Walking tours in Ghana

Ghana’s best walks happen in fishing harbours and markets, where the streets are the attraction. They are loud, hot and rewarding, and they go better with a local guide on the first visit. Prices here are in Ghana cedis (GH₵), at about 11.7 to the US dollar in early October 2026, and they move.

Jamestown, Accra

The Jamestown walk covers about 2.5 km and takes roughly 2.5 hours. Start at the red-and-white lighthouse and climb the spiral stairs for views of the Atlantic and the harbour. Then walk down to the fishing harbour, where hand-painted canoes land the catch, and through the old Ga family compounds, finishing among street murals associated with the Chale Wote street-art festival. Hire an accredited community guide at the lighthouse; fees are typically GH₵80 to GH₵120 per person. Many fishermen dislike unrequested photographs, so ask first. Compare guided Jamestown walks if you want one arranged.

Makola Market, Accra

A 2 km loop of about two hours takes you through lanes of Kente, Woodin and wax-print cloth stacked to the ceiling, spice sellers grinding ginger and peppers, and bead traders. Go in the morning, wear closed shoes, carry only the cash you need and take a guide if you have never been.

Kejetia Market, Kumasi

Kejetia is widely described as the largest open-air market in West Africa, with more than 11,000 stalls. Brass gold weights, herbal remedies, smoked fish, yams and live poultry all trade here. Treat it as a half-day wander with a fixed meeting point in case you are separated, and agree prices before you pick anything up.

Osu after dark, Accra

Osu’s Oxford Street (Cantonments Road) is lined with fashion boutiques, leather workshops and bars, and the early evening is the easiest time to stroll it. Use app-based taxis such as Bolt or Yango to return to your hotel after dark, rather than walking late.

Staying safe on foot

• Heat and traffic: set out early, drink water and expect heavy traffic on every crossing. Tourist information is available through visitghana.com .
• Health: Malaria is present across Ghana all year, so ask a travel clinic about prophylaxis before you fly and use repellent from dusk.
• Entry: UK and US passport holders need a visa, applied for on the official e-visa portal at evisa.immigration.gov.gh , where you can check the current fee. A yellow fever certificate is required, and without one you may be refused entry or vaccinated on arrival.
• Money: Carry cash in cedis for gates, markets and shared transport; larger Accra hotels and restaurants take cards, and mobile money is widely used.

Verdict: the Jamestown morning is the best single walk in Ghana, and it pairs naturally with an afternoon in Osu. For a wider plan, read the day trips page .

• Ghana
• West-Africa
• Guides