Kingston Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Kingston showing heritage elements, general coastal views and building ruins
Blue Mountains National Park featuring a lake or waterhole and a waterfall
Devon House showing a statue or sculpture and a fountain
Devon House showing a fountain, château or palace and a park
Kingston showing a playground and outdoor art as well as children

The capital of Jamaica sits on the Caribbean coast, and mixes fascinating history with a relaxed island vibe.

Kingston is at the heart of Jamaican life, and is a wonderful place to really get under the skin of the country and its people, away from the exclusive beach resorts. Sitting at the foot of the Blue Mountains, the city is home to both wealth and extreme poverty, giving a sense of what life is really like for the people who live here.

The Bob Marley Museum offers a wonderful insight into the music and life of a man who gave a voice to the powerless of the city, and of the world. Growing up in impoverished Trench Town, Marley’s lyrics concentrated on issues of oppression and poor people’s politics, and went on to make him the most famous reggae musician the world has ever seen.

Bob Marley was a Rastafarian, and you can visit one of the most significant Rastafarian communities here at Bull Bay.

On the other side of the coin, you can visit the decadent 19th-century mansion of millionaire George Stiebel, or the Royal Botanical Gardens. The latter are found in Hope Gardens, one of the many green public spaces in Kingston – other favourites include Emancipation Park and Mandela Park, and you can also take in the public botanical gardens found in Castleton. Halfway Tree, the shopping and commercial hub of the city, is well worth a visit too.

Heading for the harbour, you can visit the Palisadoes, a 17th-century safe port for the pirates of the Caribbean. Admire the ruins of Port Royal, fatally damaged by a 1692 earthquake, but where you can still see cannons and the remains of Saint Peter’s Church.

To travel to Kingston, you can take a flight to Norman Manley International Airport or the Tinson Pen aerodrome or, alternatively, you can book a cruise. There are minibuses, taxis and a bus system to help you get around. Common sense and caution while walking in more deprived areas are recommended.

Where to stay in Kingston

Devon House featuring a house and a park

New Kingston

New Kingston is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Devon House and Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Library while in the area.

New Kingston
Port Royal showing general coastal views, boating and a bay or harbour

Port Royal

Unique features of Port Royal include the restaurants and waterfront views. Make a stop by Fort Charles or St Peter’s Church while you're exploring the area.

Port Royal
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Kencot

While Kencot isn't home to many top sights, Devon House and St Andrew Parish Church are some notable places to visit nearby.

Kencot
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Half Way Tree

When in Half Way Tree, you can plan a visit to Devon House and Kings House, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Half Way Tree
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Barbican

5/5(1 area review)

While Barbican may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Bob Marley Museum and Kings House.

Barbican
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Liguanea

The restaurants and shopping are just a few features travellers like about Liguanea. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Bob Marley Museum and National Stadium are a few top places to visit.

Liguanea

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Kingston

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
12
5 - Excellent 36%
4 - Good
17
4 - Good 52%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 9%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 3%

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveller

The man at the gate would blow kisses at me which made me uncomfortable. If you get free breakfast included it is just ready made pancakes and scrambled egg With mint tea and coffee EVERY DAY.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We went down town Kingston to buy local produce and to reflect on the changes that have been made since my last visit there. I also went to Port royal to eat fish at the famous Gloria's. We also travel to the the mineral bath.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I love Kingston, lots to see and do. My mum (88) wanted to visit her home town and she was not disappointed. It has changed for the better especially the infrastructure. We walked to the supermarket, to the bank - no problem. Everyone is friendly.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Didn't like Terra Nova trying to charge for all services in US dollars and that the meal/drink costs were approaching twice what the locals were paying for exactly the same. Avoid these by walking to local bars less to eat brilliant food.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

The young staff were very professional and welcoming.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

If you stay at Spanish Court you cannot leave without getting a massage - it's the best!!!

Cities near Kingston