Elmina Castle (St George's Castle) in Elmina, Elmina: Tickets, Hours and Family Guide
Museums and history in Elmina, Elmina
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The oldest European building in sub-Saharan Africa, built by the Portuguese in 1482, with guided tours of the slave dungeons, the governor's chapel and the courtyard.
What is Elmina Castle (St George's Castle)?
Elmina Castle, or St George's Castle, was built by the Portuguese in 1482 and is the oldest European building in sub-Saharan Africa. It changed hands between the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British, and was used as a depot for the transatlantic slave trade. The guided tour covers the courtyard, the governor's chapel above the female dungeon, the cramped slave dungeons and the Door of No Return.
It is a smaller and in some ways more intimate site than Cape Coast Castle, and the two are usually visited together. The tour is emotionally heavy, and guides explain the history clearly. Entry includes the guided tour.
Elmina Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major site of memory for the transatlantic slave trade.
Elmina Castle (St George's Castle) ticket prices 2026
| Visitor type | Adult | Child | Toddler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard rate | GHS 40 | GHS 10 | Free |
Foreign adults reported at GH₵50–80, with lower Ghanaian rates and reduced student and child rates. The entry includes a guided tour. Confirm current rates at the gate.
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💡 Money-saving tips for families
- Combine with Cape Coast Castle But consider separate days with young children
- Guided tour included No separate fee
- The chapel above the dungeon A striking part of the tour
Is it right for your child's age?
| Age group | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2 years | Poor | Too young for the content |
| 3-5 years | Okay | Short visit with an adult |
| 6-9 years | Good | Guided tour with preparation |
| 10-12 years | Great | Full tour |
| 13+ years | Great | Full historical experience |
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Key details
- Address
- Elmina Castle, Elmina, Central Region, Elmina
- Opening hours
- Daily 9am–5pm Closed now
- How long to plan
- 1 to 1.5 hours
- Suitable ages
- All ages (content is intense for young children)
- Setting
- Both
- Booking
- Walk-in; guided tours run through the day
- Payment accepted
- Cash and mobile money at the gate
What to expect when you visit
Pay at the gate and join a guided tour. The route goes through the courtyard, the chapel and the dungeons, and ends at the Door of No Return.
Allow an hour to an hour and a half. Combine it with Cape Coast Castle, but consider doing the two on separate days with younger children, as the content is heavy.
What if...?
The questions every parent asks before booking. Tap to expand.
Is it suitable for young children?
The content is intense; prepare them.
Is a guide included?
Yes.
How long does it take?
About an hour.
Family essentials
- Suitable age bands
- 0–2 years
- 3–5 years
- 6–9 years
- 10–12 years
- 13+ years
- Safety notes
Stay with the guide, keep children close in the dungeons and talk to them afterwards.
Tickets and costs
- Parking
- Free
- Free entry rules
- No
- Extra costs (activities, rentals, food)
Guided tour, dungeons, chapel, Door of No Return
Plan your visit
- Combine with
- Cape Coast Castle
- Elmina Java Museum
- Coconut Grove Beach Resort
- What to bring
- Water
- comfortable shoes
Accessibility deep dive
Here is what to expect on the ground.
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Family day bag checklist
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Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to visit Elmina Castle (St George's Castle)?
- Adults pay GHS 40 and children pay GHS 10. Children under the toddler age enter free. Foreign adults reported at GH₵50–80, with lower Ghanaian rates and reduced student and child rates. The entry includes a guided tour. Confirm current rates at the gate.
- What are the Elmina Castle (St George's Castle) opening hours?
- Daily 9am–5pm.
- How long do you need at Elmina Castle (St George's Castle)?
- Plan for 1 to 1.5 hours.
- What payment methods does Elmina Castle (St George's Castle) accept?
- Elmina Castle (St George's Castle) accepts Cash and mobile money at the gate. It does not accept cash.
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