Kingston, Jamaica

Jamaicas capital city, Kingston, is the nations cultural, industrial, and economic center. It is also the largest English-speaking city in the Caribbean. Youll experience the perfect blend of new and old; in the buildings and in the people. Adults tend to visibly-outnumber youngsters, and you cant miss the classic, easygoing Jamaican heritage found everywhere you go and in everyone you meet (except fellow visitors). Visit the bars, the clubs, and the cultural outlets, or take a stroll by the harbor and watch the sun set. Youll feel as if youre in paradise, but youll also feel the presence of a great commercial center. Kingston may not be the typical traveler destination, but youll be surprised time and time again by how many exciting things there are to see and do.

When to go

It is most-hot in the summer in Kingston, however, the temperatures change ever-so-little. There tends to be quite a lot of rainfall from summer to autumn, so if youd like to avoid any rainy or gray days while in the city, travel during the spring. Youll get days ranging from 85-90 degrees, and the chance of weather-related interruptions bringing your mood down is rare. Most travelers mistake summer to be the ideal time to visit Kingston, and end up disappointed by unexpected rains. Its location by the Caribbean makes it especially prone to intense monsoon-like storm conditions. Choose your flight date wisely!

Getting there and around

All international flights to Kingston arrive at Norman Manley International Airport, located 27km from the city centre. When making your way through the terminal, be sure to keep a close eye on your luggage, as thieves (even some guards) can easily snatch your belongings. You can get into town quickly via taxi, though be sure to take an official JUTA taxi with a fixed fare (JUTA taxis have red license plates).

You have a great number of options for transportation around Kingston, but wed stick with taxis. They may be the most expensive (after car rental) but you wont fall victim to a pick-pocket. We say its better to pay a little more to keep what you have than to get all you have taken away. One thing to keep in mind: if you take a taxi with no meter, settle on a price and currency beforehand (American or Jamaican dollars).

Attractions

Kingstons National Gallery is the perfect place to take in unique art from around the Caribbean. The nations best works are showcased, and youll find an extraordinary number of sculptures and carvings. Both on the ground floor are the Bob Marley statue (Youll find tributes to Bob Marley throughout the city) and the famed Ghetto Mother by renowned Jamaican sculptor Edna Manley. Kingstons Mallica Reynolds has a great number of pieces on display here as well.

The Devon House is not frequently visited by tourists because of its connection to George Steibel, but simply for its classical architecture. It was built in 1881, and was completely restored not too long ago, and on the mansions grounds youll find craft shops, boutiques, restaurants, and some of the best ice cream in Kingston.

The Hope Botanical Gardens and Zoo are the perfect place in Kingston to spend a quite, peaceful afternoon. Walk among the 50 acres (20 hectares) of cacti, palms, and flowers. Youll find an orchid house, numerous greenhouses, a small pond, and a makeshift aviary in the midst of a forest garden. The zoo is small but is a favorite among the little ones in the family.

Take a ride over to the University of the West Indies, where you can take a tour of the remains of the sugar factory on campus, and then visit the Bob Marley Museum, where much of his belongings are held. Not surprisingly, the Bob Marley Museum is allegedly the most-visited site in Kingston.