Areas to Avoid in Accra
Ghana
|⚠️ CautionHonest 2026 safety guide for travellers visiting Accra. Which areas need extra caution, common scams to watch for, and safe neighbourhoods to stay instead.
Last updated: March 2026
Skip the risky areas. Compare hotels in safe neighbourhoods on Expedia.
Accra is generally Use Caution
2 areas to be aware of · Best areas to stay: Osu, Labone, Airport Residential Area
Travel Insurance for Accra
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Quick tip: Most tourist areas in Accra are safe. This guide covers areas locals recommend avoiding.
Areas That Need Extra Caution
These areas are not necessarily dangerous, but travellers should be more aware
Makola Market (surrounding streets)
While vibrant and essential for local life, the sheer density, pickpocketing risks, and overwhelming nature can be challenging and unsafe for unprepared tourists, especially those unfamiliar with navigating crowded markets.
🛡️ Stay here instead: Osu
A bustling hub of restaurants, bars, and boutiques, Osu is the heart of Accra's social scene.
Certain poorly lit or isolated streets in less developed areas
These areas often lack adequate street lighting and security, increasing the risk of muggings or other opportunistic crimes, particularly after dark.
🛡️ Stay here instead: Labone
An upscale residential area with a good selection of restaurants and cafes, offering a more tranquil experience.
Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Accra
Now you know which areas to avoid, here are the best guided experiences to explore the city with confidence.
Accra Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems
Discover Accra on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.
View Tour Details
Accra Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites
Eat your way through Accra with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.
View Tour Details
Best of Accra: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions
Skip the queues and get straight into Accra's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.
View Tour Details
Day Trip from Accra: Scenic Excursion
Escape Accra for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
View Tour Details
Accra Cultural Experience: History & Traditions
Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Accra's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.
View Tour DetailsWe earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Stay Safe, Explore Confidently
Book a hotel in a safe neighbourhood or join a guided tour in Accra
Stay in a safe neighbourhood
Compare hotels in Accra on Expedia
Book a guided tour
Explore Accra safely with a local guide
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Book a Hotel in a Safe Neighbourhood
These areas are recommended by locals and popular with travellers
Osu
A bustling hub of restaurants, bars, and boutiques, Osu is the heart of Accra's social scene.
Generally safe during the day with moderate caution needed for petty theft in crowded areas; at night, stick to well-lit main streets and avoid walking alone.
Labone
An upscale residential area with a good selection of restaurants and cafes, offering a more tranquil experience.
Generally safe, but standard precautions against petty theft apply, especially in less populated areas at night.
General Safety Tips for Accra
At Night
Stick to well-lit, busy streets and popular establishments. Avoid walking long distances and be aware of your surroundings, especially in areas like Osu after dark.
Solo Female Travel
Accra is generally safer than many other African capitals, but solo females should exercise heightened awareness. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in less populated areas, and be mindful of unsolicited attention.
Emergency Number
112
Stay Connected
Save your accommodation address and emergency contacts on your phone. Download offline maps before exploring.
Common Scams to Watch For in Accra
- 1Overpriced taxis: Always negotiate fare beforehand.
- 2Fake guides: Be wary of people offering unsolicited tours.
- 3Currency exchange scams: Only use official forex bureaus or reputable hotels.
Travel Insurance for Accra
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Safe Neighborhoods to Stay Instead
These areas are popular with travellers and rated well for safety
Osu
A bustling hub of restaurants, bars, and boutiques, Osu is the heart of Accra's social scene.
Generally safe during the day with moderate caution needed for petty theft in crowded areas; at night, stick to well-lit main streets and avoid walking alone.
Labone
An upscale residential area with a good selection of restaurants and cafes, offering a more tranquil experience.
Generally safe, but standard precautions against petty theft apply, especially in less populated areas at night.
Airport Residential Area
A leafy and affluent district known for its spacious homes, diplomatic missions, and upscale hotels.
Very safe due to the presence of embassies and security, but still exercise awareness in quieter streets at night.
East Legon
A dynamic and rapidly developing area with a mix of residential areas, shopping centers, and growing nightlife.
Generally safe, but be mindful of your surroundings, especially when walking at night, and be aware of traffic.
Safety in Accra
Exercise cautionSolo Female Travel
Accra is generally safer than many other African capitals, but solo females should exercise heightened awareness. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in less populated areas, and be mindful of unsolicited attention.
At Night
Stick to well-lit, busy streets and popular establishments. Avoid walking long distances and be aware of your surroundings, especially in areas like Osu after dark.
Emergency
112
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Overpriced taxis: Always negotiate fare beforehand.
- 2Fake guides: Be wary of people offering unsolicited tours.
- 3Currency exchange scams: Only use official forex bureaus or reputable hotels.
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