Accra is often described as busy, colourful, and full of movement. It is a city where music drifts out of passing taxis, where markets buzz with energy, and where people are always on the move. For many newcomers, it can feel like you need to spend money to enjoy all of this. But the truth is, some of the best experiences in Accra are completely free. All you need is curiosity and a willingness to explore.
Here are five free things to do in Accra that will show you another side of the city.
1. Walk through Jamestown and discover street art
Jamestown is one of Accra’s oldest neighbourhoods, a place where fishing boats line the shore and children play football on dusty streets. It is also a neighbourhood filled with history and art. Walking through Jamestown feels like stepping into a living museum, where colonial-era architecture sits next to bold murals.
Every wall tells a story. Some murals are playful, others are political, but all of them give you a sense of how creative the city is. You might be stopped by locals who are happy to tell you about the neighbourhood, or children who want to show you their favourite spots. It is a reminder that Accra’s art is not locked away in galleries. It lives on the streets.
Tip: You can do a “free” walking tour (donation based).
2. Stroll through Makola Market
If you want to feel the heartbeat of Accra, Makola Market is the place to go. It is busy, noisy, sometimes overwhelming, but always fascinating. You do not need to buy anything to enjoy the experience. Simply walking through the narrow pathways is enough.
Every corner reveals something new. One stall sells vibrant fabrics, another offers fresh fruits and vegetables, and somewhere nearby you will smell grilled plantains on an open fire. The market is alive with voices bargaining in Twi, Ga, other languages spoken in Ghana and English. Spending time here teaches you more about Accra’s rhythm than any guidebook could.
Tip: get to the top of the parking lot of “Makola Mall” to see the market from above
3. Roam around in Osu and Oxford Street
Osu is one of Accra’s liveliest neighbourhoods, and Oxford Street is at its heart. Walking here means stepping into the rhythm of the city: vendors selling roasted plantain, music spilling out of taxis, shops full of fabrics and souvenirs, and the glow of neon signs as evening falls.
Step off the main road and you will find quiet cafés, hidden art spaces, and local chop bars serving waakye or banku with tilapia. By night, Osu transforms into a hub of bars, clubs, and street life where the energy of Accra is at its peak.
Roaming around Osu costs nothing, yet it gives you a real taste of the city. It is a place where locals and visitors meet, and where Accra shows both its busy and its welcoming side. Sometimes the best way to explore the city is simply to walk and let Osu tell its story.
Tip: wait for our Language Walks! We are planning to start the pilot in Osu (donation based). Follow us on Instagram for updates
4. Watch the sunset at Labadi Beach
The ocean is never far away in Accra, and Labadi is the city’s most famous beach. While many parts of the beach are run by hotels and charge an entrance fee, there are stretches that remain open to the public. At sunset, the beach comes alive with drumming, dancing, and football games.
Watching the sun dip into the Atlantic is free, but the feeling it gives is priceless. You can sit quietly and take it in, or you can join in the energy of the people around you. Either way, it is one of the most beautiful ways to end a day in Accra.
5. Join a community event
Not all of Accra’s free activities are about sightseeing. Some of the most rewarding experiences come from meeting people. Across the city, you will find free art exhibitions, poetry readings, and open community gatherings. At Language Café Accra, we often host casual events like potlucks, language meetups, or conversation evenings that are open to everyone.
These events are about more than just saving money. They are about finding a place where you belong, especially if you are new to the city. Sitting together over food, learning a few words of Twi, or simply chatting about life in Accra can make the city feel less overwhelming and much more like home.
Tip: Other “free events to look into”: Comedy Club at Kukun, Tampered Reading Parties, live music nights at Afrikiko and Zen Gardens (yes… you have to order a drink), Art exhibitions at Gallery1957, ADA, Nubuku and more.
The beauty of free moments
Exploring Accra does not (always) have to be expensive. Some of the city’s best experiences are free: a walk through an old fishing neighbourhood, the sound of bargaining in a market, the calm of a garden, the glow of a sunset, or trying your Twi skills with strangers on the streets. These are the moments that stay with you, long after you leave.
If you are looking for ways to experience Accra while meeting people and building connections, come join us at Language Café Accra. We believe the best things in life are not only free: they are shared.
Most of our programs in Accra are based on “pay as you can”-donation. Everyone can decide for themselves how much money they can miss, so we can bring an inclusive and divers group of people together.
