Kingston

Travel Guide
Blue Mountains National Park featuring a cascade and a lake or waterhole
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

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 $158 per night from Oct 7 to Oct 8
$158
per night
Oct 7 - Oct 8
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Kingston. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (281 reviews)
"Staff was very professional and polite…😊"

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2023

ROK Hotel Kingston, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Spanish Court Hotel - A Small Luxury Hotel
Spanish Court Hotel - A Small Luxury Hotel
4.5 out of 5
1 St Lucia Avenue, Kingston, Saint Andrew
The price is $191 per night from Sep 30 to Oct 1
$191
per night
Sep 30 - Oct 1
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Kingston. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the bar and the property condition in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"Clean comfortable hotel. Friendly and helpful staff. Good location. Breakfast was amazing"

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2023

Spanish Court Hotel - A Small Luxury Hotel
R Hotel Kingston
R Hotel Kingston
4 out of 5
2 Renfrew Road , Kingston 10, Jamaica, Kingston, Jamaica
The price is $189 per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
$189
per night
Sep 28 - Sep 29
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Kingston. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (849 reviews)
"Very convenient, the location is perfect , the staff very friendly and helpful , especially the the staff at the front desk. The cost per night is very competitive, i recommend this hotel to my all friends who are coming to the kingston Area. It’s worth it, so much I stayed there 2 times, on my vacation ..."

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2023

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.
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, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Super Value Town Center and Parade are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (47 reviews)
"Always a safe and reliable spot to stay while in Kgn"

Reviewed on Sep 1, 2023

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. Popular attractions Palace Cineplex and United States of America ...
6.2/10 (31 reviews)
"Better air-condition needed apart from that it was good. Easy access and communication was good. Close to airport"

Reviewed on Jun 14, 2023

The Gardens
Cattleya's New Kingston Guest Apartment
Cattleya's New Kingston Guest Apartment
3.5 out of 5
12A Kingsway, Apartment #3, Kingston, Kingston Parish
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly apartment in Kingston. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle. Popular attractions Devon House and Jamaica ...
9/10 Wonderful! (31 reviews)
"The property is well maintained. Even in my absence, housekeeping came in and cleaned. I had money and other valuables laying about, and there were no problem; your personal property and yourself will be safe. However, there are a couple things though, I would have wished that even a bottle of water, ..."

Reviewed on Aug 30, 2023

Cattleya's New Kingston Guest Apartment
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

Reviews of Kingston

4.1
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
279
" "5 - Excellent 34.744707347447076%
4 - Good
371
" "4 - Good 46.20174346201743%
3 - Okay
123
" "3 - Okay 15.317559153175592%
2 - Disappointing
14
" "2 - Disappointing 1.7434620174346203%
1 - Terrible
16
" "1 - Terrible 1.9925280199252802%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 23, 2020

I love the Jamaican people! ❤️

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Mar 22, 2020

The city of Kingston itself is nothing special

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 12, 2020

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
Mar 11, 2020

I highly recommend staying at this property.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Mar 3, 2020

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
Mar 3, 2020

Its ok. plenty things to do

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