Jamestown

Accra

Jamestown originated as a community that emerged around the 17th-century British James Fort, merging with Accra as the city grew. These days, Jamestown is one the poorer neighbourhoods of Accra – full of beautifully dishevelled colonial buildings, clapboard houses and corrugated iron shacks – but it remains vibrant. For a great view of the city and the busy and colourful fishing harbour (haze and pollution permitting), climb to the top of the whitewashed lighthouse.

There are several boxing gyms in Jamestown that have nurtured a long line of local kids into champions. You'll see plenty of posters around. For entertainment there's the excellent Jamestown Cafe and adjacent gallery.

Suggest an edit to this attraction

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Independence Square
1.61 MILES
Independence Sq, also known as Black Star Sq, is a vast, empty expanse of concrete overlooked by spectator stands of Stalinesque grace. The square is…
Kwame Nkrumah Park and Mausoleum
0.92 MILES
This tranquil park is full of bronze statues, fountains and wandering peacocks, with the mausoleum of Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's first leader, at its heart…
Goethe-Institut
4.78 MILES
Goethe-Institut, the cultural arm of the German government in Ghana, is also a popular events venue in Accra. If you’re in town on the first Saturday in…
Labadi Beach
5.38 MILES
Come the weekend people flock to Accra's most popular beach to play ball games, frolic in the surf, go horse riding along the sand or party to loud dance…
Makola Market
1.1 MILES
There is no front door or welcoming sign to the Makola Market. Before you know it, you've been sucked in by the human undertow from the usual pavements…
ANO Centre for Cultural Research
2.09 MILES
This arts institution, which takes its name from the word 'grandmother' in Akan, was founded by Ghanaian art historian, writer and filmmaker Nana…
The Studio
2.87 MILES
Ghanaian photographer Francis Kokoroko and his friends regularly host cultural events and art talks at this tiny, unbranded studio on the top floor of the…
Legon Botanical Gardens
9.22 MILES
This nature park close to the University of Ghana is the perfect spot to take a break from Accra’s relentless pace, and one of only a few green spots in…

View more attractions

Nearby Accra attractions

1. Jamestown Lighthouse

0.17 MILES

For a great view of the city and the busy and colourful fishing harbour (haze and pollution permitting), climb to the top of the old lighthouse near James…

2. Holy Trinity Cathedral

0.6 MILES

This gracious red-brick Anglican Church was completed by the British in 1894.

3. Kwame Nkrumah Park and Mausoleum

0.92 MILES

This tranquil park is full of bronze statues, fountains and wandering peacocks, with the mausoleum of Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's first leader, at its heart…

4. Makola Market

1.1 MILES

There is no front door or welcoming sign to the Makola Market. Before you know it, you've been sucked in by the human undertow from the usual pavements…

5. Independence Square

1.61 MILES

Independence Sq, also known as Black Star Sq, is a vast, empty expanse of concrete overlooked by spectator stands of Stalinesque grace. The square is…

6. British Council

1.63 MILES

Organises cultural events and lectures. Also has an air-con library with English newspapers and magazines.

7. Independence Arch

1.66 MILES

This imposing arch adjacent to Independence Sq is crowned by a large black star, Ghana's national symbol. Note: taking photos is forbidden.

8. National Museum

1.81 MILES

Set in pleasant grounds, the national museum features excellent displays on various aspects of Ghanaian culture and history. The displays on local crafts,…

View more attractions

placement: superzone
path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],

targeting:

{
  "url": "ghana/accra/attractions/jamestown/a/poi-sig/1350588/355309",
  "destination": "Accra",
  "continent": "Africa",
  "country": "Ghana",
  "city": "Accra",
  "position": "superzone"
}