When you first step foot in Ghana, it might feel like you’ve been hit by a wall of heat and humidity. But as your body acclimatizes, it won’t be long before you feel the contagious energy and good vibes that emanate throughout the country.
From the sizzling street food to the Afrobeat rhythm to the tropical waters, this country is bursting with natural beauty, culture, and all-around good vibes. But before we get too caught up in planning your adventures, let’s chat about where to stay in Ghana. Trust me, picking the right spot makes all the difference.
Location is key, and to make your life a little easier, I’ve put together a list of the best places to stay in this dynamic African country. So, let’s get into it 🙂
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Where is the Best Place to Stay in Ghana?
Right then, folks, let’s get down to business and check out the best spots to stay when you’re hitting up Ghana.
La Villa Boutique Hotel, Accra | Best Hotel in Ghana
There is no better place to return home to after a day of exploring the hot Ghanaian capital than this lush boutique hotel. The rooms are a hit, but you’ll be spending most of your time in the central courtyard, enjoying the shade of the tropical trees and the refreshing swimming pool.
African Vibrations Hostel Osu, Accra | Best Hostel in Ghana
One of the only hostels in this vibrant city, African Vibrations is designed to make you feel comfortable and at home in the heart of Ghana’s busiest city. It’s modern and clean, with new furnishings, and includes access to a shared kitchen.
Double Bed in Traditional Ghanaian Hut, Tamale | Best Airbnb in Ghana
This traditional Duu isn’t just a place to sleep; it’s a door into an immersive experience of living a day in the life of a local Tamale villager. Three meals are provided a day, and you’ll be able to join the hosts and their family members in day-to-day activities like playing soccer and cooking.
Ghana Neighborhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in Ghana
Accra
The capital city. Ghana’s beating heart. The country’s trade and culture centre. Accra is lively and energetic, and things roll at a fast pace around here.
Kumasi
Kumasi is the homeland of the Ashanti Kingdom and the Golden Stool. Once one of the most powerful ancient kingdoms in West Africa, Ashanti is a symbol of Ghanaian royalty and the unity of its people.
Cape Coast
The best way to describe Ghana’s Cape Coast is as a collision between natural beauty and history. If you’re wondering where to stay in Ghana to absorb as much history as possible, this is it.
Tamale
Tamale offers a totally unique experience compared with the cities mentioned above. It’s set in northern Ghana, in a dry, savannah-like landscape with a much more local and traditionally Ghanaian feel.
Ghana is as regionally diverse as a country can get. Within this ‘relatively’ small African country, you could venture through coastal savannahs, tropical rainforests, high plains, and dramatic coastlines. So, it makes sense that each city and region has a personality of its own.
Starting in the energetic capital city, Accra is the country’s beating heart and the best place to stay in Ghana for first-time visitors. It’s a fast-paced city packed with lively markets, oceanfront hangouts, and cultural attractions that tell a long story of the country’s trialed past.
For history buffs and art fans, Kumasi is a region steeped in Ghanaian tradition. It is where you will find the Royal Manhyia Palace and the Kejetia Market – West Africa’s largest open-air market. Although it is a busy city, it is much less crowded than Accra. Consider it the middle ground for travellers wanting to learn about the local culture without being thrown into total chaos.
Then there is the Cape Coast, a seaside region that is just as popular for history lovers as it is for those who want to sip cocktails on the beach. It was a key site in the transatlantic slave trade. The history might be heavy, but combined with laid-back beach resorts, it’s the perfect balance for an educational yet relaxing vacation.
Finally, Tamale feels totally different from the south coast. It’s dry, quiet, and much more local. It’s the best place to experience northern Ghanaian culture, try the traditional food, and use it as a base for exploring the famous Mole National Park. Accommodations here are basic, but the warm hospitality and local vibes more than make up for it.
Ghana’s Four Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Let’s take a closer look at these four areas and the best accommodations on the market.
1. Accra – Where to Stay in Ghana for Your First Time
The capital city. Ghana’s beating heart. Accra is lively and energetic, and things move at a fast pace around here. The city attracts a mix of business travellers, expats, and tourists, with modern high rises sitting adjacent to bustling street markets.
No matter when you visit or where you stay in Ghana’s capital, this is one of those cities where there is always something exciting to see or fun to do.
The city is divided into neighbourhoods that offer different vibes. Osu is the place to be for nightlife, the Airport Residential Area is great for luxury hotels and condos, and Jamestown has a much more local feel.
La Villa Boutique Hotel | Best Boutique Hotel in Accra
La Villa Boutique Hotel is one of those places that feels like an oasis of calm. After a day in the humid, bustling capital, there is no better place to return than to the cool swimming pool and lush inner courtyard area.
It’s furnished with careful attention to detail and is luxurious yet understated.
African Vibrations Hostel Osu | Best Hostel in Accra
For a city that doesn’t have too many hostels, African Vibrations really outdoes itself. It’s a brand new space located just off the bustling Oxford Street in Osu, Accra’s nightlife capital and a top Ghanaian neighbourhood. To get any night started, all you need to do is pop down to the hostel bar right on the property.
It’s clean and spacious, with plenty of dorm options and access to a shared kitchen. This hostel makes livin’ the dorm life cruisey.
2-Bed Condo with Balcony and Gym Access | Best Self-Catering Condo in Accra
There are some epic self-catering apartments in this city, and this is one of the best. It’s modern, flooded with natural light, and has a balcony overlooking a green part of the city.
The two-bedroom apartment is located in the upscale Airport Residential Area, which is a misleading name, considering it doesn’t feel like it’s close to any airport.
Things to See and Do in Accra
- Visit the W.E.B Du Bois Center on this culture and history tour of Accra to learn about the Father of Modern Pan-Africanism
- Visit the Aburi Botanical Gardens
- Browse the halls of the famous during a tour of Nima Market and shop for local souvenirs
- Learn a bit more about the history of Accra at the National Museum of Ghana
- Wander through the bustling Makola Market
- Visit Gallery 1957 for contemporary West African art
- Check out the Museum of Archeology
- Visit the fishing village and lighthouse in Jamestown
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View on Osprey2. Kumasi – Best Place to Stay in Ghana on a Budget
Kumasi is the homeland of the Ashanti Kingdom and the Golden Stool. Once one of the most powerful ancient kingdoms in West Africa, Ashanti is a symbol of Ghanaian royalty and the unity of its people. The Ashanti people would control the trade of raw materials between Africa and Europe. Gold and slaves were the major trade here.
Kumasi is the second-largest city in Ghana, behind Accra. It’s home to the largest craft market in West Africa and offers accommodations ranging from mid-range hotels to budget-friendly hostels.
Four Villages Inn | Best Inn in Kumasi
Four Villages Inn feels so authentically Ghanaian. It’s a small hotel with a friendly host and interiors just like you would expect to see in this part of Africa – dark wood, bold prints, and antique furniture. The ambience is warm and welcoming, and it feels like a home away from home in this city in Ghana.
Tumi Hostel | Best Hostel in Kumasi
Staying at Tumi Hostel feels like spending the night in a local host’s home. It’s spacious and comfortable, decorated with uniquely painted walls and colourful touches that make it feel distinctly Ghanaian.
It’s also in a great location. The neighbourhood feels quiet, but it’s close to the centre of the city. Plus, my sources say they support an NGO for women and children, which is a massive advantage for the conscious traveller.
Stylish African-Inspired 1-Bed Home | Most Affordable Apartment in Kumasi
Modern living in Africa has never looked so good. This one-bedroom apartment is set in the heart of the city, close to the airport, malls, and parks. It perfectly blends modern style with an African edge.
While the home can accommodate three to four guests, I recommend staying here as a pair of two (unless you’re seriously travelling on a budget).
Bright and Spacious 2-Bed Apartment with Roof Terrace | Apartment in Kumasi
The owners really prioritized comfort when creating this oversized two-bedroom apartment. Everything is brand new and modern, with a slight tropical African twist.
But it’s the additions—24/7 security, air conditioning, a backup power supply, and self-check-in —that really make this place easy, accessible, and comfortable to stay in.
Things to See and Do in Kumasi
- Take a guided tour of the Manhyia Palace Museum and learn about Ashanti royalty
- Visit the Kejetia Market, one of the largest markets in West Africa.
- Take in the significance of the Golden Stool, a sacred symbol of the Ashanti People in the Asante Royal Palace
- Get your own name bestowed upon you at a traditional Ghanaian naming ceremony with the Adawomase Tribe
- Visit the Center for National Culture
- Watch local artisans create beautiful crafts at the Bonwire Kente Weaving Centre
- Take a day trip to the Ntonso Adinkra Craftsmen village to learn about traditional crafts
3. Cape Coast – Best Area in Ghana For History
The best way to describe Ghana’s Cape Coast is as a collision between natural beauty and history. If you’re wondering where to stay in Ghana to absorb as much history as possible, this is it.
It’s best known for its involvement in the West African slave trade, but it’s not all dark history here. The region is also home to beautiful beaches and an unquestionable laid-back vibe. There is even a beach nearby that holds the title of Ghana’s best surf spot. Travellers looking for a mix of culture, history, and relaxation love it here.
Ko-Sa Beach Resort | Best Resort in Cape Coast
This might just be the cheapest beach resort you’ll ever stay at. I’ll admit, it doesn’t exude the luxury and five-star hospitality you might expect when you see the word ‘resort,’ but for the price per night, it really doesn’t matter.
Consider it a budget hotel on the beach. With direct beachfront access, a big garden space and a restaurant on the property.
Private Beach Bungalow with Garden | Top Bungalow in Cape Coast
If you’ve ever wanted to rent a private bungalow on the beach but didn’t have the budget for it, you’re in the right place. With four bedrooms and a balcony overlooking your private garden and beach in Ampeni, this is the perfect low-key accommodation along the Cape Coast.
The bungalows are simple yet well-equipped. They have colourful interiors, quirky art and decor, and, most importantly, uninterrupted sea views.
Private Room in Homestay with On-Site Restaurant | Budget-Friendly Homestay in Cape Coast
Baobab House is a homestay hosted by a family that passionately loves its neighbourhood. Once you step inside, it’s clear why. This homestay isn’t just a cheap place to stay; it’s homey, welcoming, and overflowing with good vibes.
If authentic Cape Coast living is what you’re after, you’ll find it in this wonderful place to stay in Ghana.
Things to See and Do in Cape Coast
Photo: @amandaadraper
- Visit the 15th-century Elmina Castle for a deep dive into the colonial history in Ghana
- Pay respect to those who lived through the slave trade at the Cape Coast Castle
- Walk along the Canopy Walkway at the Kakum National Park on this Cape Coast day tour
- Visit the Assin Manso Slave River, a memorial which was originally a slave market
- Join a local guide on a tour through the local Cape Coast markets
- Take a surfing lesson in Busua, a nearby town that is Ghana’s top surf destination (this might be considered a day trip)
- Take part in an interactive cooking course and eat your delicacies at the end
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Grab an eSIM!4. Tamale – Best Area in Ghana for a Local Experience
Tamale offers a totally unique experience compared with the cities mentioned above. It’s set in northern Ghana, in a dry, savannah-like landscape with a much more local and traditionally Ghanaian feel.
This is an incredible place for travellers looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience or for a closer insight into rural Ghanaian life. It’s also a great jumping-off point for the country’s premier safari destination – Mole National Park. There are few accommodations around this small town, but with such friendly locals, you’re almost guaranteed an authentic cultural experience. In fact, it reminded me very much of the experiences I had when I recently stayed in Bostwana.
Gidi Lodge | Best Hotel in Tamale
Gidi Lodge is a small, modern haven in the heart of Tamale’s Central Business District. It’s a multi-story building with 11 suites, all of which offer a clean and comfortable place to stay in Ghana. Each suite also has a workspace so it’s a perfect place for digital nomads. It’s basic but well worth staying in the heart of the city for an incredibly affordable price per night.
2-Bed Home with Modern-African Interiors | Budget-Friendly Apartment in Tamale
If you enjoy having a little piece of home in a foreign city, consider this your self-contained home away from home in Tamale.
The home has two bedrooms and a spacious open-concept living room and kitchen. If eating out every night gets too overwhelming, you’ll be able to whip up all your favourite meals and snacks right in the comfort of this house.
Double Bed in Traditional Ghanaian Hut | Immersive Traditional Duu in Tamale
For a local Ghanaian experience, it doesn’t get more authentic than this hut. Locally called a Duu, you’ll have your very own bed in a private round hut.
You’ll live in a family compound in an active Tamale village. This is not only a place to sleep but also an immersive cultural experience where you can really experience daily life with a local family. Three meals a day are included. Just remember that this accommodation doesn’t have running water.
Things to See and Do in Tamale
- Go on an elephant safari at Mole National Park
- Explore Tamale’s hidden secrets on a walking tour with a local guide
- Join a shea butter-making workshop with a women’s cooperative
- Experience the luxurious side of Ghana with a five-star safari at the Zaina Luxury Experience Mole Safari
- Visit the Larabanga Mosque, one of the oldest in West Africa (just outside Tamale)
- Spend some time strolling through the Aboabo Market
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQs About Where to Stay in Ghana
Here are the questions most commonly asked about where to stay in Ghana:
What To Pack For Ghana
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me: packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
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Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
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Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Ghana
Unfortunately, things can go wrong wherever you travel to. This is why good travel insurance is essential before your trip to Ghana.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Ghana
From modern condos in Accra to resorts along the beaches of the Cape Coast, Ghana has options for every traveller. But let’s not sugarcoat things. Transport can be tricky; distances are long, and not everywhere has the modern comforts you might be looking for.
That’s why finding the right place to stay in Ghana is so essential. Deciding where to stay in Ghana depends on what type of experience you’re after. If you love the vibrancy of city life, Accra has a bunch of luxury hotels like the La Villa Boutique Hotel. On the other hand, Kumasi is better for a cultural experience, with historic guesthouses and boutique accommodations like the Four Villages Inn.
Whatever you’re after, you’ll be able to find it in this exciting, beautiful, and lively country.
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