Best Things to Do in Kumasi

Kumasi, the historic capital of the Ashanti Empire, serves as the vibrant cultural heart of Ghana. Nestled amid lush green hills and steeped in royal heritage, this sprawling metropolis offers an unforgettable glimpse into the traditions, art, and resilience of the Ashanti people. Whether you are exploring centuries of royal regalia or walking through bustling trade corridors, discovering the best things to do in Kumasi provides an authentic immersion into West African history.

Top Cultural and Historic Sites: The Best Things to Do in Kumasi

No journey to Kumasi is complete without stepping into the living history of the Ashanti Kingdom. Kumasi remains the seat of the Asantehene (the Ashanti monarch), and its historical monuments reflect this enduring legacy.

• Manhyia Palace Museum: Originally constructed by the British in 1925 for Asantehene Prempeh I upon his return from exile in the Seychelles, this palace served as the royal residence until 1974. Today, it functions as a museum filled with royal artefacts, gold weights, life-size wax figures of past kings and queens, and original furnishings. Guided tours offer profound insights into the complex governance and spiritual traditions of the Ashanti.
• Okomfo Anokye Sword Site: Located on the grounds of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, this site holds profound significance. Legendary priest Okomfo Anokye pushed a ceremonial sword into the earth in the late seventeenth century, declaring that no mortal would ever remove it. To this day, the sword remains firmly anchored in the ground, symbolising the unity and permanence of the Ashanti nation.
• Kumasi Fort and Military Museum: Built by the British in 1896 and reconstructed after the War of the Golden Stool, this historic fortification provides a sombre, fascinating record of colonial warfare and Ghana's military history, housing weapons, artefacts, and photographic archives from the Second World War.

Vibrant Markets and Traditional Crafts Among the Best Things to Do in Kumasi

Beyond formal monuments, the soul of Kumasi thrives in its busy commercial hubs and centuries-old artisan settlements. These lively destinations are essential inclusions when compiling the best things to do in Kumasi.

Exploring Kejetia Market

Kejetia Market, often referred to as Kumasi Central Market, is widely recognised as one of the largest open-air marketplaces in West Africa. A sensory spectacle of bright fabrics, aromatic spices, fresh produce, and handmade kitchenware, the market is a dizzying labyrinth of commerce. Navigating its sheltered lanes gives you a true taste of everyday life in the Ashanti Region. While modern redevelopment has organised parts of the market into covered stalls, the energy remains delightfully unfiltered.

Visiting Ashanti Craft Villages

A short drive outside the city centre leads to traditional craft villages, where ancient artisan techniques have been preserved through generations:

• Bonwire: The renowned epicentre of Kente cloth weaving. Here, skilled weavers manipulate intricate wooden looms, passing shuttles across brightly coloured threads to produce symbolic patterns once reserved exclusively for royalty.
• Ntonso: The historical home of Adinkra cloth production. Visitors can observe artisans harvesting the bark of the badie tree to make rich black dye, and even try their hand at stamping sacred Adinkra symbols onto cloth.
• Ahwiaa: A long-standing woodcarving village famous for producing Ashanti fertility dolls (Akuaba), stools, and decorative masks.

The National Cultural Centre

Situated in central Kumasi, the National Cultural Centre offers shaded grounds where visitors can wander between craft workshops, watch potters at work, and purchase brass casting items or batiks. The centre also houses the Prempeh II Jubilee Museum, which displays personal artefacts belonging to King Prempeh II, including ceremonial drums and regalia.

Nature, Day Trips, and Local Culinary Experiences

If you wish to escape the metropolitan hustle, the landscape surrounding Kumasi features stunning natural scenery and peaceful retreats.

• Lake Bosomtwe: Situated roughly thirty kilometres south-east of the city, Lake Bosomtwe is Ghana's only natural lake, formed in an ancient meteorite impact crater. Surrounded by verdant hills and small fishing villages, the lake is regarded as sacred by the Ashanti, who believe the souls of the deceased come here to bid farewell to the god Twi. You can hike the peaceful perimeter, take a boat trip, or relax by the water's edge.
• Sampling Ashanti Cuisine: Culinary exploration is unquestionably among the best things to do in Kumasi. The city is famous for serving some of Ghana's finest traditional fufu, pounded from cassava and plantain, served with rich goat light soup or groundnut soup. Local chop bars and restaurants across the city provide an authentic taste of genuine Ashanti hospitality.

Combining Cultural Kumasi with a Western Region Beach Retreat

After immersing yourself in the animated markets and royal landmarks of Kumasi, continuing your journey south toward Ghana's scenic coast is the perfect way to unwind. While Kumasi delivers incomparable cultural depth, the untouched shoreline of the Western Region offers tranquil restoration.

Travellers often head southwest into the pristine Nzema region, where palm-fringed coastlines and quiet sandy shores replace the city traffic. At Venice View Beach Resort, you can experience coastal comfort that redefines luxury. Located right on the water in Baku, near Ngalekyi, Eikwe, and Atuabo, our beachfront resort provides an idyllic retreat.

Guests can choose from well-appointed Standard Chalets, spacious Luxury Chalets, or our grand Presidential Suite. Spend your afternoons lounging beside our sparkling pool, riding horses along the coastline, or savouring freshly prepared meals by the Atlantic Ocean. Furthermore, the resort is situated just an eight-minute drive from the famous Nzulezo stilt village, allowing you to combine architectural wonder with beachfront relaxation. Explore our exciting experiences and view photographs of our grounds in our gallery to start imagining your coastal holiday.

Practical Travel Tips for Exploring Kumasi

• Getting Around: Yellow-and-maroon shared taxis and trotros (minibuses) ply most routes, but ride-hailing applications and private chartered taxis provide the most convenient way for international travellers to explore the city without hassle.
• Timing Your Trip: While Kumasi is a year-round destination, visiting during an Akwasidae festival, celebrated every six weeks at Manhyia Palace, allows you to witness royal ceremonies, colourful durbars, and drumming processions.
• Entry Requirements and Fees: Always check official government and tourism websites regarding up-to-date visa requirements, health regulations, and site admission fees, as these can change periodically.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Things to Do in Kumasi

What is the most famous attraction in Kumasi?

Manhyia Palace Museum and Kejetia Market are the most celebrated attractions in the city, representing Ashanti royalty and vibrant commercial heritage respectively.

How many days should you spend in Kumasi?

Two to three full days are typically sufficient to explore Kumasi's major museums, market stalls, and neighbouring craft villages like Bonwire and Ntonso.

What is the best way to travel from Kumasi to the Western Region?

Travellers generally travel by road via private car hire, public coach, or shared transport heading toward Takoradi, before continuing westward along the scenic coastal route towards Nzema.

Book your stay at Venice View

Complete your Ghanaian adventure by swapping the energetic rhythm of Kumasi for the calming waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Relax in stylish chalets, stroll along quiet shores, and indulge in genuine seaside luxury. We invite you to contact us with any questions, or simply book your stay today using our convenient online booking system with credit card or Mobile Money.