Accra in 1 Days - Independence (Black Star) Square
In Collaboration with Today's Travels. Updated on February 25, 2026.
A guided, accessible city tour of Accra led by a local guide. Visit Independence (Black Star) Square, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park & Mausoleum, the National Museum of Ghana, the Accra Arts Centre (Centre for National Culture), Osu Castle, and the W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre. The route balances short walks and vehicle transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Today's Travels, inspired by the tour Accra: Guided City Tour . Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Independence (Black Star) Square
- Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park & Mausoleum
- National Museum of Ghana
- Accra Arts Centre (Centre for National Culture)
- W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre for Pan-African Culture
More than 4 itineraries in Accra.
Itinerary
Day 1
Full-day guided exploration of Accra’s main cultural and historical sites with regular rest and short walks. Meeting point at Accra Mall (pickup available).
Meet & Pickup — Accra Mall
Meet your guide at Accra Mall for a brief introduction and boarding of the air-conditioned vehicle. Confirm accessibility needs and restroom breaks before departure.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 5–10 minutes early at the designated meeting point inside Accra Mall; the guide will wait near the main entrance.
- If you use a mobility aid, tell the guide on arrival so the vehicle and route can be adjusted.
- Use the mall restrooms before departure; your guide will point out restroom stops during the tour.
Black Star Square (Independence Square)
Witness Ghana's iconic independence monument and parade grounds with historical context provided by your guide.
Tips from local experts:
- The square has limited shade—bring a hat and sunscreen to stay comfortable during the outdoor walk.
- Paths are paved but can be uneven in places; wear supportive, flat shoes for stability.
- Ask your guide for the best spot for photos to avoid blocked views during any local activity or ceremonial setup.
Osu Castle (external visit)
Visit the historic coastal fort known as Osu Castle (Fort Christiansborg). The guide will provide colonial and post‑independence context. Internal entry is optional and may incur an extra fee.
- Monday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Tuesday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Wednesday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Thursday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Friday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Saturday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Sunday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Internal access may be limited or involve steps; if you prefer to remain on level ground, tell the guide before arrival.
- Photography is common outside the castle; be mindful of signage or restrictions and follow your guide's instructions.
- Carry a small bottle of water—there may not be immediate vending options at the castle entrance.
National Museum of Ghana, Accra
Explore Ghana's archaeological and ethnographic collections. Guided commentary highlights key exhibits; museum entry is optional and may require an admission fee.
- Monday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Tuesday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Wednesday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Thursday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Friday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Saturday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Sunday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Museum floors are largely level, but some displays are in separate rooms—ask the guide about minimal-walk routes.
- Restroom and seating areas are available inside the museum; check with staff on arrival for accessible routes.
- If you plan to enter, have a small note or local currency ready for the admission desk; staff will confirm current entry procedures.
Accra Arts Centre (Centre for National Culture)
Engage with local artisans and traditional crafts; time to browse textiles, carvings, and locally made souvenirs.
- Monday7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Tuesday7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Friday7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- SundayClosed
Tips from local experts:
- The centre has many stalls and modest steps in areas—keep belongings close and use a crossbody bag for ease.
- Take your time to browse; if you need seating or a quieter area, ask the guide to point you to shaded stalls or benches.
- If you wish to buy, carry smaller bills and coins; vendors may not always have change for large notes.
Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park & Mausoleum
Pay tribute to Ghana's first president at the park and mausoleum. The guide will provide context about Nkrumah's life and Ghana's independence movement.
- Monday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Tuesday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Friday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- The memorial grounds include garden paths—shaded benches are available for resting during the visit.
- There may be an orderly queue or modest steps to enter the mausoleum; if mobility is a concern, let the guide arrange a suitable viewing spot.
- Carry a light layer for cooler indoor sections of the exhibition or library space.
W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre for Pan‑African Culture
Explore the final resting place and library of W.E.B. Du Bois; the guide will outline his Pan‑African legacy and the centre's collections. Guided visits inside may be optional.
- Monday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Tuesday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Wednesday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Thursday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Friday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- SundayClosed
Tips from local experts:
- The centre is quieter and offers seating areas—a good final cultural stop to rest and reflect before return transfer.
- If you have questions about access to archives or the library, ask staff or the guide; some areas may have restricted access.
- Bring a light scarf or sweater for indoor gallery spaces that may be air-conditioned.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Seniors |
| Transfers | 1 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 6 |
| Total Places | 6 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Culture, Shopping |
Accra Guided City Tour
Why this experience
A guided city tour through Accra's most defining landmarks gives you context and stories you'd miss on your own. You'll visit Independence Square, where Ghana's flag first flew in 1957, tour the mausoleum of Kwame Nkrumah at the memorial park named after him, and explore the National Museum of Ghana to understand the country's pre-colonial kingdoms and independence movement. Today's Travels operates air-conditioned vehicles and guides who know the neighborhoods—Osu, Jamestown, Adabraka—and can explain why each corner matters. You'll also stop at the Accra Arts Centre to see local artists at work and visit Osu Castle, a colonial-era fortress now open to visitors. This isn't a rushed highlight reel; it's a full day that lets you actually absorb Accra's identity as West Africa's political and cultural capital. Best in the dry season when the city is most comfortable to walk.
Before you go
- Best time: Dry season (late autumn through early spring) — cooler, lower humidity, minimal rain
- Budget: Plan for lunch and snacks beyond the tour (small meals at local spots are inexpensive); tips for your guide are customary
- Difficulty: Easy — all transport by air-conditioned vehicle, minimal walking between sites
- What to bring: Sunscreen, hat, light layers, camera, portable water bottle
- Getting there: Most tours depart from central Accra; confirm pickup location with your operator
- Accessibility: Ask your operator in advance about vehicle accessibility and walking distances at each stop
Frequently asked questions
How long is the tour? A full day, typically 7-8 hours including lunch break, with pickup and drop-off at your hotel or meeting point.
Is this tour suitable for families with kids? Yes. Children enjoy the memorial park, museum, and arts centre. The air-conditioned vehicle and structured stops make it manageable for families; confirm any age-specific questions with your operator beforehand.
What's included in the tour? The guided tour, vehicle transport, entry to major sites, and your guide's knowledge. Food and drinks are typically your own cost. TheNextGuide partners with local operators to ensure quality itineraries; book directly through our platform to secure your spot.
Do I need to speak Twi or French? No. Tours are conducted in English; many guides also speak Twi (the local language) and can share phrases with you.
Can I customize the route if I have specific interests? Many operators allow adjustments—ask about focusing on art, colonial history, or markets if that appeals to you.
Complete your trip in Accra
Pair this with a day trip to Cape Coast and Elmina to see Ghana's castle heritage, or explore Accra's food scene with a local tasting tour. For a different pace, book another guided city tour to compare routes and operators.
Browse all Accra itineraries at TheNextGuide.
