Best Places To Visit in Accra, Cape Coast & Kumasi

Are you looking for the best places to visit in Accra, Cape Coast & Kumasi? Whether you’re a first-time traveller or an experienced world explorer, Ghana is an amazing destination with a lot to offer!

From the bustling capital city of Accra to the stunning Manhiya Palace in Kumasi, Ghana is home to some of the most beautiful sights in Africa. There’s plenty to do & see, from historic monuments & attractions, to natural wonders & more. Plus, Ghana has some of the best accommodations, landscapes, entertainment & tours on the Continent.

The best way to explore Ghana is to book a hosted tour with us, that will take you to some of the best places in the country. Our tours take you from Accra, to Kumasi, Cape Coast & back to Accra. Here are just a few of the must-see attractions included in our tour packages.

Accra

Accra is the bustling capital city of Ghana & the country’s largest city, with over 3 million inhabitants. It is located in the Gulf of Guinea, in the eastern region of the Atlantic Coast, nestled between Ivory Coast, Burkino Faso & Benin. Some of the places we visit include Independence Square/Black Star Square, Independence Arch, Osu Lighthouse, Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, Makola Market & the Arts Centre.

In 1957 Kwame Nkrumah Ghana’s Politician & revolutionary leader led the Gold Coast now Ghana to its independence from Britain. He was the first President & Prime Minister of Ghana & to celebrate the nations newfound autonomy, he commissioned the construction of the public square.

Independence Square

It is also known as Black Star Square is the location for all major military & civic parades. In 1957, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President & Prime Minister led Ghana, previously the Gold, to its independence from Britain. He commissioned the construction of the public square, which was completed in 1961 in time for Queen Elizabeth II’s state visit. It hosts all the countries national community jamborees, national festivals, military parades & music events. Ghana celebrates Independence Day on March 6th & the most significant yearly parade is held in the square.

Independence Arch

Independence Arch is a feature of Independence Square, with a capacity of 30,000 seats around the squares circumference. There are three memorials which symbolise the struggle for independence & liberation; Independence Arch with a beautiful view of to the Gulf of Guinea is found in the South of the square. 2) The Unknown Soldier is a statue & memorial in honour of numerous Ghanaian soldiers who were killed fighting for Ghana. It is found opposite the arch. 3) To the north of the main square is a roundabout, with the Black Star Gate, is situated at the roundabout, which is North of the square. It is crowned with the Black Star of Africa, a star with five points representing Africa & Ghana. The words “AD 1957” & “Freedom & Justice” are engraved on the front.

Dr Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park & Mausoleum

It was designed by Don Arthur & is the burial place of Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President & his wife Fathia Nkrumah . It houses rare artefacts relating to Ghana’s independence & Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s personal possessions. It represents an upturned sword which is a symbol of peace, in Akan culture. It is covered entirely with Italian marble & a Black Star at its summit, symbolising Unity. It is surrounded by a symbol of life, water. Park tours highlight the history of the struggle for independence.

Jamestown Lighthouse, Osu

The original lighthouse built in 1871, was replaced in the 1930’s. Fort James, was a trading post for enslaved Africans & gold. It can be found on Professor Atta Mills High Street, is 28 metres high & painted in horizontal red & white bands. It was also a prison until 2008, is now used as a tourist attraction & cultural monument.

The Arts Centre

The Arts Centre is found a short distance from Dr Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park & Mausoleum. It is the home of many local artisans who produce & sell a whole range of cultural artefacts from beads, clothing, wooden carvings, drums, souvenirs, masks, Kente cloth & much more. Get ready to barter for what you want.

Kumasi

Kumasi is the capital of the Ashanti Kingdom, also known as the Kingdom of God & is Ghana’s second largest city. It was founded in 1680 by Asantehene Osei Tutu, the first King of the Ashanti Kingdom.

Manhiya Palace Museum

The current Manhiya Palace Museum was built in 1925 by Asantehene Otumfuor Opoku Ware II, after the original structure was destroyed by the British in the War of the Golden Stool, in 1874. It memorialises their leaders, plus communicates the richest of their history & culture to the world. It is filled with history & houses exhibits of royal regalia, medals, photos, furniture & drums over 200 years old. Barima Kwaku Duah known as Otumfuor Osei Tutu II, the current Asantehene, lives at the Palace & holds open sessions every sixth Sunday. The Palace is open daily for visitors.

Bonwire Kente Village

Bonwire is the home of Kente cloth, which is made from handwoven strips of multi-coloured cloth, usually silk or cotton. Each colour has a meaning e.g., yellow – fertility, gold – serenity/status, green – renewal, blue – harmony, red – passion, black – spiritual awareness etc. Each pattern or block of cloth highlights the cultural traditions of the Ashanti people & the adinkra symbols are used extensively. The Adinkra symbols are used to communicate visual & verbal links in Ghanaian culture.

Cape Coast

Assin Manso Ancestral Slave River Park

Thousands of enslaved Africans were transported to the Americas & the Caribbean during the period of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, using Assin Manso, one of the major Slave Route Corridors. It was the place the enslaved Africans took their last baths, before being sold & marched to Elmina & Cape Coast Castles, where they were captured until their Middle Passage voyage. It is now the resting place of exhumed Diasporans who, in death, have reconnected with the Motherland. Ceremonial baths & naming rites can be undertaken at the Nnokosuo, Slave River. There is a memorial wall, where visitors can inscribe personal messages & spend time in solitude.

Elmina Castle

Castelo de São Jorge da Mina (St. George of the Mine Castle), also Castelo da Mina or Mina, was the original name of Elmina Castle.  It was built in 1482 by the Portuguese & was originally a trading post for gold, ivory & timber. It was later developed into holding dungeons for enslaved Africans, who were captured & tortured by slave traders; in preparation for their cross Atlantic journey to the Americas & the Caribbean.

Cape Coast Castle

Fort Carolusburg was first captured by the Swedish from Dutch control in 1652. After numerous captures & possession changes it was captured by the British in 1664 named Cape Coast Castle. It has an identical history regarding enslaved Africans & the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade, as Elmina Castle. It was the headquarters of British administration, until the offices were transferred to Christianborg Castle, now Osu Castle, Accra, in 1877.

Kakum National Park

Kakum National Park is a 360 square kilometre rainforest, many trees are over 300 years old & it has assorted wildlife. It boasts a 350 metre canopy walk, with seven connecting tree tops, 27 metres in the air. There are numerous trails, guided walks & over 260 confirmed species of birds for bird watchers.

No matter where you’re headed in Ghana, you’ll find plenty of incredible sights to explore. Book a hosted tour with us today & get ready to experience the best of this fascinating country!