2016 went by fast, almost a bit too fast as I quite liked what 2016 had to offer. All in all I was almost 3 times in Accra last year – if I count the last two days of my 2015 Xmas/NewYear’s trip as well. Last year I proved to myself that it is possible to travel and not always wait until there is “enough” money to do so or “the time is right”. Sometimes you just need to pack your things and go. Here’s to 2017 and many more trips to the continent. Probably not again to Ghana – I beg – Senegal and South Africa are next on my list!
Accra is such a bustling city – even the NY Times has declared it to one of the happening cities on the continent. So when I spent the last 10 days in Accra to celebrate Christmas with my family, there were several places to check out.
While it is 2 C / 35 F in Brooklyn right now, let me create some warm memories by typing down the list of my favorite hangouts:
Love this place, small with great atmosphere, super friendly staff and delicious tea as well as great food. What more can you ask for? I stopped by several times during my last trip. Also conveniently located right next door to The Shop Accra.
A bit pretentious but the view – if it’s not harmattan season – and atmosphere on the 25th floor rooftop bar is worth it. Just walk past the ladies with the clip boards and nod confidently when they ask if you are on the guest list. Best drink: Passion Fruit Mojito. If you don’t want to pay for parking just tell the security at the gate that you are heading to am/pm – a sport bar on the same complex that offers free parking. Great music, whenever I went they played Funky House Music which was kind of fitting (shout out to DJ Pam Bam).
Already one of my favorites from my last visit from an interior design perspective. The food is okay but not my favorite and all the “surprise” music interventions for people who celebrate a birthday can get a bit annoying after a while. You need to experience it to understand what I mean ;-) But nonetheless great place to go for a drink or a coffee.
Another really cool designed and stylish location on top of Coco Lounge is Urban Grill. Service is excellent but the prices are extremely high. They just opened a club – Carbon – on top of the restaurant and while I was there everyone kept on asking if we already checked it out. We didn’t – maybe next time!
Not too far from the Airport, a nice stylish Cafe that even offers gluten free bread and some vegan dishes. Of course it could happen that the gluten free bread is out and the waiter will bring you white toast bread instead ;-) Their food presentation looks great, I like the interior design and their house wine is quite decent. Also nice spot to hang out and work on your laptop while drinking a cup of coffee.
One of my favorites. Great place for dinner (love their food), concerts or listening to live music while nursing a drink. I didn’t manage to go there this time but Gold Coast is always worth a visit and also a good place if you don’t know where to go with your family or a bigger group of people. And they are hosting every Sunday an African Brunch/Lunch Buffet that is quite popular. Their entrance area with the black & white photography of the Gold Coast area is beautiful and alone worth a visit.
This Ivoran restaurant is a gem within the side streets of Osu. The area doesn’t look very inviting and neither looks the restaurant from outside if I am honest. But my sister was determined to go and praised the food and service over the top. I am so glad we went as I think I had my best Tilapia there. The atmosphere is relaxed, service is attentive and quick and the food is just delish. Can’t wait to go back.
I feel this bar has been here forever. It’s a great place to start or end the night, to have a drink if you are not sure what else to do with yourself or to enjoy their many events. Every night has a theme, either DJs, live music, Karaoke etc. It is a place where tourists, locals and somehow everyone seems to mix and that’s what gives The Republic such a unique vibe. They also mix their own special alcohol drinks – very sweet and strong. (Images on cover and top of blog post)
Let me know if there is any other spot you would recommend? Comment below!