Arts Centre, Accra (Craft Market) - Image 1
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Arts Centre Accra Craft Market

4.3
·2k reviews·Accra, Ghana

A vibrant hub for authentic Ghanaian art and crafts, offering everything from wood carvings to textiles and jewelry.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays

More competitive prices

CrowdMedium
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Arts Centre, Accra (Craft Market) - Image 1

Arts Centre Accra Craft Market

Best Time

Weekdays

More competitive prices

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant hub for authentic Ghanaian art and crafts, offering everything from wood carvings to textiles and jewelry.

4.3
(2k reviews)

"A majestic, fantastic, and vibrant arts and crafts selling point in Accra. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🤝 Bring a Local Guide

Locals can help navigate and negotiate better prices.

💰 Be Ready to Haggle

Bargaining is expected. Start lower than you're willing to pay.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Artisan Crafts

Artisan Crafts

Throughout the market

Discover skillfully designed wood carvings, paintings, beadwork, and unique home decor items.

Kente Cloth & Textiles

Kente Cloth & Textiles

Fabric stalls

Explore vibrant, intricately woven Kente cloth and a wide array of colorful fabrics for clothing and decor.

Handmade Jewelry

Handmade Jewelry

Jewelry stalls

Find unique, handcrafted jewelry made from beads, seeds, and local materials.

Musical Instruments

Musical Instruments

Instrument stalls

See and hear traditional Ghanaian musical instruments, often made from natural materials.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigate the Crowds & Vendors

Be prepared for an energetic market experience. Vendors can be persistent, especially with women. Consider visiting with a local to help navigate and secure fair prices. Female vendors are often more polite than male vendors. Reddit

Haggling & Fair Prices

Bargaining is expected and part of the experience. While you should negotiate, remember that your purchase supports local families. Avoid trying to rip off vendors. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays
Why
More competitive prices
Crowd
Medium
When
Mornings
Why
Less intense vendor calls
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Safety

🤝 Bring a Local Guide

Locals can help navigate and negotiate better prices. Reddit

💰 Be Ready to Haggle

Bargaining is expected. Start lower than you're willing to pay. Reddit

reddit.com

Buying Ankara

🚶‍♀️ Polite but Firm

A friendly 'I'm just looking' usually works for persistent vendors. Reddit

🛍️ Compare Prices First

Consider visiting Makola Market first to gauge prices before negotiating here. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🤝 Bring a Local Guide

Locals can help navigate and negotiate better prices. Reddit

💰 Be Ready to Haggle

Bargaining is expected. Start lower than you're willing to pay. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Polite but Firm

A friendly 'I'm just looking' usually works for persistent vendors. Reddit

🛍️ Compare Prices First

Consider visiting Makola Market first to gauge prices before negotiating here. Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Accra can be hot and humid; carry water. :droplet:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Arts Centre Accra Craft Market for its vast array of authentic Ghanaian crafts, from intricate carvings to vibrant textiles. The lively atmosphere and the opportunity to connect with artisans are highlights. However, many note the aggressive sales tactics of some vendors and the need for strong negotiation skills, with prices often inflated for tourists. Reddit

"There are many interesting things to see. This is a market with many, many vendors.
It's difficult to get past the vendors at the entrance. If you go, take an agreeable local with you to fend off too-aggressive vendors. Ask at your hotel or wherever you stay for help with this.

Some male vendors are quite aggressive, esp with women. They refuse to hear a polite "not yet, I am just looking now." I had to make a "go away" motion to get room to stand and just look. That was promptly obeyed for about 5 minutes.
Soon as I touched anything, another vendor was shoving different stuff at me. That's just bad manners.

Female vendors are more polite, holding wares to be seen. I prefer polite over having things shoved in front of me.

There are many interesting cultural items to be found. I purchased a small musical instrument made from large seed pods. Photos of a fan and the instrument are with this post.

I also purchased several tote bags that folded down into a zippered pouch. The bags were different sizes, ranging from small [8" wide x 10" deep] to medium to large [8" wide x 15" deep]. There's a photo of one with this post.

There is also jewelry, posters, clothing, home decor - just anything the locals can think of to make that might sell.

This is a good place to haggle over price. Keep in mind, your purchase could be their family's meal for that day. In other words, do not try to rip off the vendors.

It's good to admire the articles you see, even if you don't buy them. That gives locals an idea of what looks good to visitors."

ES

"A majestic, fantastic, and vibrant arts and crafts selling point in Accra. I saw skillfully designed artworks that could suit kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, school walkways, churches, offices, events, etc. Ghana Airways could find a unique match. The ingeniously crafted domestic culture is amazing. Awesome creative minds! Nice to see drama, music, ecology, religion, minerals, people, and land features from all the 16 regions of the country beautifully displayed. With various finished non-exotic items on display, including fabrics, chairs, cups, tools etc., it is possible to bargain for what fits your pocket. Take a step to the art market to see things for yourself! The way many sellers call visitors ("sounding") by mouth at the same time could be entertaining but could also be very confusing. Best of luck during shopping!"

Sylvanus S. P. Doe

"If you’re visiting Accra and want a true taste of Ghanaian art, culture, and craftsmanship, the Accra Art Centre is a must-visit. The atmosphere is lively, colorful, and full of energy, with local artisans showcasing everything from wood carvings and kente cloth to paintings, beadwork, and musical instruments.

What I loved most was how personal the experience felt—many of the vendors are the actual artists, and they’re more than happy to explain their work, give demonstrations, or even customize pieces for you. I was able to find unique, handmade gifts and souvenirs that I couldn’t find anywhere else.

Yes, the vendors can be a bit persistent, especially if you’re just browsing, but a friendly “I’m just looking” usually works. Bargaining is expected, so don’t be shy to negotiate.

It’s also worth taking time to explore the cultural performances that sometimes happen on-site—drumming, dancing, and storytelling bring the whole place to life.

Overall, the Accra Art Centre is an authentic and enriching stop that offers way more than just shopping. Highly recommended for anyone looking to connect with the heart of Ghanaian creativity."

Philip Nyamadi

What People Like

Wide selection of crafts
Authentic Ghanaian art
Lively atmosphere

What People Dislike

Aggressive vendors
Inflated prices
Need to haggle

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Arts Centre Accra Craft Market is centrally located in Accra. Taxis are readily available and a convenient option. You can also use ride-sharing apps. Asking your hotel for a reliable taxi driver is often recommended. Reddit

Parking can be challenging due to the market's busy nature. It's often easier to rely on taxis or ride-sharing services to avoid parking hassles. Reddit

Depending on your accommodation's location, walking might be an option, but it can be hot and busy. It's generally more comfortable to take transport. :taxi:

The Arts Centre is a prominent landmark itself, often located near the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and the Independence Square area. :world_map:

Local buses (tro-tros) serve routes that pass near the Arts Centre, but they can be crowded and less direct for tourists. Taxis are more straightforward. :bus:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Arts Centre Accra Craft Market is generally free. You only pay for the items you choose to purchase. :ticket:

The market is typically open daily from morning until early evening, but hours can vary. It's best to visit during daylight hours. :clock1:

Sometimes cultural performances like drumming and dancing occur on-site. While entry to the market is free, there might be a small fee or donation requested for performances. :performing_arts:

Advance booking is generally not a feature of this traditional market. It's best to visit in person to select and purchase items. :shopping_cart:

The market is usually open seven days a week, though some vendors might take a day off. It's a vibrant place most days. :calendar:

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs

You'll find a vast array of souvenirs including wood carvings, Kente cloth, paintings, beadwork, jewelry, leather goods, clothing, and traditional musical instruments. Reddit

Yes, bargaining is a key part of the shopping experience here. Be polite but firm in your negotiations. Reddit

Prices can sometimes be higher for tourists. It's advisable to compare prices and consider visiting other markets like Makola first to get a sense of fair pricing. Reddit

Most vendors accept cash (Ghanaian Cedi). Some may accept mobile money, but it's best to have enough cash on hand. :moneywithwings:

Absolutely! The Arts Centre is known for showcasing authentic Ghanaian art and craftsmanship from various regions. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, taking photos of the crafts and market scenes is acceptable. However, it's always polite to ask permission before photographing individual vendors, especially if they are the artists. :camerawithflash:

There are no strict official restrictions, but be mindful of people's privacy. Avoid intrusive photography. :noentrysign:

Capture the vibrant colors of textiles, the intricate details of carvings, and the lively interactions between vendors and shoppers. :art:

If cultural performances are happening, it's usually fine to photograph them, but be discreet and avoid blocking others' views. :dancer:

The stalls with colorful fabrics, the displays of wood carvings, and the general market atmosphere offer excellent photographic subjects. :colorful_palette:

🍽️ 🍴 Food & Dining

While the primary focus is crafts, you might find small local food stalls or vendors selling snacks and drinks within or just outside the market area. :food_bar:

Expect simple Ghanaian snacks, fruits, and beverages. For a full meal, you'll find many restaurants and eateries in the surrounding areas of Accra. :tropical_fruit:

As with any market, exercise caution. Choose vendors that appear clean and busy. It's often safer to stick to bottled drinks. :warning:

The areas surrounding the Arts Centre have numerous restaurants offering various Ghanaian and international cuisines. Ask locals for recommendations. :restaurant:

Yes, you can bring your own water and snacks, especially if you plan to spend a significant amount of time browsing. :water_wave:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Arts Centre can be an exciting, albeit busy, experience for families. The vibrant colors and diverse crafts can capture children's attention. However, the persistent vendors might be overwhelming for younger children. Consider visiting during less crowded times, like weekday mornings.

Focus on interactive crafts like beadwork or simple carvings that kids might find interesting. It's also a great opportunity to teach children about different cultures and the value of handmade items. Keep a close eye on children in the crowded areas and ensure they have water. :child:

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the Arts Centre requires a strategic approach. Haggling is non-negotiable; aim to pay significantly less than the initial asking price. Reddit Visiting Makola Market beforehand to understand price points can be a game-changer for your negotiation power. Reddit Opt for smaller, less intricate items if you're on a tight budget.

Consider weekdays for potentially better prices as vendors might be more eager to make sales. Bringing your own water and snacks can also save money. :piggy_bank:

🎁 Souvenir Hunters

This is the place for unique Ghanaian souvenirs. Beyond the typical wood carvings and Kente cloth, look for handcrafted jewelry, traditional musical instruments, and folded tote bags that are practical and portable. Reddit Many items are handmade, offering a personal touch that mass-produced souvenirs lack.

Don't be afraid to explore different stalls and compare quality and price. Engaging with vendors can lead to discovering hidden gems and understanding the story behind the crafts. :sparkles:

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Vendor Interactions

The Arts Centre Accra Craft Market is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, but this also means engaging with numerous vendors. Many reviewers note that male vendors can be particularly persistent, sometimes aggressively pushing their wares. It's advised to be polite but firm, using phrases like 'I'm just looking' to deter immediate sales pressure. Reddit Some visitors find female vendors to be more approachable and less aggressive. Reddit If you're uncomfortable, having a local companion can significantly ease these interactions and help you navigate the market more smoothly. Reddit

Key Takeaway: Be prepared for assertive sales tactics and have a strategy for politely declining offers. Don't be afraid to walk away if you feel overwhelmed. The goal is to enjoy the browsing experience without feeling pressured. :shopping_bags:

The Art of Bargaining

Haggling is an integral part of the shopping experience at the Arts Centre. Prices are often inflated, especially for tourists, making negotiation essential. Reddit Start by offering a price significantly lower than the asking price, and be prepared to meet somewhere in the middle. Remember that these purchases often support the artisans' livelihoods, so while you should aim for a good deal, avoid trying to 'rip off' the vendors. Reddit

Pro Tip: Before heading to the Arts Centre, consider visiting Makola Market. This will give you a better understanding of typical price ranges for similar items, empowering you to negotiate more effectively at the Arts Centre. Reddit Admiring the crafts, even if you don't buy, can also give vendors insight into what visitors appreciate. :money_bag:

Discovering Authentic Ghanaian Crafts

The Arts Centre is a treasure trove of authentic Ghanaian artistry. You can find everything from intricately carved wooden sculptures and masks to vibrant Kente cloth, hand-painted textiles, and unique beadwork jewelry. Reddit Many of the vendors are the actual artisans, offering a chance to connect with the creators and learn about their craft. They are often happy to explain the symbolism behind their designs or demonstrate their techniques. Reddit

Beyond the popular items, keep an eye out for traditional musical instruments, leather goods, and home decor that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Ghana's 16 regions. The sheer variety ensures there's something to catch every visitor's eye, making it an ideal place to find meaningful souvenirs and gifts. :gift:

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