Accra, the bustling capital city of Ghana, is a vibrant and exciting destination for tourists and locals alike. With its rich culture, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife, there’s always something to do in this dynamic city. However, sometimes you might want to take a break from the hustle and bustle and find a quiet place to relax and unwind. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful spot to read a book or a serene location to meditate, Accra has plenty of options.
In this article, we will explore some of the best quiet places to hangout in Accra, where you can escape the noise and chaos of the city and find some tranquility. From botanical gardens to cozy cafes, there’s something for everyone looking for a peaceful oasis in the heart of Accra.
Aburi Botanical Gardens: A Tranquil Retreat
Located about 30 kilometers northeast of Accra, in the Aburi Hills, the Aburi Botanical Gardens offer a serene escape from the bustling city. This beautiful park spans 64 hectares of rich vegetation and is a popular hangout for both tourists and residents. The gardens are home to a variety of exotic plants, flowers, and trees, including palm trees, orchids, and bamboo.
One of the main draws of the Aburi Botanical Gardens is its tranquil atmosphere, making it the perfect place for walks and picnics. The well-kept lawns, paved walkways, and strategically placed chairs allow visitors to relax and unwind while taking in the beauty of the surroundings. The gardens also feature ponds and waterfalls, adding to the serene ambiance.
With a rich history dating back to 1890 when it was started by the British as a plant nursery, the Aburi Botanical Gardens have become a significant hub for horticultural and botanical research. It’s not only a place of natural beauty but also a testament to Accra’s colonial past.
Silverbird Cinemas: A Peaceful Movie Experience
For a quiet hangout with some entertainment, Silverbird Cinemas in Accra is the perfect spot. This well-known entertainment venue offers a peaceful atmosphere and comfortable seating arrangements for moviegoers. With cutting-edge sound and projection technology, it provides an unrivaled viewing experience.
Aside from showing movies, Silverbird Cinemas also offers a variety of appetizers and beverages to enhance your movie-watching experience. The spacious and well-maintained facilities make it a great place to unwind and relax after a long day.
What sets Silverbird Cinemas apart is its commitment to excellent customer service. The friendly and knowledgeable staff is always ready to assist and ensure that patrons have a pleasant time. Whether it’s a date night or an outing with friends, Silverbird Cinemas offers a unique blend of entertainment and tranquility.
Legon Botanical Gardens: Nature’s Oasis
Nestled in the heart of Accra is the magnificent Legon Botanical Gardens, spanning 64 hectares. This tranquil and beautiful retreat offers visitors the chance to escape the city’s hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in nature. The gardens feature a lake, a bird sanctuary, and a canopy bridge that provides a unique vantage point to appreciate the garden’s beauty.
One of the highlights of the Legon Botanical Gardens is the opportunity to rent paddleboats and explore the lake, making it a popular spot for leisure activities and picnics. The bird sanctuary is a must-visit for birdwatchers, as it is home to many different bird species, some of which are rare and endangered.
The canopy walkway at Legon Botanical Gardens is a must-see attraction, allowing visitors to walk among the treetops and experience the garden from a different perspective. Suspended high above the ground, the walkway offers breathtaking views of the garden and its surroundings.
In addition to its natural beauty, the Legon Botanical Gardens also offer picnic areas, playgrounds for children, and a restaurant serving both local and international cuisine. It’s a popular destination for families, couples, and nature lovers, catering to everyone’s preferences.
Bosphorus Restaurant: A Turkish Delight
If you’re looking for a quiet hangout with a taste of Turkish cuisine, Bosphorus Restaurant in Accra is the place to be. This well-known eatery offers a distinctive dining experience, with a lovely outdoor area where guests can unwind and enjoy their meals. The lush vegetation, flowers, and fountain create a tranquil and relaxing ambiance.
Specializing in Turkish food, Bosphorus Restaurant serves a variety of dishes, including kebabs, meze, and traditional desserts. The menu caters to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian preferences, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Beyond its mouthwatering cuisine, Bosphorus Restaurant is known for its excellent service and attention to detail. The friendly and attentive staff ensures that diners have a memorable experience.
The highlight of dining at Bosphorus Restaurant is the garden area, providing a peaceful and inviting setting to enjoy your meal. Turkish-inspired lanterns and decorations add a warm and welcoming touch to the space.
Cafe Kwae: A Contemporary Retreat
In the heart of Accra, you’ll find Cafe Kwae, a contemporary and chic cafe perfect for a quiet hangout. The cafe offers a comfortable setting for guests to unwind, mingle, and enjoy a wide variety of coffee and pastries.
The interior of Cafe Kwae combines contemporary and classic features, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. With a mix of tables, chairs, couches, and bar seating, the seating area is both cozy and spacious.
When it comes to coffee, Cafe Kwae serves some of the highest quality brews in Ghana, sourced from the best roasters. From espresso to cappuccino, latte to cold brew, the menu offers a range of coffee options, along with a selection of teas and other beverages.
In addition to coffee, Cafe Kwae offers a mouthwatering variety of pastries, including croissants, muffins, and cakes. For those in need of a quick snack, the cafe also provides sandwiches and light meals. The cafe’s friendly and knowledgeable staff takes pride in delivering exceptional customer service, ready to recommend their favorite coffee and pastry combinations.
Efua Sutherland Children Park: Family-Friendly Fun
For families seeking a quiet and enjoyable hangout, Efua Sutherland Children Park is a must-visit destination. Located in the center of Accra, this park is known for its peaceful surroundings, beautiful landscaping, and child-friendly amenities. Named after renowned Ghanaian playwright Efua Sutherland, the park has become a favorite spot for parents looking to enjoy a picnic with their kids.
The park offers a range of amenities for children of all ages, including playgrounds, swings, slides, and other entertaining activities. There are plenty of shaded areas where families can relax and enjoy a picnic meal. A small lake in the park allows kids to feed ducks and other birds, providing a special and unforgettable experience.
With well-maintained lawns and beautiful flower beds, the park offers a stunning backdrop for family portraits and the creation of lasting memories. All in all, Efua Sutherland Children Park is the perfect destination for families looking for a peaceful and enjoyable day out.
Artists Alliance Gallery: A Hub of African Art
In Accra, the Artists Alliance Gallery stands as a prominent art gallery showcasing contemporary works by African artists from Ghana and beyond. Established in 1993, the gallery aims to support and promote the development of modern art in Ghana while providing artists with a platform to showcase and sell their creations.
The gallery exhibits a wide range of artistic mediums, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, installations, and mixed-media pieces. With rotating shows, visitors have the opportunity to view fresh and intriguing works of art with each visit.
The Artists Alliance Gallery is not just a space for displaying art; it also serves as a hub for cultural exchange and creative dialogue. The gallery hosts regular artist talks, workshops, and other events that bring together artists, art lovers, and the wider community to engage with art and its impact on society.
For anyone interested in modern African art, a visit to the Artists Alliance Gallery is a must. Its commitment to promoting and supporting local artists and fostering cultural interchange makes it an invaluable addition to the art community in Ghana and beyond.
Movenpick Hotel: Luxury and Tranquility Combined
Accra is home to the opulent five-star Movenpick Hotel, a member of the prestigious Movenpick Hotels & Resorts network known for its outstanding customer service, state-of-the-art amenities, and stunning surroundings. The hotel offers a range of cozy rooms and suites, each beautifully furnished and equipped with the latest facilities, ensuring a pleasant and comfortable stay.
Guests at Movenpick Hotel can enjoy a wide range of facilities, including an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, spa, and several on-site restaurants serving both local and international cuisine. The hotel also features well-equipped conference rooms and a ballroom, making it an ideal venue for business meetings and events.
The hotel’s prime location in the heart of Accra makes it a convenient starting point for exploring the city’s attractions, such as Independence Square, the Accra Mall, and the National Museum of Ghana. Travelers will appreciate the hotel’s free shuttle service to and from Kotoka International Airport, adding to the convenience and tranquility of their stay.
The Firefly Lounge: Stylish Ambiance and Delectable Drinks
The Firefly Lounge is a popular hangout for both locals and tourists, thanks to its trendy and sophisticated ambiance. With inviting lounging areas and a well-stocked bar, the lounge offers a memorable experience for visitors.
The Firefly Lounge is renowned for its outstanding cocktail menu, featuring a variety of traditional and contemporary drinks crafted with top-shelf spirits and seasonal ingredients. In addition to a wide selection of wines, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages, the lounge provides a range of small plates and nibbles, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying a quick bite.
What sets The Firefly Lounge apart is its regular live music performances, DJ sets, and other events, making it a popular nightlife destination in Accra. Whether you’re looking to relax and unwind or mingle with others, the lounge’s stylish ambiance, breathtaking views, and delicious drinks and food create the perfect setting.
AM:PM: A Cozy Cafe for Any Time of Day
AM:PM is a contemporary cafe in Accra that offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere for a quiet hangout. Located in the city center, this cafe is the perfect place to relax, socialize, and indulge in a variety of coffee and pastries.
The interior of AM:PM is thoughtfully designed, blending contemporary and classic elements to create a warm and welcoming space. With a mix of tables, chairs, and comfortable seating options, the cafe provides a cozy and spacious environment for guests to enjoy their time.
When it comes to coffee, AM:PM delivers exceptional quality, sourcing their beans from some of the best roasters in Ghana and beyond. From espresso to cappuccino, latte to cold brew, the cafe offers a range of coffee options to satisfy every coffee lover. Alongside coffee, AM:PM serves a mouthwatering selection of pastries, including croissants, muffins, and cakes. For those looking for something more substantial, the cafe also offers a variety of sandwiches and light meals.
The friendly and knowledgeable staff at AM:PM takes pride in providing exceptional customer service, always willing to go the extra mile to ensure guests have a wonderful experience. Whether you’re looking for a quick caffeine fix or a leisurely brunch, AM:PM is the ideal destination for a quiet hangout in Accra.
La Chaumiere: A Quaint and Romantic Dining Experience
For a romantic and quiet hangout in Accra, look no further than La Chaumiere. This quaint eatery offers a cozy atmosphere with soft lighting and rustic furnishings, creating an intimate setting for a romantic evening.
La Chaumiere specializes in French and African-influenced cuisine, using locally sourced and fresh ingredients to ensure a delightful and memorable dining experience. The attentive and welcoming staff at La Chaumiere ensures that diners enjoy exceptional service and leave with lasting memories.
Located in a private garden, La Chaumiere provides a unique and picturesque backdrop for a romantic evening. Whether it’s a special anniversary or a quiet date night, La Chaumiere offers an ambiance perfect for intimate conversations and shared moments.
Wild Gecko: A Cultural Oasis
For a unique and comprehensive experience of African culture, a visit to Wild Gecko is a must. This fascinating estate in Dzorwulu, Ghana, offers a range of attractions that will captivate visitors. The estate’s pan-African gift shop showcases an astounding collection of goods from all over the continent, including Ethiopian fabrics, handmade jewelry, and traditional masks. Visitors can also explore the woodworking studio, where talented craftspeople employ traditional methods to create exquisite wooden furniture.
What sets Wild Gecko apart is its collection of historical antiques, providing insight into Ghana’s rich cultural heritage. From a map of the Gold Coast from 1789 to other artifacts, the collection offers a glimpse into the country’s past.
All in all, Wild Gecko offers a distinctive and immersive understanding of African culture and history, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique experience.
The 5 Lounge and Restaurant: A Unique Culinary Journey
The 5 Lounge and Restaurant is a hidden gem in Accra, offering a delightful dining experience while ensuring affordability. One of its unique offerings is the Jollof Arancini, a ball-shaped dish made with Jollof rice and corned beef, dipped in eggs, and topped with bread crumbs. It’s a creative twist on traditional meatballs, with the flavors of Jollof adding a delicious touch.
The 5 Lounge and Restaurant is located in the cantonments of Accra, making it easily accessible for both locals and tourists looking for a unique and tasty meal.
Zen Garden: A Serene Retreat
For a peaceful hangout in Accra, Zen Garden is the perfect destination. Tucked away in a private garden, this delightful restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating options. Zen Garden is an ideal venue for a range of events, including business get-togethers, team-building exercises, wedding receptions, or simply relaxing with a drink.
Sai Wine and Champagne Bar: A Haven for Wine Enthusiasts
Sai Wine and Champagne Bar is one of Accra’s top hangouts, specifically catering to wine lovers. This establishment specializes in and serves a wide variety of wines, including red, white, rose, sparkling, and fortified wines. Whether you’re a couple or a group of friends looking to unwind and enjoy premium wines, Sai Wine and Champagne Bar provides a setting and ambiance ideal for a relaxing and enjoyable get-together. The bar also offers food options that pair perfectly with the wines on their menu, ensuring a complete and satisfying experience.
Conclusion
Accra may be a bustling city, but it also offers numerous quiet places to hangout and find tranquility. From the serene Aburi Botanical Gardens to the peaceful Silverbird Cinemas, there’s a spot for every preference.
Whether you’re in the mood for Turkish cuisine at Bosphorus Restaurant or a cozy coffee at Cafe Kwae, Accra has a variety of options to cater to your desires.
Families can enjoy quality time at Efua Sutherland Children Park, while art enthusiasts can explore the contemporary works at Artists Alliance Gallery.
For a luxurious and serene experience, Movenpick Hotel offers top-notch amenities, while The Firefly Lounge provides a stylish ambiance and delectable drinks.
AM:PM is the perfect cafe for any time of day, and La Chaumiere offers a quaint and romantic dining experience.
Wild Gecko provides a comprehensive understanding of African culture, and The 5 Lounge and Restaurant offers a unique culinary journey.
Zen Garden and Sai Wine and Champagne Bar round out the list of quiet places to hangout in Accra, providing serene retreats for relaxation and enjoyment.
No matter what your preferences or interests may be, Accra has a quiet place to suit every mood. So next time you find yourself in this bustling city, take a moment to escape the noise and chaos and discover the tranquility that awaits you in these hidden gems.
