ENJOY THE CITY WITHOUT SPENDING A CEDI | FREE THINGS TO DO IN ACCRA
- AccraEvents.GH
- Aug 24, 2025
- 6 min read
Contrary to popular belief, Accra isn’t only reserved for big spenders. While the city boasts its share of upscale restaurants, bars, and attractions, there are also countless things you can enjoy that are budget friendly. This guide breaks down 10 of the most interesting Free Things To Do in Accra that you can take advantage of to fully experience the city's distinct charm while keeping your days full and your wallet happy. So, put on your walking shoes, grab a camera, and immerse yourself in all that Accra has to offer.
(NOTE: These free prices may not apply during Detty December festivities because of the high volume of people, but outside the Christmas season (December to January), these activities remain free throughout the year).
1. ATTEND LIVE MUSIC SHOWS
For a soothing yet uplifting escape, look out for free live music events around Accra—perfect for unwinding while staying entertained. Many of the city’s live music showcases are free to attend and span a rich mix of genres, from jazz and highlife to R&B, hiplife, Afrobeats covers, reggae, and more. Explore our list of Top Live Music Events and Venues to find quality live band performances in Accra that will ease your mind and get you moving to the groove.
2. GO SIGHT-SEEING
Knowledge is power so this free activity arguably makes you stronger. Save money in Accra by visiting the Iconic Historical Monuments and Sights Around the City. Some sites require a small entry fee but visits to most sites like the Jamestown Lighthouse, the Makola Market, the National Mosque, the Asomdwe Park, the Legon Campus, the Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Independence Arch are completely free, yet have a whole lot of valuable history behind them! For instance, the Independence Arch symbolizes Ghana's freedom from British colonial authority. It's a terrific location for a photo op and to discover the history of the nation. Enrich your mind and save your money with a self guided tour of Accra.
3. ENJOY PARTIES & NIGHTLIFE
This may sound hard to believe, especially to those who only experience Accra during the Detty December season; but it’s true. Outside of December and January, most non-member clubs in the city offer free entry unless a special or ticketed event is taking place. Exploring Accra’s nightlife during the off-season is one of the best ways to enjoy the city’s energy without overspending. Even better, there’s a steady lineup of nightlife options every single night of the week, from laid-back Mondays to lively Sunday sessions, ensuring something is always happening. There are also nightclubs that stay active well into the morning hours every night of the week meaning you can enjoy an authentic December experience partying from 8PM to 8AM if you are really determined!
4. ATTEND TRADITIONAL FESTIVALS
Keep an eye on the calendar for the many cultural festivals that bring Ghana to life throughout the year. Accra city hosts a wide range of open-air, street-style celebrations; many of which are completely free to attend. Festivals in Ghana such as Homowo and Aboakyire offer a vibrant window into Ghanaian traditions, music, and community spirit without costing a thing. Beyond entertainment, these gatherings create space for self-expression, shared storytelling, and creative release, while also offering a joyful escape from everyday routines and a boost to overall well-being.
5. GO FOR DANCE CLASSES
Dance classes are a fun, energetic, and healthy way to stay active while enjoying the rhythm of the city. Accra hosts a variety of free dance sessions throughout the week; you just need to know where and when to find them. To get started, explore a curated guide to some of the Dance Classes in Accra. Or click the button above to book / join a specific type of dance class.
6. ATTEND KARAOKE & OPEN MIC NIGHTS
Across the city, many bars and lounges host free karaoke nights, with at least one event happening every day from Tuesday through Sunday. In fact, karaoke in Accra is almost always free to attend but Open-Mic events on the other hand, are a roll of the dice cost-wise. Though Open-Mic nights are more likely to incur a small entry fee, they are more diverse in performance type from spoken word to poetry, free-styling, singing, and other forms of artistic expression; adding a touch of spontaneity. Whether you arrive ready to “carry your own key” or simply soak in the talent and energy around you, the spotlight is open. The stage is yours. Find Karaoke Events in Accra.
7. JOIN SPORTS GAMES & WATCH MATCHES
Catch the action live or enjoy the atmosphere at some of Accra’s best sports bars. The city’s sports scene is vibrant and wide-ranging, with games happening at professional, amateur, school, university, and club levels throughout the week. From training sessions and friendly matches to full-scale competitions, there’s always something to watch. Football, boxing, athletics, basketball, volleyball, polo, field hockey, and more can be experienced either in person or alongside fellow fans at a lively bar. While professional matches may require a small entry fee, community and friendly games take place across the city every weekend—many of them free and open to the public. In some cases, visitors can even join in. Make time to visit local parks, astroturfs, and stadiums, and check our events list to see what’s happening during your stay so you don’t miss the action.
8. HANGOUT AT THE BEACH
With over 540 kilometers of coastline, Ghana offers an abundance of beaches that are freely accessible and perfect for a leisurely stroll. Beloved by both locals and visitors, the shoreline is an easy escape where the simple pleasures of sun, sand, and sea cost nothing at all—though beach chairs and umbrellas are available for those who want extra comfort. Stepping onto the beach is an instant pause from daily life. The rhythmic crash of the waves and the open, tranquil setting naturally invite mindfulness, making the coast an ideal place to relax, meditate, or simply clear your head and breathe.
9. PARTICIPATE IN GAME & TRIVIA NIGHTS
Visit local bars and lounges that host game and trivia nights for a lively mix of competition and connection. These events offer a fun way to test your knowledge, win exciting prizes, and meet new people in an engaging, social setting. From bingo and pool tournaments to charades and other group games, the variety keeps the energy high and the experience fresh. More than just entertainment, game nights create valuable opportunities for face-to-face interaction in a digital-heavy world, encouraging genuine bonding and strengthening connections among friends, families, and even the wider community.
10. VISIT ART GALLERIES
Another cost-free activity that checks several boxes at once is exploring Accra’s many art spaces. From established galleries and private collections to artisan kiosks, curated displays, and striking street murals, the city’s creative pulse is visible at nearly every turn. Visiting these spaces supports local artists while offering an experience that is engaging, insightful, reflective, and surprisingly relaxing. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or simply a slower, more thoughtful way to explore the city, stepping into an art gallery is always time well spent.
FREE THINGS TO DO IN ACCRA BONUS: JOIN A LIVE STUDIO AUDIENCE
With more than 100 local TV stations across the country competing for viewers, studios are constantly searching for lively, reliable audiences to bring their programs to life. As social media and at-home streaming continue to pull people away from traditional television, securing an in-studio audience has become far more challenging than it was even a decade ago. The upside? Viewers now have a unique opportunity to step behind the scenes. From music competitions and beauty pageants to talk shows and more, you can attend live recordings, experience productions up close, and play an active role in shaping the energy of the shows as they’re created.
EARN CASH WITH ACCRA ESCAPE ROOM GAMES
We all love free things, but how about things that pay you? Earn cash with the Accra Escape Room Referral Program. This program rewards you for each booking placed with your as the reference. For every Escape Room booking, each player fills in a mandatory waiver that asks them to fill in how they found out about the escape room. With each mention, you can earn GHc10 - GHc30 based on your referral tier. Do what works for you and work on your own time - as long as visitors cite you, you will get paid. See more Side Hustles That Pay in Accra.
From breezy beaches to bustling markets to neighborhoods rich with heritage, the city invites you to experience its rhythm at no cost. Whether you’re a local explorer, backpacker, student, budget traveler, or simply someone who believes great experiences don’t always need a price tag, these activities make it easy to fill your day, week or month-long visits with memorable moments. Accra’s charm lies in its accessibility: a city where history, creativity, and everyday life unfold in the open so take advantage of these free things the city has to offer!
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