Cape Coast Castle
Cape Coast, Central
A whitewashed coastal fort used to hold captives during the transatlantic slave trade, now a museum.
Rjruiziii / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 ยท CC BY-SA 3.0
Visiting information
- Address
- Cape Coast, Central
- Opening information
- Opening times are not published by a source we can verify. Confirm locally before visiting.
- Accessibility
- Accessibility information has not been verified for this place.
- Suggested time
- 2 hours, guided
About this place
Built by the Swedes in 1653 and later the seat of the British Gold Coast administration, the castle's underground dungeons held enslaved people before embarkation. Guided tours move through the dungeons, the governor's rooms and the Door of No Return. It is part of the UNESCO inscription covering the forts and castles of Ghana's coast.
District profile
Cape Coast
A coastal town in the Central Region, formerly the British colonial capital of the Gold Coast and now a university town.
Why stay here: The centre of Ghana's heritage travel, within reach of Elmina and Kakum.
Atmosphere: Small-scale and academic, with the castle standing directly over the shore.
Shared taxis serve the town; a hired car is easier for Kakum and Elmina.
Nearby attractions
More to explore around Cape Coast and the wider Central.
Recommended district
Cape Coast
The centre of Ghana's heritage travel, within reach of Elmina and Kakum.
Plan the rest of your visit
Build an itinerary around this district, or check what Ghana requires for entry before you travel.
Sources and verification
Status: Verified. Last reviewed 2026-09-07.
UNESCO World Heritage CentreVisitAfrica publishes discovery and cultural information. We do not sell tickets, tours or accommodation, and we do not publish prices or ratings.

