Ghana

Cost of living

What a month costs

Rents in expat areas like Cantonments, Airport Residential and East Legon are dollarized and often demanded one to two years upfront. Imported goods are pricey, local food and transport are cheap.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Accra

1. Kwame Nkrumah Memorial ParkMausoleum and museum honouring Ghana's independence leader, set in landscaped grounds.
2. Black Star SquareVast Independence Square with the Independence Arch and Black Star Gate on the seafront.
3. JamestownOld colonial fishing quarter with a landmark lighthouse, street murals and famous boxing gyms.
4. Makola MarketSprawling, sensory central market where you can buy just about anything.
5. Osu Oxford StreetThe buzzing dining, shopping and nightlife spine of the city.
6. Labadi BeachThe city's liveliest beach, busy with drummers, horse rides and weekend crowds.
7. National Museum of GhanaArchaeology, art and history collections tracing the country's past.
8. Artists Alliance GalleryThree floors of Ghanaian art and crafts near Labadi, founded by painter Ablade Glover.
9. W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial CentreThe final home and resting place of the American scholar who settled in Accra.
10. Centre for National CultureThe Arts Centre crafts market for kente, carvings and beadwork, good for haggling.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. Cape Coast and ElminaSobering UNESCO slave castles on the coast about three hours west, worth the whole trip.
2. Kakum National ParkRainforest canopy walkway high in the treetops, easily paired with Cape Coast.
3. Aburi Botanical GardensCool green hills of the Akuapem ridge, roughly an hour north and a welcome break from the heat.
4. Ada FoahBeaches and river islands where the Volta meets the Atlantic, about two hours east.
5. Akosombo and Volta LakeThe great dam and lake cruises, a relaxed weekend on the water inland.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. Cafe KwaeAiry, plant-filled favourite at Airport City with proper coffee and brunch.
2. Vida e CaffeReliable South African espresso chain with several Accra branches.
3. Second CupComfortable coffeehouse spots, including East Legon, good for laptop work.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. BukaBeloved Osu spot for pan West African classics like jollof, banku and grilled tilapia.
2. SantokuPolished Japanese and sushi at Villaggio in Airport City.
3. Skybar25Rooftop drinks and dining with sweeping views from Villaggio Vista.
4. Chez ClarisseLegendary open-air grill for Ivorian and West African street food, order the aloko.
5. La ChaumiereLong-running French fine dining, an Accra institution for special nights.
6. Zen GardenEstablished Asian restaurant with a leafy garden setting.
7. Country KitchenCasual local buffet for a proper introduction to Ghanaian home cooking.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. Cafe KwaeEgg plates, pastries and strong coffee in a relaxed garden setting.
2. Cuppa CappuccinoHomegrown café chain doing dependable breakfasts and coffee across the city.
3. Bistro 22Airport Residential café-restaurant popular for morning meetings and eggs.
4. PinocchioOsu Italian spot known for pastries, gelato and a leisurely morning coffee.
5. Vida e CaffeQuick, consistent croissants and cappuccino to start the day.