Things To Do
in Cape Coast
Cape Coast is a historic coastal city in Ghana’s Central Region known for its colonial-era forts, colourful fishing harbour and vibrant Fante culture. The town is dominated by Cape Coast Castle, a UNESCO-listed fort that offers powerful, sobering tours about the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Beyond history, Cape Coast has palm-lined beaches, a lively market scene and a strong student presence due to the University of Cape Coast.
Its compact centre, friendly locals and proximity to Kakum National Park make it an accessible base for culture and nature day trips.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a guided walking tour of Cape Coast's historic center, where you can marvel at colonial architecture and learn about the town's rich history. Visit the Cape Coast Castle, once a significant site in the transatlantic slave trade, and take in the haunting tales that echo through its walls. Savor a traditional Ghanaian breakfast at a local café, featuring dishes like waakye and kelewele.
After lunch, continue your exploration by visiting the nearby Fort William, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the coast and the bustling fishing harbor. Engage with local artisans at the vibrant craft market, where you can purchase handmade souvenirs and artwork. Spend some time relaxing at the beach, taking in the rhythm of the waves and the lively atmosphere.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a seaside restaurant, indulging in fresh seafood delicacies while listening to the soothing sounds of the ocean. Stroll along the beach under the moonlight, soaking in the cool coastal breeze. End your evening with a cultural performance, where local musicians and dancers showcase the rich traditions of Ghana.
Kick off your adventure with an early morning drive to Kakum National Park, known for its lush rainforest and diverse wildlife. Upon arrival, embark on the famous canopy walk, suspended high above the ground, offering breathtaking views of the treetops and the chance to spot colorful birds. After your exhilarating experience, enjoy a picnic breakfast amidst the natural beauty of the park.
After your morning activities, join a guided nature walk through the park, where you'll learn about the unique flora and fauna from knowledgeable local guides. Keep an eye out for monkeys and other wildlife as you navigate the winding trails. Conclude your visit by exploring the park's visitor center, which provides insights into conservation efforts and the ecological significance of the area.
Return to Cape Coast and unwind at your accommodation, reflecting on the day's adventures. Choose a local eatery for dinner, sampling traditional dishes like fufu and light soup. As you relax, enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals and perhaps engage in conversation to learn more about their way of life.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee or soft drink | $1-2 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (in town) | $1-3 |
| 🏨Budget guesthouse per night | $20-40 |
| 🎟️Kakum National Park entry + canopy fee | $10-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich, accessible historical sites (Cape Coast Castle, Elmina Castle) with powerful cultural significance
- Proximity to Kakum National Park and coastal scenery for nature and photography
- Warm, welcoming local culture and lively student population for social exchanges
- Affordable food, accommodation and transport compared with bigger Ghanaian cities
- Limited nightlife and fewer upscale amenities compared with Accra
- Periodic heavy rains can affect travel and access to some rural areas
- Basic medical facilities in town; serious cases may require transfer to Accra
- Some tourist sites can be crowded during peak season, and sellers in markets can be persistent
- "Maakye" - Good morning (Twi/Fante)
- "Me pa wo kyɛw" - Please / I beg you (Twi)
- "Medase" - Thank you (Twi)
- "Ɛte sɛn?" - How are you? (Twi)
- "Kafra" - Sorry / Excuse me (colloquial)
Places to Visit in Cape Coast
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic fort with dramatic colonial architecture, dungeon interiors and coastal views—powerful subject matter for evocative historical photography (be respectful during tours).
Early-morning scenes of canoes, nets, fish-sellers and colourful boats—great for candid, documentary-style photos of daily life.
Suspended bridges above rainforest canopy offering wide, atmospheric shots of dense green forest and wildlife; best in soft morning light.
Picturesque fort and busy fishing harbour next door; contrasting scenes of historic stonework and lively coastal activity.
Open beach stretches near the town and small coastal villages provide long exposures and silhouettes at golden hour.
Food in Cape Coast
Cape Coast Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Whole fish grilled over charcoal, usually served with shito (hot pepper sauce), fried plantain or banku; available at beachside restaurants and fishing harbour stalls.
Must-Try!
A fermented corn-cassava dough (banku) served with peppery grilled tilapia and light soup—widely considered a local favourite, commonly found in casual eateries.
Corn dough dumplings wrapped in plantain or corn husks served with fried fish, pepper sauce and shito; an affordable staple sold in markets and by street vendors.
A clear, spicy tomato-and-ginger-based soup with meat or fish served alongside pounded fufu (cassava and plantain) for dipping—comfort food in family restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling market selling fish, spices, fresh produce, and street food. Try grilled fish, kebabs, roasted plantain and fresh fruit juices from small stalls.
Morning activity with boats unloading the catch; you can buy very fresh fish or eat at nearby grills where fishermen’s wives prepare simple, tasty meals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people on arrival—use local morning/afternoon/evening greetings and a handshake where appropriate. A brief exchange of pleasantries is valued before business.
Show respect to elders and local chiefs: remove caps in certain settings, wait to be invited to sit during formal events and follow guidance when visiting traditional sites.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in markets, religious ceremonies or private homes. Some historic sites have restrictions on photography in sensitive areas.
Dress modestly for visits to villages, religious sites and when attending formal events. Beachwear is fine on the shore but cover up when leaving the beach.
Safety
Tipping in Cape Coast
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Small tips (1–3 GH₵ / ~$0.20–$0.50) for porters, 5–10% in nicer restaurants if service is good, and a small amount for tour guides are common. For informal stalls and taxis, rounding up the fare is fine.
Cash in Ghanaian cedi (GH₵) is widely used—carry small denominations for markets. Mobile money (e.g., MTN Mobile Money) is popular locally. ATMs are available in Cape Coast but can be intermittent; major cards work at some hotels and larger restaurants but many small vendors are cash-only.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warmer days, lower rainfall and sunnier skies—best for beach time, castle visits and canopy walks. Tourist season peaks around December–January, so book accommodation early.
More frequent showers and higher humidity; rains are often short and heavy. Lush vegetation makes Kakum and forest trails particularly beautiful but bring rain gear and mosquito repellent.
Intermittent dry spells with moderate temperatures; still some humidity and occasional rains. Good window for outdoor activities with fewer tourists.
Increased rainfall and occasional heavy storms; some rural roads can become muddy and less accessible. Travel can be quieter and green landscapes are vivid.
Cape Coast at Night
Hiking in Cape Coast
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Well-marked forest trails under the rainforest canopy, ranging from short guided walks to longer nature trails combined with the canopy walkway—excellent for wildlife, birds and rainforest photography.
Low-elevation coastal walking routes and short hikes along the shore that pass fishing villages, beaches and scenic lookout points—best done in the cooler morning or late afternoon.
Short hikes around nearby villages and plantations, often guided by locals to learn about cocoa or oil palm farming, traditional life and to reach less-visited viewpoints.
Airports
How to reach Cape Coast by plane.
Main international gateway to Ghana (about 2.5–3 hours drive east of Cape Coast). Options to reach Cape Coast include shuttle buses, private transfer, rental car or shared taxis. Flights to Accra are the most common entry point for international visitors.
Regional airport west of Cape Coast (around 1.5–2 hours by road). Useful for visitors coming from western Ghana or oil-industry workers; limited commercial flights compared with Accra.
Small local airstrip in the region with limited or charter services. Most travellers use road transport rather than scheduled flights into Cape Coast.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The dominant ethnic group in Cape Coast; Fante culture, language and customs are central to community life.
University of Cape Coast brings a large student population, creating a youthful, transient demographic and contributing to cultural events, cafés and nightlife.
Local fishing families and coastal villages form a strong part of the economy and social life, maintaining traditional practices and markets.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport—locals passionately follow local clubs, national leagues and international matches; community matches and university football are common.
Boxing has historical popularity in Ghana, and athletics (running) are common school and community activities; these sports have local events and competitions.
Informal football, beach volleyball and fishing-related athletic work are frequent along the coast and in villages.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cape Coast.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are less common; order plantain, rice, palava sauce (spinach-like greens), yam, or akara (bean fritters). Communicate clearly—use phrases like “no meat, no fish” and expect meals cooked with fish stock sometimes, so confirm preparation.
Vegan meals are possible (starches, vegetable stews) but require clarification about use of fish or shrimp paste in stews; carry snacks if you have strict requirements.
Gluten exposure is less of an issue since staples are cassava, maize and plantain; still ask about sauces and fried foods that might use wheat-based batter or cross-contamination in busy kitchens.