Kingston is nestled in between the luscious Blue Mountains on the island of Jamaica’s southeastern coast. Travelers often sidestep the capital city and local economic hub for more popular tourist destinations like Negril, Montego Bay, and Ocho Rios. Negril offers breathtaking waterfalls, Ocho Rios promises adventure and flavorful food, while Montego Bay provides first-class resorts that make her the tourism capital. With so many other great places on the island, why should tourists also visit Kingston?
There are several reasons to visit Kingston, Jamaica. Kingston is home to Jamaica’s largest population and her pulse beats with a fresh and vibrant grit. The city is a metropolitan gem full of rich history, movement, pride, and genuine vibes.
Is Kingston safe to visit
Like many major cities, violence is prominent in certain areas. While visiting, I never felt unsafe. Visitors should remain aware of their surroundings and take normal precautions. For a complete list of US travel warnings, visit the Department of State website.
Kingston is densely populated. It is a city of economic extremes, the rich live lavishly, and the poor don’t always have access to water. Lack of access to opportunity and resources sometimes leads to violence. Kingston is not unlike many cities in the United States.
In Kingston, tourism is not the main source of income and visitors will not feel haggled. Tourists should practice standard cautionary behavior, travel in groups when possible, remain aware of their surroundings, and avoid seeking danger.
Getting around in Kingston
Jamaica is currently investing in improving the island’s infrastructure, but there are still many roads that are not properly maintained. The streets are frequently congested, and rush hour traffic can be overwhelming. It is worth noting that residents drive on the left side of the road, which can be challenging for those who are not accustomed to it. As a result, driving in Jamaica is not for the faint of heart.
I do not consider Kingston a walkable city. If you are not completely comfortable with driving in Kingston, buses and taxis are other reliable forms of transportation. The Knutsford Express coach bus is a comfortable and affordable way to venture to other parts of the island.
With so much to do in and around Kingston, where should visitors begin?
Bob Marley Museum
The Bob Marley Museum, is a great place to begin your tour of Kingston. Marley is a world-renowned icon, known for his revolutionary and yet timeless lyrics, uplifting tone and ability to unite people through music. The museum is housed in the legendary musician’s former two-story home and offers a one-hour and 15-minute tour for USD 25, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the city.
Different rooms within the museum showcase his awards, musical inspirations, simple bedroom, and Rastafarian religion. An engaging and energetic guide led the tour. He provided additional details on Bob’s upbringing and family. One interesting fact was that Marley refused traditional education to focus on his music and refrain from becoming an “idiot.” He drove a BMW and said it was made for him, Bob Marley, and the Wailers (BMW).
The exhibit ends in the back of the home where Bob, his wife Rita, and his manager Don Taylor were shot. Everyone miraculously survived the politically motivated shooting. Staggeringly large bullet holes decorate the room.
Rastafarian religion and ital lifestyle were a major part of Bob’s life.
Rastafarians follow an ital diet. The Ital diet is vegetarian and based on unprocessed foods. Ital, removes the v from vital. Good health is intertwined with a natural lifestyle. Ital is vital.
Rastafarians have several biblically rooted mansions. Jah is short for Jehova and seen in everyone. Rastas replace the pronoun you with I. You and I are separate. I and I are united under one divine being, Jah. Each house has differing levels of strictness and beliefs. Nyabinghi is the oldest house. Bob references the Nyabinghi in song.
I enjoyed seeing the museum’s beautifully colored murals, viewing his intimate photos, and the wooden paneled recording studio that is still used by some of his children and other well-known artists.
The 20-minute video presentation curated by Mr. Marley himself was my favorite part of the tour. It was surreal to hear and see him narrating his own story. The intimate visuals provided the viewer with a deeper connection and understanding of Bob Marley, the man and philanthropist.
After exploring the museum, take a trip to Emancipation Park.
Emancipation Park
Located in the New Kingston area, Emancipation Park houses the famous Redemption Song statue. The towering bronze statue shows a strong man and woman looking towards the sky. They are free from slavery and the imagery is open to interpretation. When we arrived at the park, an Afro Beats Zumba style dance lesson was happening.
Busts of Marcus Garvey and Nanny of the Maroons adorn the park’s entrance along with Bob Marley’s famous lyrics “Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds” which are etched on the walls in front of the statue.
Enjoy the nightlife
Music is prevalent in Kingston. The easiest way to enjoy it is to attend a party. Dancehall music is queen and may involve close contact. Rhythmic dancehall music dances differ. The accompanying dance styles may be choreographed, sensual, or freestyle. We saw several popular dancehall artists at different parties, including Ding Dong and the Ding Dong Ravers. Niceness!
Casual street parties and parties in the country areas outside of Kingston were my favorites. The central night clubs are a little stiff with more people watching than dancing. It’s possible to attend two or more parties in one night and repeat the next day, plan accordingly.
Devon House
Home to Jamaica’s first black billionaire, Devon House, has spectacular grounds and is famous for its unique I-Scream flavors. Devon Stout is a popular choice. Restaurants surround the property. Children ran free while we walked the property. Modern school-children enjoying unorganized play on a sprawling historic home is a lovely and yet ironic backdrop. History intermingled with modern time, a lovely sight to see :).
Kingston has a lot going on within its square footage. If time allows, I recommend visiting Portland. Some locals consider it to be the most beautiful parish in Jamaica. Portland is located in Port Antonio. A three hour drive from Kingston. The road trip offers a scenic drive and allows you to also visit the famous Blue Lagoon.
Blue Lagoon
Couples, locals, families, and celebrities frequent the Blue Lagoon. It was previously known as the Blue Hole, and renamed after a movie that was filmed on its enchanting waters. Locals once thought the lagoon was bottomless, but divers discovered the lagoon has a depth of about 200 ft. The turquoise water is created by a combination of mountainous freshwater and saltwater from the Caribbean Sea.
Visiting the Blue Lagoon is free and guided boats or rafts are available for a negotiable fee. We took a short boat ride along the water. Our spunky guide, Philbert, gave us a history of the water, celebrities, and homes surrounding the Blue Lagoon. Water temperatures vary due to the cold seawater and warm freshwater intermingling. There is nowhere to store anything, so I suggest bringing as little as possible to the lagoon.
Enjoy the cuisine
There is an abundance of local food options in Kingston. Driving to Portland, we stopped at the Junction. A cute “rest stop” area with food stands. I tried Mannish water soup, Spratt, and curry goat with peas and rice.
I ate a lot of food while in Kingston. Some of my favorite dishes were brown stewed fish, pumpkin soup with dumplings, iced June plum juice, pigtail with stewed peas, and cornmeal dumplings with ackee with corn pork. Visit Kingston and experience the abundance of local food. Driving to Portland, we stopped at the Junction. A cute “rest stop” area with food stands. I tried Mannish water soup, Spratt, and curry goat with peas and rice.
Visit KingstonI ate lots of food. Brown stewed fish, pumpkin soup with dumplings, iced June plum juice, pigtail with stewed peas, cornmeal dumplings with and ackee with corn pork were some of my favorites.
During my visit to Kingston, I only had four days to explore. If I had more time, I would have loved to hike the nearby mountains and visit more of the local museums. I fell in love with the city and its people, and I am eagerly looking forward to returning.
