Kingston, Jamaica

The capital of Jamaica, Kingston is a wonderful lively city with plenty to do and see out here. Located in the east of the island, a majority of Jamaicans call this city is home. Bustling, vibrant and in your face, Kingston lies dramatically in between the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea and the beautiful Blue Mountains. Jamaica’s commercial and cultural center, Kingston today offers tourists the very best that this island has to offer.

Well developed and a cosmopolitan city, Kingston is known for its vivacious and pulsating nightlife, while at the same time this city also offers tourists many historical sites and places to explore. Here you can find one of the largest natural harbors on the planet, Port Royal, which in its glory days was the British naval hub in the West Indies. It also has the distinction of being the pirate capital of the Caribbean. Here you can find many old historical sites including Fort Cromwell, Fort Charles and the Morgan Harbour Hotel.

Founded in 1963 by those who survived the devastating earthquake at Port Royal, Kingston today has become one of the most important trading centers in the western hemisphere. North of Port Royal is Kingston’s historic district, which forms the city center. The downtown area is arranged on a grid system, while the uptown area is defined by several major roads and thoroughfares. And although this city has gained a spotty reputation of its crime, as long as you take the right precautions and not wander out alone at night, you will be safe. Also avoid walking in the downtown area after dark and stay away from dark alleys and shortcuts.

In downtown Kingston there is a lot to see. Ocean Boulevard runs along the harborfront, with the National Gallery here definitely worth a look. This gallery has on display a number of paintings from some of the best artists past and present in Jamaica. If you have some time, also do stopover at the Museum of Coins and Notes, where you can see how Jamaica’s currency has changed over the years. The William Grant Park is a great place to mingle with the locals, while one of the most notable buildings in this part of town is the Kingston parish Church built in 1699.

When you are uptown, you should definitely visit Devon House, built in 1881. A classic Jamaican home, it is a great place to see how life was in this former British colony. Here, you will also find two of Jamaica’s most famous restaurants. Another must visit site uptown is the Bob Marley Museum, where you can find lots of memorabilia about this great Jamaican legend.