The Bougie Girls Guide to Accra
We know — in the age of sustainability, equity, and experiences over things, the word “Bougie” is probably seen as a faux pas in some circles. The good news is, this isn’t that circle and while we like to eat street meat with the best of them, we are also fans of a more luxurious way to explore West Africa’s capital of cool. Here’s our guide to travel in Accra with your best bougie friend in mind.
Where to Stay
If you see yourself as living your best life in your best light, the first question you ask yourself after you’ve booked that business class ticket to Kotoka International is “where am I staying”. Our must-haves for the femme jetset: outdoor space (for that Instagram “I woke up like this” post), exceptional service, easy access to our favorite places in the city, and the comfort of the Ritz with some African swag.
Neighborhood: Osu
Good For: Girls Trip, Bachelorette HQ, Ballin on a Budget
Kempinski Gold Coast City
Neighborhood: Accra Central
Good For: Big Hotel Perks with Boutique Vibes, Business Trips
Where to Eat
There are only a few places in town where you can get proper local food in some luxe surroundings BUT they do exist. When you’re ready to go beyond that we encourage you to try out some restaurants and dining experiences that rival what you’ll find in New York or Paris. We’ve listed only our absolute faves below and evaluated them based on service, intimacy, taste, and overall dining experience.
Neighborhood: Tesano
Good for: Something Special, Modern African Cuisine, Intimacy
Neighborhood: Airport
Good For: Special Occasions, World Class Sushi, Partying Nearby in Airport
Where to Grab A Drink
There are a few places with the right ratio of delicious cocktails to people watching that fit our idea of a classy girls night out. We’re looking for inventiveness in the drink menu, number of like-minded people destined to be in the room, and of course an overall vibe. Here’s our picks guaranteed to make you glad you put your best heels on:
Neighborhood: Osu
Good For: Local Ingredients, Networking, People Watching
Where to Shop
Neighborhood: Osu
Good For: Designer Ghanaian and Nigerian Brands that don’t break the bank
Christie Brown
Neighborhood: Osu
Good For: That panel talk that you want to show out for
Brown Sugar
Neighborhood: Osu
Good For: Lost luggage, cute but funky staples
Where to Party
Twist
Neighborhood: Labone
Good For: Turning All The Way Up, Sweating Your Hair Out
Carbon
Neighborhood: Airport
Good For: People Watching, Keeping It Cute
Where to Get Some Work Done
We know that our bougie gals are about that boss life and will likely need to dip into some good wifi, even on a “vacation”. Here are our favorite places to plug in and make money moves.
Neighborhood: East Legon
Good For: Getting it done amongst creative entrepreneurs
Even if you don’t consider yourself a “Bougie Girl” our bonafide picks are likely your best bets for visiting Accra when you travel to Ghana. If you’re looking for a more immersive experience be sure to head over to Tastemakers to book a tour with one of our insiders, you won’t find these experiences anywhere else.
