Africa is a huge continent that is full of amazing places that one can explore. West Africa is a beautiful place and by the Gulf of Guinea, there is the country of Ghana. It is known for its scenic setting beside the ocean as well as for the lively people that reside in it. There are various places to visit in Ghana to be one with its distinct culture that is bound to bring you closer to this country and the wonderful experiences it holds for you.
Considered to be one of Africa’s true success stories, this country is enjoying a stable democracy and incredible development.
The combination creates a joyful energy across the country.
With Ghana you get beautiful hinterland, sunny beaches, rich culture, lively cities, welcoming locals, tons of wildlife, and easy access to all parts of the country.
There’s a big difference between northern and southern Ghana – including different religion, geography, and culture.
But you’ll still feel like the country is one harmonious unit. If you’ve never been to Africa, Ghana is known as ‘Africa for beginners,’ making it a perfect destination for those who want to get their feet wet.
See where all you can go in Ghana to experience it all that it offers.
19 Best Places to Visit in Ghana:
- Accra
- Artists Alliance Gallery
- Labadi Beach
- Jamestown
- Cape Coast
- Kakum National Park
- National Museum of Ghana
- Elmina Castle
- Busua
- Mole National Park
- Akwidaa & Cape Three Points
- Kumasi
- Tamale
- Lake Bosumtwe
- Volta Region
- e.t.c
Review: Biography of KWAME FRANCIS NWIA KOFIE NKRUMAH of GHANA
Accra
This is the capital of the country and one of the most happening, modern, and the best cities in Ghana. The city consists of two million residents so you will definitely feel the lively nature of it. Accra has bustling markets along with the heritage buildings of the colonial times. We are sure that you will have a nice time in the city exploring Jamestown and other monuments that are important to it. In Accra, one needs to visit the Makola Market and the National Museum, both of which are important to the art and culture of the city. One should also visit the beaches including the Labadi and the Coco beach. Apart from these, there are many other places to visit in Ghana Accra.
Facts about Accra
At just over two million inhabitants Accra is the largest city in Ghana.
This capital city is full of character and radiates friendliness.
Whether you’re there as a solo traveller or with a family, on your big annual holiday or there for business, Accra has something to make you feel comfortable.
What tourists really love are the many beaches surrounding the city – particularly Labadi Beach. Accra is home to the National Museum where you’ll find many of the countries historical treasures.
You can also visit the National Theatre, International Trade Fair, the Kwame Nkrumah memorial, Independence Square, and W.E.B. Dubois Centre.
At every turn you’ll find markets, incredible food, wonderful music, and lots of traffic! Top it all off with a trip to one of the many coffin shops in Teshie.
Artists Alliance Gallery
This gallery will blow you away with its contemporary and fine art collections.
Created by respected Ghanaian artist, Ablade Glover, the three story gallery is a treasure chest of Kente clothe, furniture, Asafo flags, masks, and unique metal sculptures.
You can see almost every prominent Ghanaian artist represented and most of the pieces are for sale.
Labadi Beach
Often called the perfect city beach by tourists and locals alike, Labadi is the most popular shoreline in Accra, Ghana. Other than basking under the sun and lazying on the sands, one can enjoy the awesome food and cocktails available at the many local eateries here. Since the beach is essentially a property of the neighboring hotels, one needs to pay a small entrance fee for getting in. If you visit on the weekends, you’ll surely be able to catch some local entertainment like native drumming, local reggae bands, dancing, and music. It’s one of the best places to visit in Ghana, Africa to witness the local Ghanaian culture blend with hip hop and other Western styles of dance and music.
Location: Accra, Ghana
Entry fee: INR 68/-
Jamestown
Jamestown is a tough but moving neighbourhood of Accra.
There’s a ton of history to discover as both the British and the Portuguese left behind a cultural and architectural legacy.
The Jamestown community is close-knit and the atmosphere is lively.
There aren’t many markers to explain the context of the history that you’re seeing, so a guide is a welcome addition, but certainly not necessary.
The neighborhood is a cross between rural and urban and is famous for turning out incredible national boxers.
Cape Coast
Cape Coast is a former European colonial capital and one of the most culturally significant spots in all of Africa.
Originally called Cabo Corso by the Portuguese, the town was once the largest slave trading centre in West Africa.
It was here that slaves where brought, locked deep in the towns intimidating castle, and then loaded on to vessels heading to the New World.
What you will see and experience here will move you deeply.
Today Cape Coast is primarily a fishing town with an artsy vibe.
Old colonial buildings line the streets perfect for leisurely strolls.
Use Cape Coast as your base for exploring Anomabu, Elmina, and Kakum National Park.
Kakum national park
Ghana is a biodiverse place which has some unique species of plants and animals and certainly one of the most beautiful regions in Ghana. Kakum national park is a place that one needs to go for visiting the rainforests of Ghana. It is stretched over an extensive part of southern Ghana. One can see buffalos, meerkats, civets, elephants and several species of birds when they are at this place. The Canopy Walkway is a key part of the national park and pulls a lot of tourists. People should definitely take guided tours to have a complete idea of the place.
Location: R82, Ghana
Timings: 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Mole National Park
This is yet another national park on our list and it falls in the northwest part of Ghana. This is the largest wildlife park in Ghana. Tourists can see several different types of animals including roan antelope, buffalo, elephants, hyenas, leopards etc. They may also spot lions from time to time. The park is home to more than 250 species of birds which is great for bird enthusiasts. If you can, try to visit the park during the dry season which lasts from January to March to catch most of the animals as they come to drink water. For every reason, it is counted amongst the best places to visit in Ghana
National Museum of Ghana
History buffs will love the National Museum of Ghana.
There are a number of exhibits dedicated to the Atlantic slave-trade and the African lives that where irreparably changed because of it.
If you’re looking for a good explanation of the ethnographic diversity of modern-day Ghana, this is the place to go.
Get insights into the past and present people, see traditional household objects, art, the royal Ashanti tools, and learn how to weave Kente cloth.
Elmina Castle
The first European slave trading post in Africa was Elmina Castle.
Built in the 15th century by the Portuguese, it is located in what is now present day Ghana.
Over the centuries it’s been controlled by the Dutch and the British and primarily served the Caribbean and Brazil slave routes.
You can see the luxury accommodations up top, where the Europeans stayed and then visit the dungeons below where one cell held up to 200 people.
It’s a very eye opening look at a difficult aspect of African and European history.
The castle is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Monument and is part of the national museum system.
Busua beach
As we said, Ghana is a country that is very close to the ocean. Busua is a very beautiful beach where tourists can sunbathe and eat freshly cooked lobster. It is also the place where people can learn surfing and indulge in the exciting ocean activity. The place is also known for the several luxurious resorts that are situated very close to the beach. You will never go back disappointed if you choose Busua beach as the holiday destination of Ghana. Definitely try out the local cuisine from the nearby restaurants and also from the vendors present beside the beach.
Akwidaa & Cape Three Points
For discerning beachcombers, Ghana offers Akwidaa – with a long and pristine white sand beach, you’ll find it’s one of the best that the country has to offer.
Explore the nearby cocoa plantations and forests and get a night-time guided tour of the turtle nesting spots along the beach.
If you like, you can take a canoe ride to Cape Three Points, the southernmost tip of Ghana.
There’s a great bar scene, good food, and plenty of local attractions to provide a good combination of lazing about and seeing new things.
Kumasi
The second largest city in Ghana is Kumasi, once the capital of the powerful Ashanti kingdom.
The city itself is still heavy with Ashanti traditions.
The main attraction here is the Kejetia market.
A place where you can get lost for days.
In fact, sometimes the entire city can feel like one big market.
Visit the Manhyia Palace and learn about traditional African democracy.
While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the National Cultural Centre and sit in on a dance or drumming class.
Tamale
Inhabited primarily by the Mole-Dagomba group, Tamale is the country’s northern capital.
There are several gorgeous mosques here and the cultural centre has craft shops, dance and music performances.
Considered to be the ‘kitchen’ of Ghana, you’ll find fantastic local and exotic foods here.
It’s probably the fastest growing city in West Africa and it’s also probably one of the most welcoming.
Farmers by tradition, this hot and arid land is located close to the Sahara Desert.
Don’t miss the two traditional palaces of Dapkema and Gulkpe Naa.
Volta Region
The largest man-made lake on Earth is Lake Volta in Ghana.
Stay in the neighbouring towns of Ho or Ewe as you explore this lush and beautiful area.
Enjoy Aburi botanical gardens, music cruises on the lake, canoeing, monkey sanctuaries, fishing, waterfalls, and a Kente weaving village.
If you’re up for it, you can hike to the top of Mount Afadjato, Ghana’s tallest peak.
Be sure to check out Shai Hills, a wildlife preserve, and Xavi, a bird watching sanctuary, while you’re there.
Nzulezu Ghana
This is one of the most unique and beautiful places that are present in Ghana. The name means ‘surface of water’ in English. The houses are built over a lagoon and all of the houses are placed on stilts. This is a place that people should visit to experience the innovation of the village people and their livelihood. These days’ tourists can even spend quality time in the hotels sitting on top of the lagoon. Tourists can enjoy swimming, diving, boating etc. in this place with a beautiful ambiance. Apart from the water and the houses tourists can often spot crocodiles and monkeys while at this place
Kokrobite Beach
The place is yet another beach that will catch your attention when you are in Ghana. The place is just 30 KM away from Accra so people can actually club the journey. The Academy of African Music and Art present in this location pulls in a lot of people who are interested in the creative side of human lives. One can book the resorts which provide a beautiful view of the beach. Or else they can also visit it for a day trip where they enjoy the beautiful sunny beach. The ‘Homowo’ festival held in the month of May is also a popular time when tourists flock to this beach destination.
Paga Crocodile Pond
Most of us do not know much about crocodiles as they either scare us or we do not want to meet them. But this sanctuary is made for hosting the crocodiles and the enthusiasts can see many of them over here. The crocodiles residing over here are actually very friendly towards the humans that visit them. Tourists can feed the crocodiles and get up-close-and-personal with them. This place respects and honors their crocodiles and is dead against hurting any of them. Guides are always present to break tourists unnecessary fear of crocodiles.
Lake Bosumtwe
The only natural lake in Ashanti and Ghana, Lake Bosumtwe was formed when a large meteorite had hit this place a long while ago. The lake is considered sacred by the Ashanti people who believe that people’s spirits come here after death so that they can say goodbye to the God Twi. Other than being a pilgrimage site, Lake Bosumtwe is a great spot for adventure. Almost 90 meters deep, the lake makes for an excellent destination for relaxing, hiking, trekking, picnicking, horseback riding, biking, and indulging in water sports.
Distance from Kumasi: 30 km