Accra's sights tell the story of modern Ghana. Start at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, where independence was declared in 1957 and where Nkrumah is buried, then walk to Black Star Square and its Independence Arch. The National Museum of Ghana in Adabraka gives the wider picture, with Asante stools, gold-weights and textiles, while the W.E.B. Du Bois Centre in Cantonments and the new Parliament of Ghana Museum add Pan-African and political history. For views, climb the Jamestown Lighthouse above the fishing harbour, and for architecture, visit the Ottoman-style Ghana National Mosque in Kanda.
Most central sights can be combined in a single day by taxi or ride-hailing car, starting early to avoid the heat and the worst of the traffic. Entry fees are usually tiered, with lower rates for Ghanaians and students, so carry cash in cedis. The Parliament museum needs advance booking, and the Du Bois Centre is being restored, so check before visiting. Beyond the city, Aburi Botanical Gardens makes an easy half-day trip, while Cape Coast Castle and Kakum National Park are best combined on a long day trip or an overnight stay. Note that James Fort and Ussher Fort in Jamestown were closed by the national museums board in December 2025, so they can only be seen from outside.
10 places · Updated November 12, 2026
Our top 3 attractions in Accra
Attraction
The memorial park where Kwame Nkrumah declared Ghana's independence, holding the marble mausoleum of Ghana's first president and his wife, plus a museum and library.
View details — Kwame Nkrumah Memorial ParkAttraction
Ghana's monumental parade ground, completed in 1961, with the Independence Arch, the Black Star Gate and stands for about 30,000 people beside Independence Avenue.
View details — Black Star Square (Independence Square)Attraction
Ghana's oldest and largest museum, opened on the eve of independence in 1957, with archaeology, ethnography and art galleries and a sculpture garden.
View details — National Museum of GhanaAttraction
The former Accra home of W.E.B. Du Bois, now a memorial centre with his tomb, a small museum and his personal library, under restoration from 2026.
View details — W.E.B. Du Bois Centre for Pan African CultureAttraction
Opened in 2021, Ghana's National Mosque in Kanda is an Ottoman Revival complex with four 65-metre minarets, room for 15,000 worshippers and a library and school.
View details — Ghana National MosqueAttraction
A red-and-white 1930s lighthouse in old Jamestown, about 28 metres tall, whose spiral stairs lead to wide views over the fishing harbour and Accra's coast.
View details — Jamestown LighthouseAttraction
Founded in 1890 in the cool Akuapem Hills about 30 km from Accra, Aburi's 160-acre botanical garden is known for its royal palm avenue and giant trees.
View details — Aburi Botanical GardensAttraction
Ghana's first parliamentary museum, opened inside Parliament House in September 2026, tells the story of the country's legislature through documents, memorabilia and multimedia.
View details — Parliament of Ghana MuseumAttraction
A UNESCO-listed coastal castle and former centre of the Atlantic slave trade, where guided tours lead through the dungeons to the Door of No Return.
View details — Cape Coast CastleAttraction
A protected rainforest north of Cape Coast, famous for a canopy walkway of seven suspension bridges strung high between giant trees, plus guided forest and night walks.
View details — Kakum National Park