Kingston

Travel Guide

Kingston featuring heritage elements, boating and a sunset
Blue Mountains National Park featuring a cascade and a lake or waterhole
Devon House which includes a fountain and a statue or sculpture
Devon House showing chateau or palace, a park and a fountain
Kingston featuring a playground and outdoor art as well as children
On the Caribbean coast, at the base of rolling mountains, is Jamaica’s distinctive capital, a place that has seen a turbulent history but where life is mostly lived with laid-back attitude.

Kingston is Jamaica’s lively capital in the southeast. Nestled between the Blue Mountains and the sea, this city has a truly unique feel to it. From the uptown wealth to the poverty in the shantytowns, Kingston also offers an authentic insight into Jamaica’s diverse past and population, which you don’t get to see in the beach resorts and rural areas.

Begin your visit at Halfway Tree, Kingston’s main hub with its shopping, eating and cosmopolitan vibe. Then head to Bull Bay, also called Nine Mile, to mingle with one of the largest Rastafarian communities on the island. 

The Bob Marley Museum offers a distinctive insight in life during the ‘70s, some of Kingston’s most turbulent days. The iconic Bob Marley spent his adult years here and before that he lived as a young boy in one of the poorest neighborhoods, Trench Town. He made his people proud by becoming the most influential reggae musician of all time, with his lyrics addressing the politics, social issues and religious culture of Africans in Jamaica.

Marley’s modest roots stand in stark contrast to the wealth of another historic figure, millionaire George Stiebel. Check out his 19th-century home with manicured lawns and Victorian antiques. For other impressive gardens, wander through the Royal Botanical Gardens or head to the public botanical gardens in Castleton.

Out on the harbour, on the Palisadoes, step back in time at this notorious 17th-century haven for pirates. The historic district of Port Royal was destroyed in 1692 by an earthquake, but you can still see ruins and firing cannons at Fort Rocky and the rubble of Saint Peter’s Church. At Port Royal Head, hop on a boat to the impressive sweep of white sandy beaches at the low-lying Lime Cay. 

To get to Kingston, fly into the Norman Manley International Airport or the Tinson Pen aerodrome or book a cruise. Getting around the city is easy thanks to a bus system, mini buses and taxis that operate throughout the city. Be streetwise when walking through some of the poorer areas.

Where to stay in Kingston

Devon House which includes a house and a garden

New Kingston

Discover urban parks like Emancipation Park and Hope Gardens, or explore landmarks such as the Bob Marley Museum. Enjoy the redeveloped waterfront area with hotels, shops, and cultural centers, while easily navigating via buses and taxis.

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

Port Royal

Unique features of Port Royal include the restaurants and waterfront views. Make a stop by Fort Charles or Old Gaol House while you're exploring the area.

Port Royal
Devon House is my favorite spot in Kingston.  It was a nice spot to spend a relaxing Sunday afternoon.

Half Way Tree

Half Way Tree might not have many top sights, but Devon House and Kings House are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Half Way Tree
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Kencot

While Kencot isn't home to many top sights, Devon House and Peter Tosh Museum are some notable places to visit nearby.

Kencot
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Barbican

4.5/5(12 area reviews)

Barbican might not have many top sights, but Bob Marley Museum and Kings House are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Barbican
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Liguanea

The restaurants and shopping are a few reasons travelers visit Liguanea. Though there aren't many top sights in the neighborhood, you can visit Bob Marley Museum and National Stadium, a few notable attractions nearby.

Liguanea
S Hotel Kingston

S Hotel Kingston

4.5 out of 5
1 St Lucia Avenue, Kingston, Saint Andrew
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Kingston. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
S Hotel Kingston
ROK Hotel Kingston, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

ROK Hotel Kingston, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

4 out of 5
2-4 King Street, Kingston
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥22,116 per night from Sep 27 to Sep 28
¥22,116
¥27,348 total
Sep 27 - Sep 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Kingston. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
ROK Hotel Kingston, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
R Hotel Kingston

R Hotel Kingston

4 out of 5
2 Renfrew Road , Kingston 10, Jamaica, Kingston, Jamaica
The price is ¥24,457 per night from Sep 9 to Sep 10
¥24,457
¥29,984 total
Sep 9 - Sep 10
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Kingston. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
R Hotel Kingston
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Gardens

The Gardens

3 out of 5
23 Liguanea Avenue, Kingston 6, Kingston, Saint Andrew
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Kingston. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Bob Marley Museum and Palace ...
The Gardens
Abacus Jamaica the Zana Suite

Abacus Jamaica the Zana Suite

3 out of 5
117 Constant Spring Rd, Kingston, Saint Andrew
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Kingston. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a garden. Popular attractions Bob Marley Museum and Super Value Town Center ...
Abacus Jamaica the Zana Suite
Reggae Legends Estate

Reggae Legends Estate

2.5 out of 5
Skyline Dr, Kingston, St. Andrew Parish
Book a stay at this spa villa in Kingston. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Bob Marley Museum and Hope Zoo are located ...
Reggae Legends Estate
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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