Key Takeaways:
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Kumasi offers an immersive cultural experience rooted in Ashanti heritage, royalty, art, and tradition.
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Visitors can enjoy festivals, royal palaces, open-air markets, and peaceful gardens no matter the time of year.
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Kumasi blends modern Ghanaian life with a deep reverence for tradition, making it a rewarding destination for curious travelers.
Kumasi, the historical capital of the Ashanti Kingdom, is a city that radiates royal pride, colorful culture, and creative energy. Located in southern Ghana, Kumasi was once the seat of the Ashanti Empire and still serves as a cultural capital today. Known for its regal traditions, vibrant markets, and hospitable locals, the city offers a deep connection to Ghana’s precolonial past while pulsing with modern life. From craft villages and sacred shrines to music, festivals, and food, Kumasi is rich with experiences that celebrate identity and history. Visitors are drawn here to witness the soul of Ghana unfold in powerful, joyful, and unforgettable ways.
Table of Contents
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Tour the Manhyia Palace Museum
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Shop and Explore Kejetia Market
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Visit the Okomfo Anokye Sword Site
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Take a Day Trip to Lake Bosomtwe
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Discover Traditional Weaving in Bonwire
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Attend the Akwasidae Festival at the Royal Palace
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Enjoy Nature and Art at Rattray Park
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Experience Drumming and Dance at Centre for National Culture
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Stroll the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Campus
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Tour the Prempeh II Jubilee Museum
1. Tour the Manhyia Palace Museum
The Manhyia Palace Museum offers visitors a chance to step directly into the heart of Ashanti royalty. Originally built in 1925 by the British for Asantehene Prempeh I upon his return from exile, the palace now functions as a museum filled with artifacts, photographs, and narratives of the Ashanti kingdom. Inside, you’ll find ceremonial stools, traditional regalia, and historic documents that showcase the kingdom’s strength and diplomacy. It’s one of the best places to understand the social structure and heritage that continue to shape modern Kumasi.
Guided tours are available and often led by locals with deep knowledge of the monarchy. They provide valuable insights into the symbolism of the Ashanti throne, the golden stool, and ancestral worship practices. The palace grounds are also a pleasant place to explore, with statues and peaceful gardens reflecting the dignity of its past. A visit here helps you see Kumasi not just as a city, but as the living legacy of a great empire.
2. Shop and Explore Kejetia Market
Kejetia Market is one of the largest open-air markets in West Africa and a must-see for anyone visiting Kumasi. With over 10,000 stalls, the market is a whirlwind of colors, sounds, and scents—selling everything from traditional kente cloth and beads to fresh produce, electronics, and herbal remedies. Walking through Kejetia is like entering a universe of trade and human connection. You’ll find vendors calling out deals, seamstresses sewing in corners, and shoppers balancing baskets with incredible ease.
It’s not just a shopping trip—it’s a cultural deep dive. Negotiating prices, sampling local snacks, and talking with traders gives you a true sense of everyday life in Kumasi. Though it can be chaotic, the market is generally safe and friendly for tourists, especially with a guide. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs or stories, Kejetia promises an unforgettable adventure.
3. Visit the Okomfo Anokye Sword Site
Okomfo Anokye, the legendary Ashanti priest and co-founder of the Ashanti Empire, is said to have miraculously planted a sword in the ground that no one has been able to remove since. Located within the grounds of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, the sword site is both sacred and mysterious. According to legend, the sword represents the spiritual foundation of the Ashanti kingdom, and its immovability symbolizes the unbreakable unity of the Ashanti people.
The area around the sword is modest but treated with reverence. A small museum nearby explains the legacy of Okomfo Anokye, his spiritual power, and his role in uniting the clans of Ashanti. Visitors often describe a feeling of awe when standing near the sword, recognizing it as more than just an object—it’s a cultural symbol. It’s a brief but meaningful stop on your journey through Kumasi.
4. Take a Day Trip to Lake Bosomtwe
About 30 kilometers from Kumasi lies Lake Bosomtwe, Ghana’s only natural lake and a serene escape from city life. Formed by a meteor impact, the lake is surrounded by green hills and small villages that add to its tranquil charm. Locals consider it sacred, believing that the souls of the dead come here to say farewell to the Earth. It’s a peaceful place for hiking, swimming, canoeing, or simply relaxing by the shore.
There are eco-lodges and guesthouses where visitors can stay overnight or enjoy local cuisine with a lake view. You can also explore the traditional village life around the lake, where fishing and farming remain central. The scenic beauty and spiritual atmosphere make Lake Bosomtwe a rewarding break from Kumasi’s urban energy. Whether you’re seeking reflection, adventure, or cultural discovery, this crater lake delivers.
5. Discover Traditional Weaving in Bonwire
Bonwire is a village just outside Kumasi renowned as the birthplace of authentic Kente cloth weaving. Kente, the vibrant and symbolic fabric worn for special occasions, is handwoven on traditional looms using complex patterns that carry cultural meanings. Visiting Bonwire allows travelers to meet the weavers, watch them at work, and even try the craft themselves. The experience goes beyond tourism—it connects you to centuries-old storytelling through fabric.
Shops in the village sell everything from scarves and sashes to full ceremonial robes, and each color and pattern has a specific message. It’s common to see elders teaching younger generations, preserving the art for the future. You can also learn about how Kente is used in naming ceremonies, weddings, and chieftain installations. Bonwire is a colorful, tactile, and human experience that reflects the heart of Ashanti heritage.
6. Attend the Akwasidae Festival at the Royal Palace
The Akwasidae Festival is a vibrant traditional celebration held every six weeks at the Manhyia Palace. This ceremony honors the Ashanti ancestors and showcases the full splendor of the royal court. The Asantehene (king) appears in his majestic regalia, surrounded by chiefs, drummers, dancers, and sword bearers, creating a spectacle of music, color, and cultural pride. The festival draws locals and tourists alike who come to witness the grandeur of Ashanti heritage firsthand.
Each event includes drumming, chanting, and libation rituals performed to connect the living with the ancestral spirits. It’s also an opportunity for the king to meet with his subjects and offer blessings. Photography is allowed but should be done respectfully, and visitors are encouraged to dress modestly. Attending Akwasidae offers a rare, authentic encounter with living African royalty and ancient customs.
7. Enjoy Nature and Art at Rattray Park
Rattray Park is a modern recreational park in the center of Kumasi, offering a blend of greenery, technology, and family-friendly amenities. Named after Captain Rattray, a British anthropologist who studied Ashanti culture, the park is a relaxing spot to walk, exercise, or enjoy open-air performances. It features walking trails, a musical fountain, a children’s playground, and even free Wi-Fi. The lush lawns and shaded benches make it a favorite among locals for picnics and meetups.
Public events, art exhibitions, and weekend concerts are occasionally hosted here, bringing together all ages in a festive atmosphere. The park is also home to sculptures and murals celebrating Ghanaian culture and unity. It’s a perfect place to take a break from sightseeing, enjoy local snacks, or watch a spontaneous dance circle unfold. Rattray Park adds a contemporary layer to Kumasi’s cultural landscape.
8. Experience Drumming and Dance at Centre for National Culture
The Centre for National Culture in Kumasi is a hub of artistic activity and a great place to dive into traditional Ghanaian performance arts. Here, you can attend scheduled drumming and dance shows, browse handcrafted souvenirs, or take short workshops in batik-making, beadwork, or percussion. The atmosphere is lively and educational, making it ideal for travelers who want more than just passive sightseeing.
Instructors are often practicing artists themselves, eager to share the cultural significance behind each beat or pattern. There’s also a gallery that displays contemporary Ghanaian art and sculpture, giving you a sense of how old traditions evolve. Whether you’re watching a live show or trying out the djembe for the first time, this space invites full participation. It’s an interactive celebration of Ghanaian creativity.
9. Stroll the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Campus
KNUST is one of West Africa’s top universities and a major cultural and intellectual landmark in Kumasi. The campus is open to visitors and features beautifully landscaped grounds, public art, and striking modernist architecture. A walk here offers insight into Ghana’s educational future while appreciating its commitment to preserving tradition. Students are friendly, and there’s often a buzz of activity from academic events to student exhibitions.
Cultural festivals and public lectures are sometimes open to outsiders, and the KNUST Museum showcases art and history projects from faculty and students. The university bookstore, food courts, and open-air cafés provide plenty of reasons to linger. It’s also a surprisingly peaceful spot for a mid-day stroll or some quiet reflection. KNUST adds an inspiring, youthful energy to Kumasi’s cultural mix.
10. Tour the Prempeh II Jubilee Museum
Located within the Kumasi Cultural Centre, the Prempeh II Jubilee Museum focuses on the personal and political legacy of Asantehene Prempeh II. It features royal regalia, historic photos, traditional stools, and other items tied to Ashanti leadership and daily life. The museum helps bridge the gap between Kumasi’s ancient traditions and its modern monarchy. Exhibits are labeled in English and curated to highlight the symbolism behind each object.
While smaller than the Manhyia Palace Museum, this museum offers a more intimate perspective on Ashanti leadership and continuity. It’s also an easy walk from nearby artisan shops and cafés, making it a convenient cultural stop. For anyone interested in African governance, symbolism, and identity, this museum provides essential context. It’s a thoughtful, well-curated experience that ties together many of the themes you’ll encounter across Kumasi.
What to do if you have kids?
Kumasi is a family-friendly city with plenty to offer kids of all ages. Rattray Park, Lake Bosomtwe, and the Kumasi Zoo provide wide-open spaces for running, playing, and learning about nature. Many cultural centers and festivals also include music, crafts, and activities that are both entertaining and educational. It’s easy to find child-friendly food, and locals are warm and welcoming to families. Just be sure to bring sunscreen and plan for afternoon breaks if traveling with younger children.
Where can I find free events in Kumasi Ghana taking place this weekend?
To find free cultural festivals, concerts, community markets, or public lectures in Kumasi this weekend, visit PlanMyWeekend.ai. The platform curates real-time listings of events happening near you, helping you discover hidden gems without the need for endless searching. Whether you’re looking for a live drumming session, food fair, or outdoor movie night, PlanMyWeekend.ai makes planning your social calendar easy and affordable.
Final thoughts
Kumasi is a city of kings, rhythms, and resilience. Its blend of royal heritage, bustling markets, artistic expression, and natural beauty makes it one of Ghana’s most captivating destinations. Whether you’re exploring centuries-old traditions or enjoying modern cultural spaces, Kumasi leaves you with a deeper understanding of Ghanaian identity. It’s not just a place to visit—it’s a place to connect, reflect, and celebrate. Year-round, Kumasi offers unforgettable experiences that honor the past while embracing the future.
Author: Dejon Brooks
Dejon Brooks is an entrepreneur who founded Trend Watchers with his life savings. Aged 24, Dejon has turned Trend Watchers into a successful business. After reaching over 150M+ people on his personal accounts, he now spends his time growing Planmyweekend.ai
