Cape Coast Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Located in the Central region of Ghana, Cape Coast is a vibrant and historically rich city that offers visitors a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. With its stunning coastline, colonial architecture, and intriguing past, Cape Coast is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic Ghanaian experience.

One of the city's most iconic landmarks is Cape Coast Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as a major hub of the transatlantic slave trade. Visitors can explore its haunting dungeons, walk through the Door of No Return, and learn about the painful history of slavery in the region. The castle also provides breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, making it a poignant yet beautiful site to visit.

For those interested in delving deeper into Cape Coast's history, the Cape Coast Castle Museum offers a comprehensive collection of artifacts and exhibits that shed light on the city's past. From the impact of colonialism to the struggles for independence, this museum provides a fascinating insight into Ghana's journey to nationhood.

Beyond its historical significance, Cape Coast boasts stunning beaches that are perfect for relaxation and water activities. The pristine sands of Coconut Grove Beach and the lively atmosphere of Oasis Beach are popular spots for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying water sports. Visitors can also take a boat tour to nearby Elmina, another historic coastal town, to explore its ancient forts and picturesque fishing harbor.

Cape Coast is also known for its vibrant cultural scene. The city hosts the annual Cape Coast Fetu Afahye festival, a colorful celebration of the local Fante culture that brings together traditional drumming, dancing, and processions. Visitors can immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere, sample delicious local cuisine, and witness the rich traditions of the region.

Alternative names: Founded: 1482 (542 years ago)Population: 143 thous. (2019)Elevation: 85 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 5°6'37"N, 1°14'58"W

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CentralGhana

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Cape Coast Top Attractions

Cape Coast Attractions - What to See and Explore

Cape Coast offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Cape Coast Castle, Fort Victoria, Cape Coast Castle Museum, Fort McCarthy. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum of the trans-Atlantic slave trade
Cape Coast Castle
Cape Coast Castle is a poignant historical landmark in the coastal city of Cape Coast, Ghana, serving as a stark reminder of the transatlantic slave trade. This white-washed fortress, originally built by the Swedish in the mid-17th century and later expanded by the...
Forts and castles
Fort Victoria
Fort Victoria is a structure in Cape Coast, Ghana. It was initially known as Phipps Tower, its name being later changed to Fort Victoria in honor of Queen Victoria.
Museum
Cape Coast Castle Museum
The Cape Coast Castle Museum is an ethnography and archeological museum located in Cape Coast, Ghana. It was established in 1974.

Colonial architecture
Fort McCarthy
Fort McCarthy is a fort from the colonial British Gold Coast period in present-day Ghana. The fort is a ruin in Cape Coast, of the Central Region of Ghana.
Museum • Forts and castles
Fort Nassau
Fort Nassau, near Moree, Ghana, was the first fort that the Dutch established on what would become the Dutch Gold Coast.
5°6'28"N • 1°15'37"W
Fosu Lagoon
The Fosu Lagoon is a body of water, located in the area of Cape Coast in the Central Region of Ghana, that empties into the Atlantic Ocean.
Forts and castles
Fort William
Fort William Lighthouse is located on the Dawson's Hill in the old centre of Cape Coast, in Ghana's Central Region. The lighthouse is often called Cape Coast Castle Light, although it is not part of the Cape Coast Castle complex.
Universities and schools
University of Cape Coast
The University of Cape Coast is a public collegiate university located in the historic town of Cape Coast. The campus has a rare seafront and sits on a hill overlooking the wide Atlantic Ocean.
Neighbourhood
Agona West Municipal District
Agona West Municipal District is one of the twenty-two districts in Central Region, Ghana.
5°6'17"N • 1°16'59"W
Cape Coast Technical University
Formally Cape Coast Polytechnic is a public tertiary institution in the Central Region of Ghana. Cape Coast Polytechnic was in existence in 1984 as a second cycle institution. In began operating under Ghana Education Service in 1986.

Day trips

Cape Coast – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Cape Coast, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Elmina Castle (Elmina), Dutch Cemetery (Elmina), Fort Coenraadsburg (Elmina).

7 miW
Landmark slave trading post and museum
Elmina Castle, Elmina
Elmina Castle, a haunting vestige of history, stands as a formidable structure in the coastal city of Elmina, Ghana. Built by the Portuguese in 1482, it is the oldest European building in existence south of the Sahara and was originally established as a trade...
7.3 miW
Cemetery
Dutch Cemetery, Elmina
The Dutch Cemetery of Elmina was constructed on the order of Governor of the Dutch Gold Coast Johannes Petrus Hoogenboom in 1806.
7.2 miW
, Forts and castles
Fort Coenraadsburg, Elmina
Fort Coenraadsburg or Conraadsburg, also Fort São Tiago da Mina, is a small Portuguese chapel built in honor of Saint Jago and it is situated opposite the Elmina Castle in the Central region of Ghana, to protect Fort Elmina from attacks.
7.3 miW
Church
St. Joseph's Minor Basilica Church, Elmina
St. Joseph's Minor Basilica Church is a Roman Catholic Church building in Elmina, in the Central Region of Ghana. Established in 1880, it was the first Roman Catholic church to have been established in Ghana.
38 milesSW
Market, Shopping centre, Shopping
Market Circle
The Takoradi Market Circle is a market in Takoradi, the third largest city of Ghana. Takoradi Market Circle is the commercial and economic hub of Ghana's Western Region.

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Best Time To Visit Cape Coast

Learn when is the best time to travel to Cape Coast weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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January is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in April, May, June and October.

Average temperatures in °F

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The air temperature in this location remains at a similar level throughout the year.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in January. Most of it rains in June.

Length of day in hours

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The length of the day varies only slightly throughout the year. The difference between the longest and the shortest day is 0 hr and 35 min.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Cape Coast?

The top attractions to visit in Cape Coast are:

What is the best time to visit Cape Coast?

January is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in April, May, June and October. The air temperature in this location remains at a similar level throughout the year.