Kingston is Jamaica’s capital and its busiest city, a place that sets trends in music, fashion, sport and business. By day it hums with office workers heading to banks and government departments. By night it turns to clubs, bars, karaoke, theatre and late-night food. It lacks the string of beaches that define Ocho Rios, Montego Bay and Negril, but it makes up for that with museums, gardens, restaurants and a cultural energy that is hard to match elsewhere on the island.
A short history
Kingston became the island’s main city as a result of the earthquake of 1692 that destroyed much of Port Royal. Survivors moved across the harbour, and the new settlement grew into the largest English-speaking city south of Miami. Today it leads the country in sport, entertainment, music and commerce, and a large share of its visitors come for meetings, conferences and seminars.
Where to stay
Thousands of rooms are available in many forms, including hotels, motels, apartments, bed and breakfasts, villas and condominiums.
- New Kingston has the larger business hotels, among them Wyndham, Pegasus, Courtleigh, Knutsford Court, Spanish Court, Altamont Court and the Four Seasons.
- Near New Kingston, quieter and smaller options include Indies Hotel, Terra Nova All Suites and Mayfair.
- In the hills above the city is Strawberry Hill.
- By Port Royal you will find Morgan’s Harbour Hotel and Marina.
What to see
Nobody can see all of Kingston’s attractions in a day. With limited time, choose from the best known:
- Bank of Jamaica Money Museum
- Bob Marley Museum
- Caymanas Park
- Botanical Gardens and Hope Gardens and Zoo
- Devon House heritage site
- Emancipation Park
- Fort Charles and the Maritime Museum
- National Gallery
- Twin Sisters Cave
- University of the West Indies
You can also read about the national heroes, many of whom are honoured in the city.
Food
If Ocho Rios is Jamaica’s attractions capital, Kingston is its restaurant capital. Choices range from local fast-food outlets to fine dining, and most cuisines are covered, with Jamaican, Indian, Chinese, European, Japanese and Italian among them. Food is on sale at all hours on many streets. See also Jamaican foods.
Nightlife
Nowhere on the island is livelier after dark. Clubs such as Quad, Club Privilege, Fiction, Pure, Escape and Club Riddim mix reggae, dancehall, pop, rock, disco and soul. Local plays staged at Centre Stage in New Kingston are popular, and karaoke, theatre and cinema can be found around the city.
Fashion
Kingston is regarded as the fashion capital of Jamaica. Music influences local style strongly, and the city’s Caribbean Fashion Week draws thousands of visitors each year. According to the original guide, it has attracted international media such as The New York Times, The Independent, Fashion TV Paris, Vanity Fair and Vogue.
Shopping
Souvenirs, from T-shirts to crafts, are easy to find. Downtown, the Victoria Craft Market sells chains, clothes, baskets and wood carvings. The Kingston Craft Market on Harbour Street stocks items such as straw hats and baskets. Duty-free shops sell jewellery, perfume and handbags, and supermarkets are good places to pick up Jamaican food products.
Business
Most government agencies and company headquarters are in New Kingston or Downtown, including the head offices of the major banks. Thousands of people travel to the city each month for work.
Maps and layout
The city divides into two broad areas, uptown and downtown. A good road map is useful, and free ones are generally available at airports and some hotels. The guide to getting around Jamaica offers further advice.
Getting around
Buses and licensed taxis operate in the city, and cars can be rented locally. To reach the north coast, take an express coach from New Kingston or fly from Tinson Pen aerodrome. For more detail read about getting around Jamaica and Kingston news.