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The Local’s Guide: 20 Things to Do in Kingston Like a True Jamaican

Are you planning a trip to Kingston Jamaica? You’ve come to the right place! Kingston is often overlooked for the more tourist locations in Jamaica like Montego Bay , Ocho Rios and Negril. However, this vibrant and diverse city has plenty of exciting things to do.

Don’t have time to read the whole article? The epic Bob Marley Museum Tour with a near-perfect ⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating.

From cultural activities in Kingston and nightlife to unforgettable adventure experiences, Kingston has something for everyone. Still, trying to figure out where to start?

No worries, as I grow up in Kingston, I’ve put together the ultimate guide for exploring Kingston like a local with a list of the best things to do in Kingston Jamaica.

Best Things To Do in Kingston Jamaica

1. Bob Marley Museum Tour

No visit to Kingston is complete without visiting the Bob Marley Museum , where you will be immersed in the sights and sounds of the great reggae artist. On the museum tour, your knowledgeable guide will take you through this Jamaican Heritage site, which features the Main House, Exhibition Hall, Theatre, Gift Shop and Café along your journey. 

To preserve the authenticity of Bob Marley’s home, all original rooms have been kept just as they were when he occupied them. The museum is one of the best tourist attractions in Kingston Jamaica, with displays including a life-size 3-dimensional hologram from his famous One Love Peace Concert in 1978, his Grammy Lifetime Achievement award and his Recording Studio.

Visitors can also explore Bob’s bedroom filled with his favourite pieces of clothing, an array of Gold and Platinum Records awarded to him from around the world, and costumes worn by his backup singers – known as I-Threes.

This tour is one of the things to do in Kingston Jamaica as you’ll step inside the luxurious, air-conditioned theatre to witness captivating live performances of Bob Marley with modern and sophisticated projection equipment.

Then head to the “One Love Café”, where you can indulge in some of Bob Marley and his family’s beloved recipes and juices. But wait, there is more.

The Bob Marley Gift Shop offers a range of souvenirs for anyone looking to bring home a piece of reggae history, making it one of the best places to visit in Jamaica .

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars (16+ reviews) | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  6 hours |  🎟️  BOOK NOW

2. Explore Devon House Tour with Ice Cream

Another Kingston Jamaica things to do is to visit the historic Devon House. The Devon House Mansion is a beloved tourist attraction, a historical landmark in Kingston , and the legacy of Jamaica’s first black millionaire George Stiebel.

This architectural masterpiece stands proudly at the Millionaires Corner between Trafalgar Road and Hope Road.

Built during the late 19th century alongside two other extravagant residences by three affluent Jamaicans, only Devon House has miraculously survived modern development projects that destroyed its neighbouring homes. Stiebel’s magnificently maintained estate remains an everlasting reminder of his accomplishments.

Devon House has been designated a national monument declared in 1990 by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust and is one of the top historical sites in Kingston Jamaica to visit.

Although it may come as a surprise, the story of Devon House dates back to the mid-17th century when Britain took control of Jamaica from Spain.

Today, this historical site stands in Kingston and features welcoming ornamental fountains and palm trees on its front lawn.

Guide tours throughout the two-story property allow guests to experience louvred balconies, Venetian crystal chandeliers, and silk wall hangings with reproductions reflecting its era and is one of the best places to visit in Kingston Jamaica.

Nowadays, the house is situated on 11 acres of lush lawns in the heart of the city. The adjoining stables and kitchen have been restored into retail stores, art galleries, and restaurants.

Before you leave, take a moment to soak up the atmosphere in the courtyard – where you can pop by Devon House, I Scream and try a scoop or two of some of the best ice cream in Jamaica.

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars (3+ reviews) | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2 hours |  🎟️  BOOK NOW

3. Bike Tour Of The Blue Mountains

One of the most fun things to do in Kingston Jamaica is to explore the majestic Blue Mountains. Where you can embark on an enriching tour of Jamaica’s Blue Mountains with hotel pick-up from selected hotels in Jamaica.

You begin the guided tour by ascending into this majestic mountainous terrain, one of Kingston’s top attractions.

The Blue Mountains peak is one of the best places to visit in Kingston Jamaica for the epic views of the city and the untouched national park.

Then arrive at the renowned Blue Mountain Coffee Company, one of the must-see places in Kingston Jamaica, to see their roasting process and learn about what makes Blue Mountain Coffee so special.

Afterwards, hop on a bicycle and coast downhill through gorgeous scenery that overlooks Kingston – you won’t want to forget your camera!

After a pit stop for lunch, take a refreshing swim underneath one of the many local waterfalls in Jamaica before returning back to your hotel. In this tour, all transportation and bicycling equipment are included.

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars (77+ reviews) | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  9 hours |  🎟️  BOOK NOW

4. Romantic Things To Do in Kingston Jamaica – Spa Treatment at Strawberry Hill

One of the most romantic things to do in Kingston Jamaica is to visit the luxurious Strawberry Hill for a spa treatment.

You can escape the hustle and bustle of daily life in style at Strawberry Hill , a picturesque mountain retreat nestled amongst Jamaica’s lush Blue Mountain Range.

Enjoy luxurious colonial-style accommodations filled with tranquil antique furnishings as you bask in nature’s beauty.

Or take advantage of their acclaimed spa treatments that offer an array of services, like massage therapy specifically designed to help visitors relax and enjoy or take a dip in their infinity pool with 360-degree views of the Blue Mountains .

5. Kingston City Tour

See Kingston like never before on this half-day heritage excursion . From National Heroes Park’s monuments to its national heroes, prime ministers and cultural icons to the ruins of the University of the West Indies Mona, and other tourist attractions in Kingston Jamaica.

You’ll gain insights into Kingston’s history, food, architecture and modern culture through engaging guided commentary.

But that’s not all get an insider’s look at locals making history when you visit Trench Town with stories from the many musicians who lived there including Bob Marley himself.

Don’t leave without stopping by the outdoor markets for lunch and a creamy ice cream treat at Devon House. This tour is excellent for first-time visitors who want to have a few cultural experiences in Kingston Jamaica.

6. Emancipation Park Jamaica

One of the best things to see in Kingston Jamaica, is Emancipation Park in New Kingston, a spectacular public park that opened on July 31st 2002.

This beautiful 6-acre park features fountains and art exhibits, including Redemption Song: an 11 ft. tall bronze sculpture crafted by Jamaican artist Laura Facey.

It depicts a male and female figure gazing up to signify their resilience after enduring slavery. Bob Marley’s iconic song of the same name inspires this powerful piece of artwork at the main entrance of Emancipation Park.

7. Fun Places To Go in Kingston Jamaica – Coronation Market Kingston

Coronation Market is one of the best places to visit in Kingston Jamaica. The Market, otherwise known as ‘Curry’, is the largest and most lively market in Jamaica . Situated in Downtown Kingston, it reflects an accurate image of everyday life for a typical Jamaican.

Vendors from across the country come here to sell their merchandise at wholesale prices or lower costs; plus, you can’t find fresher goods anywhere else on the island. It is one of the best attractions in Kingston Jamaica.

The energy that fills this space is unmistakable: men pushing carts around bustling stalls. At the same time, vendors attempt to get top dollar for each product they have on display – no wonder Curry has become such an iconic spot amongst locals and tourists and is great for shopping in Kingston Jamaica.

Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest days at Coronation Market, with a bustling crowd of locals arriving to buy fresh produce. It’s an excellent display of Jamaica’s unique culture.

Jamaica Travel Tip:  You should bring someone or a local guide who knows their way around the market with you. If you want to take photos of a stall, ask the stall owner first; if they say no, respect their wishes and keep it moving. Also, leave any valuables in your hotel for safekeeping and do not touch or unnecessarily fondle the fresh produce if you will not buy it.

8. Explore Port Royal

One of the top tourist attractions in Kingston Jamaica and once known as the “wickedest city in the world,” Port Royal was a notorious pirate and shipping hub for the Caribbean during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Legendary buccaneers such as Captain Henry Morgan, Blackbeard, and Calico Jack often visited this lawless port to stock up on supplies for their next escapade or evade capture from authorities.

Unfortunately, much of Port Royal sank into the sea after an earthquake destroyed it in 1692. Yet, vestiges of its pirating legacy remain from ancient architecture to corroded cannons at Fort Charles that keep a vigilant watch over what remains today. Visiting Port Royal is amongst the top activities in Kingston Jamaica to do for history buffs.

9. Jamaica National Gallery

As the largest and oldest public art gallery in the English-speaking Caribbean, the National Gallery of Jamaica is a must-see for art lovers.

Since 1974, it has presented modern, contemporary and early works from Jamaica and other countries in surrounding regions, from Pre-Colombian creations by indigenous communities to celebrated Jamaican artists like Edna Manley and Mallica ‘Kapo’ Reynolds.

The National Gallery features five permanent galleries offering an extensive range of artistic displays. And if that’s not enough, each year sees a series of special temporary exhibits too.

Visiting the National Gallery of Jamaica is one of the best landmarks to visit in Kingston Jamaica, if you are interested in Jamaica’s culture and history.

10. Trench Town Culture Yard Museum

One of the top things to do in Kingston Jamaica is visit Trench Town the birthplace of Reggae music, birthing icons such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, The Abyssinians and more.

Consequently, the Jamaican National Heritage Trust deemed Culture Yard a Protected National Heritage Site in 2009 – making it Jamaica’s first Inner City Tourism product.

Four years later, in 2016, this site and attraction were also granted an official Jamaica Tourist Board Licence. Visiting Trench Town is one of the top cultural tours in Kingston Jamaica.

This tour is great for sightseeing in Kingston Jamaica and takes you through Jamaica’s music history, offering 45 minutes or 1 to 2 hours of exploration.

Visit six rooms filled with Wailer’s memorabilia, including Bob Marley’s ‘single bed’ where he and Rita slept. Enjoy drinks at Casbah Bar while you converse with locals in this vibrant community before ending your tour.

Experience firsthand why Trench Town is one of the top places to see in Kingston Jamaica and has become an iconic destination for fans of reggae music worldwide.

⭐️  RATING:  3.5 out of 5 Stars (7+ reviews) | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours |  🎟️  BOOK NOW

11. Rockfort Mineral Bath

Escape the stress of everyday life and journey to Jamaica’s renowned  Rockfort Mineral Baths , is one of the top activities in Kingston Jamaica to do for relaxation.

Boasting slightly saline, warm water that is rumoured to carry therapeutic benefits due to its radioactive properties, it is no wonder this gem was declared a national monument in 1992.

The property even contains the historical remains of an old fort constructed in 1694 as part of island defence after Port Royal’s earthquake in 1692.

Whether you are looking for massage or reflexology treatments at their Stress Management Centre or simply soaking up some peaceful vibes surrounded by tropical beauty – The Rockfort Mineral Bath is one of Jamaica’s top mineral baths and spas to visit .

12. Fort Charles

Developed as Fort Cromwell in the middle-1650s, Fort Charles was one of the few buildings that endured a major earthquake in 1692 which sunk much of Port Royal into the sea.

The fort was reconstructed after this seismic event and kept on being used by British forces. Presently, it holds the renowned Fort Charles Maritime Museum.

13. Lime Cay

Lime Cay is one of the best things to see in Kingston Jamaica. Jamaica is encircled by some of the clearest, bluest sea water in the Caribbean, yet most Jamaican are not big swimmers.

Usually, in Jamaica, beach days are saved for weekends, and Kingston residents take a canoe trip or ferry out to   Lime Cay  if they want an escapade.

Lime Cay is one of the hidden gems in Kingston Jamaica situated close to Norman Manley International Airport this small cay can only be reached through hired boats at   Morgan’s Harbour or Y-Knot  so make sure you carry your own food, dry bag, sunscreen , water and supplies since there aren’t any vendors on it.

The tranquil surrounding water makes it an idyllic spot for anyone longing for some restful downtime while visiting Kingston. If you are looking for things to do in Kingston Jamaica this weekend, then Lime Cay should be at the top of your list.

14. National Heroes Park

One of the free things to do in Kingsto n  Jamaica is visit National Heroes Park. In Kingston, National Heroes Park is the largest green area that spans 50 acres and used to be a horse track.

It now includes monuments honouring numerous historical figures and a war memorial for Jamaicans who passed away during World War I. Additionally, Bob Marley’s iconic 1976 Smile Jamaica concert was held here.

15. Hellshire Beach

Another one of the free things to do in Kingston Jamaica is to visit Hellshire Beach Jamaica. This beach offers locals a pristine white-sand beach in Kingston with a hint of black sand due to the ocean tides.

Situated close to Portmore, this popular public beach allows you to indulge in its signature fried fish while having fun swimming safely. Moreover, weekend visitors from Kingston flock here for some much-needed respite or relaxation.

Be ready, though; when there is an incoming tide from the south side, the waters near shore become murky as it stirs up the sand beneath.

Hellshire Beach is not a touristy beach like the beaches in Ocho Rios , Montego Bay, Negril, Falmouth or Portland ; however, it is still rated as one of the best beaches in Jamaica.

16. Spanish Town (De La Vega)

Embark on a historical journey at one of the most popular places to visit in Kingston Jamaica. Spanish Town (otherwise known as Santiago de la Vega or St. Jago de la Vega) is Jamaica’s capital city of St.

Catherine’s parish, having served as its political and cultural epicentre from 1534 until 1872 for both the Spanish and British.

Today visitors to the most popular attractions in Kingston Jamaica will find numerous monuments and memorials commemorating the Town’s rich past, along with one of the oldest Anglican churches outside of England.

17. Explore Hope Botanical Gardens & Zoo

Sitting on 200 acres in St Andrew, Jamaica is the Hope Botanical Gardens – also known as the Royal Botanical Gardens. Visiting Hope Gardens is one of the best things to do in Kingston Jamaica.

This park was originally established by Major Richard Hope in 1655 when Britain took over control of Jamaica from Spain.

As a commander with the British Army, he received his estate for helping to gain command of this area. It was then developed into a sugar plantation complete with a watermill and remains today an important historical landmark in Kingston.

Originally established in 1873 from a part of the estate, these gardens are now renowned for their gorgeous palm grove, stunning cactus garden, beautiful orchid house and tranquil ornamental ponds.

18. Try A Tastees Patty

When you pay a visit to Jamaica, the one fast-food joint that stands out is Tastee Patties. It’s cheap and provides delicious food like chicken/beef patties, fried chicken , and warm coco bread.

Growing up eating it myself – I know firsthand how fulfilling yet flavourful each bite of this iconic Jamaican treat can be.

While other patty places exist, such as Juici Patties, save your time elsewhere -Tastees is simply the best option. Additionally, if you want to share some with family back home or just savour its flavour for yourself in the future, they offer frozen patties that you can take on your journey.

19. Best Things To Do In Kingston Jamaica At Night – Kingston Dub Club

Kingston Dub Club has been the beacon of undiluted roots in music and sound system culture for nearly two decades and is one of the best clubs in Kingston Jamaica. Run by Karlyle’ Gabre Selassie’ Lee – a devoted Rastafarian, this club is truly one-of-a-kind with its immersive evening events high above Kingston on Skyline drive every Sunday night .

The Dub club is one of the best places to go in Kingston at night if you want an authentic Jamaican club experience.

At Kingston Dub Club, it’s said that ‘the only good system is a sound system’, meaning its patrons leave each week feeling invigorated from both the edutainment they experience and the powerful energy of Gabre Selassie’s fantastic Rockers Sound System .

If you find yourself in Kingston, dancing the night away at the Dub Club is one of the top things to do in Kingston, Jamaica at night.

20. Bacchanal, Carnival

Visiting Jamaica during carnival season is one of the best things to do in Kingston Jamaica. If you want an experience like no other, the best time to visit Kingston is from February to April .

During this time, Jamaica Carnival celebration s are at their peak, as there’s a party every week. Revellers from all over dance and sing with soca, reggae or dancehall music.

This carnival season culminates in the island’s biggest event – the National Carnival Road March, where people take to the streets to celebrate carnival in Jamaica.

Best Kingston Jamaica Tours

🎟️ friday evening kingston harbour cruise.

Take part in this once-in-a-lifetime tour and immerse yourself fully in the beauty of Kingston. During the journey, you’ll be dazzled as you gaze upon Jamaica’s capital city illuminated against the night sky while cruising across its 7th largest natural harbour – all accompanied by uplifting tunes spun by a live DJ.

The tour departs from Ribbiz Ocean Lounge on a Friday evening, one of downtown’s most popular restaurants and venues for partying after you’re done with your cruise.

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars (175+ reviews) | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3-4 hours |  🎟️  BOOK NOW

🎟️ Nightlife in Kingston Jamaica Tour

Looking for a perfect night out in Jamaica Kingston? On this Kingston Night Life Tour! The knowledgeable local guides will pick you up and take you for a thrilling 30-45 minute drive around the Kingston area, giving you the unique opportunity to experience Jamaican nightlife.

During the day, many restaurants of various cuisines are available to choose from, including Jamaican, American, Italian, and even Japanese.

After dinner, prepare for an unforgettable evening as your guide takes you to some of the hottest nightclubs/bars – dancing and partying into the early morning hours.

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars (2+ reviews) | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  6 hours |  🎟️  BOOK NOW

Where to stay Kingston Jamaica

If you’re looking for the perfect place to stay in Kingston Jamaica, you’ve come to the right place. Here is a brief overview of the best hotels in Kingston Jamaica .

🏨 Spanish Court Hotel

• ⭐  Rating:  9.2 out of 10 Stars
• 🏆  Known for:  Free buffet breakfast, poolside bar, full-service spa
• 🏨  Check Rates & Availability on Booking.com

Spanish Court Hotel, situated in New Kingston’s vibrant hub – only 450 yards away from the famous Port Royal historical district. Here you can revel in the luxury of this hotel’s spa and fitness centre, or take a dip in the rooftop infinity pool whilst admiring spectacular views.

🏨 Jamaica Pegasus Hotel

• ⭐  Rating:  7.6 out of 10 Stars
• 🏆  Known for:  Swimming pool, banquet hall, spa, staff & services

Situated in the business centre of Kingston, just 1.2 miles from Independence Park Jamaica Pegasus Hotel is a haven for business travellers looking for comfort and convenience. Enjoy some sunlight by the furnished terrace with an outdoor swimming pool.

Each air-conditioned room provides free Wi-Fi, a safety deposit box, flat-screen cable TV, and a complimentary coffee maker or fridge upon request. You can reach Norman Manley International Airport within 25 minutes of driving distance, while National Heroes park only takes 1.9 miles away; Bob Marley Museum is a 5 minutes drive to explore some Jamaican cultural heritage.

🏨 Backpackers Hostel

• ⭐  Rating:  7.4 out of 10 Stars
• 🏆  Known for:  Coffee shop, laundry facilities, front-desk safe

At Backpackers Hostel in Kingston, budget travellers can stay in a tranquil garden oasis and take advantage of the shared lounge. The property provides free private parking and an airport shuttle service for an additional fee.

Every guest room has a computer, while bed linen and towels are included to ensure maximum comfort during your visit. Tinson Pen Aerodrome Airport lies just 5.6 miles away from this Jamaican hostel doors – making it easy to get here or go elsewhere on the island.

What to Do In Kingston Jamaica FAQs

✅ best time to visit kingston jamaica.

For an unforgettable trip to Kingston, the best time to visit Kingston is between December and April/May (for the Jamaica Carnival). This time of year brings a drier climate with milder temperatures. To experience the legendary festivities of Bob Marley Week, come in early February for concerts, exhibitions and more. Avoid June through November, as this is the rainy hurricane season .

✅ Is Kingston Jamaica worth visiting?

Without a doubt, Kingston is an essential destination for any traveller visiting Jamaica. Despite being the capital of Jamaica, it’s often overlooked in favour of tourist hotspots like Montego Bay , Ocho Rios and Negril. But music and history fans should not miss out on this city. With Bob Marley’s former home available to explore and the National Gallery’s impressive array of artworks to appreciate, there are so many unbelievable museums and exhibits in Kingston Jamaica.

✅ What is Kingston Jamaica known for?

Kingston is celebrated for its incomparable cultural attractions, great parks, delicious cuisine and vibrant nightlife. The city’s most beloved tourist destinations include the stately Bob Marley Museum (inhabiting the artist’s former residence), Trench Town — where Marley spent much of his formative years — as well as such attractions as Fort Charles; a 17th-century fortress boasting magnificent sea views.

✅ Is Kingston better than Montego Bay?

No Kingston is better than Montego Bay.  Comparing Kingston and Montego Bay is like comparing apples to oranges. Montego Bay’s sun-kissed beaches make it a great spot for those looking to relax, while Kingston offers something totally different and is the ideal destination for travellers seeking culture and historical education.

What To Do In Kingston Jamaica

To sum up, Kingston, Jamaica has so much to offer! From its vibrant culture and captivating landscapes to the majestic tropical rainforests and waterfalls, you will surely enjoy your visit.

Whether it’s enjoying a delicious local meal or exploring the city sights, hiking in the Blue Mountains National Park, discovering why Kingston is known as the ‘Cultural Capitol of Jamaica’, and soaking up all that beautiful Jamaican sunshine.

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The 16 Best Things to do in Kingston Jamaica For Every Type of Traveler

Planning a trip to Kingston, Jamaica? If you’re wondering what to do – here is a list of 16 things you must add to your itinerary!

When most people plan a trip to Jamaica, their intention is to relax on the beach at an all-inclusive resort, maybe hike Dunns River Falls, and have a cocktail at Rick’s Cafe. I’m here to tell you that even though Kingston, Jamaica may not be as world-renowned as it’s beachside counterparts, it’s got a unique charm of it’s own with plenty of tourist attractions just waiting to be explored. Culture fanatics and those who enjoy experiential travel will love this vibrant Caribbean capital. I had the pleasure of attending the JA Food and Drink Festival and got to visit Kingston for a week, and there was no shortage of fun things to do!

Jamaica is the largest English-speaking island in the Caribbean, and Kingston is the largest English-speaking Caribbean city south of the United States. It’s the largest city in Jamaica, made up of two parts: the historic Downtown Kingston, and New Kingston. Located on the south eastern coast of the Jamaica, Kingston is accessible via the Norman Manley International Airport and also by the smaller domestic Tinson Pen Aerodrome airport. Here is a list of 16 of the best things to do in Kingston:

Visit the Bob Marley museum

This is one of the most popular places to visit in Kingston, and an obvious choice for Bob Marley fans. You’ll learn all about the reggae star’s musical accomplishments as well as his activism. Bob was born in St. Ann Parish, but the museum was his personal residence until he passed away in 1981. Visiting the Bob Marley Museum is an especially moving experience if you’re a fan of his music, and you’ll have the opportunity to step into his personal recording studio where his sons still occasionally record today. You’ll also tour his bedroom, kitchen, and backyard.

Address: 56 Hope Road, Kingston 6

I’m a huge Bob Marley fan and loved the experience at the museum. They also have a great cafe!

Hang out at lifeyard jamaica

The Life Yard should be high on your list of places to see in Kingston. No matter what your vibe is, you’ll find something to enjoy. It’s a multicultural eco-village created by a group of young Rastafarians dedicated to effecting positive change in their community. There is beautiful street art to admire and pose in front of if you’re an avid instagrammer , a restaurant serving up vegetarian dishes, a fresh juice bar and educational workshops for the local children. Get in touch with them if you want to schedule a tour with one of their registered tour guides. It is a residential area, so you’ll definitely want to be accompanied by someone in the know.

Coronation Market

This is the place to pick up local souvenirs, crafts, fruits, and vegetables. It’s one of the largest farmer’s markets in Jamaica, and the biggest market in the English-speaking Caribbean. Visiting the Coronation Market may be overwhelming if you aren’t a fan of crowds. Tourists are advised to hire a guide to help them expertly weave through the maze of vendors. Just don’t take unauthorized photos of the stalls or pick up the fruits without purchasing first, as most vendors simply do not appreciate it.

Address: Pechon St, Kingston, Jamaica

The market is full of fresh fruits and vegetables!

Tour the Jamaica Blue Mountains

Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee is famous for it’s superior quality, and coffee aficionados will be thrilled to know that not only is Blue Mountain coffee a fraction of the price in Jamaica – it’s also possible to visit the Blue Mountains with a tour guide! Even if you aren’t a coffee drinker, the experience is a spectacular one. It’s quite obvious how this mountain range got it’s name – to the naked eye, the mountains really do look blue.

Spend an afternoon at Strawberry Hill

Strawberry Hill is a gorgeous hilltop boutique hotel that was once an 18th century coffee estate. Back then, Jamaica was the world’s largest coffee exporter. Today, this lush estate is the perfect Kingston hideaway. The infinity pool is the star of the property and offers 360 views of downtown Kingston and the Blue Mountains. You can spend the afternoon here if you make a reservation at the spa or dine at the restaurant for lunch.

Address : Island Outpost, Crooked River 00000, Jamaica

The infinity pool at Strawberry Hill has a stunning view!

Wander through Hope Botanical garden and zoo

If you want a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, then a stroll through Hope Botanical Garden should do the trick. Hope Gardens is home to many indigenous plants of Jamaica, and boasts one of the largest botanical gardens in the Caribbean. Other noteworthy attractions within the gardens include the Coconut Museum, The Amphitheater, Orchid House, and of course the zoo.

231 Old Hope Road, Kingston, Jamaica

Hang out with Rastas in the Hills

Dub Club may be a tourist hangout, but it definitely hasn’t lost it’s cool factor. It’s like a reggae house party, and all are welcome. Nestled high above the city on Jack Hill, this iconic bar has a spectacular view of Kingston. It’s the place to be on a Sunday night, and doors open at 8pm. Bring enough cash to pay for entry ($7 US) and drinks. There is a souvenir shop inside as well.

Address: 7b Skyline Drive ,  Kingston,  Jamaica

Go salsa dancing at the Regency Bar and Lounge

Jamaica may be famous for dancehall and reggae, but let me tell you – Jamaicans are great at salsa too! Located in the heart of Kingston adjacent to the Terra Nova Hotel , the Regency Bar & Lounge is where you’ll want to go for salsa dancing on Saturday nights. The dance floor is small and intimate, and dancers of all levels are encouraged to get up and dance. Keep in mind that there is no salsa the first Saturday of the month.

Stroll Emancipation Park

I went to Emancipation Park for a walk on a Tuesday morning, and it was a blissfully experience. I sat quietly on a park bench surrounded by orchids and palm trees, listening to the birds chirp as joggers make their way around the newly paved track. My favorite part about visiting Emancipation Park was the 11-foot monument called Redemption Song. It features a man and a woman, gazing directly up to the sky. It’s a moving representation of the triumphant rise above slavery, and serves as a reminder that “none but ourselves can free our mind.”

Don’t forget to try a Red Stripe! Pictured at Life Yard Kingston

Explore Port Royal

Port Royal is a must-see in Kingston, especially if you’re a fan of Pirates of the Caribbean. Once considered  the wickedest city in the West Indies, this port was a hub for infamous pirates like Blackbeard, Sir Henry Morgan, Anne Bonny and Calico Jack. The city grew wealthy because of these pirates who raided the Spanish ships looking for treasure. The area went through several natural disasters, from fires to hurricanes to a major earthquake 1962 that caused most of the city to sink below sea level.

Eat a patty at tastees

Kingston is the birthplace of the Jamaican Patty – so it’s only fitting that you eat one while you’re in town!  I asked a few locals who makes the best Patty and the resounding answer was Tastee. They also happen to be the creators of the original beef patty. Tastee now has franchises all over Jamaica and abroad. You can even pick up a pack of frozen patties to take home at the airport! Devon House, Juici Patties , and The Brick Oven are also known to serve delicious homemade patties.

Address: 125 Hagley Park Rd, Kingston, Jamaica

Have fried fish at Hellshire Beach

Hellshire Beach is located on the south coast of Jamaica, about 20 minutes away from Kingston. It’s a popular local hangout, known for it’s delicious fried fish served with Jamaican side specialties like fried plantains and festival. As if that weren’t filling enough, you’ll also be tempted by local vendors selling raw Jamaican oysters and spicy prawns in a bag.

Address: Cliff Blvd, Hellshire, Jamaica

Try the infamous KFC

Ask any Jamaican, and they will tell you that the KFC in Jamaica is the best one in the world. They have the numbers to prove it: it’s one of the top-selling KFC’s on the planet. I tried it, and while it didn’t totally rock my world, I can see why people say it’s a step above the rest. The fried chicken at KFC Jamaica has a distinct flavor which is created by using a special blend of spices. Get a BBQ Zinger or the Spicy Chicken wings if you really want to order like a local.

Address: there are several in Kingston. Find the one nearest you by visiting KFC Jamaica’s website.

Have Ice Cream at Devon House

No visit to Kingston is complete without a visit to Devon House. This beautiful colonial mansion was owned by George Stiebel, the first black millionaire in Jamaica. The grounds have since extended from a private residence to include a plethora of shops including Devon House I Scream, a world famous ice cream shop with a host of unique and creamy flavors. Get a double scoop if you have trouble deciding which one to order.

Address: 29 Sovereign North, 6,, Barbican Rd, Kingston, Jamaica

© Skkan Media Entertainment courtesy of Jamaica Food and Drink Festival

JA Food and Drink Festival

The Jamaica Food and Drink Festival is an annual celebration that consists of seven culinary events, each offering its own distinct theme and flavors. Jamaica’s most talented chefs converge in the city of Kingston to participate in this extravaganza that entertains foodies from all across the world. This year’s festival takes place October 26 – November 3rd. Make sure you book in advance as the many of the events during the festival tend to sell out fast.

Attend Jamaica’s Carnival

Jamaica has one of the fastest growing carnivals in the Caribbean. This year’s carnival takes places April 25th – April 30th 2019. Locals and tourists are invited to participate in this massive street party filled with colorful feathered costumes. Also known as Bacchanal, Carnival takes place in the center of Kingston, Ocho Rios and Montego bay.

Photo courtesy of the Jamaica Tourist Board

Where to stay:

Consider staying in an Airbnb if you want to live like a local. If you’d rather play it safe and book a traditional hotel, then check out The Pegasus . It’s centrally located and within walking distance of Emancipation Park as well as a commercial center and KFC. For more upscale accommodations, check out the Terra Nova Hotel which prides itself on its suites and fine dining.

There you have it folks! Have you ever been to Jamaica? How about Kingston? Comment below!

Pin this for future reference!

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23 comments.

Violet Jackson

May 31, 2022 at 2:12 am

This is an excellent list of things to see and do in Kingston, Jamaica. I’ll know what to do if I ever find myself there for a trip! This has been pinned for future reference.

June 17, 2019 at 3:36 am

Awesome share! Thanks for sharing this superb post!

Ryan K Biddulph

May 11, 2019 at 6:29 pm

What an awesome place. Jamaica has long been on my list. Good note on fruit vendors too; either pay or just move on.

April 28, 2019 at 1:56 am

Now that is quite an amazing list – with culture and history and nature. My pick would be the carnival for it would help me really get into the place with its promised fun. And then, maybe the botanical garden and the coronation market. Loving the entire list .

April 24, 2019 at 2:05 am

Kingston looks like a lot of fun, I haven’t been anywhere in the Caribbean so I would love to go and explore! I am all about food so visiting the local market (good point about not just taking photos without buying anything, I hate that!) would be fab and the fried fish at Hellshire Beach looks amazing!

Tami Wilcox

April 23, 2019 at 9:11 pm

Love your pictures and the post! It’s a great list of things to do in Kingston, but I had to laugh when I first realized where this Kingston was. I’ve been to a Kingston, Washington and a Kingston, Ontario, but I’d forgotten there was a Kingston in Jamaica as well. I want to spend the day at Strawberry Hill — that looks and sounds amazing!

Afro Muslimah

April 23, 2019 at 3:23 pm

I’ll definitely need to stay at least a month in Jamaica because I want to do it all! That list was amazing and literally something for everyone!

Nicole LaBarge

April 23, 2019 at 1:43 pm

I haven’t been to Jamaica yet but this post makes me want to go to Kingston. And to have some Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee. I’m all about the coffee.

Suruchi Mittal

April 23, 2019 at 9:29 am

I must say there is plenty to do in Kingston Jamaica. We are coffee addicts, so visiting blue mountains will top our list. My husband is a Bob Marley fan so visiting his museum will top our list. Colorful Jamaican carnival too looks like a must visit.

April 23, 2019 at 4:58 am

That is a good list of things to do in Jamaica. It was not in my list of must visit destinations till I read this. I love their colorful costume. Do you think we can wear them just for a photograph? The local customs are so different and interesting.

April 22, 2019 at 9:34 pm

I never knew Bob Marley has a museum named after him! I’d love to visit. The market sounds so promising too.

April 22, 2019 at 7:29 pm

Good food, good music and great beaches. Sounds like Jamaica has it all on offer! I love the idea of exploring the Life Village. What’s the coffee like?

April 22, 2019 at 4:09 pm

I’m really trying to set some time aside to explore more of the Caribbean and Jamaica is near the top of my list, these recommendations make me want to go even more!!

Elaine Masters

April 22, 2019 at 2:37 pm

I like the variety of experiences and the local touches you’ve included. I’d love to visit the coffee plantation and that resort pool especially. Nice to know too that the popular Dubs hasn’t been trashed by tourists. Gotta get there.

April 22, 2019 at 5:56 am

My husband wants to go to Jamaica! I would love for us to take the trip, I am definitely showing this to him!

Monique Tillman

April 22, 2019 at 5:09 am

I have had clients to ask about Kingston, but I have always known it to be more for business. After attending the latest Jamaican seminar I learned that they are expanding their tourist areas. I will be pinning this post.

April 22, 2019 at 4:47 am

This is a great list of things to do in Kingston, Jamaica! If I ever find myself there for a trip, I’ll know what to do! Pinned this for future reference.

Debra Schroeder

April 21, 2019 at 7:29 pm

We’ve been to Jamaica but never Kingston. Life Yard sounds like a cool place to grab a bite for lunch. That view from the infinity pool…OMG!

April 21, 2019 at 5:56 pm

I’m Jamaican and loved reading this post. You broguht back so many amazing memories, from eating ice-cream at Devon House to going to Hellshire Beach. Great post

Mimi Robinson

April 21, 2019 at 3:02 pm

This is a great list, I’m pinning it to my travel board. I like to do all the tourist stuff.

April 21, 2019 at 2:34 pm

The market and food all look amazing. The fresh market was real in my mind I could smell the fruit as I read. Overall, I’d love to book a trip to Kingston very soon.

April 19, 2019 at 12:59 am

I pinned this. i have been to Jamaica twice but i would love to go again and check some of you items off of this Kingston guide so thanks girlie for this!

Rochelle | Adventures from Elle

April 17, 2019 at 12:04 pm

This is really a lovely compilation of sightseeing the best of Kingston! Only places I’d add are the Victoria Pier at the waterfront, the National Gallery, Institute of Jamaica and the Trench Town Culture Yard. Take care!

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Kingston Travel Guide: Top Tourist Attractions in Kingston Jamaica + Insider Tips

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Jamaica’s capital and largest city is Kingston. In the southwest of the island, Kingston is between the world’s 7th largest natural harbor and the Blue Mountains. Bustling and soulful, the city of 662,426 people is a hub of tourism in Jamaica and the Caribbean .

More than 1 million tourists visit Jamaica every year, with almost all of them coming to Kingston. Our Kingston travel guide looks at the city’s top attractions, how to reach them, how to get around, the weather, and the best time to visit. We will also share travel tips for visiting Kingston.

With lush green hills in the north, a natural harbor in the south, and stunning beaches all around, Kingston is sure to delight you. It also has a vibrant party and food scene. Caribbean music, art, food, and natural delights… you will find everything here.

Jamaica is best known for its picturesque beaches and world-famous coffee. Kingston offers many historic sites and cultural experiences. Visit the colonial-era Devon House mansion to see period furnishings. The Botanical Gardens & Zoo is impressive for its native fauna and flora.

There is also the Bob Marley Museum, the former house of the iconic musician. The Blue Mountains, north of Kingston, offer many scenic views, waterfalls, and hiking trails. This is a famous coffee-growing region.

Kingston is also a busy port and the economic heart of Jamaica. Once a small fishing village, it is now an important trading center. Conveniently connected to the world, Kingston is a good starting point to see the other attractions of Jamaica. It’s also the perfect gateway to visit other Caribbean destinations .

UNESCO has termed Kingston a ‘Creative City of Music’ in 2015. Bob Marley, the famous reggae songwriter and singer used to live here.

Kingston – 10 Quick Facts

• Capital of Jamaica and the biggest city
• Population – 662,426
• Area – 190 miles or 480 square kilometers
• Established – 1692
• 7th largest natural harbor in the world
• Most popular language – English
• Kingston is the birthplace of the patty, Jamaica’s famous fast food
• Hosted the 1966 Commonwealth Games
• It is also a busy port and trading city
• Time zone – UTC−5 (EST)

Top Reasons to Visit Kingston, Jamaica

Kingston is the third capital of Jamaica after Spanish Town and Port Royal. Kingston became the capital city in 1692 after an earthquake devastated Port Royal.

How to Reach Kingston

Most tourists arrive at the Norman Manley International Airport. This is the country’s 2nd busiest airport after the Sangster Montego Bay airport of Montego Bay.

There are more than 150 international flights a week to London–Gatwick, Miami, New York–JFK, Atlanta, Panama City, Orlando, and many other places.

By Road – Many international tourists arrive from Montego Bay by road. Montego Bay on the other side of the island is 181.23 kilometers from Kingston. There are regular government and private bus services connecting the cities and regions. Taxis are also available on hire.

Tip: I would suggest booking a private transfer prior to arrival .

Getting Around in Kingston

There are many ways to travel within Kingston.

Bus – There are now express and air-conditioned buses apart from the traditional unconditioned buses. However, the traditional buses are being phased out gradually.

Taxi – There are 2 types of taxis within the city –Route taxis – They work on set routes only. They will pick up many people during the journey, much like buses. You have to pay for each seat. These taxis are quicker and costlier than buses.

• Route taxis – They work on set routes only. They will pick up many people during the journey, much like buses. You have to pay for each seat. These taxis are quicker and costlier than buses.
• Charter taxis – Conventional taxis. But you have to negotiate the price before taking one.

The official taxis all have a red license plate. There are stands, and you will also be able to hail one down on the road.

Rental cars – You will find many car rental services in Kingston. Your hotel may also be able to arrange for a car.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Kingston: Best Attractions in Kingston, Jamaica

1. Blue Mountains – Just north of Kingston. The country’s longest mountain range. Good for hiking, camping, and outdoor activities.

There are many hiking trails and waterfalls. Head to the Holywell Recreational Park or the Strawberry Hill Resorts for a breathtaking view. Try the famous Jamaican coffee that is grown here.

We suggest taking a tour of the Blue Mountains with coffee tasting included.

2. Devon House – One of Jamaica’s most famous historical sites. It belonged to the first black millionaire in the country. This beautiful Georgian-era mansion is now a museum. See the beautiful façade, artifacts, and furniture from that period of time inside.

3. Port Royal – Presently the home of Fort Charles, it was one of the richest regions in the Caribbean. Listen to the stories of pirates and their colonial past. Sample the seafood.

4. Emancipation Park – A public park in Kingston opened in 2002, a day before Emancipation Day. The 6-acre park has many fountains and artworks. See the 11 Feet Redemption Song sculpture of Bob Marley.

5. National Gallery – A public art museum opened in 1974. It is located in Kingston Mall and exhibits works by various international artists. Montego Bay has another branch of this museum.

6. National Heroes Park –This botanical garden is one of the largest in Kingston. It measures 50 acres. There are numerous monuments, as well as burial sites of cultural leaders, national heroes, and prime ministers.

7. Bob Marley Museum – A museum for the legendary reggae musician. This is also a former home of Marley. There was a failed murder attempt on Marley here in 1976. Take a tour of his home. Learn about his life and music.

8. Mavis Bank Coffee Factory – Some of the best mountain coffee you will find, available in the ‘Jablum’ brand. Drive-up a hill to visit the factory.

9. Hope Botanical Gardens – The Royal Botanical Gardens spread over 200 acres. The garden has many species of trees, flowers, and orchids, and attracts plenty of birds. Don’t miss the Cassia Siamea grove near the entrance. There are many lily ponds. Spot the National Flower of Jamaica – Hibiscus Elatus.

10. Lime Cay – Small island Cay with beautiful beaches only 15 minutes from Port Royal by boat. It gets submerged in high tide. The cay is extremely popular with many locals and tourists visiting it during the weekends. Relax on the beach, swim, snorkel.

Best Time to Visit Kingston, Jamaica

The weather in Kingston is humid almost throughout the year. June, July, and August have the most heat. January, February, and April are comparatively drier.

• The best time to visit Kingston is between March and April. It will be still hot but there will be more sunny days this time of the year. However, the room prices will be higher.
• For lower room rates, try May. It may be around $15 cheaper.
• Other good times are during the Independence week, which is July 29th to August 14th, and during the Christmas week.

May and December are the busiest months in Kingston.

Tips For First Time Kingston Visitors

1. Try the food – Famous Jamaican foods like jerk chicken, ackee & salt fish, and patties are a must-try. Yes, it can be spicy, but you must still have it.

2. Seafood – Make sure that you have only local seafood. Many hotels will prepare seafood that is not local, such as tiger prawns and salmon to please their guests. Imported food won’t be fresh. Locally, you will get grouper, mackerel, shrimp, mahi-mahi, and snapper. Lobster is available between March and July. Try the shacks beside the beach. They are not fancy places but prepare some of the best seafood you will find.

3. Avoid walking too much – Kingston is not a very walking-friendly city. You will find everything spread out. Plus, some areas may not also be safe.

4. The carnival – Remember, the carnival is in the month of April here. Jamaica prefers the celebrations to stand out from elsewhere in the world.

5. Money – The Jamaican dollar is the local currency, but the US dollar is accepted widely. Many places will also accept credit cards. But check with your bank first regarding the foreign currency fees.

6. Driving – Left-side driving. Jamaica was once a British colony.

7. Safety – Stay safe. Keep your possessions close to your body. Don’t travel with your passport or important documents. Only a photocopy. Use a theft-proof backpack or carry it in front. Have someone watch your things at the beach when you have gone for a swim.

8. Use mosquito spray – These little bugs can be a problem, especially after dark. Use a spray.

9. Punctuality – The locals are laid-back people. The popular saying is ‘irie’ and ‘ya mon’, which means ‘everything is ok’. Kingston’s laid-back vibe gives you a vacation spirit, but you will be disappointed if you are expecting punctuality. Restaurants may be slow in taking orders. Tour groups will sometimes depart later. Embrace Jamaica’s slower pace.

We hope that you enjoyed this detailed Kingston Travel Guide, including the best attractions in Kingston, and that you are already planning your own visit to the amazing capital of Jamaica,

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Your Guide to Jamaica & Beyond

8 More Fun Things To Do In Kingston, Jamaica

Posted on Friday July 7, 2023 Friday July 7, 2023

Kingston, a vibrant and captivating city, pulsates with the rhythm of reggae and the rich tapestry of Jamaican culture. Nestled on the southeastern coast of the island, Kingston serves as Jamaica’s capital and largest city. With its fascinating history, rich heritage and warm tropical climate, Kingston offers a captivating blend of old and new, as well as a wealth of activities for locals and visitors. Today, let’s delve into eight more fun things to do in Kingston. If you missed the original list, read it here .

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What’s Inside

• Try Paragliding
• Test Your Bow & Arrow Skills
• Make Candles From Scratch
• Go Kayaking In The Kingston Harbour
• Learn Pole Dancing
• Try Scuba Diving
• Go ATV Riding
• Sample Craft Beer

1. Try Paragliding

Are you brave enough to try paragliding? I sure am, so it’s a pity I haven’t done this yet. I’ve parasailed twice in Negril , but never paraglided despite it being so close to home for me in Kingston. Well, feel free to beat me to it with tandem paragliding from Skyline Drive. This fun aerial trip rewards patrons with a beautiful view of the Mona Reservoir all the way out to the Kingston Harbour. The company that does it in Jamaica is called Paradise Wings .

2. Test Your Bow & Arrow Skills

Archery is a sport that involves using a bow to shoot arrows at a target. It has a rich history dating back thousands of years, originally used for hunting and warfare but now primarily practiced as a recreational and competitive activity. Archery requires focus, precision, and control, as participants aim to hit the target with accuracy. Many people find archery to be a fun and enjoyable activity. It combines physical skill with mental discipline, providing a sense of accomplishment when hitting the mark. Whether you are interested in the competitive aspect or simply enjoy the challenge of honing your aim, shooting with Archery Jamaica is sure to satisfy.

3. Make Candles From Scratch

Funny enough, another company used to offer candle-making classes but much to my dismay, they discontinued the service at the start of the pandemic and never resumed. Thankfully, L’Amour Jae ‘Pour & Sip’ Candle Bar has filled that niche this year. For candle lovers and would-be chandlers, learn how to make your own candles from scratch at pop-up nights by the Tac Bar Restaurant, or at other spots around Kingston as announced on their Instagram page. I adore scented candles, so hopefully I’ll find time to book with them soon and finally experience the fun of making my own candle from scratch.

4. Go Kayaking In The Kingston Harbour

Kayaking in Jamaica is a thrilling experience because the island is blessed with stunning coastlines, rivers, and picturesque coves which offer a diverse range of kayaking environments. The warm tropical climate and pleasant water temperatures make kayaking comfortable year-round. Additionally, Jamaica’s natural beauty provides a backdrop of lush vegetation, towering cliffs, and vibrant marine life, enhancing the overall kayaking experience. Thankfully, one does not have to venture outside of Kingston for kayaking! The options for exploration are numerous along the southeastern coastline from the Kingston Harbour to the Port Royal Cays, Lime Cay, Maiden Cay and even at the  Bob Marley Beach . Rent a kayak and get a quick lesson from Kayak Nation in Kingston. They launch from the Palisadoes Strip near the airport.

5. Learn Pole Dancing

Pole dancing is a form of dance and fitness that combines elements of acrobatics, gymnastics, and dance around a vertical pole. It requires strength, flexibility, and coordination, making it a physically demanding activity that offers a full-body workout. As a result, pole dancing has gained popularity as both a recreational activity and art form despite its origins in the adult entertainment industry. Interested to try pole dancing? Check out Ellani Aerial Fitness Studio in Mall Plaza on Constant Spring Road which offers beginner and advanced classes in pole fitness, aerial hoop and hammock.

6. Try Scuba Diving

Scuba diving in Jamaica offers a thrilling and immersive underwater experience in the Caribbean Sea. While Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios, and Port Antonio are the most prominent diving locations in Jamaica, don’t sleep on Kingston! Yardie Divers & Watersports offers scuba diving around Lime Cay, one of Kingston’s offshore cays with beautiful clear water and an unspoilt beach. Non-swimmers can scuba dive too, so fret not. Divers can encounter a rich array of marine species, such as colourful coral formations which provide a backdrop for tropical fish, eels, rays, turtles, and even nurse sharks. If scuba diving isn’t your thing, consider boat towing or a Lime Cay beach flex with them instead.

7. Go ATV Riding

Just outside the city limits in Temple Hall, St. Andrew lies the River Ryder Adventure Park. So far, my only ATV experience has been with Chukka Cove which I enjoyed IMMENSELY so I’m happy to see ATV riding now available in a spot closer to home and minus paying expensive highway tolls. This new location currently offers ATV riding and has plans to add more attractions soon such as ziplining, UTV and more. I can’t wait to visit.

8. Sample Craft Beer

Last but not least, one can sample craft beer in Kingston at the Clubhouse Brewery, located at the Constant Spring Golf Course. This brewery tour offers locals and visitors an opportunity to tour the facility including the historic buildings on site. Of course, similar to a tour of Jamaica’s rum distilleries , one can end this tour with the best part- savoring locally crafted brews for sophisticated palates. I thoroughly enjoyed their neon brew which had hints of lychee and passionfruit, as well as their Blue Mountain porter with its robust flavour on last Cinco de Mayo. It seems I’m due another visit and tour.

There you have it. Eight more activities to add to the list of things to do in Kingston. Have you done any of these activities before? Share your experiences in the comment section. If you liked this post, don’t forget to subscribe.

Check out these other things to do in Kingston & St. Andrew:

• Swim & dine at Pretty Close .
• Chill out at the Kingston Reggae Garden .
• Check out 10 things to do at Devon House besides eating ice cream.
• Enjoy brunch in the city .

‘Til next time.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle

Adventures from Elle is a travel blog for locals & visitors who want to experience the best of Jamaica, one adventure at a time. The blog is curated by Rochelle Knight, a resident (M.D.) in internal medicine and published author. She began the blog in 2016 as a medical student & wants to see the world, starting with her home country. Purchase her book 'SIGHTSEE JAMAICA' on Amazon and join her in Jamaica! View all posts by Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle

18 thoughts on “ 8 More Fun Things To Do In Kingston, Jamaica ”

some nice ideas – that ATV (looks like a giant Quad bike I think we call it) looks a load of fun. Not sure if im brave enough to try paragliding but it looks awesome! Thanks for sharing Ro!

Like Liked by 1 person

Thanks for reading Andy! 🙂 I can’t wait to try them all

I’d be keen to scuba dive and try craft beer! Looks like there’s a lot to do and see in Kingston that it’ll keep you occupy for a long time! Thanks for sharing, Elle. 😊

There truly is! I think my bucket list is growing faster than I can check it off but that’s OK with me. 🙂 I love having options. Thanks for reading!

I have done pole dancing twice in Vegas and parasailing is actually something I’m looking into.

Awesome! I can’t wait to try pole dancing but I’m afraid my core muscle strength isn’t up to par

Well, I guess it all depends on how serious you want to get into the lesson. I was just swiveling around the pole 🤣.

Ha, well. Sounds like I’ll have hope as a beginner 😆

Loved this! I’ll be adding kayaking in Kingston Harbor and visiting Clubhouse Brewery during my next trip to Kingston.

Yay that’s awesome! I hope you enjoy. Thanks for reading!

Yes, ma’am, I would love doing any of these activities, but I would have to do a rum tour to be brave enough to paraglide. Kayaking would be more my speed. Fun post, Elle!

Ha! No, no. It’s best to paraglide sober, am sure. It’s safer than driving in Jamaica 😆 thanks for reading!

These sound so fun, especially pole dancing. I know it’s random since I have no interest in dancing but I’ve always wanted to learn.

Same here. I cannot dance (much to the dismay of everyone who thinks all Jamaicans are born dancers) but I’d try pole dancing for sure. Thanks for reading!

I feel like pole dancing is probably harder so I don’t know why it seems more doable for those of us that can’t dance lol.

Right? 😆 but we won’t know until we try. I’ll write an article when I get around to trying

Yes, please do. That’ll be really interesting.

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If you have 3 days in Kingston then you have time to enjoy the island’s capital, the idyllic beaches along the coast and the lush Blue Mountains. The itinerary includes a little of everything – beaches, history, natural beauty, reggae music and Jamaican culture.

Day 1 – Kingston

Spend your first day getting to know the island’s capital, take a walk along the Parade and browse in Coronation Market or the Craft Market. Visit the famous Bob Marley Museum and the historic Devon House a 19th century mansion which was the home of Jamaica’s first black millionaire. Take a stroll through one of the many Kingston parks like Emancipation Park or National Heroes Park where many of the nation’s heroes are buried. Visit the unique 100 year old Shaare Shalom Synagogue which has a sand floor so that the original worshipers who were forbidden to practice their faith would not be heard moving about within the synagogue. Swing by the Redemption Song statue which commemorates the end of slavery. Have lunch in one of the well know local eateries like Carlos Café, Redbones the Blues Café or Akbar Restaurant. Visit the Trench Town Culture Yard where Bob Marley grew up and learnt to play the guitar. Trench Town is where reggae was born and if you want to see more of this neighborhood then there are organized tours of Trench Town. It will give you a glimpse into Marley’s humble beginnings. Spend your evening in Kingston enjoying the bars and nightclubs.

Day 2 – Blue Mountains Spend the day in the beautiful 192 acre Blue Mountain John Crow Mountain National Park where there is lush rainforest with waterfalls, indigenous plants, isolated traditional communities and wildlife. This is a nature lovers paradise and whether you want to hike, bike (there are bike rentals in the area), walk or drive it is worth seeing. If you have the energy then climb the Blue Mountain Peak, Jamaica’s highest mountain (2.255km high) and on a clear day you can see as far as Cuba. It is possible to follow the hike trails by yourself or take a guided tour.  

Day 3 – Port Royal Today you can spend exploring the coastline near Kingston. Start with the “pirate haven” of Port Royal where the famous pirate Sir Henry Morgan would ambush Spanish ships. The city suffered a major earthquake in 1962 when most of the city was submerged beneath the sea but the city is still interesting to visit. On the way see the remains of Fort Charles, Fort Rocky and the 18th century Saint Peter’s Church. If you want you can visit the local museum which focuses on the history of the city. Port Royal is known for its seafood so try some of the fried fish. Spend what remainder of the day on one of the beach, if you want to mix with the locals, listen to music and taste the local jerk then try Gunboat Beach or visit Hellshire Beach. For a small secluded beach take a 15 minute boat ride from Port Royal to the small islet of Lime Cay. On the small island there is not much more than forests, sand and the surrounding ocean but the “oyster man” is famous for his delicious oysters and hot “backshot” sauce.

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• Ribbiz Ultra Lounge
• Gloria's Seafood

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VISITING KINGSTON, JAMAICA AS A SOLO FEMALE

As i mentioned in another blog, 2017 – croatia to australia and everything in between , jamaica has been one of my top to places to visit as long as i can remember.  i have always had a fascination with jamaica and i am not sure what inspired it.  maybe it was bob marley, the movie cool runnings, the one love culture or the coolest accent ever maybe it was all of it. whatever it was i got to tick this one off my bucket list this year., i was determined to really get among the people so i planned to spend the whole week in kingston.  some people think this place is not safe, especially for a female travelling solo but i did my own research and felt confident that i would be fine and i was..

I flew into Kingston airport and had already had Google Maps loaded with the public bus options as I knew I might not have any wifi at the airport and I was right.  As it turned out I didn’t really need the directions as people were more than happy to point me in the right direction especially when I got into downtown Kingston which was a little chaotic.  School was out and there were kids catching the public buses everywhere.  Everyone was super friendly and helpful and before long I was on my second bus crammed in with my luggage and a bunch of kids who were happy to admit to me they had never spoken to a white person before.  It was at that point I realised how much of a novelty I was and this was my first experience of being the extreme minority.  I didn’t see one other white person on the whole hour and a half it took me to get to my hostel.  A taxi may have been easier and less hassle but starting off my trip this way was a good introduction to what I could expect the rest of my time here.

I arrived at  reggae hostel where i had booked in for the whole week.  i was welcomed by more smiling faces and a range of travellers from all over the world.  it was a friday and every friday this hostel puts on a hostel party with some local talent performing.  this was a great way to start off my week, make some new friends and settle into this crazy cool city for the week..

The following evening was the annual Trench Town Concert.  It was a total coincidence that I was here for this and couldn’t believe my luck!  Now Trench Town is not a part of the city I would head to at night on my own but pretty much everyone at the hostel was keen to go.  The hostel organised several taxis for us all to get there.  What a fantastic night!  We arrived at 8pm to find a big stage set up in the middle of a dirt paddock with a crowd of kids to oldies.  The music was awesome and I couldn’t believe how many artists there were!  The most novel thing I saw was people going around selling marijuana buds which were on stalks they had in a carry tray hung around their neck.  I wish I had got a photo of this.  I was still suffering from a bit of jet lag having flown from London via Miami in three days.  So I was done at about 1am but I was told the concert went on until after 4am and ended with the Marley Brothers performing.  My favourite artist that I discovered that night was Kelissa  who is such a beautiful soul with beautiful music.

With a full on weekend, i was keen to explore more of kingston so i went back into downtown to check out the markets.  by this time i was getting use to the attention i attracted but it was still hard work.  at no time did i ever feel unsafe but i learned fast to say that i was married and that i didn’t have a phone number.  that seemed to be enough to send any unwanted attention on its way.  it also became apparent that my figure was something of a novelty on a white woman.  let’s just say i have a big booty which is quite common on the women here and much appreciated  a number of guys confirmed this for me but i even had a lady approach me and ask me if i had any black ancestors because she had never seen a white woman with a booty like mine.  i just had to laugh.  however, the highlight of all this was the women’s clothing here was made for women like me  they even display women’s clothing with wireframes shaped just like me, it was awesome  downtown is a real experience for sure, you will see some of the real kingston and its people here..

I was super lucky to make friends with one of the artists that had performed at the hostel on the night I first arrived.  He was a real character not only a great voice but also a talent for magic.  I witnessed him entertain adults and kids alike with his charm and tricks.  He was also working on recording a single with a guy from Sweden who was staying at the hostel and on the search for local talent.  An exciting opportunity for an artist from Jamaica where opportunities are very rare.  My new friend invited me to spend an evening at his family home up in the hills where I got to meet his mum and siblings.  His mum had made a chicken foot stew which was something new for me but I gave it a go and it wasn’t too bad.  Along with his sister, we went down to the local for a few beers and met some interesting older characters.  This was an evening I will always appreciate and the Jamaica I had hoped to experience.

Having spent a few days in kingston i realised i really needed to get out and at least see some beaches.  i didn’t want to be in the popular tourist spots so after talking to a few other travellers it was recommended i visit port antonio for a less touristy spot.  so i decided to take a night away from kingston and head over the hills to this seaside town.  the bus transport here is an experience in itself, you find the bus you want and wait on it until it is full and then it leaves.  and by full i mean every seat including up the front with the driver and all the fold out aisle seats too. no timetables here but it is still pretty reliable and being from the pacific i understand ‘island time’ so it was no fuss.  the bus from kingston took about two and a half hours and i had the best seat up front between the driver and another female passenger.  apparently, the front seats are for females only.  i think the trip cost me about us$4, super cheap..

So Port Antonio was a great spot to get to some nice beaches without the crazy tourist crowds, it was more of a locals town with a few foreigners scattered around.  I checked into my accommodation for the night,  Porty Hostel , which was a nice little hostel in the back streets among homes.  From there I managed to get to the Blue Lagoon that afternoon and to Winnifred Beach the following morning, both times by local taxi which you tend to share with others but for US$1 each way it’s a great price.  One taxi I got into filled up with one in the front and three in the back but we still managed to squeeze one more in.  Seat belts were obviously not necessary.  I felt safe walking from my hostel to the shops after dark and again found people to be friendly and helpful.  It was here I tried some street food, spicy chicken and it was spicy!

Heading back to Kingston around the Blue Mountains was again a great glimpse of the beautiful nature here and I was sad that I didn’t have time to see more of this beautiful country.  Back in Kingston, I had to do Bob Marley’s Museum which is actually the house he lived in with his wife and the house an assassination attempt was made on him.  Unfortunately, you couldn’t take photos inside, there were some pretty cool things to see including his music awards and loads of memorabilia. The tour guide did a great job and this was an absolute highlight of my time in Kingston.

My week here went super fast, in hindsight, I would spend at least a month here and I would hire a car and drive everywhere.  They drive on the left side of the road as we do in New Zealand so that makes driving a good option for me.  I was envious of other travellers who had seen more of the island and wished I had planned for more time here.  Using the local currency is better than US$ as you get better prices but the US$ is accepted pretty much anywhere anyway.  I didn’t eat out that much as I like to prepare my own food and found the local supermarket well supplied other than fruit and vegetables which were limited to what was local.  The markets downtown had plenty of fruit and vegetables as well though and I imagine many get theirs from here.  One thing that was different here to pretty much any other place I have visited and that is that I didn’t take so many photos.  With Kingston not being a tourist city and me already standing out like a sore thumb I just wasn’t comfortable pulling my camera out every time I saw a great shot.  It felt really intrusive.  This is a place I was more comfortable just being part of and enjoying.

I loved my time in jamaica, it did not disappoint  it totally put me out of my comfort zone and reinforced my confidence to trust my own research and instinct on whether a place is safe or not.   if you have any stories about jamaica i would love to hear them i do hope i get to go back one day., are you inspired  pin it on pinterest.

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5 Really Good Reasons I Recommend Visiting Kingston Jamaica

Kingston is the Capital city of Jamaica and the largest and most populous city in the English speaking Caribbean. However, due to years of bad press a violent history and lack of accessibility, Kingston is not as popular among visitors to the island as it should be. I didn’t know much about Kingston until I moved to Jamaica a few years ago. Once I got to experience it and realised how much of Jamaica is in the city of Kingston, visiting the capital is now one of my favourite things to do, and I am here to give you 5 reasons why it should be yours as well.

Authentic Jamaican Experience Jamaica is so much more than just beaches, mountains and Jerk Chicken. The Jamaican motto says “Out Of Many, One People” and you do not get to really see and understand exactly what this means until you visit Kingston. The ethnic and socio-economical diversity, the culture, the atmosphere, everything about Kingston is truly unique and authentic, and it is most definitely a part of Jamaica that you cannot experience anywhere else on the island. Kingston is home to approximately 15% of the island's population, from the wealthiest to the least fortunate Jamaicans. Kingston is the birthplace of reggae music and many of the islands most precious cultural treasures. It may not have the lovely beaches and the same laid-back atmosphere as Negril or Ocho Rios, but you will struggle to find a more enlightening and authentic Jamaican experience than a visit to Kingston.

Great Accommodation Options You won’t find all-inclusive resorts in Kingston, but there are many incredible hotel options, ranging from affordable to really luxurious and expensive. Many of you may have heard about the Pegasus hotel since that is where President Obama stayed when he visited Jamaica. Altamont Court, Knutsford Court, Courtleigh are all great and affordable hotel options in and around New Kingston. I have stayed at all of these hotels, but my favourite is the Eden Garden hotel. Small, cosy, affordable and the grounds are beautiful. Regardless of what your preference is, you will find something that suits your needs when it comes to finding a place to stay in Kingston.

  My NEW fav Spot to stay in New Kingston! Equipped w/ Adult Novelty Store and all lol ????????#nightonthetown #newkingston #jamaicatravel #kingstonjamaica #visitjamaica #adultstore #goodtimes #realpeople #realexperiences A post shared by Jamaica Travel (@jamaicatravel) on May 13, 2017 at 7:50am PDT

Incredible Nightlife Some if not all of Jamaica’s best Nightclubs can be found in New Kingston. Popular spots like Fiction and The Quad hosts the islands top DJ’s on a nightly basis so regardless of the day of the week if you feel like partying and dancing, there is always somewhere to go. Every weekend there are dozens of live concerts and local parties in and around the city. If you ask enough questions, you will learn about exclusive Yacht parties going over to the Private Islands known as Maden and Lime Cay. Strip clubs, sports bars, street parties, whatever it is that you are into, the nightlife in Kingston is the best in the Caribbean.

Amazing Attractions Tourists should love Kingston because there are a lot of touristy things to do in and around Kingston. We all have heard of Bob Marley and know that his home which is now the Bob Marley Museum is right in the City of Kingston. Just outside the city, you will find the home of the world’s number one Coffee, The Blue Mountains, or if you prefer to take a 30-minute drive over to Port Royal to view the historic city and enjoy the best fish the Island has to offer at Gloria’s. Go for an early evening stroll inside the Emancipation Park, right after you take a tour, and grab an Ice Cream at the famous Devon House. There is so much to do and see when you are in the city you will need a few days to be able to enjoy it all. 

  Watching them prepare my dinner last night at Gloria's in Port Royal ????! #foodie #realpeople #realexperiences #jamaica #visitjamaica A post shared by Jamaica Travel (@jamaicatravel) on Apr 1, 2017 at 5:53am PDT

It’s Not What The Media Makes It Out To Be Finally, let’s talk about the Elephant in the room. It’s a conversation that cannot be avoided because it’s the number one reason why many are apprehensive about visiting Kingston. We are talking about the topic of “Safety”. Is it safe to visit Kingston? The quick and easy answer is YES. The same way you would not go to certain parts of New York, Chicago, LA and most major cities in the world, it’s the same way you avoid certain parts of Kingston. In almost 20 years of coming to Jamaica, I have heard of much gang-related crime in Kingston, but I have never heard of any tourist related crime. I have personally visited Kingston many times, and I have never felt unsafe or witnessed an act of violence. The media may paint an entirely different picture of what this city is, but what you see on the news is nowhere near the full story.

If you genuinely want to learn about Jamaica, that cannot be accomplished without taking a trip to Kingston. There is just too much about the island of Jamaica that is contained within the walls of this famous city. Kingston is more accessible than ever with more direct flights from Major cities to the Norman Manley International Airport, the new North-South Highway that runs from Ocho Rios to Kingston has shaved about an hour off the drive time. Don’t be put off by the rumours. Seek the advice of a certified Jamaica Tour Guide, the Jamaica Tourist Board or a travel agent that not just sells Jamaica, but knows the island and every part of it.

  If u are staying in Ocho Rios, this brand new highway makes it easy to get to from the Kingston airport or for you to do a day trip to Kingston or Vice Versa. . . . . . #tipoftheday #visitjamaica #reggaemusic #jamaicatravel #onelove #noproblem #jamaica A post shared by Jamaica Travel (@jamaicatravel) on Apr 26, 2017 at 7:19pm PDT

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11 Things to Know Before Visiting Kingston, Jamaica

March 8, 2018 | stefanie dimartino.

Nestled between the breathtaking Blue Mountains and one of the world’s largest harbors is Kingston; Jamaica’s cultural and economic capital. It’s an easy 3.5-hour flight from NYC and even closer when flying from Florida. Kingston makes it easy to “get together and everything will be all right” (as Bob Marley says). To find out things to do in this colorful city, watch my video on things to do and eat in Kingston below. Remember to subscribe! I put out new travel videos every Thursday. 

After visiting Kingston recently, these are the top things you should know before going to this bustling Jamaican city. 

1. YOU MUST TRY JAMAICAN PATTIES, JERK CHICKEN, AND ACKEE & SALT FISH!

Jamaican food can be as spicy as it’s dancing (which I’ll get into later!), and this is one type of cuisine that will make you crave more. When you visit make sure to get a Jamaican patty from  Devon House Bakery  or made by  Tastee Patties , Jerk Chicken/Pork from  Truck Stop Grill & Bar , and Ackee & Salt Fish from  Jamaica Pegasus  during their Sunday Brunch. These are the best places according to my local friends!

2. KINGSTON IS NOT A WALKABLE CITY

I don’t recommend walking around the streets here unless you are very street smart because certain areas are still developing and safety can be questionable. Plus, everything is spread out, making it much easier to take a car. Uber is available here, and I recommend you download it on your phone before you arrive.

3. THREE WAYS TO GET YOUR CELL PHONE TO WORK IN JAMAICA

If you’re visiting Jamaica for a week or less, an easy option is to get a wifi hotspot. These little devices make it really easy to get fast data speeds from anywhere. I recommend the  Skyroam Solis , it is what I used when I was there.

Another option is to get a local SIM card, I have  T-Mobile  and can get international data in more than 70 countries around the world. This option is good, but the data speeds will not be as fast as using a Wi-Fi hotspot. If you already have T Mobile, it only costs between $5-$10 to upgrade to the international plan if you keep it monthly. For temporary use it is $25.

The last option, and the cheapest, would be to get a local SIM card when you arrive through  Digicel . It costs $150 Jamaican dollars or $1.18 USD, for a 150MB data plan. Make sure that if you choose this option your phone is unlocked before you arrive.

4. THE DANCING IS VERY SEXUAL – AND IT’S AWESOME

Don’t be surprised if you see dance moves that simulate sex while you’re at clubs, bars, or parties. Though it may be surprising to people that are not used to it, this dancing style is normal in Jamaica. Women are also in control despite what it may look like. In fact, if they feel uncomfortable at any point they simply do a “time out” sign and the guy backs off. It is actually a lot about female empowerment. The guys will respect the women and listen to them.

5. CARNIVAL IS IN APRIL, NOT MARCH

Unlike all other Carnival celebrations around the world, Jamaica celebrates carnival in April. Normally, carnival is celebrated in March as a way to party, and eat everything you are going to give up for lent. However, Jamaica does Carnival after lent, because they don’t want their celebrations to interfere with the others around the world. It’s a way to draw a big crowd. To see an insider perspective of carnival in Jamaica, watch my video below!

6. THEY USE THE JAMAICAN DOLLAR, BUT THE US DOLLAR IS WIDELY ACCEPTED

If you are only in Jamaica for a few days, and plan on spending most of your time at resorts, then I do not recommend taking out any Jamaican money. Worse case scenario, you can use your US dollars in a bind, but most places take credit cards. If you plan on using your credit card, make sure to check with your bank in advance on what their foreign transaction fees are. I use  Chase Sapphire  and do not get any foreign transaction fees. It is ideal for travel, plus when you sign up you get $500 free to use for travel! That’s a free flight to Europe just for signing up for their card!

If you do want to take out Jamaican money, I recommend taking it out of an ATM to avoid the cost of fees at exchange places. Before you do this, make sure to check with your bank to see what their foreign ATM fees would be.

7. THE BEACHES REALLY DO LOOK LIKE THE POSTCARDS

Sometimes you go to a place and the beaches just don’t seem to have that aqua blue water and white sand that you saw in the picture. The good news is that Jamaica is not one of those places. Its beaches are so beautiful that you will have trouble believing your eyes!

8. THEY DRIVE ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD

As a former British colony, Jamaica follows the British style of driving on the left side of the road. This may make it challenging for American drivers who are not used to this, and easy way to get around it is to hire a local driver. They are not expensive, know the roads well, and can keep you having that laid back Jamaican chill.

9. KEEP YOUR POSSESSIONS CLOSE TO YOUR BODY

Like most places around the world, it is smart to keep your bag and any possessions close to you when in Jamaica. I recommend traveling with a theft proof backpack,  like this one . Always keep your things on your or within site. On the beach, we always had someone that would watch our things while we were in the water. It’s simply safer that way.

10. YOU’LL NEED MOSQUITO SPRAY

In the evenings mosquitos can be a problem. It isn’t as bad as some places I’ve been (Brazil), but it’s a good idea to bring some  high DEET spray . It will make your trip more comfortable.

11. NOT EVERY JAMAICAN LOOKS AND ACTS LIKE BOB MARLEY

Normally I would not put a note in here like this because I thought people knew this. However, I’ve had several questions about if Jamaica is really like all of the imagery of Bob Marley that we see here in the States. Bob Marley was a famous singer who brought Rastafarian religion to the world. Rastafarian culture is the dreads, the marijuana, and the red, green, and yellow clothing. Rastafarian religion started in Ethiopian, and has a small following in Jamaica. The reality is that less than 1% of Jamaicans are Rastafarians. So, no, not all Jamaican’s look like Bob Marley….

Jamaica is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. If you’re visiting soon, I recommend checking out  VisitJamaica.com . They have all of the information you could ever need on cuisine, culture, music, things to do, and much, much more.  

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To see the real jamaica, skip the resort and go to kingston.

J amaica is the largest island in the English-speaking Caribbean and has a population of nearly three million. Jamaica is also home to one of the highest peaks in the Caribbean, the 7,402-foot Blue Mountain Peak, and 120 rivers, more than 200 species of orchids, and one Usain Bolt — the fastest human on Earth.

If you’re the type of traveler who feels more secure holing up in an all-inclusive, then you’ll likely head to Jamaica’s picturesque, heavily touristed beach towns of Montego Bay, Negril, or Ocho Rios. But a trip to Kingston shows all that makes Jamaica a Caribbean hub for arts, culture, and cuisine. The city of around 1.3 million people is set against the lush backdrop of the Blue Mountains, and with its bevy of boutique lodgings, fun festivals, and dancehall clubs, Kingston beckons you to explore. One thing is for certain — you won’t be bored.

Here, you can find yourself in a friendly Jamaican patty battle one day, then sipping one of the world’s top-rated coffees at a lush estate the next. You can wake up in a luxurious boutique hotel then head for an afternoon hike in the stunning Blue Mountains. Regardless of your itinerary, you should indulge in the Jamaican staples of jerk chicken or ackee and saltfish (the national dish) in many fine restaurants throughout the city. And yes, you’ll likely experience what Jamaica is best known for: Rastas; reggae, which you’ll hear everywhere; and rum, the country’s national drink.

Some of the lore surrounding Jamaica is true. Cannabis is commonplace, and since 2015, possession of up to two ounces is no longer a criminal offense and locals and tourists can legally consume at designated dispensaries . The average annual average temperature hovers around a near-perfect 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The Jamaican government recognizes Reggae music as the country’s most valuable export.

These are all reasons to head to the island, and Kingston in particular. But there’s so much more to know.

For a deep dive into Jamaican culture, look no further than Kingston

Photo: Lost Mountain Studio /Shutterstock

One of the first things you’ll notice as you touch down in Jamaica is that smiles abound, from street hawkers and taxi drivers to restaurant staff and office workers. When a popular song comes on at a restaurant or high-end bar, it’s not uncommon to see the staff take a few moments to laugh and dance with each other. Jamaicans know the importance of having fun.

Start your day by fueling up with a hearty Jamaican breakfast, which is what islanders consider to be the most important meal. A Kingston favorite is Triple T’z Eatery , a simple restaurant with funky décor that serves up breakfast staples such as mackerel rundown (a stew), callaloo (steamed leaf vegetables), ackee (a fruit with the consistency of scrambled eggs when cooked) and saltfish, corned pork, dumplings, and Johnny cakes (cornbread).

Another favorite is the award-winning Boone Hall Oasis in the Stony Hill neighborhood. Here you can enjoy a popular Sunday brunch of curried goat, sweet plantain, fresh salad, and soup next to the Wag Water river.

For something fast and delicious, try the ubiquitous Jamaican patty. It’s what sushi is to Japan and tacos are to Mexico. The delectable pastries are filled with beef, chicken, seafood, or vegetarian options, with the flaky shell tinted yellow with turmeric. A visit to Jamaica without trying a patty is a sin. On top of that, every citizen pledges their allegiance to a local fast-food brand for a patty — you’re either a Juici or Tastee boy or girl, or (much less so) a fan of Mothers. Occasional Instagram hashtag battles break out between supporters of these three main brands. Pick your side.

Follow in Bob Marley’s footsteps

Photo: Photo Spirit /Shutterstock

With your belly full of patty, you’ll want to head Uptown to pay homage and learn about Bob Marley, the global face of Jamaica’s greatest export. Even if you’re not a fan of the legendary musician, head to Kingston’s most visited site, the Bob Marley Museum. The museum offers a fascinating look at the life of one of the most influential musicians in the history of popular music — a man who brought Rastafarianism, reggae, and Jamaican culture to the masses. For $25, you’ll get you a 75-minute guided tour of the two-story colonial-era house where the reggae star lived and recorded from 1975 until his death in 1981.

At each stop along the tour, your knowledgeable guide will prompt a group singalong to the relevant Marley song for that specific point of interest.

A vast array of gold and platinum records and Grammy awards adorn the walls in various rooms, with photographs, paintings, posters, and media clippings in others. Alongside these treasured mementos are Marley’s guitars; costumes worn by his backup singers, the I-Threes; and Marley’s famous working man’s denim shirt which he donned at concerts around the world.

At the rear of the house is the spot where gunmen snuck in one day in 1976 in an attempt to assassinate Marley, evidenced by bullet holes preserved in the walls.

In another, more pleasant area of the house is the wood-paneled recording studio of the former Tuff Gong Records, replete with original mixing boards where hits like, “No Woman, No Cry,” “Buffalo Soldier,” and “Could You Be Loved” were recorded.

Experience Jamaica’s national drink

Photo: Rostasedlacek /Shutterstock

There’s always time for rum on Jamaica, especially with Bob Marley’s melodies floating around in your head and some legal medical marijuana from Kaya Herb House , Itopia , Epican , or another dispensary.

Feeling irie? Good. Quench your dry mouth and wet your palate with a dram or three of rum — Jamaica’s national drink. If you’re a fan of classic cocktails like the mojito, dark ‘n’ stormy, daiquiri, piña colada, mai tai, Cuba libré, and yes, even Long Island iced tea — or you simply want to stave off scurvy after a long bout at sea — then rum is your key ingredient.

While Barbados is widely considered the birthplace of rum, Jamaica has the honor of honing the rum-making process and putting the amber-hued spirit on the global map.

One of the best places to experience the craft of rum-making is at the 265-year-old Appleton Estate , a scenic two-and-a-half-hour drive west from Kingston into the heart of the island and its lush Nassau Valley. Once there, take in the view overlooking miles and miles of sugarcane fields that merge with the green hills far beyond. know that underneath your feet are the fertile soils and mineral-rich limestone waters that contribute the unique terroir of the distillery’s product.

Presiding over all this time-honored craftsmanship at the estate is the affable and passionate Joy Spence, the first woman in the world to be appointed Master Blender in the late 1990s. During tours of the estate, you’ll be able to taste wild fermented molasses, a key ingredient that gives Jamaican rum its distinct, full-bodied funk.

Other qualities define the island’s amber gold, as well: It’s made using all-natural GMO-free yeast, it’s aged in 40-gallon American oak barrels, and never in any step of the process are artificial flavors or sugar added to rum. Just fermented pure sugar cane, whose juice you’ll be able to try after volunteering yourself for a few laps turning the cane press.

Once you’ve taken a short and secretive (no photos or video allowed) walk through the sweltering steampunk world of the distillery, you’ll be thirsty. Lucky for you the tour concludes with a tasting led by professionally trained rum experts.

Eat, and then eat again

Photo: Debbie Ann Powell /Shutterstock

En route back to Kingston from Appleton Estate, there are two must-stops for food. The first is halfway up the long Spur Tree Hill road in Manchester. There, underneath a Banyan tree, you’ll spot a man named Wayne stirring a big boiling pot of his famous peanut soup on the side of the road. If, like myself, you’re allergic to peanuts, then treat whoever you’re traveling with. Word from my companions, even days after they tried the thick, aromatic soup was that it was the best thing they ate the entire trip.

Stop number two is at Fancy Fruits Health’staurant in the mountain town of Mandeville. One part fresh fruit and health food market, one part restaurant, Fancy Fruits is 100 percent ital (natural) Rasta food. Friendly, soft-spoken co-owner Yahya El will gladly take the time to tell you that in order to assimilate mind, body, and spirit, one needs to enjoy raw, fresh food prepared without fire, sugar, salt, or artificial preservatives.

For other traditional, hearty cuisine there’s a bevy of fine food choices once you’re back in the capital. Redbones Rooftop in the stylish boutique R Hotel is a cultural hub in Kingston. The open-air rooftop bar and restaurant has hosted live music, book launches, art exhibits, poetry slams, and theater in its numerous locations since 1996. The current location in the New Kingston neighborhood offers you panoramic views of the city all while savoring the recommended jerk chicken pasta and, of course, another round of dark ‘n’ stormies. If you’re there during the day, pop down to the gallery in the basement for the latest exhibits by celebrated artists.

For something more local, head downtown to Gloria’s Seafood City at the waterfront’s newly renovated Victoria Pier. The airy, nautical-themed restaurant is bright, loud, lively, and friendly. It’s the kind of fun Jamaican vibe where, in the middle of tucking into a giant seafood platter, curried lobster, or sweet onion blue crab, you might be asked to jump up and join a drink chugging contest.

Get out on the town

Photo: LBSimms Photography /Shutterstock

Let the rum party continue. The ultimate celebration of Jamaican rum is the lively Jamaica Rum Festival held in the leafy, palm-treed surroundings of Hope Gardens. You can take in seminars led by Joy Spence and other notable professionals in the rum industry, participate in cocktail making workshops, or learn to tweak your palate at a rum tasting. Then, once sufficiently tipsy, saddle up to some locals at the main stage and shake your booty to the likes of Kymani Marley, Capelton, Naomi Cowan, Spragga Benz, Freddie McGregor, and many more.

A trip to Kingston would not be complete without enjoying its famous nightlife. A good starting point is the Regency Bar & Lounge in the opulent, Old World-styled Terra Nova Hotel. The Regency is a chic, laid-back lounge with an outdoor patio where many in the capital gather before heading off for more raucous venues.

Fiction Nightclub calls itself Kingston’s premier nightclub, and for good reason. It’s one of the city’s hotspots for dancehall music, upscale parties, and a place to rub shoulders with international celebrities. Pro tip: Don’t go too early as parties start late in the city.

The Sunday evening highlight for many in the capital is the legendary Kingston Dub Club. Situated in the tony hills overlooking the city — right across from Rita Marley’s estate — the club is home to the Rockers Soundsystem and is dedicated to Rastafarian culture and music. Dub Club is operated out of the home of Karlyle “Gabre Selassie” Lee and has an outdoor dance floor, a store, and a bar and patio serving ital food with a stunning view of Kingston. You’ll find plenty of locals here mingling with international tourists, everyone enjoying the soulful music, and the spicy scent of the “herb” drifting through the air. Like Dub Club’s saying goes, “the only good system is a sound system.”

Don’t forget about the coffee

After a night out where you probably had a little too much fun, you’ll definitely need some world-renowned Blue Mountain coffee. A 40-minute drive into the lush hills 2,600 feet above Kingston is the 200-year-old Craighton Coffee Estate.

A casual hike through the plantation will bring you to a gazebo surrounded by coffee bushes and a magical view of the mountains and villages around.

What makes Blue Mountain coffee so sought after by discerning coffee drinkers around the world is the blend of perfect climate, soil fertility, hours and angles of sunlight, and plentiful mists and rainfall found in the region. Add a cheerful, knowledgeable, and music-loving master roaster and guide in Alton “Junior” Bedward, and you get an exotic, exciting, and sensuous brew with a unique and definitive flavor. A tasting on the patio of the estate house is included.

For those that enjoy nature and a good, hearty hike, the mountains that rise up to make Kingston’s back yard are not to be missed. The peak of Blue Mountain sits at 7,402 feet, the highest point in the Caribbean. So, while you may start your day wearing shorts, make sure you pack rain gear and warmer clothes for the mountains as temperatures can quickly drop.

The Blue Mountain peak hike is labeled as hard, but if you’re a brisk hiker, and the weather cooperates, the hike can be done in under six hours. To get there, pre-book a taxi (make sure it’s not a car with low clearance) or rent a 4×4 and then prepare for a one and a half-hour drive from Kingston along narrow, snaking roads into the spectacularly lush mountains. After the pavement ends the drive continues along steep, rutted dirt road through charming cliffside villages until you reach Whitfield Hall, where most of the hikes begin.

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Tucked in between the Blue Mountains and the world’s seventh-largest natural harbor, Kingston simultaneously impresses you with its setting and overwhelms you with its sprawl, noise and hustle. This is the island’s cultural and economic heart, and a place named a Creative City of Music by Unesco in 2015. Like a plate of spicy jerk washed down with a cold Red Stripe beer, a visit to Kingston is essential to taste the rich excitement of modern Jamaica.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

National Gallery of Jamaica

The superlative collection of Jamaican art housed by the National Gallery is the finest on the island and should on no account be missed. As well as…

Bob Marley Museum

The large, creaky, colonial-era wooden house on Hope Rd, where Bob Marley lived and recorded from 1975 until his death in 1981, is the city’s most-visited…

Devon House

This beautiful colonial house was built in 1881 by George Stiebel, the first black millionaire in Jamaica. Antique lovers will enjoy the guided tour,…

An innovative art and permaculture scheme, Life Yard is regenerating an area of downtown Kingston once beset with gang problems. The program is centered…

Liberty Hall

At the end of a tree-lined courtyard, decorated with cheerful mosaics and a mural depicting Marcus Garvey, stands Liberty Hall, the headquarters of Garvey…

William Grant Park, more commonly known as ‘Parade,’ is the bustling heart of Downtown, and originally hosted a fortress erected in 1694 with guns…

Trench Town Culture Yard

Trench Town, which began life as a much-prized housing project erected by the British in the 1930s, is widely credited as the birthplace of ska,…

Tuff Gong Recording Studios

Tuff Gong is one of the Caribbean’s largest and most influential studios. It was Bob Marley's favorite place to record and is now run by his son Ziggy…

Latest stories from Kingston

Jan 29, 2020 • 7 min read

Is all lost when you show up injured for a destination marathon? As Matt Phillips discovers in Jamaica, there's still much to celebrate, savor and run for.

Feb 17, 2015 • 4 min read

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More Things To Do In Kingston: Complete Guide To Jamaica's Coastal Capital

Although Montego Bay is widely considered Jamaica's crown tourism jewel, Kingston is undoubtedly one of the Caribbean's hidden gems.

Situated on the southeastern coast of the island country, Jamaica's capital city is brimming with adventure. Flanked by the Blue Mountains range, Palisadoes peninsula, and Kingston Harbour— the seventh largest natural harbor in the world —Kingston is a nature lover's dream.

Of course, the vibrant city has some of the most pristine Caribbean coastlines, with its sandy shores and clear, turquoise waters. But Kingston has much more to offer tourists than just beaches . From its botanical gardens and breathtaking waterfalls to its gourmet cuisine and trendy galleries—the city is a melting pot for incredible art, music, culture, and everything in between.

UPDATE: 2023/06/04 13:52 EST BY DYLAN MYERS

A vacation to Kingston is an experience that excites all the senses, from sunbathing at incredible beaches and exploring the thick Jamaican flora to tasting delicious Caribbean cuisine. This complete guide was expanded to include even more things to do in Kingston, like taking a day trip to the gorgeous Lime Cay. The guide was also expanded to include more ways to get around the Jamaican capital, and the best times of the year to visit.

Top Things To Do In Kingston, Jamaica

There are many adventures to be had in Jamaica . From its beautiful mountain range and sandy beaches to its delicious eats and luxury hotels, here is the ultimate travel guide to Kingston.

1 Visit Emancipation Park

Located across from the iconic Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, a stop at this public park is a must. Featuring an evocative sculpture of a Black man and woman looking up at the sky at its center, this public park serves as a symbol of hope and freedom.

• Address: 2636+53W, Oxford Road and, Knutsford Blvd, Kingston, Jamaica
• Hours: Open Mondays to Thursdays from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm and Fridays to Sundays from 5 am to midnight

2 Stroll Hope Botanical Gardens

Nestled in Kingston's St. Andrew Parish, this 200-acre park has much to explore. Also known as the Royal Botanical Gardens , highlights include the 11-acre Chinese Garden, plant nursery, Sunken Garden, Bandstand Gazebo, Shell Bandstand, Pavilion Garden, and a sweeping Annual Lawn.

• Address: 231 Old Hope Road, Kingston, Jamaica
• Hours: Open daily from 6 am to 6 pm
• Cost: Free (parking is $200 for cars and SUVs)

3 Soak In The Sun On The Beach

Jamaica has some of the best beaches , many of which can be found near the beautiful city of Kingston. For an afternoon of splashing in the sea, head to:

• Fort Clarence Beach
• Hellshire Beach
• Sugarman Beach
• Boardwalk Beach

The beaches are located beyond the city of Portmore.

4 Tour The Bob Marley Museum

Don't worry about a thing, and head to the Bob Marley Museum for an exciting afternoon spent learning about the eponymous popular reggae musician. Explore Bob Marley's home and discover all of his amazing memorabilia .

The site, which was home to the reggae label Tuff Gong, also features a recording studio.

• Address: 6, 56 Hope Rd, Kingston, Jamaica
• Hours: Open daily Monday through Saturday from 9:30 am to 4 pm
• Cost: Tours start at $25 for adults and $12 for children

5 Wander Through The Devon House

A popular wedding venue, the historic Devon House dates back to 1881 and is the former residence of Jamaica's first Black millionaire, George Stiebel.

Fast-forward to today and the heritage site is now designated as a gastronomy center, offering visitors a plethora of dining options, from the Crepe House to Devon House Bakery.

• Address: 26 Hope Road, Kingston 10, Jamaica, W.I.
• Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 8 pm; Saturday from 8:30 am to 7 pm; and Sunday from 8:30 am to 1 pm
• Cost: Mansion tours are $15 for adults and $13 for children (costs for other attractions vary; check the website for full pricing details )

6 Visit The National Gallery Of Jamaica

Founded in 1974, this fantastic art museum boasts a wide range of early, modern, and contemporary Jamaican art collections. Nestled on the Kingston Waterfront, a promenade that offers amazing views of the harbor, the museum is a must-see attraction for any Kingston vacay.

• Address: BLOCK 3, Kingston Mall, 12 Ocean Blvd, Kingston, Jamaica
• Hours: Open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 am to 4:30 pm; Friday from 10 am to 4 pm; and Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm
• Cost: $400 for adults; $200 for senior citizens; children ages 0-16 are free

7 Set Sail On A Kingston Harbour Cruise

One of the largest natural harbors in the world, the nearly landlocked Kingston Harbour provides many opportunities for a tropical adventure atop the water.

Set sail on a Friday evening cruise aboard a 69-foot catamaran, departing from the Ribbiz Ocean Lounge in downtown Kingston. Or explore Maiden Cay on the Sunday Beach Day tour, which sets sail from the Grand Port Royal Hotel.

Both all-inclusive cruise options feature yummy eats and a live DJ for maximum fun.

• Address: Loose Cannon Tours, Victoria Pier, Downtown Kingston
• Hours: Check the website for availability
• Cost: Tours start at $48 for the evening tour and $65 for the beach day tour

The pricing noted above is for pre-booked tickets only. Tickets purchased after 7 pm on Thursday or Saturday for the following day's tour will incur an extra $10 fee.

8 Splash In Falling Edge Water Falls

Those on the prowl for the least touristy things to do in Jamaica should look no further than the island's spectacular waterfalls, from the popular Dunn's River Falls in Ocho Rios to Westmoreland's Mayfield Falls.

But nestled in the Stony Hill neighborhood of St. Andrew Parish is the hidden gem of Falling Edge Water Falls. Visitors must embark on a 10-minute, scenic hike through the green canopies to get to the picturesque waterfall, which cascades from about 40 feet above.

• Address: Bowden Hill Road, Kingston, Jamaica
• Hours: Open Friday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm
• Cost: $500 JMD per person (around $3.30 USD)

9 See The City From The Look Out

For spectacular panoramic views of Jamaica's capital city and the harbor beyond, head to the Look Out Point on Red Hills Road. (The nighttime views of the dazzling city lights are equally memorizing.)

• Address: 3525+C42, Red Hills Rd, Kingston, Jamaica
• Hours: Open 24 hours

10 Hike Jamaica’s Blue Mountains

Located in eastern Jamaica, the 30-mile Blue Mountains range is certainly a sight to see. The highest point, Blue Mountain Peak, stands 7,402 feet high for breathtaking views of the island.

For guidance traversing the green jungle, book with Blue Mountain Tours, which offers hiking, bicycle, and bus tour options.

• Address: Shop 15-16, 121 Main St, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
• Hours and cost: Check the website for availability

The tours offer roundtrip transportation to and from Kingston.

11 Rejuvenate On Strawberry Hill

Hikers venturing into the Blue Mountains don't need to sacrifice luxury. Nestled in the mountains is Strawberry Hills , a luxury resort boasting traditional Jamaican colonial homes overlooking the scenery.

Travelers can stay in the antique cottages or unwind after a day in nature at the property's incredible spa. The spa offers treatments for everyone , from deep-scrub massages to wellness treks and rejuvenating yoga sessions.

• Spa Treatments: massages from $100 per person
• Wellness Treks: from $65 per person for a 3-hour trek
• Yoga Sessions: from $60 per person for one hour

12 Chill At Life Yard Jamaica

The Life Yard initiative is one of the coolest things to do in Kingston. An urban project started by a group of young Rastafarians, Life Yard is a multicultural eco-village seeking to uplift awareness and art in the community.

Travelers can wander through the neighborhood and check out or take photos with the stunning street murals. Later, replenish reserves at a vegetarian restaurant or juice bar. Life Yard also offers many workshops for children.

• Hours: Daily , 10 AM - 5 PM

Life Yard is located in a residential area, so the best way to experience it is to contact them and schedule a tour through their Facebook page .

13 Browse Local Stalls At Coronation Market

The colorful Coronation Market is Jamaica's biggest farmer's market and the largest in the English-speaking Caribbean. This is the best place to find souvenirs in Kingston.

• Hours: Monday - Saturday, 5:30 AM - 7 PM | Closed Sundays
• Address: Pechon St, Kingston

Wandering through the fruit, vegetable, and craft stalls in Coronation Market is a fantastic non-touristy thing to do in Kingston and an excellent way to experience a local's perspective. Hire a guide for navigating the maze of vendors, as the market can sometimes get crowded and overwhelming.

Tourists shouldn't take pictures of the stalls without permission, as the vendors often do not appreciate it.

14 Explore Port Royal

Once known as the wickedest city in the world, Port Royal is a must-visit in Kingston . History buffs will love exploring the site where infamous pirates sought refuge, like Captain Henry Morgan, Calico Jack, and Blackbeard.

No stranger to natural disasters, the Caribbean's pirate capital has suffered from numerous earthquakes, with entire sections of the town sinking. Nevertheless, tourists can still view remnants from pirates, battles, and rusty canons at the historical Fort Charles .

Start the day by touring the fort, and later, follow this independent walking guide to Port Royal .

• Fort Charles Hours: Daily, 9 AM - 5 PM
• Price: about $10 (1,500 JMD) per person
• Note: Admission includes a tour guide

15 Take A Day Trip To Lime Cay

Finally, for the gorgeous beaches near Kingston, beachgoers can venture out by boat to Lime Cay for an all-day outing spent on the tiny island.

Only fifteen minutes by boat from Port Royal, Lime Cay is one of the most beautiful beaches in Jamaica, with soft white sand and crystal clear waters ideal for snorkeling. The tiny island is virtually empty throughout the week but explodes with life, food, and music on Sundays when Kingstonians escape their city lives.

The best way to get to Lime Cay is to take a small ferry from Y-Knot in Port Royal . Visit the wooden docks behind the bar to inquire and plan the trip over.

• The price should not exceed $10 per person .

Bring food and water on a journey to Lime Cay since the island offers no facilities.

16 Best Time To Go To Kingston

To avoid the hurricane season, which runs from June to November, visit Kingston in the winter months. The island has warm weather year-round, so the tropical destination will still have fantastic temperatures during this time.

Plus, attraction prices like hotel accommodations shouldn't be as expensive. Keep in mind, there is rainfall throughout the year, so pack accordingly.

• Best Time To Visit Kingston: December - February
• Temperatures: Highs in the lower 80s to lows in the lower 70s

November - December

These are the best months to visit Kingston, the sweet spot between the hurricane season and the heaviest months for tourism. The weather is beautiful, and rates are cheapest in mid-December.

January - March

These months offer gorgeous weather but are also the busiest. Beachgoers flock to Kingston during the winter, especially in March, so travelers should book their accommodations well in advance.

April - June

The spring in Kingston can signify more rain and fog, but several hotels offer deals to visit since tourism is low. The hurricane season technically starts in June.

July - October

The summer into early fall months in Kingston is prime hurricane season. Jamaica typically experiences the worst weather in late August and early September. However, warm-weather travelers will be met with high temperatures and few crowds during the summer.

Hotel and flight rates are at their cheapest, but tourists should come prepared for inclement weather.

It's always wise to purchase travel insurance when traveling to Kingston during the hurricane season.

17 Best Ways To Get Around Kingston

Since the city is not compact and its various attractions are relatively spread out, Kingston is not as walkable as other tourist destinations. Some parts of town may also be unsafe for tourists, so walking is highly discouraged.

Carshare options like Uber and taxis are readily available, making an excellent transportation option for getting around.

By Taxi In Kingston

Taxis are the best way to get around Kingston. Tourists should only take official taxis, recognizable by the acronyms JUTA or JCAL. Many of these are communal route taxis, meaning they only pick up and drop off at specific locations.

Many taxi meters are broken, so travelers should always establish a price before the ride. Tips are typically between 10 and 15%.

By Car In Kingston

The great thing for tourists about renting a car in Kingston is the flexibility and independence to explore the city and the rest of Jamaica. Drivers can find the most reliable car rental companies like Hertz and Budget at the airport. However, travelers renting a car should plan for poor road conditions, sparse road signage, and impulsive drivers.

Travelers from the United States can drive in Jamaica with only their national license for three months before needing an International Permit.

18 Where To Eat In Kingston

There are plenty of options for dining out in Kingston, whether visitors are looking for local fare or international cuisine.

Breakfast In Kingston

Tea Tree Crêperie

• Address: Unit # 2, 80 Lady Musgrave Rd, Kingston, Jamaica
• Cuisine: French fusion-style fare

Mr. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• Address: 17 Holborn Rd, Kingston, Jamaica
• Cuisine: Continental-style breakfast

Lunch In Kingston

Marianna's Kitchen

• Address: 67 Constant Spring Rd, Kingston, Jamaica
• Cuisine: Vegan fare made with local ingredients

Fromage Bistro

• Address: 8 Hillcrest Ave, Kingston, Jamaica
• Cuisine: European Jamaican fusion fare

Dinner In Kingston

• Address: Shop 20, 24-28 Barbican Rd, Kingston, Jamaica
• Cuisine: Lebanese and Italian fare

Usain Bolt's Tracks & Records

• Cuisine: Jamaican classics

Drinks In Kingston

CRU Bar & Kitchen

• Address: 71 Lady Musgrave Rd, Kingston, Jamaica

Regency Bar & Lounge

• Address: Terra Nova All Suite Hotel Jamaica, 17 Waterloo Rd, Kingston, Jamaica

Related: This Is One Of Jamaica’s Safest Cities & It Has Plenty Of Resorts

19 Where To Stay In Kingston

Can't decide where to stay in Kingston? Consider these options at various price points.

Budget-Friendly Accommodations

Eventuality B&B New Kingston

• Address: 4 Pawsey Road, Kingston
• Amenities: Terrace/patio and bar/lounge

Shirley Retreat Hotel

• Address: 7 Maeven Ave, Kingston 10, Kingston 00000
• Amenities: Room service and free parking

Mid-Tier Hotels

Courtyard by Marriott Kingston, Jamaica

• Address: 1 Park Close, Kingston 5
• Amenities: Outdoor pool, restaurant, coffee shop, fitness center, bar/lounge, and free parking

ROK Hotel Kingston Tapestry Collection by Hilton

• Address: 2-4 King Street, Kingston JMAKN02
• Amenities: Outdoor pool, fitness center, and bar/lounge

Upscale Hotels

Terra Nova All Suite Hotel

• Address: 17 Waterloo Road, Kingston KGN 10
• Amenities: Outdoor pool, restaurant, room service, coffee shop, fitness center, bar/lounge, and free parking

AC Hotel by Marriott Kingston, Jamaica

• Address: 38 Lady Musgrave Rd, Kingston
• Amenities: Outdoor pool, restaurant, fitness center, bar/lounge, and coffee shop

Related: Romantic Getaway: Book These 10 Best Resorts In Jamaica For Couples

20 Tips To Know When Visiting Kingston

Tourists looking for tips for visiting Jamaica for the first time have come to the right place.

Unfortunately, Jamaica is known for being one of the most violent countries in the Caribbean and has the highest murder rate of any country . Tourists visiting Kingston should always be vigilant when traveling through the city and its surrounding attractions.

In terms of currency, the country uses the Jamaican dollar, however, U.S. dollars are widely accepted. (1 JMD equates to 0.0066 USD.)

And, since it's a former British colony, people on the Caribbean island do drive on the left side of the road.

Related: A Travel Guide To Jamaica: 11 Things To Know While Planning Your Trip

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Is Kingston, Jamaica Safe? 16 Things To Know Before Visiting

Is Kingston, Jamaica a safe place to visit? Here is everything I learned while visiting Kingston, as well as some extra travel tips!

When I booked a trip to Kingston, Jamaica , some people advised me against it because they had heard it was dangerous.

I did lots of online research while wondering if Kingston was safe, but I also told myself not to judge a place before I had been there myself.

I only ended up spending 2 days in Jamaica’s capital city, but I found it to be perfectly safe. However, there are some other things I wish I had known before traveling to Kingston.

In this article, I’ll discuss some safety tips for Kingston, and also share some other things I learned there about prices, tours, culture, etc.

Kingston, Jamaica is worth visiting! And it is safe in the right areas, in my experience at least.

Is Kingston, Jamaica Safe?

In the right areas, Kingston, Jamaica is perfectly safe! In my pre-trip research, I had heard that New Kingston was a very safe area of the city.

Many of the best Kingston attractions are in this area as well, including Devon House and the Bob Marley Museum .

So we booked a spare room in a local’s home on Airbnb in New Kingston. In our 2 days there, we never felt unsafe once.

Here are some of the reasons why I felt that New Kingston was safe:

• We could ask any random person for directions and they were very nice and helpful every time
• No one cat-called me or made unsolicited comments to Matt and I at all
• Strangers sometimes smiled and said hello when we walked past them
• We were staying with locals who gave us their perspective on the safety of Kingston

So in my personal experience, New Kingston is safe for travelers!

Read next: 22 Solo Travel Tips

How To Stay Safe In Kingston, Jamaica

If you are still unsure about whether or not Kingston is safe, here are some safety tips to keep in mind.

1. Stay in New Kingston

Throughout all of my research, every website noted that New Kingston is one of the safest areas of the city.

There are some dangerous neighborhoods where crime is more prevalent, so I would just book accommodation in New Kingston to be safe.

Matt and I walked all over New Kingston and never felt unsafe.

2. Stay with locals if you can

Whether you do a work exchange or find a home on Airbnb like we did, staying with locals is always a great way to travel.

Your local host will pass on their own knowledge and give you advice about where to go to stay safe.

Our Airbnb host even offered airport pickup for us in Kingston so we didn’t need to worry about finding transport through the city.

While she drove us home, she told us that southern Kingston is more dangerous than northern, and that most of the city’s crime is between local gangs and not tourists. Hearing that made me feel much safer!

A work exchange is a great way to stay with locals while traveling. Check out my ultimate guide here !

3. Avoid dangerous areas

Despite the apparent safety of New Kingston, there is known violent crime in other parts of the city.

Certain areas of Kingston are deemed dangerous due to gang activity. To stay safe in Kingston, just avoid any questionable areas entirely.

Do some research before you visit to see which areas are risky. I’m not an expert but you can generally find a list of places to avoid on your government’s state department website .

4. Cross the street with caution

Locals do drive pretty wild in Kingston. There is lots of fast-moving traffic and sometimes there isn’t a clear place to cross the road.

Obviously you should always cross the street with caution anywhere. But in Kingston especially, just be careful because people do drive really fast.

5. Drive extra carefully

If you are renting a car in Kingston, drive extra carefully because again, the roads are pretty crazy. And the further out of the city you go, the riskier the roads get in terms of actual functionality and infrastructure.

But honestly, you shouldn’t need to rent a car in Kingston. It seems much easier and safer to just take taxis or get private transfers.

Read next: How To Get From Kingston to Ocho Rios

6. Be wary of going out at night

I’m not a huge fan of nightlife, and I think after many years of traveling I can gauge whether or not I feel comfortable going out at night.

First of all, avoid going out at night alone if you’re traveling. Especially if you’re a female!

Anyway, Matt and I didn’t go out at night in Kingston so I can’t say whether it was safe or not.

But the city is huge and spread out, and in New Kingston there isn’t really a downtown area where people congregate. So to go out at night we would have needed to find a venue somewhere and take public transport.

So we chose not to go out. But I would recommend asking trusted locals for advice about where to go and whether or not it’s safe.

7. Get travel insurance

Travel insurance is super important. Especially if you’re visiting third-world countries or environments that may be high-risk, travel insurance will cover you in case of an emergency.

Squaremouth Insurance is my go-to web platform for finding the best plans. I bought a plan through them when I went to South Africa and they 100% reimbursed me for my medical bills.

Read my Budget Traveler’s Guide To Travel Insurance if you have more questions on that topic .

8. Only use official ATMs inside banks

This is a safety tip for Kingston that I learned during my pre-trip research. On the off chance that someone is trying to scam you or steal your credit card info, stick to official ATMs inside an establishment like a bank.

Again, Kingston felt safe and I never had any uneasy feelings around ATMs, but if you are nervous just use official ATMs just in case.

Other Things To Know Before Traveling To Kingston, Jamaica

Personally, Kingston wasn’t my favorite city I’ve ever visited. But not because it was unsafe.

Kingston felt very safe to me, and the people were so nice. It’s just a bit of a chaotic city that doesn’t have as much scenery or activities as the other parts of Jamaica.

But if you really want to see what real Jamaica looks like, Kingston is worth a visit. Here are some other things I learned during my visit.

9. Kingston is expensive

All of Jamaica is quite expensive for a vacation, but I still wasn’t expecting how steep some prices would be.

For example, two small ice creams at the famous Devon House cost a total of 18 USD. We also stupidly bought a small punnet of strawberries from the supermarket without checking the price beforehand. They cost about 20 USD!

The strawberries thing was pretty hilarious, and of course we were happy to pay for the expensive ice cream. But just remember to check the prices and plan a larger budget than you may think you need for Kingston.

Save money while traveling in Kingston with these 50 budget travel tips !

10. There are barely any tourists

Kingston is one of the least touristy places to visit in Jamaica. Even though it’s the capital city, most tourists flock to the coastline to stay in fancy resorts.

Because we found a cheap flight into Kingston, we figured we should explore the city before heading to the coast.

In our full two days in Kingston, we barely saw any other tourists. Even at popular Kingston attractions, the few people there were mainly locals with maybe 2 or 3 international tourists.

11. Tours don’t always run from Kingston

Because there are so few tourists in Kingston, some tours may not actually do pick ups in the city.

We booked a day trip to the Blue Mountains and found out the day of that it was cancelled because there weren’t enough people for a pick-up in Kingston.

Most tours run from Montego Bay or Ocho Rios, so prepare for your tours to be cancelled if you’re trying to book something with transport from Kingston.

12. There are lots of dogs

There are so many dogs in Jamaica!

Unfortunately, the abundance of stray dogs in Jamaica is actually a problem for the animals and the people. In Kingston, you’re likely to see a few strays roaming around. I would advise against approaching or touching any stray dogs.

However, we noticed that Jamaicans do love dogs and many keep dogs as pets. Our Airbnb host had 5 dogs! They even had an unofficial adopted stray that loved hanging out there and he followed us all over our explorations of the city.

13. Jamaicans love to honk their horns

If you’re driving around Kingston, or just exploring on foot, you’ll notice that people are constantly honking their car horns.

I’ve never heard so many car horns used in such a short time period!

It’s not always meant to signal something alarming or bad, and you’ll get used to hearing it. But people use their car horns as often as they use turn signals in Kingston.

Use Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights to Kingston!

14. It’s not a very walkable city

Kingston is a sprawling city that is pretty chaotic and spread out. There’s not really a downtown area where you can stroll around, and it’s not the best place for sightseeing on foot.

Our location in New Kingston meant that we could walk to some of the nearby attractions, but we were walking on narrow sidewalks next to main roads.

So you can walk around the city, but it’s not necessarily scenic. If you’re traveling longer distances, you may be better off getting a taxi.

15. Locals are very kind

I’ve already mentioned this when answering the question, “Is Kingston Jamaica safe?” but I want to reiterate it. In our experience, everyone we spoke to in Kingston was so nice and friendly.

When walking around residential areas, locals smiled and said hello. When we stopped to ask strangers for directions, they were super helpful and always directed us with a smile.

I felt that Jamaicans were very genuine and kind, so this made Kingston feel safe in my opinion.

16. Credit cards are often accepted

This is a random point to make, but I was happy to find that credit cards are often accepted at tourist attractions and shops.

I stupidly forgot to pack my debit card when traveling to Jamaica, so I couldn’t withdraw any cash. Luckily, we could pay with a credit card at most establishments which was helpful.

Thanks for reading my travel and safety tips for Kingston, Jamaica!

I hope I’ve provided some insight into the question, “Is Kingston, Jamaica safe?” because I was asking myself that question before visiting.

Every travel blog and website answers this question differently, so I thought I would give my personal experience.

We only spent a few days in Kingston and we mainly stayed in one area. There is definitely much more to see and do beyond what we experienced, but I personally felt safe the whole time.

There were positives and negatives in Kingston, and I’m glad we went. It is considered the cultural capital of Jamaica, and it was cool to see a side of the country that hasn’t been adapted for tourism.

For more travel tips, check out these articles:

22 Solo Travel Tips

15 Must-Have Travel Essentials

Budget Traveler’s Guide to Travel Insurance

50 Budget Travel Tips

A Guide to Work Exchange: The Cheapest Way To Travel

This post may contain affiliate links. Read more about this in my About Me page!

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Overwhelming and fascinating in equal measure, Kingston is quite unlike anywhere else in the Caribbean. Overhung by the magnificent Blue Mountains to the north and lapped by a huge natural harbour to the south, the city holds as many pockets of opulence as it does zinc-fenced ghettos, and its wide boulevards see top-of-the-range SUVs fighting for space with pushcarts and the odd goat or cow. Nonetheless, in the 1950s, Ian Fleming called Kingston a “tough city”, and that still holds true today. Jamaica’s capital is rough and ready, a little uncompromising, but always exciting – and though its troubled reputation means that few tourists visit (it’s not, perhaps, a place for the faint-hearted), Kingston is infinitely more absorbing than any of the resorts.

East of Kingston

Exploring kingston, fort clarence beach, safety and harassment, spanish town, street dances, theatre and dance, trench town.

With some 700,000 residents (22 percent of the island’s total population), Kingston seethes with life, noise and activity, the glitzy malls of uptown and the faded, rough charm of downtown revealing a side of Jamaica that couldn’t be more different to the north coast. As well as being the seat of government and the island’s administrative centre, Kingston is Jamaica’s cultural and historical heart, the city that spawned Bob Marley, Buju Banton, Beenie Man and countless other reggae stars, and the place where Marcus Garvey first preached his tenets of black empowerment. And, with a plethora of theatres and galleries, it’s one of the best places on the island to fully appreciate the country’s home-grown art, theatre and dance scenes.

If you do decide to visit – and it’s well worth the effort for anyone with even a passing interest in Jamaican culture – you’ll find that not only is it easy to steer clear of trouble, but that there’s none of the persistent harassment that bedevils parts of the north coast. In comparison to Ochi or Negril , the capital feels refreshingly real, with most Kingstonians far more interested in going about their business than trifling with a tourist. That’s not to say that city dwellers are unfriendly; in fact, it’s far easier to strike up a decent conversation here than in more conventional tourist honeypots, where every interaction can seem like a precursor to a sales pitch. The pulsating, live-for-today vitality of the place, combined with the urbane outlook of its citizens, injects a shot of adrenalin that often proves addictive, and the exuberant atmosphere is tempered by a cool elegance and a strong sense of national history. If you follow the herd and avoid the capital, you’ll have missed one of Jamaica’s undoubted highlights.

Brief history

Though the Spanish first settled in Jamaica in 1510, replaced by British colonists in 1655, there was little development in present-day Kingston until 1692. The area held just a small pig-rearing village, glamorously known as Colonel Beeston’s Hog Crawle, and a handful of fishing shacks. All of the action was across the harbour on the island of Port Royal, then Jamaica’s second city (after Spanish Town) and home to most of the country’s leading lights. In 1692, however, a violent earthquake devastated Port Royal; several thousand people died instantly and the rest went scurrying for a more hospitable place to live. The Hog Crawle was the obvious choice – on the mainland but beside the harbour – and the former citizens of Port Royal promptly snapped up two hundred acres of land there.

Within a few months of the earthquake, the plans for the new town had been drawn up. Newborn Kingston was named in honour of William of Orange, king of England from 1689 to 1702, and the town was laid out beside the water to take advantage of the existing sea trade . The road plan mostly followed a grid system (which remains largely intact today) with the big central square of the Parade left open in the heart of town.

Kingston develops

By the early eighteenth century, Kingston had become a major port for the transshipment of English goods and African slaves to the Spanish colonies of South America. Merchants, traders and brokers made rapid fortunes and began to build themselves ostentatious homes, while fresh waves of immigrants piled into the booming city – some from Europe, some from other Caribbean islands, some from other parts of Jamaica, all in search of opportunity.

With its swelling population and rising wealth, the city soon began to challenge for the role of the nation’s capital , though the authorities in Spanish Town – comfortably ensconced in their grand Georgian buildings – proved stubborn in handing over the title to their upstart neighbour. By 1872, when Kingston finally became Jamaica’s capital city, many wealthy families were already moving beyond the original town boundaries to the more genteel areas that today comprise uptown Kingston. Meanwhile, the less affluent huddled downtown and in the shanty towns that began to spring up on the outskirts of old Kingston, particularly west of the city, their ranks swollen by a tide of former slaves hoping to find prosperity beyond the sugar estates.

The twentieth century

Jamaica’s turn-of-the-century boom, engineered by tourism and agriculture, largely bypassed Kingston’s poor and helped to reinforce the divide between uptown and downtown. While the rich got richer and sequestered themselves in the new suburbs uptown, the downtown area continued to deteriorate. Those who could afford to do so continued to move out, leaving behind an increasingly destitute population that proved fertile recruitment ground for the Rastafari movement during the 1920s and 1930s.

There were major riots during the 1930s, with the city feeling the knock-on effects of an islandwide economic crisis sparked by the plunging price of key crops like bananas and sugar on world markets. The riots led to the development of local trade unions and political parties during the 1940s; these organizations spoke for the workers and the dispossessed, but improvements in working conditions and the physical infrastructure were slow in coming. Finally, in the 1960s, the city authorities began to show some interest in reversing the decay. Efforts were made to give the old downtown area a face-lift; redevelopment of the waterfront resulted in a much-needed expansion of the city’s port facility (still a vital part of the city’s commerce today) and a smartening-up of the harbour area with the introduction of shops, offices and even the island’s major art gallery.

A mini- tourist boom was sparked by the new-look Kingston (and by the growing popularity of Jamaican music abroad), with cruise ships arriving to inject a fresh air of hope into the city. Sadly, the optimism proved short-lived. For the people of downtown Kingston, the redevelopment of downtown was only cosmetic. Crime – an inevitable feature in the crowded ghettos – was getting out of control, sponsored by politicians who distributed weapons and patronage to their supporters. At election time (particularly in 1976 and 1980), hundreds of people were killed in bloody campaigns, many of them innocent bystanders. Tourists ran for cover, heading for the new beach resorts on the island’s north coast, and the city sank into a quagmire of unemployment, poverty and crime.

Kingston today

Today, Kingston remains a divided city. The wealthy have moved further and further into the suburbs, coming in to work in the downtown business district or the smart uptown area of New Kingston but rarely venturing downtown after dark; meanwhile, the ghettos remain firmly under the control of gangs, led by infamous characters euphemistically referred to as “area leaders”. Rays of hope are slowly breaking through the tough facade of downtown, with a cautious optimism suggesting that the status quo might be beginning to change.

Top image © Photo Spirit/Shutterstock

Most of Kingston’s hotels and guesthouses are in and around the small uptown district of New Kingston , convenient for sightseeing and close to most of the restaurants, theatres, cinemas and clubs. Only a few of the city’s accommodation options cater specifically to the tourist trade, relying instead on a steady stream of Jamaican and international business visitors, though finding a room here is rarely a problem. Unless otherwise stated, all rooms have air conditioning, cable TV, wi-fi and phone and include breakfast as part of their rates.

If you’re in Kingston between January and April, you can take in Jamaica’s Carnival . Adopted from the Trinidadian event, Carnival is on a smaller scale here and focused more on all-inclusive parties and outdoor street jams, though it does culminate with an early-hours Jouvert (a body-paint-spattered street parade) and a traditional-style costume parade through New Kingston. Though there’s plenty of soca, dancehall is inevitably a big part of Carnival here, and you’ll see lots of DJs and bands (including local stalwarts Byron Lee and the Dragonaires) as well as big stars from Trinidad and the Eastern Caribbean – such as Alison Hinds, Machel Montano and Bunji Garlin. Events are widely publicized on the radio and in the press, and you can also contact the JTB (929 9200) or visit bacchanaljamaica.com .

Flattened by an earthquake in 1907, downtown Kingston has lost most of its grand eighteenth-century architecture, and much of what remains is slowly crumbling into dereliction. Nevertheless, numerous historic buildings can still be found along Rum Lane, Water Lane and King Street, and if you peer into the most unlikely yards you can often find evidence of the intricate structures that used to proliferate here, with their fancy ironwork, marble floors, red-brick facades and wrap-around verandas. In recent years, government tax incentives have been created to encourage redevelopment of the area, although it is alleged that much of downtown has since been bought up by speculators, and the only evident development spawned from these incentives was the building of telecom giant Digicel’s flagship headquarters on the waterfront; their foundation also spent US$1 million restoring the famous Coronation Market to its former glory.

Though many locals still hesitate to walk the downtown streets, you’ll find that exploring on foot is not only the best way to get the full flavour of the area but also feels surprisingly safe . The usual common-sense rules apply, of course, but unless the violence that habitually breaks out in the surrounding ghettos spills over into downtown’s central commercial streets, there’s no reason to expect any problems. It’s not advisable to walk the streets at night in any part of the city; most Kingstonians don’t.

The National Gallery

The pleasantly air-conditioned National Gallery – opened in 1974 – is one of the highlights of a visit to Kingston. The permanent collection here is superb, ranging from delicate woodcarvings to flamboyant religious paintings, while the temporary exhibitions (up to four annually), including the Biennial, showcase the best of contemporary Jamaican art from the new vanguard of Jamaican painters, sculptors and mixed-media artists. Guided tours of the gallery are well worth taking, providing essential background to, and interpretation of, the works on show, and can be tailored to personal tastes.

The permanent collection consists of ten chronological galleries housed on the first floor, representing the Jamaican School, 1922 to the present. Dominating the earlier rooms are works by artists deemed to have been the forerunners of the art movement in Jamaica, including Edna Manley, John Dunkley, Albert Huie and David Pottinger. Later galleries feature the prolific work of Carl Abrahams and show a move towards abstraction which was capped by Colin Garland and David Boxer (a longtime curator of the gallery). Realism returned later with Barrington Watson, Kay Brown and Dawn Scott, whose A Cultural Object is a particularly unique and powerful re-creation of a Kingston ghetto and not to be missed. Look out for colourful, spiritual works by Everald Brown, Karl Parboosingh, Gloria Escoffery and Ralph Campbell. There is also an entire room that houses the Larry Wirth Collection of African-style sculpture and paintings by Revivalist Shepherd Mallica “Kapo” Reynolds, as well as a slew of beautiful wood sculptures.

Jamaican art

Although the Tainos left paintings on cave walls and visiting British artists captured the colonial era on canvas, Jamaican art really only came into its own in the twentieth century. The island’s modern art movement was led by Edna Manley (1900–87), an English sculptor who had married prime-minister-to-be Norman Manley and moved to Jamaica in 1921, and whose arresting work has come to be seen as a turning point in Jamaican art. In 1939, she led a group of artists who stormed the annual meeting at the Institute of Jamaica to demand an end to the domination of Anglophile attitudes to art, and the replacement of the colonial portraits that hung in the galleries with works by local artists. Though more symbolic than revolutionary, their gesture did galvanize Jamaican painters and sculptors, and Manley’s classes at the Jamaica School of Art (now the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts), which she co-founded, helped give direction to a new wave of local artists.

There were two distinct artistic styles in the work of this new crop of Jamaican artists. Most studied in England at one time or another and followed a classical European approach. Albert Huie (1920–2010) and Barrington Watson (born 1931) used natural forms and landscapes as reference points, incorporating the lives of black Jamaicans into their work for the first time, while Gloria Escoffery (1923–2002) played with abstract themes, depicting a range of subjects, from quiet pastoral scenes to the traditional Saturday market.

The paintings of the self-taught artists, known as “ intuitives ”, were perhaps more distinctive. The prodigious John Dunkley (1891–1947) made his name by covering every inch of his Kingston barber shop with pictures of trees, vines and flowers; his later paintings (now much sought after) continued his obsession with dark, brooding scenes from nature. Many intuitive artists focused their work around religious imagery. Mallica “Kapo” Reynolds (1911–89), the shepherd (head) of a Revivalist group in Kingston, became the first self-taught Jamaican painter to be fully accepted by local and foreign audiences, and is still seen as the island’s foremost intuitive sculptor and painter. Other artists such as Albert Artwell (born 1942) and Everald Brown (1917–2002) – a priest in the Ethiopian Coptic Church – concentrate on Rasta beliefs.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Jamaican art became more experimental, most noticeably in the surrealism represented by the work of David Boxer (born 1946) and Australian-born Colin Garland (1935–2007). Today, Jamaica’s art scene continues its diversity. At the bottom end, it’s dominated by the huge carving and painting industry that has grown up around mass tourism, and although much of it is relentlessly mediocre, there is some decent art at the craft markets in Kingston and across the north coast, and in Kingston’s clutch of galleries. The establishment of the National Gallery in 1974 gave the art scene an important institutional infrastructure, and the regular exhibits of Jamaican art continue to encourage the development of young painters and sculptors, as witnessed by the proliferation of studios and galleries islandwide. You can also see the best of contemporary Jamaican art during the annual Kingston on the Edge arts festival.

The main route east out of the city, Windward Road follows the coastline out of Kingston, scything through an industrial zone of oil tanks and a cement works that towers over the ruined defensive bastion of Fort Rock, now the Rockfort Mineral Baths . If the scenery looks familiar, you may be recalling the classic scene in the James Bond movie Dr No , in which Bond leaves Norman Manley Airport in a nifty red Sunbeam Alpine. A kilometre or so further on, turning right at the roundabout takes you onto the Palisadoes , a narrow sixteen-kilometre spit of land that leads out past the international airport to the ancient city of Port Royal , from where it’s a short hop to the tiny island of Lime Cay .

Jamaica on film

From Dr No to the Blue Lagoon , with Club Paradise and The Mighty Quinn in between, Hollywood has long used Jamaica as a tropical backdrop against which tales of international adventure and romance are set. Dig a bit deeper, though, and you’ll find a solid tradition of Jamaican film-making. The island’s best-known and best-loved movie is Perry Henzell’s The Harder They Come , which tells the story of Ivan (played by Jimmy Cliff) as he strives to make a better life for himself in Kingston. Pulling no punches in its gritty depiction of life in 1970s Jamaica, it offers a unique window into the life of the “sufferer”, and has rightly become a cult classic. Equally realistic but with a dollop of humour, Smile Orange (1974) features Ringo, a head waiter in a resort hotel, played by Carl Bradshaw, who uses all his guile and wit on tourists to overcome the harsh economic realities of contemporary Jamaica. Unsurprisingly, it still has plenty of relevance today, and is well worth seeking out despite the often poor audio quality.

The man who brought Bob Marley to the attention of the world, Jamaican impresario Chris Blackwell, also had a hand in classic Jamaican films. As well as acting as location scout on Dr No in 1962 and releasing the soundtrack of The Harder They Come on his Island label, he established Island Pictures in 1982 with the production of Countryman , a gorgeous tale woven around a scheme operated by corrupt government officials to discredit their opposition through the framing of two innocent American tourists as CIA gunrunners, and with a killer soundtrack to boot. Island were also behind The Lunatic , adapted by Jamaican author Anthony Winkler from his novel. An engaging, achingly funny mixture of burlesque humour, folklore and satirical comment on the sexual tourism prevalent in Jamaica, it stars Paul Campbell as the insane Aloysius. Campbell also starred in both Dancehall Queen (1997) and Third World Cop (1999), which together defined modern Jamaican cinema. The former tracks the fortunes of Marcia (played by Audrey Reid) as she struggles to support her family by way of being crowned dancehall queen; its underlying themes of incest and the exploitation of women generated plenty of controversy in Jamaica, and it still makes for a gripping watch. Third World Cop , meanwhile, takes the stock characters, action sequences and narrative cliché associated with the modern Hollywood action thriller and fleshes them out with distinctively Jamaican motivations and language, with Campbell playing the truly sinister baddie, Capone.

A Jamaican take on the classic gangster movie, Shottas (2002) mines the same vein of violence, albeit much more graphically, with Kymani Marley and DJ Spragga Benz playing two Kingston boys who take their life of crime from Jamaica to the US. Released in 2005, the sweet and delightful One Love represents a departure from the action genre; producer Sheelagh Farrell deliberately avoided focusing on the drugs-and-guns Jamaica, instead choosing to concentrate on the social tensions created when a pastor’s daughter falls controversially in love with a Rasta musician. Other recent films include Ghetta Life from veteran director (of Third World Cop and Dancehall Queen fame) Chris Browne, and Better Mus Come from emerging film-maker Storm Saulter, both of which revisit the theme of bridging the great divide of warring ghettos and political strife through self-empowerment and star-crossed romance.

PORT ROYAL , a short drive from downtown Kingston, once captured the spirit of early colonial adventure. For several decades in the late seventeenth century, Port Royal was a riotous town – the notorious haunt of cut-throats and buccaneers, and condemned by the church as the “the wickedest city in the world”. Little of that past remains, and it’s now a pleasant and hospitable little town, home to the base of the Jamaica Defence Force Coastguard and a small fishing and tourism industry. Most people who visit come for the seafood at famous Glorias , while others use the area as a launch pad for day-trips to nearby Lime Cay, a small sandy spot that offers lovely swimming and snorkelling.

In 1655, when the English sailed into what is now Kingston harbour, they passed a cay known as “cayo de carena”, as it was where the Spanish careened their vessels to clean and caulk them. Having captured Spanish Town, the invaders set about fortifying this point, eventually building five separate forts to defend the inner harbour (the world’s seventh largest) and the town, soon to be called Port Royal, that grew up within. Over the next fifteen years, Port Royal grew through trade and was enriched by the booty of the buccaneers armed with royal commissions. It was recognized that its location at the entrance to the harbour of what became Jamaica’s capital city, Kingston, needed to be strengthened, and several fortifications were built in the tumultuous period between 1655 and 1692, the year of the catastrophic earthquake , which swallowed two-thirds of the landmass. Port Royal never recovered its mercantile prominence, although it remained the western Caribbean headquarters of the Royal Navy for two centuries.

Lime Cay and around

Just fifteen minutes from Port Royal, Lime Cay is a tiny uninhabited island with white sand, blue water and easy snorkelling. It was here that Ivanhoe (“Rhygin”) Martin – the cop-killing gangster and folk hero immortalized in the classic Jamaican movie The Harder They Come – met his demise in 1948. Though you’ll often find the beach deserted on weekdays (bring your own refreshments), it’s a very different story at the weekends, when hordes of Kingstonians descend to display their latest designer swimwear and relax with friends, and music blares from the stalls selling cooked meals and cold beers.

Pirates and buccaneers

To assist with the defence of their new Caribbean colonies, English, French and Dutch governors turned to the buccaneers , who were more than willing to plunder Spain’s towns in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. The earliest buccaneers were a ragged assortment of deserters, fugitives and even runaway slaves who banded together on the island of Tortuga on the Atlantic coast of present-day Haiti. They lived by hunting wild pigs and cattle (brought to the island by European settlers), smoking their meat on a wooden frame over a pit known as a boucan (hence the name boucaniers ). When the game became scarce they took to the open sea to prey on shipping, especially Spanish.

As their numbers and their skills increased, the buccaneers became a serious fighting force under resourceful leaders like Henry Morgan , who had arrived with the English army. Morgan’s successful sack of the city of Panama with three thousand men in 1671 coincided with the conclusion of a peace treaty between England and Spain. After a brief incarceration in the Tower of London to appease the Spanish, Morgan returned to Jamaica as Lieutenant Governor with a mandate to eradicate what was now deemed piracy.

Reminders of the era of piracy at Port Royal include Gallows Point at the end of the promontory and, offshore, Rackham’s Cay where “ Calico Jack ” Rackham , after being executed, was squeezed into a cage and hung in the air as a warning to others. His two accomplices, Anne Bonney and Mary Read, escaped punishment by declaring themselves pregnant.

After the sun goes down and the heat lifts, the Kingston area is hard to beat for eating . Particularly uptown – which is where you’ll want to be in the evenings – you’ll find a wider choice of restaurants than anywhere else in Jamaica and an excellent standard of food. Most places offer variations on traditional Jamaican fare, from tiny jerk bars to exquisite local seafood establishments, but there’s also good Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Italian and Middle Eastern cuisine, as well as a good spread of vegetarian restaurants.

Kingston’s main sights are divided between the area known as “downtown”, which stretches north from the waterfront to the busy traffic junction of Cross Roads, and “uptown”, spreading up into the ritzy suburbs of Jack’s Hill and Cherry Gardens at the base of the mountains with the division lying roughly at Half Way Tree. It’ll take you a couple of days to check out the main sights downtown, and about the same amount of time to catch those uptown. Downtown is the city’s industrial centre, its factories and all-important port providing most of the city’s blue-collar employment; the law firms, stock exchange and the Bank of Jamaica are also prominent features. Uptown is different, and you may be surprised at how attractive and easy-going it feels, as suited businessmen and office workers go about their daily routines. Most of Kingston’s hotels, restaurants, clubs and shopping centres are here, and it’s where you’ll spend most of your time.

Finding your way around Kingston is pretty straightforward. Downtown uses a grid system, while uptown is defined by a handful of major roads. You’ll quickly get used to the main landmarks, and as a reliable fallback, the mountains to the northeast and the high-rises of New Kingston serve as good compass references should you lose your way, while locals are invariably helpful with directions.

Portmore and the Hellshire Hills

Southwest of Kingston, off Marcus Garvey Drive, a causeway connects the city to the bland but booming dormitory town of PORTMORE . Home to an estimated 200,000 people (and built to accommodate far fewer, as the recent strain on the sewerage system illustrates), Portmore itself has nothing much of interest save its racecourse and a few shopping malls. But Port Henderson , a brief detour away, has a handful of colonial-era relics and fine views across Kingston harbour. Below Portmore, the road cuts across the eastern fringe of the Hellshire Hills – a vast and scrubby limestone expanse – and down to Hellshire’s white-sand beaches .

Caymanas Park

In its heyday Caymanas Park Racetrack was one of the best racetracks in the Caribbean, with its gorgeous backdrop of the Blue Mountains and Kingston shimmering across the harbour. Now under the ownership of the government, the course and facilities are in decline, showing years of wear and tear without any real indication or inclination from the government of future improvement. Still, it has the potential to be a great day out and shouldn’t be overlooked, if only for the commentary and cursing from racegoers making for a colourful scene, though it’s best visited with a tour guide. You can sit either in the air-conditioned North Stand or, for a lot less, in the Grand Stand or outdoor bleachers, a more raucous affair with plenty of catcalls and shrieks of encouragement from the punters. Race meetings are held most Wednesdays and Saturdays (call ahead to check).

The Hellshire Hills

Covered in low, dense scrub and towering cacti, the arid Hellshire Hills extend for around 160 square kilometres west of Kingston. From Port Henderson, the signposted road to the Hellshire beaches runs under the flanks of the Hellshire Hills, passing a huge scar in the mountainside gouged out to provide marl for the construction of Portmore’s homes. Just before the quarry stands an abandoned high-rise building, formerly the Forum Hotel , built by the government in an unsuccessful attempt to entice tourists to the area. Past here, the road hits the coast again beside the Great Salt Pond . An old Taino fishing spot, the pond is a site of ecological significance that continues to be polluted by excesses from Portmore’s woefully inadequate sewerage system.

Owned by the Urban Development Company (UDC), Fort Clarence beach is often used as a venue for dancehall stageshows and pay parties, but it’s also the preferred choice for Kingstonians seeking a less harassing, slightly more upscale venue to have a beach day (rather than Hellshire Beach). It’s a decent place for a swim, with clean changing rooms and toilets and a bar/restaurant where you can order up delicious fried fish. Busy particularly on the weekends and especially (almost to the point of avoiding) on public holidays. Lifeguards are on duty during opening hours.

Hellshire Beach

Much more atmospheric than its just-across-the-reef counterpart, Hellshire beach has been a day-trip destination for Kingstonians since as far back as anyone can remember. With its maze of zinc shacks, salty fishermen, hustlers, higglers, herds of roaming goats and piping hot white sand, guests come here as much for the sights, sounds and sea as they do for the famous Hellshire fried fish, best eaten with festival and vinegary home-made escovitch sauce, which is utterly delicious. Bring towels to spread on the beach or get there early enough to nab one of the wooden loungers set up under the shady eaves of the area’s multiple fish joints – delightfully ramshackle and wholeheartedly Jamaican affairs which compete to sell the freshest fish, lobster and festival. Hellshire is buzzing at the weekends, with sound systems (particularly on a Sunday) and a party atmosphere. Also present at the weekends are watersports operators touting jet skis and snorkelling equipment, while horses (wearing fetching eye-gear to protect against flying sand grains) parade up and down giving children rides. If parking, be aware of hustlers offering to “watch your car” – in itself not a bad idea although you should never leave any valuables in sight – with the unspoken understanding that when you leave you’ll provide a small tip (at your discretion) for the service.

The pestering of tourists, irritatingly widespread on the north coast, is refreshingly uncommon in Kingston. Nevertheless, Kingston’s crime statistics are undeniably ugly and, as with any big city, there are some places that you should steer clear of. There is serious poverty in the eastern and western residential areas of downtown Kingston – these ghettos are not places for casual sightseeing and, with the exception of visiting the Trench Town Culture Yard for example, there is no reason to venture into them. If you are unlucky enough to be the victim of an attempted robbery, do not, under any circumstances, resist your assailant – hand over whatever they’re asking for, and get away as quickly as possible.

The more central part of downtown , covered in this guide, has its share of impoverished enclaves, and violence occasionally spills over from the surrounding ghettos to the core commercial streets described in this book, but if you use your common sense and don’t flash cash, jewellery or fancy cameras, you’re unlikely to have any problems during the day. However, once the area’s office workers have departed – around 5.30pm – there is little reason to linger.

During the day, the uptown area feels fine, particularly once you’re familiar with the main roads. At night, you’re best off getting a taxi if you’re travelling any distance. If you’re driving late at night, be aware that some local drivers may not stop at traffic lights to prevent potential robberies; whether or not you choose to follow suit, it’s wise to slow down and look each way at junctions even when you have a green light.

As you’d expect, reggae fans are in shopping heaven in Kingston with downtown’s Orange Street having some of the last remaining record shops and pressing plants on the island. Art and crafts also make great souvenirs, with more authentic pieces available here than on the north coast.

Spanish Town , which was called St Jago de la Vega when it was founded by the Spanish in 1534, remained the island’s capital under the English until 1872. It sits nineteen kilometres west of Kingston and these days contains only vestigial traces of its former glory. The town itself lies west of the Rio Cobre, with Burke Road, the main highway from Kingston, running across its southern end, fifteen minutes’ walk from the central square. Once here, the main sights can easily be explored on foot, as the city is still laid out on its original neat grid system. Although it has its volatile hotspots, and attracts few tourists, it’s still worth a half-day visit, preferably however with a tour guide.

When leaving Spanish Town, it’s possible to pass the old Iron Bridge that spans the Rio Cobre on the eastern end of town, just up the road from the Prison Oval on Burke Road. No longer in use for vehicular traffic, the bridge was cast in England by British engineer Thomas Wilson at a cost of £4,000 and erected after the prefabricated parts were shipped to Jamaica in 1802. At 25 metres long and 4.5 metres wide, standing on a cut stone abutment, it was the first of its kind in the western hemipshere and now, because of its state of disrepair is on the UNESCO endangered monuments list.

Held on street corners, in town squares, local rum shops or empty car parks across the island, street dances make up an important part of modern Jamaican culture. Drive anywhere across the island and you are bound to see a brightly decorated sign tacked to a lamp-post or hear a local “ town crier ” (a car with massive speakers attached to its roof) blaring news of a neighbourhood street dance. Raw, earthy and intensely atmospheric, these (typically free) dances attract huge crowds who dress to impress and come to hear a local sound system spin reggae, dancehall, oldies and other popular hits. In Kingston these street dances are immensely popular with dancehall and reggae aficionados who come to hear the island’s best selectors as well as rub shoulders with the big names in the dancehall fraternity – from dancers who come to “bring out” their latest move to Jamaica’s best-known DJs, who might take to the mic for an impromptu performance.

Your security at a street dance is pretty much guaranteed – anyone foolish enough to ruin everyone’s fun by starting trouble or attempting a robbery will inevitably be swiftly dealt with by irate locals. Nonetheless, it’s obviously sensible to keep your wits about you, leave your valuables at home and, if possible, go with a local escort. Similarly, avoid street dances if there’s been recent trouble in any of the areas – just ask around.

Parties come and go, and every town and village in every parish have their own events (both weekly and occasional) but at the time of writing, the main jams in Kingston were: Early Monday at Savannah Plaza (Constant Spring Road); Cadillac Saturday at Limelight (Half Way Tree); Dubwise on Wednesday (no fixed location, check facebook.com/dubwisejamaica ); and Old Hits Sunday (Rae Town). Weddy Wednesdays, staged at Stone Love’s headquarters on Burlington Avenue, is the only regular uptown street dance; the action doesn’t start until the small hours of Wednesday morning, though, and there’s not much point turning up before 1am.

Next to nightlife, theatre is Kingston’s strongest cultural suit. The performance scene is limited but buoyant, with a small core of first-rate writers, directors and actors – including Oliver Samuels and David Heron – producing work of a high standard. Most of the plays are sprinkled with Jamaican patois, but you’ll still get the gist. Comedies (particularly sexual romps and political satire) are popular, and the normally excellent annual pantomime – a musical with a message, totally different from the English variety – is a major event, running from December to April at the Little Theatre . For details of performances, check the Gleaner or Observer newspapers, particularly the Friday entertainment sections. Many of these venues also stage dance performances featuring the acclaimed National Dance Theatre Company or L’Acadco; check the press to see what’s on.

Eulogized in Marley and the Wailers’ Trench Town Rock, No Woman, No Cry and Natty Dread , Trench Town – one of the government social housing communities of West Kingston – has earned the title of the birthplace of popular Jamaican urban culture. This was the first Kingston home of Bob Marley, who earned his nickname – the “Tuff Gong” – on the community’s football fields after his mother relocated to the capital when he was a small boy and moved into a government-built house at 19 Second Street. In Trench Town Bob Marley found a community rich in music, religion, nationalism and sports. Though the area’s “government yards”, built in the colonial 1940s, were conceived as part of a planned community and were seen as desirable places to live when Mother Booker (Marley’s mum) moved there in 1956, the political violence of Jamaica in the 1970s soon took its toll. Trench Town today is as infamous for garrison politics and gang feuds as it is for having spawned some of the biggest names in the rock steady and reggae pantheon, including the Wailers, Joe Higgs, Delroy Wilson, Alton Ellis, Ernie Ranglin, Dean Fraser and the Abyssinians. Also from here are numerous Jamaican notables, from Labour leader and Garveyite St William Grant to the late Rastafarian elder Mortimer Planno, and famous sports personalities such as cricketer Collie Smith and footballer Carl Brown. Trench Town is also home to two top Premier Club League football teams, Boys Town and Arnette Gardens.

Though Trench Town remains one of Kingston’s poorest areas, the picture isn’t entirely bleak. Over recent decades, enterprising members of this tight-knit community have clubbed together to find ways in which to regenerate their area using their heritage and cultural status for economic development. The first initiative was the establishment, in 1993, of the Trench Town Reading Centre on First Street, a library and resource centre with a mission to arm local people with information rather than weapons. By 1996, the aim had widened, and the Trench Town Development Association was formed to address the pressing issues of sanitation, security, housing, health and employment.

While your safety is assured in and around the Culture Yard (there’s a community-based vested interest in ensuring the success of the project, after all), wider Trench Town itself remains a volatile place.

Kingston’s ghettos

Taking up huge swathes of downtown, Kingston’s ghetto communities are the country’s urban nightmare. Bob Marley sang fondly of growing up in the “government yards in Trench Town”, but the contemporary reality is a huge underclass confined to crowded, makeshift homes enclosed by rusting, graffiti-daubed zinc, their communities bearing suitably conflicted names, from Dunkirk and Jungle to Tel Aviv and Zimbabwe.

In the city’s early years, downtown was a popular residential zone – well laid out and central. Trench Town’s government yards were planned communities that proudly boasted all the modern conveniences and for a time (despite their cramped nature) provided a desirable place to live for Jamaica’s working class. Before long, however, the combination of a high influx of rural job seekers, a soaring rate of unemployment and a lack of housing made downtown a grim place to live. Criminal elements were quick to take advantage of these conditions, recruiting and arming gang members from the ranks of the poor. The crime problem was exacerbated in the 1970s as politicians provided guns and favours for their supporters, asking them to intimidate – at the very least – opponents or drive them out of their “ garrisons ” or constituencies. The “PNP zone” or “JLP enter at your own risk” graffiti that you’ll still see plastered over downtown walls stand testament to the strong political allegiances of the communities, many of which remain divided along political lines.

While political violence still flares up at election times and army-enforced night-time curfews are sometimes in effect for months on end, the people of the ghettos of West Kingston have largely washed their hands of a political class that seems to have done them no long-term favours despite the years of promises. Instead, many now give their allegiance to high-profile “ area leaders ” or “ dons ”, who earn the favour of their communities as much as by staging free “fun days” for local people and doling out school books and cash to the needy as they do by “keeping the peace” through sheer fire-power and their publicly declared truces with rival areas. Over the years, various government-established anti-crime initiatives have led to several high-profile arrests – most notably that of Christopher “Dudus” Coke in 2010, a drug lord and leader of the violent Shower Posse gang which had controlled Western Kingston since the 1980s. But with continued profits from drug trafficking and protection rackets said to be worth millions, the government faces a seemingly insurmountable task of ever truly ridding the ghettos of dons and their gangs. These days it’s money, not party politics, that rules.

If you’re considering a visit to Trench Town, it’s worth keeping an ear out for reports of trouble in the area. Don’t carry too much money with you, and it’s also a good idea to start early, to avoid being here after dark. But you’ll be fine if you come for the night-time concert that’s staged here around the time of Bob Marley’s birthday – and there’s something very special about, in the words of Bob Marley himself, “grooving in Kingston 12”.

For more on the capital’s ghettos, Laurie Gunst’s book Born Fi Dead , David Howard’s Kingston and Orlando Patterson’s powerful novel Children of Sisyphus provide an interesting insiders’ view of life here. For a cinematic perspective, check out Third World Cop , while Perry Henzell’s seminal The Harder They Come , though released in the early 1970s, still has much relevance today.

Trench Town Culture Yard

The Trench Town Culture Yard (TTCY) is set in the government yard where Bob Marley sought refuge after returning from living in the US, and where he was taught to play the guitar by his mentor, community elder Vincent “Tarta” Ford, who himself wrote No Woman, No Cry here. Shaded from the street by a lush canopy of mango-tree leaves, it’s also where Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer and Bob formed the Wailers and wrote the Catch a Fire LP. The museum is a work in progress; its galleries have greatly improved, but it’s still awaiting funding grants to complete the museum installations and minor infrastructure. Even so, the overall restoration of the buildings has been successful, the experience and presentation commendable, and it was declared a National Heritage Site by the Government of Jamaica in 2007. It’s also possible to stay here.

The collection

The tour of the museum’s collection begins in one of the property’s restored residential buildings. These well-designed buildings are oriented around the yard’s central open-air courtyard, where residents would have washed clothes, gardened and socialized; the rusting remains of Marley’s powder-blue VW van sit in a corner, while around the back is Jah Bobby’s original, colourful and rather odd statue of Marley with his preferred guitar and football, which formerly graced the front yard of the Hope Road museum. Sensitively refurbished and retaining many original features and fittings, from “Tarta” Ford’s graffitied bedroom walls to the single bed on which Bob and Rita slept, the rooms also hold one of Tarta’s and Marley’s first acoustic guitars and a selection of Adrian Boot’s beautiful photographs of the man himself taken during his time in the yard. Tours end at the Casbah Bar at the front of the property which, together with the shady veranda outside, provides a lovely space to kick back and reflect on the life and work of a man whose music and message has achieved such long-standing and universal appeal.

Tuff Gong Recording Studios

If you’re a Bob Marley devotee, you might want to head to Marcus Garvey Drive, a battered but wide thoroughfare lined with warehouses and factories. The state-of-the-art Tuff Gong Recording Studios , established by Bob Marley, is now one of Kingston’s premier recording studios, as well as one of its biggest CD pressing plants. It’s a commercial venture rather than a tourist sight, but you can tour the facility to see the self-same mixing board used on Wailers’ classics such as Stir It Up, Concrete Jungle and No Woman, No Cry . If the studios are in use, you may not get access to all areas – it’s up to whoever’s recording. While not wildly exciting, it’s a nice stop for Marley disciples, with a gift shop for that essential CD, LP or T-shirt.

The phrase “uptown Kingston” is used as a catch-all for areas of the city north of Cross Roads, including the business and commercial centres of Half Way Tree and New Kingston as well as residential areas like Hope Pastures Mona and Beverly Hills .

The Bob Marley Museum

For reggae fans, the Bob Marley Museum is the whole point of a visit to Kingston and, even if you’re not a serious devotee, it’s well worth an hour of your time – though don’t expect a Disney-type theme-park ambience. Hidden from the street by a red-, gold- and green-painted wall and marked by fluttering Rasta banners, this beautiful colonial-era wooden building was Marley’s Kingston home from 1975 until his death from cancer in 1981, and was designated a National Heritage site in 2006. It’s been kept much as it looked when he lived here, and is a gentle monument to Jamaica’s greatest musical legend. The hour-long tour starts as soon as you pass through the gates (no photography, filming or taping is allowed inside the house), with the guide pointing out photographs of the singer and his family mounted on the walls, a battered jeep formerly owned by Marley, and Pierre Rouzier’s fine sculpture of the man himself. You’re then led around the back of the house to the room where Marley was almost assassinated during the 1976 election campaign. Blown-up newspaper reports from the time cover the walls, with space left for the bullet holes that riddle the brickwork. After the shooting, Marley left Jamaica for a two-year exile in Britain.

Inside, the house is decorated with gold and platinum discs depicting sales of the albums Exodus (1977), Uprising (1980) and Legend (1984), as well as the covers of all of his LPs, a commemoration of Marley’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003, his Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, posthumously presented in 2001, and his Order of Merit from the Jamaican government. Upstairs, there is a re-creation of Wail ‘n’ Soul, Marley’s tiny, shack-like Trench Town record shop, where he once hung out with band members Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer, while the walls of another room are entirely covered with yellowing newspaper articles from home and abroad, which make fascinating reading. There’s also a chart of all the cities the Wailers played in worldwide – prominence is given to shows in Africa, particularly the independence celebrations in Zimbabwe in 1980, but the band clearly worked hard, notching up performances in places as far-flung as the Mediterranean party island of Ibiza. You can peek into Marley’s bedroom and kitchen, the latter complete with the blender in which he made his natural juices.

The tour ends behind the house in the air-conditioned movie theatre that once housed Marley’s Tuff Gong recording studio. There’s moving footage of the “One Love” concert held during the bloody election year of 1980, at which Marley brought together rival party leaders Michael Manley and Edward Seaga, and interviews with the great man cut together with appropriate music videos – the return to Africa and Exodus , celebration of “herb” and Easy Skanking .

The National Stadium

The forty-thousand-capacity National Stadium was built to coincide with Jamaica’s independence celebrations in 1962; the first event here was the raising of the new nation’s black, green and gold flag, and the 1966 Commonwealth Games were held here. Known affectionately to local sports fans as “The Office”, the stadium hosts most of Jamaica’s premier sporting events; the facilities for athletics, swimming, netball, basketball and cycling are first-rate, but the centrepiece is the refurbished football pitch and athletics track – home to the national football team, fondly known as the Reggae Boyz, and Jamaica’s track and field superstars – surrounded by towering aisles of bleachers and overlooked by arc lights. Just inside the railings by the car park is a statue of Jamaican athlete Herb McKinley coming off the starting blocks; at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, McKinley became the first man in the world to run in the 200-, 400- and 800-metre races.

Jamaica’s track and field success

Although historically famous for its contribution to West Indies cricket, Jamaica’s outstanding achievements in the area of track and field continue to propel the island nation into the limelight of the sporting world. Its record of achievement, remarkable for such a small country with limited resources, began in 1948 when the island, still a British colony, entered its first Olympics and has included the successes of medallists such as Arthur Wint, Herb McKenley, Don Quarrie and Merlene Ottie. In more recent years, team Jamaica, spearheaded by the likes of Usain “Lightning” Bolt and team members Asafa Powell, Michael Frater, Nestor Carter, Shelly Ann Fraser, Melaine Walker and Veronica Campbell-Brown, have broken records and created history in both the Beijing (2008) and London (2012) Olympics.

Despite their base in Jamaica, it is rare to see Bolt and others in action on their home turf. A great way to see Jamaica’s rising stars, however, is to catch the annual Inter-Secondary Boys and Girls Championship , otherwise known as Champs ( w trackandfieldja.com). This four-day event (usually held the week before Easter) at the National Stadium sees the very best high-school athletes competing against each other; it is here that university coaches and sporting companies – such as Puma and Adidas – come in search of the sporting stars of the next generation.

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written by Andy Turner

updated 26.04.2021

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Jamaica Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 25, 2024, jamaica - level 3: reconsider travel.

Updated to reflect additional information on crime and health care.

Reconsider travel to Jamaica due to  crime . Exercise increased caution regarding medical services. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. 

Country Summary: Violent crime occurs throughout Jamaica. Tourist areas generally see lower rates of violent crime than other parts of the country. The homicide rate reported by the Government of Jamaica is among the highest in the Western Hemisphere. Armed robberies and sexual assaults are common. 

The U.S. Embassy routinely receives reports of sexual assaults, including from U.S. citizen tourists at resorts. U.S. citizens report slow or unsatisfactory response to serious criminal incidents. When arrests are made, cases are infrequently prosecuted to a final verdict and sentence. 

U.S. citizens should not expect the same level of health care available in Jamaica as is available in the United States. This includes generally lower levels of emergency service response times or routine care for illness or injury. Private hospitals require payment up front before admitting patients and may not have the ability to provide specialized care. Ambulance services are not always staffed with EMTs or always readily available, especially in rural areas. U.S. citizens should bring extra prescription medication as common medications such as insulin can be difficult to obtain.

We strongly encourage you to obtain traveler’s insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before traveling.  The Department of State does not pay medical bills.

U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. Air ambulance service to the United States can range from $30,000-50,000. Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Jamaica.

If you decide to travel to Jamaica:

• Do not attempt to bring firearms or ammunition. This includes stray rounds, shells, or empty casings. The penalties for carrying firearms and/or ammunition, even inadvertently, are severe, and can include lengthy prison sentences.
• Avoid walking or driving at night.
• Avoid public buses.
• Avoid secluded places or situations.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Be aware of your surroundings and keep a low profile.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  at www.step.state.gov to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and X/Twitter . 
• Review the State Department’s Country Specific Information for Jamaica.
• Make a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information related to your travel.

U.S. embassy personnel are prohibited from traveling to certain areas of Jamaica due to crime. Additionally, U.S. embassy personnel are prohibited from using public buses and from driving outside of prescribed areas of Kingston at night. The off-limits zones for U.S. embassy personnel within each parish are listed below . 

Off-limits locations for U.S. embassy personnel throughout Jamaica – Level 4: Do Not Travel

St. Ann’s Parish - Steer Town and the Buckfield neighborhood near Ocho Rios

St. Catherine’s Parish - Spanish Town, Central Village, areas within Portmore, including: Naggo Head, New Land, Old Braeton, Portmore Lane, Gregory Park, and Waterford

Clarendon Parish - all of Clarendon Parish, except passing through Clarendon Parish using the T1 and A2 highways.

St. Elizabeth’s Parish - Vineyard District Community, between the communities of Salt Spring and Burnt Savanna, St. Elizabeth

Hanover Parish - Logwood and Orange Bay

St. James Parish/Montego Bay - Inland side of the A1 highway and The Queen’s Drive from San San to Harmony Beach Park

Kingston and St. Andrew Parish - Cassava Piece, Duhaney Park, Grants Pen, Standpipe, Swallowfield, Elleston Flats, August Town, and downtown Kingston, defined as between Mountain View Avenue and Hagley Park Road, and south of Half Way Tree and Old Hope Roads. Downtown Kingston includes Arnett Gardens, Cockburn Gardens, Denham Town, Olympic Gardens, Seaview Gardens, Trench Town, and Tivoli Gardens. 

Manchester Parish - Green Vale, Gray Ground, Red Ground, and Vineyard neighborhoods of Mandeville

St. Thomas Parish - Black Lane neighborhood in Seaforth, Grands Penn, Church Corner neighborhood near Yallahs, Town of Yallahs, except when driving through on the main highway.

Trelawny Parish - Clarks Town

Westmoreland Parish - Russia community in Savanna-la-Mar (The Southeastern quadrant of Savannah la Mar east of Darling Street and south of the A2 highway/Barracks Road), Morgan Bay, Kings Valley, The Whitehall, Bethel Town, and Red Ground neighborhoods of Negril

If you do decide to travel to the above-listed Do Not Travel areas, please visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Travel Advisory Levels

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Explore The Island Guide

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Golfing, beaches, fine art galleries, a bustling nightlife, colorful markets, and even more colorful people are just a few reasons to visit Kingston. There’s no shortage of  things to do in Kingston  and nowhere else on the island will you feel the pulse of Jamaica quite like it beats here. Do take the time to enjoy some of the main city attractions and exciting events.

The Cultural Connoisseur

To see  Kingston’s star attractions , start Downtown at the heart of it all. Visit the  National Gallery of Jamaica  to see the cultural exhibits on show here. Then walk through  streets lined with sensational murals  to dine at a local cafe. From the original colonial architecture and modern designs to the not-to-be-missed Devon House; you will discover the beauty and spirit of Jamaica. Take a quick ride to  Port Royal , once dubbed the “wickedest city in the west,” to visit Fort Charles and the Maritime Museum and walk in the steps of maritime generals and swashbuckling pirates. The spectacular beaches, accessible by boat just off Port Royal’s coast like  Lime Cay  and Maiden Cay, are definitely worth a visit for a chill time, especially when there is a party going on.

Natural Mystic

Venture uptown to visit the  Hope Botanical Gardens , home to gorgeous gardens, and an amphitheater that hosts regular reggae bands. The Kingston resort area is home to other national botanical gardens at Bath and Cinchona with the Blue and John Crow Mountains, all being home to thousands of endemic flora and fauna. Hiking trails wind through the lush gardens and forest with an invitation to explore farther.

The Music Muse

A visit to the creative city of Kingston means that you’ll be hearing reggae music pouring from stores, pushcarts, cars and buses. It’s the beat to which Jamaica moves and that will move your feet. From Fleet Street to Trench Town to Dub Club, and the many themed parties each night of the week, Kingston keeps a rhythm that’s solely its own. Be sure to check out the reggae legend’s life and legacy at the  Bob Marley Museum  where he lived and recorded many of his famous songs.

Get to know Kingston , the melting pot of Jamaica’s finest offerings that will leave you wanting more.

From the blog

"cool runnings in kingston", art & life - a visit to kingston's fleet street, hiking the blue mountain peak in jamaica.