Elmina Castle

From a historical perspective, Elmina Castle is a key attraction. Like its Cape Coast equivalent, it has strong links with the slave years and is registered as a World Heritage Site, although it tops Cape Coast Castle on age; founded in 1482, Elmina Castle (also known as St George’s) is the oldest extant European building in sub-Saharan Africa. It’s had a few facelifts over the years and little resembles the original structure, but still makes for a fascinating (not to mention hugely disquieting) tour. For GH¢8, plus a little extra if you’re taking photos, visitors can explore the dungeons and stairways of the interior (unlike Cape Coast Castle, guides here will ask for a tip of GH¢10). On a more upbeat note, the courtyard adjacent to the castle sees a local group going through drumming and dancing rehearsals each evening from around 5pm to 6pm – a diverting sight if you can make it.