A visit to Ghana does not have to end when the suitcase is packed and the journey home begins.

From brightly coloured Kente cloth to earthy handmade crafts and natural skincare products, the country’s markets and artisan shops offer visitors an opportunity to take home something that tells a story about Ghanaian life, creativity and heritage.

For those drawn to natural beauty products, Ghanaian shea butter and African black soap are worthwhile purchases. Made using traditional ingredients and methods, they have earned international recognition among people seeking plant-based skincare alternatives. Their practicality also makes them thoughtful gifts.

Textiles are another highlight. Kente, with its intricate patterns and vivid colours, is among Ghana’s most recognisable cultural symbols.

Batik and Adinkra-stamped fabrics offer different expressions of local textile artistry, while visitors can also purchase fabric and have clothes tailored to their preferred styles.

The traditional smock, particularly associated with northern Ghana, provides another distinctive option.

For something smaller, Ghanaian jewellery, postage stamps and Afro Moses sandals offer memorable alternatives.

Handwoven baskets, wooden carvings and other handcrafted objects showcase the skill of local artisans, making them particularly meaningful souvenirs for those who appreciate handmade work.

What makes these purchases special is the connection they create between the visitor and the place. A piece of fabric can become a treasured outfit, a wooden carving a feature in a living room, and a jar of shea butter a reminder of Ghana’s natural resources.

Rather than choosing an ordinary keepsake, visitors can leave Ghana with objects that celebrate its traditions, support its creative communities and keep memories of the country alive long after the journey ends.

As evening settles over Accra, the sound of a saxophone, the pulse of a highlife guitar and the murmur of conversation come together at +233 Jazz Bar & Grill, a venue where the city’s musical traditions meet its cosmopolitan nightlife.

Located in the Ridge area, near Ghana Police Headquarters, +233 takes its name from Ghana’s international telephone dialling code. It is a fitting expression of local identity for a venue that has become a recognised meeting point for music lovers, performers and visitors seeking an authentic taste of Accra after dark.

A Stage for Ghana’s Musical Heritage

Music is the main attraction. Operating most nights from Tuesday to Sunday, with performances typically beginning around 8pm, the venue offers a programme spanning jazz, highlife, Afrobeat, blues and soul.

Highlife, a distinctly Ghanaian musical tradition shaped by local rhythms and influences from elsewhere, holds a special place in the country’s cultural story. Hearing it alongside jazz and Afrobeat creates an opportunity to appreciate the connections between Ghana’s musical heritage and wider global sounds.

The venue has welcomed established Ghanaian performers and international artists, while continuing to provide a platform for emerging talent. Its appeal lies partly in this balance between familiar favourites and fresh voices.

Music, Food and an Open-Air Atmosphere

Spread across two levels, the venue combines indoor seating with an outdoor terrace where guests can enjoy Accra’s evening breeze.

Bars on both floors make it easy to order a drink without losing touch with the performance.

The menu complements the music with grilled favourites such as kebabs, burgers, pork chops and chips. Cocktails, beers and soft drinks round out the experience, whether guests arrive for dinner or settle in for a full evening of live entertainment.

A Different Side of Accra

For international visitors, +233 offers a welcoming introduction to the capital’s contemporary music scene. For residents, it provides a place to meet friends and celebrate the musicians shaping Ghanaian sound.

With its blend of live performance, relaxed dining and local identity, +233 Jazz Bar & Grill makes a compelling case for experiencing Accra one song at a time.

A family day out does not have to mean choosing between adventure for the children and relaxation for the adults.

At Lakeside Marina Park, on the shores of Lake Kalmoni in Accra’s Lakeside Estates, both can find their own kind of excitement, from horseback riding and quad biking to peaceful paddling across the water.

Since opening in 2003, the recreational park has developed into a destination for families, groups of friends and visitors looking for outdoor entertainment away from the capital’s busy streets.

Adventure takes centre stage at the Marina Obstacle Course, where visitors can test their agility, while quad bikes offer a faster-paced experience around the grounds.

Horse riding adds another attraction for children and adults, and the canopy walkway provides an opportunity to enjoy the surrounding scenery from above.

For families seeking gentler activities, the lake offers a different rhythm. Visitors can try recreational fishing or take pedalos onto the water, enjoying a quieter experience amid the park’s recreational bustle.

A boat cruise is another option for those who prefer to take in the views without doing the paddling themselves.

Younger visitors can spend time at the children’s playground, while older children and adults can compete over mini-golf, table tennis or games on the outdoor sports pitches.

Five-a-side football, volleyball and tug-of-peace also make the park suitable for group outings and team-building activities.

The published admission prices are GH₵50 for adults aged 13 and above, GH₵40 for children aged three to 12, and GH₵150 for a family ticket covering two adults and two children.

With its mix of active pursuits and lakeside relaxation, Lakeside Marina Park offers families a chance to turn an ordinary afternoon into a shared experience.

Its appeal lies in variety: everyone can choose their own adventure, then come together at the end of the day with memories made outdoors.