Five Amazing Places in Accra You Didn't Know Existed

Nubuke Foundation © Rachel Strohm

Sometimes it’s hard to enjoy the city of Accra because of the speed at which things move there. It can feel like the whole place is in a perpetual state of rush, hurrying from one end of the city to the other. With all this going on, it’s easy to miss some truly magical sights, from serene botanical gardens to the glorious wonder of the planetarium. So if you want to enjoy Accra from a different perspective, then look out for these five places.

Jamestown Café

Architects, by their nature, have a way of transforming space into something beyond its rudimentary function, bringing not just functionality but energy. So it’s no coincidence that Jamestown Café, owned and operated by Joe Addo, is a magical space in the heart of Accra. Located along the High Street in Jamestown, Accra, the Jamestown Café offers a place to hang out or work, which channels the energies of old Accra and spurs creativity. It’s the perfect venue for architects, artists, writers or musicians who prefer to work in a non-confining space.

Jamestown Café, John Evans Atta Mills High Street, Accra, Ghana

Legon Botanical Gardens and Playground

This is one treasure that many residents of Accra forget exists. If you crave a pleasant outdoor experience but don’t want to travel far out of Accra, then the Legon Botanical Gardens and Playground is worth a look. Located at the extreme end of the University of Ghana campus, this large and serene park could be your fortress of solitude, away from the stress of the city, and it’s perfect for family or group activities like hiking. The gardens also feature an eco-friendly rope playground with many safe climbing and swinging activities for people of all ages.

Legon Botanical Gardens and Playground, Haatso-Atomic Rd, Accra, +026 236 6167

The botanical gardens offer a place to get away from the rush of the city | © Remy Mboku/Flickr

The Studio Accra

There aren’t many art spaces in Accra despite the growing interesting in artists like Ibrahim Mahama, Serge Attukwei Clottey and Zohra Opoku. The Studio Accra solves this problem by lending its intimate space to artists and art enthusiasts, so they can discuss, analyse and work on projects. It’s run by photographer Francis Kokoroko and stylist Daniel Quist, and together they bring a new dynamic to Accra’s cultural landscape with interesting programming such as jam sessions, installations, panel discussions and performance exhibitions.

The Studio Accra, Mission Street, Osu, Accra

Artist procession "Gold" © Kwabena Akuamoah-Boateng

A Ghanaian artist procession | © Kwabena Akuamoah-Boateng/Flickr

Ghana Planetarium Science Project

If you’re into astrology or simply want to watch the stars twinkle under the beautiful Accra sky, then the Ghana Planetarium Science Project is the only place to be. The observatory provides sessions for groups to view and learn about the various constellations and planetary systems. The dome is located in Cantonments, making it accessible to anyone in and around the city of Accra.

Ghana Planetarium Science Project, Osu Ave Ext, Accra, Ghana, +030 277 0600

Brazil House

Brazil house is an art space and gallery located in the historical heart of Jamestown, and it’s also the headquarters of Accra[dot]Alt, organiser of the Chale Wote Street Arts festival. The building is the ancestral home of the Tabom people, a group of Afro-Brazilian returnees who settled in Ghana.

At Brazil House, or the Accra[dot]Alt Space State, you’ll find the work of contemporary Ghanaian artists such as Awo Tsegah and Bright Ackwerh, and a sacred space created by singer Jojo Abot, who had a residency there.

Visiting Brazil House will also afford you the opportunity to learn about the history of Jamestown, which has two slave forts, just a few metres apart, and the famous Accra Light House.

Brazil House, Off the John Evans Atta Mills High Street, Accra, Ghana

These recommendations were updated on January 16, 2017 to keep your travel plans fresh.