Kingston Holidays

Kingston, the capital city of Jamaica, lies on the southeast coast of the island. Frequently overlooked by visitors who flock to the hotels and resorts of the sunny northern and western shores, such as Falmouth, Runaway Bay and Negril, a trip to the centre of Kingston shows a completely different side to Jamaica, one far removed from the white sandy beaches and swaying palms most tourists seek, and offers a view into the heart and soul of the island.    

A lively, bustling, working Caribbean city, Kingston displays the true essence of Jamaica and its people. Sitting between a natural harbour and the picturesque Blue Mountains, Kingston boasts a number of historical and cultural attractions. In contrast to the laid-back beach resorts, Kingston is fast-paced and frenetic, with plenty of crowds and busy streets, and the city's notorious image does tend to deter most visitors. The city is split into 'uptown' and 'downtown', with most tourists choosing to remain uptown, in New Kingston, where all the major attractions, restaurants and hotels are housed. Synonymous with reggae music, Kingston is perhaps best known as the home of Bob Marley, with the majority of visitors heading to the most popular attraction in the city, the Bob Marley Museum, the star's recording studio and former home. Now serving as a shrine, there are displays of his records, clothing and writings, and guided tours give an interesting insight into his life and music. Other attractions include the National Gallery, Devon House, Hope Botanical Gardens, and Emancipation Park. Just outside the city, the Blue Mountains offer the chance for excellent walking and hiking, and boast wonderful scenery past streams, waterfalls and coffee plantations, with tours available around local factories to sample their coffees.  

Kingston's nightlife is legendary, and its venues attract many revellers every night. There's music everywhere, with bars blasting out rhythmic reggae, as well as packed clubs featuring varied dance-hall, soca, jazz, hip-hop and Latin music. (As with all cities, visitors to Kingston should take care, especially after dark, and take suitable precautions). The dining scene features everything from hole-in-the-wall take-aways to swanky restaurants serving up international cuisine, with spicy Caribbean delicacies available all over the city. Kingston also offers excellent souvenir shopping, with markets selling locally-made arts and crafts, jewellery, straw bags, items made from the local wood, 'mahoe', and plenty of fresh tropical produce, as well as the famous Blue Mountain coffee, rum and jerk spices.