Quick Facts:
- Population: 600,000+ in the Kingston and St. Andrew area
- Currency: Jamaican Dollar
Did you Know?
- Kingston is the birthplace of several musical genres with Reggae being the most famous. The Bob Marley Museum is the city’s most visited landmark.
Getting Around:
- Travel by automobile is the best way to get around.
- Taxis and public transportation are available but can be tricky for first timers, so plan carefully.
- If you rent a car, remember Jamaicans drive on the left (like the UK).
What kind of electrical outlets do they have in Kingston? Click here to find out!
Most tourists visiting Jamaica head for the North Coast locations of Montego Bay or Ocho Rios. Or maybe vacationers will head out west to Negril. Kingston, located on Jamaica’s Southern Coast, is the vibrant capital of Jamaica and offers a different kind of island escape. It’s a city pulsating with rhythm and overflowing with culture. From the infectious beat of reggae to the lush embrace of the mountains, Kingston offers a wealth of experiences that will leave you wanting more. Kingston is the place of my husband’s birth, so to me, Kingston has become a second home.
Here are some highlights of my adopted city and things to do that will make your visit memorable:
Bob Marley Museum: This is non-negotiable. Walk through the very house where the reggae legend lived and recorded, feeling the echo of his music in every room. Take a tour filled with intimate stories and gain a deeper understanding of the man who put Jamaica on the global musical map.
Devon House: For a taste of colonial grandeur and, more importantly, legendary ice cream, head to Devon House. This beautifully preserved 19th-century mansion offers tours, but the real draw for many is the iconic Devon House I-Scream – a rich, creamy indulgence with flavors you won’t find anywhere else.
Blue Mountains: Escape the city’s hustle and bustle with a day trip to the majestic Blue Mountains. Home to the world-famous Blue Mountain coffee, these misty peaks offer breathtaking views, cool breezes, and fantastic hiking trails. You can even visit a coffee plantation to see how the beans are grown and processed.
Hope Botanical Gardens: A tranquil oasis in the city, Hope Gardens is perfect for a leisurely stroll. Discover a stunning collection of tropical flora, including rare orchids and towering cacti. The zoo located within the gardens adds to the charm, especially for families. On a recent visit to Kingston, I attended the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival. The festival is a multiday event involving several locations throughout the city, with the final event being hosted at Hope Gardens. It was a lovely family affair with food, drinks and culture galore!
Jamaica National Stadium: In addition to attending the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival, I also got a chance to attend a track meet at the Jamaica National Stadium. What an exciting event!! Races included young boys and girls from 10 and under to adults who run professionally and have run in the Olympics and World Championships. You can see why Jamaica has such a strong track and field pipeline since they take it seriously from a young age. I also liked that the young ones were competing at the same event as some of their role models. They can look and see what they can achieve if they stick to their dream.
Emancipation Park: This centrally located park is a symbol of Jamaica’s freedom and resilience. Take a walk among the statues, including the prominent “Redemption Song,” and absorb the historical significance of the space.
I will always “Big up” Kingston and all of Jamaica. Jamaica has truly become a land that I love.