Accra: Guided City Tour with Makola Market & Museum Entry

Summary

Accra’s vibrant markets, history and living culture in motion

You’ll feel Accra’s energy up close—from bargaining in Makola Market to tracing Ghana’s independence at historic sites like Independence Square and the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum. With a local guide sharing stories (and maybe a laugh or two), you’ll taste, hear, and see daily life in motion—and leave with more than just photos.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled into Accra just after breakfast, windows down because the air was thick but somehow sweet — maybe fried plantain from a street vendor? Our guide, Kofi, had this easy way of weaving stories as we drove past Independence Square. He pointed at the Black Star Gate and told us how his grandfather saw Ghana’s first flag raised there. I remember thinking how the sunlight bounced off the stone and made everything look almost golden for a minute. We barely had time to take it in before we were moving again, heading for Makola Market.

If you’ve never been to Makola Market, it’s like stepping into a living river — colors everywhere, women balancing baskets on their heads (I tried not to stare), people calling out prices in Twi and English. Kofi showed us how to bargain for fabric; I got flustered and just laughed when I mixed up my numbers. The smell of smoked fish hit me near one stall — sharp but kind of comforting. There was this moment where an old woman smiled at me and pressed a mango into my hand without saying a word. I still think about that mango.

Afterwards, we found ourselves standing quietly at the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, which felt heavier than I expected — maybe it was the hush or just knowing what he meant for Ghana. The National Museum of Ghana was next: old drums behind glass, faded photographs, things you could almost hear if you listened hard enough. By then my feet were tired but my head was buzzing with all these new names and faces. We ended at the W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre; honestly, I didn’t know much about him before but hearing his story right there made it stick.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Accra's history and culture

• Visit Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum
• Shop and explore Makola Market
• Tour Independence Square monuments
• Visit W. E. B. Du Bois Memorial Centre
• Explore National Cultural Center
• Visit National Museum of Ghana

Top questions

What sites are included on the Accra city tour?

The tour includes Makola Market, National Museum of Ghana, Independence Square, Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Memorial Park, W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre for Pan-African Culture, and the National Cultural Center.

Is pickup included on this Accra guided city tour?

The tour includes air-conditioned vehicle transport with pickup.

How long does it take to visit all attractions?

The full day trip covers all major sites in central Accra within one day.

Are entry fees included in the price?

Yes, entry fees to all listed attractions are included.

Is lunch provided during the Accra city tour?

No lunch is specified as included; travelers may buy food at markets or nearby spots during free moments.

Will there be a local guide throughout the day?

Yes, an experienced local guide leads the entire tour.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?

This tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle around Accra plus entry fees for every stop—the National Museum of Ghana, W.E.B. Du Bois Center, Makola Market (with time to shop), Independence Square monuments, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and access to cultural centers—guided by someone who knows every shortcut and story along the way.