DISTANCE FROM ACCRA AIRPORT TO THE CITY CENTRE

The Kotoka International Airport is the main airport catering to the needs of Ghana residents. It is the only international airport in Ghana and is located about a distance of 8 km from the city centre. No matter which category of flights, business class flights or premium economy class you might choose, you will surely be able to comfortably travel from the airport to the main city. Usually, it takes roughly about 30-40 minutes to go from airport to the city. However, the exact time required to travel from the airport depends on a variety of factors:-

The exact route taken

Drop off destination

Prevailing traffic conditions in Accra

ACCRA AIRPORT TRANSPORT

The airport is well connected to Accra and this is one of the reasons why many people choose to travel from Cardiff to Accra for vacation. The following modes of travel can be used to travel to the city from the airport:-

Taxi: The taxi fare to the city centre will be roughly 30 to 40 GHS and the journey time will be roughly 25 minutes. The time to travel from the airport depends on a variety of factors such as prevailing traffic as well as weather conditions.

Bus: An economical mode of transport used to travel to the airport. Bus services operate between 5 AM to 11 PM and bus stops are located about 800 to 1200 meters away from the airport. By bus it will take you roughly 50-60 minutes to reach Accra City Centre.

Pick and drop services: If you happen to be traveling on first class flights? Then you can surely ask the airline staff to pick you up and drop you off. All the airlines flying between Cardiff and Accra have this facility.

FLYING TIME FROM CARDIFF TO ACCRA

Looking for flights between Cardiff to Accra? It will take you between roughly between 9-13 hours to traverse the distance.

The exact time necessary to travel between these two cities will depend on a variety of factors such as:-

Air traffic conditions

Weather Patterns

Conditions at the airport

There are no direct flight operations between these two destinations, owing to the large distance between these two cities.

Are you in a hurry? Then, utilize services of premium economy flights. Specific advantages are:-

Better seating facilities

Wifi services and in-flight internet provided

Larger and superior seats

ATTRACTIONS IN ACCRA

Accra is a vibrant city, where you will be able to go and see a large variety of attractions, showcasing its rich history and culture. A list of the most popular tourist attractions in Accra are:-

W.E.B Du Bois Center: Named after the well-known African-American activist and academic who was the most influential Black protest leader in the United States in the first half of the twentieth century. His struggles in the civil rights movement, as well as his contributions to the abolition of racial discrimination and Pan-Africanism, are highlighted here.

Independence Arch: A section of the bigger superstructure and monument constructed to mark Ghanas independence from Britain. This tranquil park features bronze statues, fountains, and wandering peacocks, as well as the mausoleum of Ghana first leader, Kwame Nkrumah. One of the largest of its sort in the world, you will be able to receive a comprehensive view of monuments and sculptures commemorating the rich cultural past.  

Makola Market: After visiting this vibrant market, you will surely get an insight into the daily life in the city. The largest open-air market in the city which overflows with goods, people, scents and sounds, hustle and bustle. It is the best place to absorb the atmosphere of a West African market. An amazing place with lots of very narrow alleyways and women walking about with huge bowls and other packages on their heads. Good place to shop for most things you need for your home at reasonable rates.

Accra Arts Centre: The bustling market in Accra is a well-known hub for traditional arts and crafts. It has woven Kente fabric, wooden sculptures, beadwork, leather purses, earrings, and other fashion accessories, the newest in African Attire fashion, and high-quality handicrafts from all around Ghana. You will surely be in absolute awe after witnessing the skill of Ghanaian artisans and seeing the variety of textiles, wood carvings, and jewellery on display.

Osu Castle: Built by the Danes in the 17th century, this colonial relic has served as a fort and presidential palace. The fort was expanded and changed into a castle over the years. Built during the colonial period, it has served multiple roles as a prison, and presidential palace and is currently the seat of government. Its exterior and surrounding gardens are surely worth a visit on account of their historical significance.

The unique blend of tradition and modernity in this city makes it a captivating destination for tourists looking for an authentic West African experience. You will surely enjoy the diverse range of experiences to be had while enjoying the lively markets and beautiful beaches.

SHOPPING IN ACCRA

With a wide range of markets, boutiques as well as shopping centres catering to various tastes and preferences going shopping in Accra is surely a very rewarding experience. Some of the best places to go and purchase souvenirs and memorabilia are:-

Makola Market: If you are skilled in bargaining, then without doubt this market is the place to visit. In this iconic market, you will be able to purchase a wide range of goods like textiles, clothing, cosmetics, jewellery, and traditional African fabrics. Definitely the place to come and pay a visit to if you are on the lookout to purchase for qunitessentially West African items to take home with you.

Accra Mall: The mall is a modern shopping complex that houses both local African as well as international brands. Even though there are several newer malls in this city, this one is the best. The food court, cinema, and entertainment are places where you can go and grab a bite after time spent shopping and sightseeing. Weekends are a especially good time to pay a visit here as revellers from every corner of the city come here to party.

Wild Gecko Handicrafts: Do you want to keep positive recollections of your time in Accra? There is no better way to accomplish this than by shopping for traditional handicrafts. Situated in the locality of Osu, the outlet is a favourite among tourists who might be looking for unique gifts, and souvenirs like jewellery, masks, and textiles. Wild Gecko Handicrafts offers products of great quality and unrivalled diversity from Ghana and other African countries.

Kaneshie Market Complex (Kejetia Market): One of the largest markets in West Africa, this market is a bustling hub for clothing, fabrics, shoes, and more. The centre, which occupies a huge terrain, is home to over 10,000 businessmen and women who deal in a wide range of items. By all accounts, a wonderful location for truly experiencing the bustle of local trade. A hit with tourists coming to Africa, you will find a wide variety of traditional merchandise and it is an excellent place to experience the vibrancy of local commerce.

Artists Alliance Gallery: Are you looking to purchase contemporary Ghanaian art and crafts? Then this is the outlet to come to. Some of the items on display are paintings, sculptures, textiles, and jewellery, all created by local talent. If you''''re seeking for traditional clothing and artefacts, here is the place to go.

Without a doubt, going shopping in the markets of a city is the best way of getting to know how its people live. If you want to know what Ghana is all about, then you must go explore its vibrant markets. A bonus is that if you are skilled in bargaining, then you are assured of getting wonderful deals in the bustling markets of Accra.

NIGHTLIFE IN ACCRA

While in Accra, you will surely be spoilt for choice when it comes to what activities to do at night. You might be looking for live music, dancing or just enjoying a drink in a lively atmosphere, Accra has something for everyone.

The Carbon Nightclub: Regularly hosting themed parties and themed events, this nightclub is a wonderful go-to spot for everybody looking to dance the night away. Featuring a spacious dance floor, with top-notch DJs and a trendy atmosphere, this is one of Accra’s premier nightclubs. This nightclub has received top ratings on many blogs, and magazines covering nigltlife in the city. You will surely have a memorable time here.

Republic Bar and Grill: Located in the vibrant Osu neighbourhood, this a really popular hangout for locals and visiting expats. Well known for its live music events in the genres of reggae and Afrobeat, as well as the range of drinks and delectable food items served here. Weekends are especially popular with revellers from all corners of the city coming here to party and socialize. 

Vienna City Beach: A lively spot situated in a beachfront setting, it offers all visitors with live performances of music and dance in a fun-filled atmosphere. Hang your stress hat, connect with nature, and be treated to wonderful music, a range of drinks, and specialties from seasoned chefs. The beach, noted for its long beachfront, is a perfect spot for a quiet and relaxing walk during the week, horseback riding, quad biking, and parties on weekends.

Purple Pub: Located in the neighbourhood of Osu, the Purple Pub is one such place where you can enjoy a cosy and intimate atmosphere. With its lively environment of singing and dancing, is a popular hangout for the city''''s youth. The ambiance and patrons combine to create a delightful atmosphere that is ideal for dancing the night away in style. With foot-tapping music and a fun-filled atmosphere, this is the ideal spot for anyone wishing to unwind with their friends over drinks. A truly lovely place, where you can go and enjoy an intimate conversation with your buddies.

Bella Roma: A popular Italian restaurant as well as a pizza outlet, it is a popular spot for enjoying pizzas, drinks, and live sports events on big screens. This is the spot to go if you want to eat a delicious meal while having a good time in the city. Despite heavy competition, Bella Roma remains a popular place to hang out at night. Good cocktails, music, and vibes are some of the restaurant''''s distinguishing features. The greatest times to visit this outlet are around holiday seasons such as Christmas and New Year''''s when revellers from West Africa and other parts of Europe flock here to party.

The capital of Ghana boasts of a vibrant nightlife with a variety of options to cater to the tastes and preferences of everybody. You will surely have a merry time in this happening metropolis.

WHERE TO GET FOREX CONVERTED IN ACCRA

You should bring the local currency if you want to explore the city in greater detail and in a relaxed manner. The following is a list of locations where you can convert British pounds to Ghanaian Cedis:-

Airport: Money exchange services are available in international markets, departure areas, and the airport square.

Bank: You can also decide to visit the outlets of GTBank Ghana. Specializing in the sale as well as purchase of foreign currencies, you can surely exchange currency at an exchange rate of about 2-3%.

Hotels: The hotels in the city are also popular venues for currency exchange. The only drawback of this alternative is the high conversion costs.

The different locations which you can go and exchange the British pound to the Ghanaian Cedi in the city of Accra are:-

GREAT EATING PLACES IN ACCRA

The city of Accra has a diverse and happening culinary scene. Ghanaian food is considered one of the best that Africa has to offer and there are an array of eateries where you can go savour traditional cuisines. Some of the most popular and highly regarded eateries in Accra are:-

Bazaar Restaurant: Located in the lively Osu neighbourhood of Accra, the bazaar restaurant specializes in nearby and Middle Eastern cuisines. Dining in a cosy and inviting atmosphere, you will be able to savour a range of traditional dishes such as kebabs, biriyani, shawarma, and mezze platters. The main attraction of this eatery is that it offers a buffet service where you can go and have unlimited helpings of the dishes being served.

Azmera Restaurant: Famous for serving authentic Ghanaian dishes like jollof rice, fufu, and banks. The most unique selling point of this restaurant is that you can enjoy traditional dishes in a relaxing atmosphere. After dining here, you will be able to take home many cherished memories of the fun food experience. The delicious meals served here are guaranteed to hit the spot.

Jamrock Restaurant and Grill: This outlet is a must-visit for all fans of Caribbean cuisines. You will surely love the variety of flavourful dishes such as jerk chicken and curried goat that are served in the Hotels. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the management, the hotel has obtained top ratings on blogs and periodicals covering developments in the food and beverage scene in the country. This must be on the list of places to pay a visit to while in the city.

Bistro de Paris: outlet all diners with a delightful selection of French classics, ranging from escargot to French onion soup, to Croque monsieur. If you are looking for a taste of France in Accra, then you must seriously consider visiting this particular outlet. You will be offered great service and a delightful and exhaustive menu. For all enthusiasts of fine dining, this upscale Victorian-style restaurant surely will not disappoint you.

Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City (Accra): This luxury hotel offers a range of international cuisines like Thai, and Lebanese. Thanks to the diligent and intelligent efforts of the staff, it has also obtained numerous accolades for its top-notch quality as well as beautifully decorated interiors. The perfect place where a tired traveller can come and dine comfortably after a tiring day of sightseeing.

Your visit to the city of Accra will be incomplete without paying a visit to one of its award-winning restaurants. You might be looking for local delicacies, fast food, or continental cuisines, this city has it all.

HOTELS STAY IN ACCRA

Accra has been ranked as one of the top tourist destinations in West Africa because of its abundance of natural wonders, stunning structures, and marketplaces where you can get good bargains. There is a booming hotel business in Accra to accommodate the increasing number of tourists visiting the city. A short list of locations to stay during your visit is provided below.

Kwarleyz Residence Accra (5 Star)

Address:- JR9C+7P8, 15 Kofi Annan St, Accra, Ghana

Kwarleyz Residence is the epitome of residential luxury in the upscale Airport Residential Area. It is a great option for extended visits because it offers roomy, fully-serviced apartments. Each unit has been carefully planned out and outfitted for both comfort and elegance. In a nutshell, it has all that a business traveller to Accra would require. You will surely be able to make use of the facilities so provided in the hotel to effectively organize large-scale conferences, meetings as well as exhibitions.

Accra Marriott Hotel (5 Star)

Address:- Liberation Road, Accra, Ghana

The Kaya Palazzo Hotel provides opulent rooms and suites with stylish decor and cutting-edge amenities. Offering all clients’ individualized attention, and concierge support this is, without doubt, one of the best 5-star hotels where you can go and put up in Accra. An added draw is the attached multi-cuisine restaurant where you will be able to enjoy taste mouth-watering dishes from all corners of the globe.

The African Regent Hotel (5 Star)

Address:- 237/238 N Airport Rd, Accra, Ghana

In this luxury hotel guests can experience spacious rooms and modern luxury decorated with African-inspired décor. Some unique aspects of this hotel are the presence of a serene courtyard as well as restaurants serving a mesmerizing combination of international and local cuisine. Multilingual staff, a fitness centre, high-speed internet, and Wi-Fi make this resort the best choice for a discerning traveller like yourself.

 Tang Palace Hotel (4 Star)

Address:- Borstal Avenue, Accra, Ghana

The Tang Palazzo Hotel, which is located in the vibrant Airport City District, perfectly embodies both modernism and luxury. Truly a traveller’s delight, it features magnificent rooms and suites with original African décor. You will enjoy every moment of the time spent here. Definitely the best combination of comfort, class amenities provided at highly reasonable rates. An added benefit of staying here is that you will be getting facilities of transportation to the airport.

African Sun Amber Hotel Accra Airport (4 Star)

Address:- Plot 20 Airport City 0, Accra, Greater Accra, Ghana

The Airport Residential Area''''s African Sun Amber Hotel provides cosy lodging with a modern African aesthetic. The hotel has meeting spaces, and a restaurant serving both domestic and foreign cuisine. The availability of amenities like Wi-Fi and a teleconference room makes it highly sought after by travellers who have come to Accra for some official purpose.

Best Western Premier Accra Airport Hotel (4 Star)

Address:- 17 Quartey Papafio Ave, Accra, Ghana

This ultra-modern hotel has well-appointed rooms and is ideally placed close to the airport. In addition to using the hotel''''s conference and event spaces, guests can also eat tasty dishes from all corners of the world at the on-site restaurant and have a merry time partying and socializing in the adjoining bar. Thanks to the diligent and intelligent efforts of the management this outlet has obtained top ratings on many platforms covering happenings in the Accra''s hospitality industry.

Ibis Styles Accra Airport Hotel (3 Star)

Address:- Barnes Road, Accra, Ghana

Accra City Hotel is located in the heart of Accra''''s business district. The hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities, dining options ranging from casual to fine dining, a fitness centre, and meeting rooms. The best option for those who might be looking for something that offers value for money along with world-class comfort.

Paloma Hotel Ring Road Central (3 Star)

Address: 11 Ring Rd Link, Accra, Ghana

Anyone looking for pleasant accommodations can find options here that are affordable. While visiting Accra, you should think to consider staying here as it is a very practical option for tourists, travellers, and business visitors. A wonderful balance between cost, comfort as well as amenities is provided to traveling tourists.

 Accra, being strategically located on the Gulf of Guinea, is also known as the Gateway to Africa and is a popular destination with businessmen, entrepreneurs, and merchants looking to set up a new venture. Additionally, the city also contains numerous popular venues for sightseeing. A combination of the above two factors makes visitors from all over the globe throng there. You will surely have a lovely time exploring this amazing city.