Makola Market

Established in 1924, Makola Market has been the commercial core of Accra for a century. It is still Ghana’s main trade hub, offering anything you could possibly desire, from household goods and electrics to food, souvenirs, and second-hand clothes. Speaking of clothing, the labyrinthine market has long played an important role in the West African fabric industry, with many designer brands sourcing their fabric from the market. Makola Market is one of Accra’s must-visit attractions; however, it can be quite overwhelming, so it’s best visited with a guide.

• The market is generally pretty warm and welcoming, but it can also be a prime location for pickpockets. Keep your wits about you and your valuables out of sight. You may also want to use a decoy wallet or leave your purse or backpack at your accommodation.

• Bring cash, shopping bags, and plenty of water, as the market can be very hot and crowded. You’ll also want to wear comfortable shoes—you may put in a lot of steps at the market.

• Makola Market was once featured on an episode of No Reservations; make like Anthony Bourdain and try distilled palm wine (akpeteshie) and condensed milk toffee.

The commercial heart of Accra, Makola Market is located in the Central Business District. About a 5-minute drive from Accra’s Jamestown district, the sprawling market takes up multiple blocks and is separated into distinct areas like Kantamanto, Rawlings Park, and Cowlane. The best (and most convenient) way to get to Makola Market is to join a tour. Alternatively, you can get there by using a ride-hailing service, calling a taxi, or hopping on a tro-tro, a shared minibus service that operates a bit like a public bus with set routes and frequent stops.

Makola Market is open seven days a week, with most shops opening early in the morning and closing in the evening. If you want to avoid the crowds—and grab a tasty local breakfast like waakye (black-eyed peas with rice and other toppings) or hasua koko (millet porridge)—then it’s worth coming down early. Whenever you visit, though, you’ll want to schedule a few hours to lose yourself in the colorful atmosphere, leaving enough time to haggle for the best prices.

There are many reasons why it’s best to visit Makola market with a guide—not least because a guide will help you haggle for the best prices, take you to the best stalls, and keep you from getting lost in the market’s labyrinthine alleyways. Tours are also a great way to learn about local food, with your guide happy to steer you in the direction of the best dishes to try. Not only that, though, they’re also a great way to learn more about the market’s fascinating history and the role that it has played in Ghanaian culture, politics, and fashion.