Accra City Tour: Makola Market, Museums & Independence Square

Summary

Explore Accra’s History, Culture & Markets in One Day

You’ll dive into Accra’s real life—from bargaining at Makola Market to learning Ghanaian history at museums and memorials—all with a local guide who brings every stop alive.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me at Makola Market was the mix of voices—vendors calling out prices, radios playing highlife music somewhere behind the stalls. We squeezed through narrow aisles packed with everything from bright kente cloth to buckets of fresh snails (I’ll admit, I hesitated before trying the fried plantain from Auntie Ama’s stand, but it was worth it). Our guide, Kwesi, seemed to know everyone. He pointed out where his mother used to buy smoked fish for Sunday stew. If you’re into people-watching or just want to see daily life up close, this place is it.

Next stop: the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum. The gardens were surprisingly quiet compared to the market—a few school kids on a field trip, some older folks sitting under the trees. Inside, you can see photos and personal items from Ghana’s first president. Kwesi explained how Nkrumah led Ghana to independence in 1957 and why locals still leave flowers at his grave. It felt personal hearing those stories right where history happened.

We wandered over to Independence Square after that. There’s this huge open space with the Black Star Gate standing tall in the middle. Locals come here for photos—some even offer horse rides if you’re feeling adventurous (I just watched this time). The wind coming off the ocean made it cooler than I expected for midday Accra.

The National Museum of Ghana was our next stop. It’s not flashy outside but inside there’s a real mix—old drums, carved stools, even fabric art from decades ago. Our guide showed us a tiny gold weight shaped like a crocodile; he said traders used these for measuring gold dust back in the day. I liked that nothing felt staged—it was all just there to be discovered.

We finished at the W.E.B Du Bois Center. There’s a peaceful vibe here—big trees and quiet paths leading up to Du Bois’ mausoleum and library. You get a sense of how much he cared about Africa and Pan-Africanism just walking through his old study full of books and letters.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Accra City Highlights

• Visit Makola Market
• Explore Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum
• View Local Artworks
• Tour Independence Square
• Visit National Museum of Ghana
• Tour W.E.B Dubois Center

Top questions

Is this Accra city tour suitable for families?

Yes! The tour works well for families and all fitness levels. Just keep an eye on little ones in busy spots like Makola Market.

Can I buy souvenirs during the tour?

Absolutely—you’ll have time at Makola Market and the Arts Center for shopping or browsing local crafts.

Are pick-up and drop-off included?

Yes, free pick-up and drop-off within Accra city are part of your tour package.

Is public transport nearby if I want to explore more after?

Definitely! Most stops are close to bus or taxi routes if you want to continue exploring on your own later.

What’s included

Your ride (air-conditioned car), bottled water, pick-up/drop-off in Accra, plus a friendly professional guide are all included. Service animals are welcome too!