Ghana attractions

A must-see on any visit to Accra, Jamestown is just as vibrant as the street art that adorns its buildings. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll discover how the fishing village has been shaped by colonialism, slavery, poverty, and rebellion over the centuries.

Bohemian beach town meets surfing hotspot at Kokrobite, a coastal community about an hour north of Accra. It’s grown from a thriving fishing village into a popular day trip from Accra, and is a destination in its own right for anyone in search of a slower pace.

The remnants of the powerful Asante Empire, an African kingdom that peaked in the 18th century, lie among these 10 dwellings and shrines in locations near Kumasi, Ghana. Made from mud, wood, and straw, the structures represent traditional West African architectural and spiritual heritage and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Accra Mall is the first large-scale mall in Ghana. Step off the busy streets and into this air-conditioned oasis, where you’ll find a mix of local, regional, and international retailers. Make a day of it by grabbing a bite at the food court and catching a show at one of Ghana’s only multiplex theaters.

Learn about Accra’s past and its dark history at James Fort, located in the Jamestown district. The fort was originally established in the 1600s by the Royal African Company of England to serve as a trading post for gold and slaves. It then transitioned into a prison until its closure in 2008. Today, the building is a tourist attraction and a historical site.

Ga-Mashie (also known as Old Accra) is the vibrant heartland of Ghana's Ga community, the original settlers of the city. Rich in cultural heritage, Ga-Mashie showcases colonial-era architecture and fishing villages along the Densu River and Chemmu Lagoon. You can learn about local culture and traditions by watching artisans practice net weaving and canoe hollowing.

Spanning about 4 acres (1.6 hectares) of wetlands just beyond Accra city limits, the slum of Old Fadama—also known as Agbogbloshie—is home to some 40,000 Ghanaians living in extreme poverty. While living conditions are challenging in one of West Africa’s largest slums, members of this innovative community use discarded machinery, appliances, and old computers to forge a living through creativity, ingenuity, and a positive outlook toward improving their neighborhood.

The Brazil House Museum in Accra’s Jamestown is a place that tells the story of the Tabom people, who returned to settle in Ghana in 1836 after being enslaved in Brazil. They built and lived in this vibrant yellow colonial-style house, which has evolved into a museum that showcases artifacts from and exhibits about the Tabom community.

If someone in Accra mentions that they're going to Sakumono, chances are high that they're headed to the beach. This small community in the western coastal suburbs is known for its shores, as well as its beachside bars and restaurants, bird-watching opportunities at Sakumono Lagoon, and a golf club.

Salaga Market is a vibrant cultural hub with a tapestry of colors, scents, and sounds. Notable for its lively atmosphere, this bustling market offers a glimpse into Ghanaian daily life. A visit here is a journey into the heart of the country, where you can witness local traditions and savor the flavors of Ghana’s rich culinary heritage.

A thin strip of water separates Bojo Beach from the bustling streets of Accra, but this quiet coastal area feels a world away. Bojo Beach is relatively undeveloped but has everything you need for a perfect beach day—and a break from city crowds. You can access the private beach, a restaurant, lounge chairs, and shaded tables on the shore for a small fee.

For a taste of the African rainforest while in Ghana, plan a trip to the Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary outside of Kumasi. The five-square-mile (13-square-kilometer) swath of secondary forest surrounds a sizable reservoir and attracts a variety of wildlife, most notably some 160 species of birds. Many of the mammal species, like antelope that live in the sanctuary, are shy and difficult to spot, but monkey sightings are quite common. From a historical perspective, the sanctuary is of interest because its reservoir, formed by the construction of the Barekese Dam in 1971, is the source of Kumasi’s water. Whether you come for the wildlife, the scenic appeal or to see the source of Kumasi’s water, the sanctuary makes for a pleasant escape from the often overwhelming clamor of Kumasi.

Bantama High Street in Kumasi, Ghana's second-largest city, is renowned for its vibrant nightlife. Especially lively from Thursdays to Sundays, this bustling street is lined with open-air pubs where people gather to enjoy drinks and kebabs. A no-frills, down-to-earth destination, the street offers a taste of authentic Ghanaian nightlife.