A Millennial's Guide To Osu Accra

In Accra, no place exercises a stronger magnetic pull on the youth than Osu. It is one of the most visited and dynamic cultural hotspots in Ghana, with people of all ages from near and far flocking to its streets for the restaurants, cafes, clubs, casinos, fast food joints and boutiques.

Osu is a suburb of Accra, close to the centre of the city. Traditionally, it was a settlement of close-knit coastal fishing communities inhabited the Ga ethnic group. However, it has grown into a network cosmopolitan neighbourhoods. The majority of activity is concentrated around Oxford Street, the main artery running through the heart of district. This street, however, is nothing like the favoured shopping destination in London as it runs through a largely residential area with a good number of stores and office complexes on either side of the road.

This compact community is the premium cultural spot in Ghana because of the density and variety of activities available. It has seafood restaurants, cinemas, street food stalls, art and crafts stalls in close proximity to one another. Getting there should also be quite straightforward. You can drive, take a taxi, use Uber, or catch a trotro (public minibus) to Danquah Circle, on the Ring Road. This major intersection marks one of the many entry points to Osu.

Food and Drinks

Nightlife

The Republic Bar is a favourite night time destination for many Osu-goers. Their potent cocktails will have you dancing all night under the sky to the live band or to spiritual afro-house and funk sets from some of Accra’s greatest DJs. Shake of the stress of the week in clubs like Bella Roma, Venus, Carbon and Twist (which is just a few minutes outside Osu) to the latest local and international hits, with some of the coolest people in Accra. Kona Bar and Grill is the best place in Osu to go to for live music. Their open mic session is hosted by Kacey Moore and DJ Mitchy every Wednesday. Up-and-coming singers, rappers, instrumentalists and poets all come to get discovered at this incubator of creative talent.

Fashion

Despite its raving reputation for being fast-paced, you can also enjoy the town for its mellow and relaxed moments. Take a scenic walk along Oxford Street and observe the buzzing energy of Accra or do some leisurely browsing and perhaps pick up a momento or two. The paintings and clothing on sale on the side of the road brighten the streets of Osu with their bold and iridescent colours. There are also shops like Christie Brown and Elle Lokko who specialise in contemporary fashion from well known local brands like AAKS, Sophie Zinga and Charlotte Privee. Clothing items on sale range from casual comic t-shirts, to bespoke gowns and suits, pendants, rings, and other accessories.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.