World by City

Castles & palaces

Fort Nassau

Open in Maps
Fort Nassau

Fort Nassau

Fort Nassau is a colonial fortification in Cape Coast, Ghana. It was the first Dutch fort built by the Dutch on the Gold Coast and serves as a historical site documenting early European colonial presence and the Atlantic slave trade. Visitors go here to examine the architectural remains and learn about the region's trade history. The site is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Getting There

The fort is located on the outskirts of Cape Coast. From the city centre, it is most practical to hire a local taxi or use a ride-sharing service. The drive typically takes 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Visit Duration

Allow approximately 1 to 2 hours to walk through the grounds and view the remaining structures.

When to Visit

Morning visits are recommended to avoid the peak midday heat. The site does not typically experience the same level of crowding as the larger castles in the city, though it is quieter during the off-peak tourist seasons.

Nearby Attractions

Because of its location, this site can be combined with other historical landmarks in the area. Nearby points of interest include:

  • Cape Coast Castle Museum: 5.7km
  • Fort William Lighthouse: 5.7km
  • Fort McCarthy: 5.7km
  • Fosu Lagoon: 7.1km

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

GetYourGuide GetYourGuide 클룩 Klook Tiqets Tiqets KKday KKday WeGoTrip WeGoTrip

This place may not appear in the results — some sites are free to enter or sell tickets only at the gate.

Stays near Fort Nassau

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Fort Nassau Nearby stays

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

Pick your dates — we'll search Cape Coast hotels for you

Choose dates and guests, and the buttons below will open search results with your criteria. Prices differ between sites, so compare before you book.

View on Compare sites 부킹닷컴 View on Booking.com 호텔스닷컴 View on Hotels.com

Hotel membership

Staying at Accor hotels often? ALL Accor+ Explorer

A paid annual membership. It includes two free nights a year across Asia-Pacific, 30% off dining and 15% off drinks, and 15% off stays at more than 4,500 hotels worldwide.

Explore the membership

Itineraries including this place

2 nights, 3 days

Cape Coast 3-Day Itinerary (2 Nights)

A 3-day route through Cape Coast grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Cape Coast Castle Museum

Museums & galleries

Cape Coast Castle Museum

An ethnography and archaeology museum located inside Cape Coast Castle, opened in 1974. Its exhibits, housed within the historic fortress, offer a look into the region's past.

5.7 km away
Fort William Lighthouse

Castles & palaces

Fort William Lighthouse

A lighthouse on Dawson's Hill in the old town of Cape Coast. It is a separate structure from Cape Coast Castle, standing about 600 meters away.

5.7 km away
Fort McCarthy

Castles & palaces

Fort McCarthy

Built during the era of British Gold Coast rule, this fort is one of several colonial-era structures scattered around Cape Coast. Its old walls and ruins offer a glimpse into that period's history.

5.7 km away
Fosu Lagoon

Nature

Fosu Lagoon

This lagoon in Cape Coast, Ghana, connects to the Atlantic Ocean. It has long been a source of livelihood for local residents and offers views of untouched natural scenery.

7.1 km away
St. Francis de Sales Cathedral

Temples & religious sites

St. Francis de Sales Cathedral

A Roman Catholic cathedral in Cape Coast dedicated to St. Francis de Sales. As one of the city's landmark religious buildings, it makes for a quiet, pleasant visit.

9.7 km away
Kakum River

Nature

Kakum River

A river flowing near Cape Coast that gave its name to the famous Kakum National Park. It also supplies drinking water to Cape Coast and several surrounding towns.

13.4 km away