The birthplace of reggae and Jamaica’s bustling capital, Kingston is a vibrant city with a lot to discover. Shop for bargains in Kingston’s commercial hub, explore the city’s nightlife, wander its clamorous streets and soak up an authentic slice of everyday Caribbean life. What’s more, with beaches on one side and the Blue Mountains on the other, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy when you’re not out enjoying city life.
Areas & Neighbourhoods in Kingston
New Kingston – Also known as ‘Uptown’, New Kingston is home to a great selection of restaurants, bars and shops as well as the famous Emancipation Park. The most cosmopolitan part of the city, New Kingston is a great destination for an upmarket night out and a taste of modern Jamaican life.
Downtown – Packed full of historic buildings, Downtown has a distinct charm and a fascinating aesthetic. Explore the district’s vibrant street markets, learn about local culture in the neighbourhood’s art gallery and soak up the local atmosphere on the Parade.
The Blue Mountains National Park – Located just outside Kingston, the beautiful Blue Mountains offer welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of the city. Boasting some great hiking routes and even better views, the Blue Mountains National Park is a must see during your stay in Kingston.
Half Way Tree – One of the busiest commercial hubs in the city, Half Way Tree is a vibrant area with a lot going on. Home to a number of restaurants and bars as well as a great choice of shops, Half Way Tree is the perfect place for an afternoon of retail therapy or an evening out.
Things to See in Kingston
Kingston has a number of interesting sights dotted across the city. If you’re interested in learning more about the Jamaican capital’s history and culture, visit the elegant 19th century Devon House or the National Heroes Park with its impressive monuments and fascinating past. To find out more about Kingston’s legendary reggae scene, and about the man that started it all, visit the Bob Marley Museum, a must see during any visit to Kingston. Other important sights in the city include the Hope Botanical Gardens, the fantastic National Gallery of Jamaica and the infamous Port Royal.
Things to Do in Kingston
If you want to experience everday Jamaican life, simply wander Kingston’s streets for a good insight into what makes the country tick. Explore the crumbling colonial buildings in the Downtown area, the smart developments of New Kingston and take a guided tour to the urban areas of Trench Town and Tivoli Gardens. For shopping, restaurants and bars, visit the area around the Half Way Tree transport hub and for a slice of Jamaican history, visit Devon House and the Bob Marley Museum. To escape the hustle and bustle of the city, head out into the Blue Mountains for a day of hiking or take the ferry from Port Royal to Lime Cay where you’ll find pristine palm-lined beaches, white sands and a bit of quintessential Caribbean life. Open spaces also exist within the city itself, so if you don’t have time to sail out to the Cay, visit the National Heroes Park or the Hope Botanical Gardens.
