Kingston

Travel Guide

Kingston featuring heritage elements, boating and a sunset
Blue Mountains National Park featuring a cascade and a lake or waterhole
Devon House which includes a fountain and a statue or sculpture
Devon House showing chateau or palace, a park and a fountain
Kingston featuring 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 which includes a house and a garden

New Kingston

Discover urban parks like Emancipation Park and Hope Gardens, or explore landmarks such as the Bob Marley Museum. Enjoy the redeveloped waterfront area with hotels, shops, and cultural centers, while easily navigating via buses and taxis.

New Kingston
Port Royal showing boating, general coastal views and a bay or harbor

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
Devon House is my favorite spot in Kingston.  It was a nice spot to spend a relaxing Sunday afternoon.

Half Way Tree

Half Way Tree might not have many top sights, but Devon House and Kings House are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Half Way Tree
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Kencot

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

Kencot
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Liguanea

The restaurants and shopping are a few reasons travelers visit Liguanea. Though there aren't many top sights in the neighborhood, you can visit Bob Marley Museum and National Stadium, a few notable attractions nearby.

Liguanea
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Barbican

4.5/5(12 area reviews)

Barbican might not have many top sights, but Bob Marley Museum and Kings House are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Barbican
S Hotel Kingston

S Hotel Kingston

4.5 out of 5
1 St Lucia Avenue, Kingston, Saint Andrew
$156 nightly
The price is $181 total per night from Aug 1 to Aug 2
$181 total
Aug 1 - Aug 2
Total includes taxes and fees
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! (1,401 reviews)
"I enjoyed my stay at this artistic boutique hotel."

Reviewed on Jul 12, 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
$169 nightly
The price is $188 total per night from Jul 25 to Jul 26
$188 total
Jul 25 - Jul 26
Total includes taxes and fees
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! (1,017 reviews)
"This is my third time staying with them and the staff is always courteous from the front of the main entrance all the way to the front desk restaurant even the cleaning staff. Room appear small but appealing and clean. Theres on site dining but wish some shake up in both the breakfast menu as well ..."

Reviewed on Jul 14, 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
Fully refundable
$176 nightly
The price is $192 total per night from Aug 14 to Aug 15
$192 total
Aug 14 - Aug 15
Total includes taxes and fees
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! (1,147 reviews)
"Good location. I stayed in a 2 bedroom apartment which was quite nice. It felt like a home away from home. It would have been nice though if the Jamaican breakfast was included with the continental breakfast instead of for an additional charge."

Reviewed on Jul 12, 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.
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 ...
7/10 Good! (49 reviews)
"Lovely place overall. Tricky on gps pwr how the address comes up Amazing hostess and staff! Room was quite dusty, evwn mh cups, needed trashcans, and no outlet for TV to work. Didn't matter, quick stay!"

Reviewed on Apr 25, 2025

The Gardens
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 Palace Cineplex are located ...
"This property was doble booked"

Reviewed on Jan 3, 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 Bob Marley Museum and Super Value Town Center ...
"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 Jul 15, 2024

Abacus Jamaica the Zana Suite
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

4.1
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
279
5 - Excellent 35%
4 - Good
371
4 - Good 46%
3 - Okay
123
3 - Okay 15%
2 - Disappointing
14
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
16
1 - Terrible 2%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I love the Jamaican people! ❤️

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

The city of Kingston itself is nothing special

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Kingston is the capital of Jamaica. Very busy streets, nice restaurants and business hub. Must try Devon house ice cream!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I highly recommend staying at this property.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

the city is crowded and pushy, you feel the heat and if walking by yourself, the buns tend to hustle you which is a great inconvenience

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Its ok. plenty things to do

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