Kingston

Travel Guide

Kingston which includes boating, general coastal views and a sunset
Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park featuring a waterfall and a lake or waterhole
Devon House featuring a statue or sculpture and a fountain
Devon House showing a park, a castle and a fountain
Kingston showing 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 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
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Kencot

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

Kencot
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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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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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
South Coast

Eastwood Park

While visiting Eastwood Park, you might make a stop by sights like St Andrew Parish Church and Tropical Plaza.

Eastwood Park
S Hotel Kingston
S Hotel Kingston
4.5 out of 5
1 St Lucia Avenue, Kingston, Saint Andrew
The price is €213 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
€213
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
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. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,334 reviews)
"Staff were the best. Very good service. Nice room and lovely bars, restaurants, cafe."

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2025

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
The price is €183 per night from 11 Apr to 12 Apr
€183
includes taxes & fees
11 Apr - 12 Apr
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (876 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel"

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2025

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 €200 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
€200
includes taxes & fees
22 Mar - 23 Mar
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Kingston. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,099 reviews)
"Great hotel for business travelers"

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2025

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.
Cozy Apartments
Cozy Apartments
2.5 out of 5
1 Winston Avenue, Kingston 6, Kingston, Kingston
Stay at this apartment in Kingston. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Bob Marley Museum and Jamaica House are located nearby.
2/10 (1 review)
"This property was doble booked"

Reviewed on 3 Jan 2025

Cozy Apartments
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 Jamaica House and Bob Marley Museum are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (55 reviews)
"My hostess Novelette was very cooperative and eager to ensure my stay went well. She was always ready to answer any questions asked to make my stay comfortable. I would certainly stay here again should the opportunity arise."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2024

Abacus Jamaica the Zana Suite
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 Jamaica ...
6.8/10 (45 reviews)
"Rooms was huge and comfortable, clean and beautiful view"

Reviewed on 6 Mar 2025

The Gardens
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

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!!!