taxis, internet taxis (uber and bolt), and rental automobiles. Accra travel is generally simple and inexpensive. If you plan ahead of time.
Car Rental in Accra
Wop3car.com searches all the big car rental companies and finds the best price. This is probably the easiest way to rent a car in Ghana. Pre-booking a car online will cost you about $50 a day, and many of Ghana’s road is a little bad so be extra careful when driving. It is also best to know locals who can help you rent a car directly from the garage, it is more cheaper there.
Online Taxis ( Uber, Bolt, and Yango)
Online Taxis are one of the best and easiest ways to explore Accra city but they can be sometimes expensive. You just have to type in your location and they will pick you up and take you to your destination. If you are on a budget, it is best to check the price to see if it’s in your range before you confirm the ride. Online taxis charge according to the distance, less amount the app can charge is USD 1. That is when it is a close-by destination.
Minibusses (Trotro) in Accra
If you’re on a tight budget, a Trotro might be the best option. These shared minibusses/vans run between towns, and you ride with other passengers, telling the driver where you want to get off, and paying when you arrive. They will sometimes take the fares before the train starts moving. Other riders will gladly assist you in reaching your destination. The price varies depending on distance; remember to ask for the price or grab your change from the driver’s conductor (known as “Mate” by locals).
Traditional Taxis
Taxi drivers in Ghana do not usually use meters, so inquire about a fare before getting in and confirming that the driver can take you to your destination. Some drivers are unaware of their surroundings. Within a city or town, local rides should cost between $1 and $2. Hailing cabs from bus stations or tourist locations will be more expensive.
Where To Stay In Accra
Where there are plenty of fancy hotels in Accra city, it is best to know which one suits your budget. The best accommodation in Accra is guesthouses, cheap hotels, and Airbnb
To find cheap guest houses in Accra, it is best to walk around a neighborhood, pop in and ask to see a room and decide if you want to stay there. There are also some cheap guesthouses on Booking.com you can check out. Booking.com also offers range of cheap hotels that are best for your budget.
Follow my Airbnb in Accra guide to help you find cheap Airbnb accommodation in Accra. Don’t also forget that couchsurfing also works here in Ghana. There are hosts waiting to have you in their homes.
- Local Guest Houses: starting from $10 – $17 per night
- Normal Hotels: starting from $34 – $50 per night
- Mid–Range Hotels: starting from $80 – $150
- Top Resorts & Fancy Hotels $200 – $500 per night
How To Spend On Meals
Some of these luxury restaurants don’t even sell expensive food, you can get a meal for just USD 7 at a luxury restaurant. You can easily be full after eating one plate, so restaurant food here in Accra doesn’t cost much.
If you are bored with some international cuisines you can try some of our local cuisines like fufu, Ampasi, waakye, or even Gari and more. You can ask the seller what they are made of and they will be very happy to explain everything to you.
However, if you looking to try some local cuisines you can pay $1 or $2 more to have the seller deliver your food with a drink to the table.
Another testy food option in Ghana you can try Banku, it is made of corn and very smooth. One can try it with Okro stew or grind pepper, onion, and tomatoes. Banku usually costs even less than Fufu.
Top Restaurants In Accra city
Papa Cuisine
Location: Hayford road, Alliance Françoise, Accra.
Expects gave it a 4.5 rating, which you can see for yourself when you go. My uber driver made a wrong turn within Alliance Françoise recently, so I decided to take advantage of his error by changing the location of my date, and it turned out to be the finest date ever. The service is excellent, the pizza is inexpensive but great, and the beef fillet is the best I’ve ever had.
Frankie’s Food
Location: Oxford Street, Osu.
The top bars, clubs, shops, and restaurants on Oxford Street Osu always deliver the best experience on any occasion. This is the ideal Oxford Street restaurant for family, friends, and dates. You may enjoy the street view, and if you’re looking for the best ice cream shop in Ghana, Frankie’s Food has you covered.
Papaye
Location: Spintex Road, Lapaz. East Legon.
This was my favorite restaurant as a kid, and I recall begging my parents to take me there on their way home. Papaye has been around for almost 31 years. The restaurant immediately acquired popularity and spread throughout Ghana, eventually reaching 314 locations by 2020. The restaurant is currently located throughout Ghana’s capital and second-largest city, Kumasi.
READ MORE: Restaurants in Accra
Things To Do In Accra
Visit Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Part is a major tourist destination in Ghana, located in the capital city of Accra. It’s a small museum dedicated to Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the country’s founding father. This section covers everything you need to know about our country’s first president and Independence Day.
Simply ask a taxi driver to take you there, or enter the address into your online taxi app, and your journey will take you there. The international airport is only 30 minutes away from the park.
Watch Art Performance at The Alliance Francaise d’ Accra
The Accra branch of the French cultural centre offers a varied selection of artistic programmes every week. It is known for its live music performances, but it also offers regular art exhibitions and debates featuring international artists. One of the top places in Accra for avant-garde cultural activities.
Tour At Makola Market
A visit to the Makola market is one of the few things to see and do in Accra on a budget. A tour to Ghana’s most popular market does not require much. It’s best to go with someone or hire a local to show you around. If you’re on a budget, you might ask your tour guide for help identifying low-cost things.
Keep an eye out for pickpockets and don’t carry too much. Wearing something with a zip pocket or gripping your phone tightly is ideal.
Weekends At Labadi Beach
Without a doubt, Labadi Beach is Ghana’s most popular beach. Thousands of local and international tourists visit the beach each year. Everyone wants to go to the beach when they visit Ghana, and if you haven’t already, you should.
Locals are always charged a premium entrance fee. However, I feel it will appear inexpensive to someone visiting Accra for vacation or exploration. Until last year, the entry fee was merely $2 USD; it is now $4 USD. I warned you that it could be perceived as cheap.
Things are really expensive at the beach, so if you’re on a budget, I recommend purchasing everything you’ll eat or drink outside of the beach. The weekends are the best time to visit the beach. A night at the beach in Labadi will be the most relaxing vacation you’ve ever had. Take a chance.
READ MORE: Cheap Things To Do In Accra City
Packing Tips For Accra ( What To Park)
Are you getting ready for your trip to Accra, but wondering what to pack? Here are some packing tips for things to bring with you on your journey.
- Bring a baseball cap or a hat, because the sun can get hot some things.
- Make sure you have a comfortable travel backpack or a sturdy travel suitcase.
- Ghana also uses European-style outlets. But is also best to get a nice African wear when you get here.
- Sneakers and slippers will be very comfortable.
Internet & Cell Phone Service In Accra
In Ghana, there are several cell phone companies; I may not recommend all of them, but the best are MTN, Vodafone, AirtelTigo, and Glo. In Ghana, these are the top cell phone services available.
MTN, for example, has the finest coverage and can provide service almost anywhere in Ghana, although it might be pricey.
Sim cards are easily obtained in Ghana and are sold on the street. You may get a sim card from any seller and they will assist you with registration and show you how to use it.
A sin card can be purchased for less than a dollar.
Best Time To Visit Accra City
Is there a good time to visit Ghana? Okay, Ghana has a fantastic weather system that makes it difficult to tell when it is summer or winter, but it is mainly sunny. However, there are seasons for the best entertainment shows and gatherings.
The best time to visit Accra on a budget is between April and November when the weather is pleasant and hotel charges are much reduced. If you are not on a budget, however, Christmas and New Year are the nicest and most enjoyable seasons to visit Accra.
Where Not To Visit In Accra
Accra, on the other hand, is a tranquil city free of war and violence. Tourists are welcome to visit any district or site in Accra at any time. Everyone is welcome to come and look around.
However, it is preferable to make a bucket list of places you want to see and avoid those you don’t. Overall, however, every location is safe to visit.