10 Amazing Days in Ghana - Accra and Cape Coast
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10 Amazing Days in Ghana - Accra and Cape Coast
Trina Phillips
Available for hire
Ghana is an incredible country filled with friendly people and plenty to explore.
While 10 days is a bit of a whirlwind, it’s enough time to get a solid taste of Ghana—culture, history, nature, and a bit of adventure all wrapped up between Accra and Cape Coast. I’ve designed this itinerary to strike the right balance between activities and downtime, so you can get the most out of your trip without feeling totally wiped out by the end.
I’ve also organized each day’s activities in a way that makes the most sense for efficiency (and to avoid too much time stuck in Accra’s traffic). Trust me, a little strategic planning goes a long way here.
I don’t recommend a lot of specific restaurants unless they’re near the stops and I can vouch for them. Ghana has plenty of hidden gems when it comes to casual dining, so it’s best to go with the flow and choose a spot close by when you get hungry. Just don’t wait until you’re starving—food prep in Ghana can take a bit of time. That said, street food and chop bars (local eateries with ready-made dishes) are great, fast options when you’re on the go.
There are certain activities where you'll need to hire a driver. I can easily recommend Junior. He knows everywhere and everyone and he's a great driver. His specialty is Cape Coast, but he's very well-versed in Accra, too. Just call or WhatsApp him to make arrangements: +233 024 473 6171.
If Junior isn't available, just ask at your hotel or hit up a Bolt driver that you like and think will give you a fair price, (always negotiate first).
Two apps you’ll want to download for your trip
Bolt - It’s like Uber, but local, and it works in both Accra and Cape Coast.
Pro Tip: Always opt to pay in cash when using Bolt. Trust me on this – drivers are much more motivated to show up when they know there’s cash waiting at the end of the ride!
Glovo – Food delivery in Accra. If your hotel doesn’t have a restaurant and you just don’t feel like going out, this is a good way to get fed. It can be slow, though, so order early.
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Day 1 - An Easy First Day
Since you're probably still adjusting to the heat after a long flight, we'll take it easy on day one. Oxford Street and Accra Mall are great for walking around as much (or as little) as you like. Both spots are super practical too – you can grab a SIM card, pick up anything you forgot at the pharmacy or grocery store, hit the ATM, and maybe treat yourself to a proper coffee (don’t worry, it’s NOT Nescafe).
As for the National Mosque, it’s perfectly located between the two, and it’s a peaceful and beautiful spot to explore while you're out and about.
Oxford Street
@trinaphillips
Oxford Street in Osu is the go-to spot for tourists and expats. You’ll find a mix of local craft and souvenir shops, a small market, and some western-friendly spots like an MTN office (where you can pick up a SIM card), a pharmacy for mosquito repellent, and even a few international eateries. If you’re in need of electronics or a forgotten charging cable, Franko Trading is a solid choice.
When shopping for crafts and souvenirs, be sure to bring a sense of humor and a good bargaining game—it’s all part of the fun! (Check out the video I’ve linked for tips on how to master the art of haggling on Oxford Street.)
By the way, the guys I bought the fabrics from (see pics), were awesome. I highly recommend a stop in their shop.
Start at Danquah Circle and wander your way toward ShopRite. By the time you hit Papaye Fast Food, you might be ready for a snack. It’s standard fast food but with a unique, Ghanaian twist—definitely worth a try if you’re feeling peckish.
Just a couple of blocks off Oxford Street is Global Mamas (next up in the itinerary). They’re a fair-trade co-op supporting local women who create beautiful, handcrafted products. It’s a great spot to check out, and you’ll feel good knowing your purchase supports a great cause.
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Global Mamas is just off Oxford Street - don't miss it.
Global Mamas
@trinaphillips
Global Mamas is a fantastic fair-trade co-op that specializes in crafts made by local women. Most of their items are fabric-based, like clothing, purses, and accessories, but you’ll also find some fun surprises, like rattan figurines, bead necklaces, and bracelets. They’ve got a wider variety of goods than you might expect for a small shop.
I personally picked up a flat, fabric clutch that’s perfect for holding my passport, money, and other essentials—and I absolutely love it.
This is a great organization doing meaningful work, and I’m more than happy to recommend them!
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Ghana National Mosque Complex
@trinaphillips
One of the coolest things about Ghana’s National Mosque is that non-Muslims are welcome to visit (just not during prayer time).
This place is stunning—inside and out—and well worth taking some time to explore. You don’t have to be an architecture geek to appreciate the beauty of this space.
When you arrive, just let the security guy at the gate know you’d like to do a tour. There’s no official admission fee, but it’s a good idea to tip your guide, who’s often the same security guy. I tipped 20 cedis, and that seemed just right.
A couple of things to keep in mind: You’ll need to take off your shoes before going inside, so wear something easy to slip on and off. Also, women might be asked to cover their hair, so bring a scarf just in case. (If you don’t have one, they might lend you something—but don’t count on it.) When I visited, my hair was super short, and I had a hat on, so no one said a thing.
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Accra Mall
@trinaphillips
As a reformed teenage mall rat, I can personally vouch for the awesomeness of Accra Mall.
This place has everything you could possibly need, along with all the mall staples. The highlights? A grocery store, pharmacy, a million ATMs, a food court with some great options, a proper coffee bar, and even electronics shops, including an iStore. Oh, and if you’re in the mood for a movie or desperate for a Whopper, there’s a Burger King and a cinema upstairs—just in case of an "emergency."
The mall isn’t massive, but it’s big enough to be fun. It has three wings, or prongs, but don’t feel like you have to trek to the end of every aisle. There are handy cut-throughs off the food court, which is front and center in the middle aisle.
Whether you’re looking to shop or just need a cool place to chill, Accra Mall has you covered.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Trina Phillips
Available for hire
Hi, I’m Trina, and I was bitten by the travel bug more than 30 years ago! I started exploring the world independently way back, and since 2017, I’ve been a full-time traveler, diving deep into the rich cultures of Southeast Asia (7 countries) and Africa (11 countries).
Currently based in Tamale, Ghana, I’m all about experiencing destinations in a real, down-to-earth way—no luxury fluff, just genuine adventures.
And starting in January 2025, I’ll be traveling overland from Ghana to Namibia in what I have creatively dubbed, Africa Tour 2025.
My travel style? Comfort-budget. I stay in local spots that are as inexpensive as I can get and still be comfortable. I eat where the locals do and hop on public transport when it makes sense. However, I do slide up to mid-range now and again for an extra bit of comfort and for clients who prefer a softer stay.
Whether you’re looking for vibrant markets, hidden gems, or cultural hotspots, I’ve been there, done that, and am more than happy to pass along what I’ve learned—honestly and without the hype.
I’m a big believer in being upfront. My guides and consultations come from real experiences, and I never recommend anything I wouldn’t do myself. You’ll find my approach both informative and practical because I want you to have an incredible, stress-free trip.
Whether you’re tackling the lively streets of Accra or searching for unique experiences across Africa, I’ve got the insights to help you navigate it all.
And let’s not forget the creative side! I have a huge passion for arts and crafts, especially anything performance-related like drumming, so you’ll often find those cultural highlights in my recommendations.
My goal is simple: to help you have the best adventure possible, with all of the fun and none of the hassle.
If you’re looking for honest, practical advice from someone who’s been there and done that, I’d love to help you plan your next unforgettable journey!
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DESTINATION(S) COVERED
Cape Coast, Ghana
Accra, Ghana
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Format
Itinerary
Itineraries typically include day-by-day plans, with food, lodging and activity recommendations for each day.
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