The 10 BEST Things to Do in Kingston
- Last updated on June 27, 2022
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Overview
Kingston, Jamaica's capital, is a growing metropolis. About half of Jamaica's 2.7 million inhabitants live here. Some neighborhoods do not have a good reputation, yet Kingston is worth visiting. A city filled with music, art, and insanely colorful houses. A vibrant city with extraordinary charm and many attractions.
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- Tip: Pack enough water and Sunscreen
- Discover: All highlights, tips and stops in our ultimate Jamaica itinerary
1 Bob Marley Museum
You'll see pieces of his awards, furniture, stage costumes, photos, and instruments. The tour of his home is like listening to the stories of a family member. Goosebumps are guaranteed.
- Discover: Everything about the beautiful Bob Marley Museum
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2 Kingston – the Capital, and You
On this tour, you will get a varied impression of Kingston. Your guide will tell you about Kingston's exciting history.
You will learn a lot about typical Jamaican food and the city's modern culture. Enjoy Kingston in a small group and immerse yourself in the town's life.
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3 Devon House
Make sure to visit Devon House. A masterpiece of Caribbean architecture. George Stiebel, Jamaica's first black millionaire, had it built. Take a heritage tour and see what luxury life was like more than 130 years ago. Also, browse the small stores around it: a chocolate paradise, a bakery, a gift store, and a restaurant.
- Discover: Much more about the Devon House
4 I-Scream
No visit to Devon House is complete without the world-famous I-Scream ice cream! It is one of the top ten ice cream stores in the world, according to National Geographics. It simply tastes gigantic. How do we know that? We went all out for research and tried 10 flavors. All of them are delicious! Our favorites: Rum & Raisin, Vanilla, Strawberry, Pistachio, Mango, Coconut, and the beer-based flavor called Devon Stout.
5 Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains are the longest mountain range in Jamaica, and the highest point is Blue Mountain Peak, at 7,402 ft (2,256 m). On a clear day, you can even see as far as the southern coast of Cuba. A hike to the summit takes between four and eight hours, depending on where you start. Be sure to book a guide, as not all trails are in good condition, and there are many forks. The landscape of the Blue Mountains is breathtaking. Everything is green and lush, full of ferns, eucalyptus, colorful wildflowers, and the Jamaica bamboo, which blooms only once every 33 years.
By the way, they're called the Blue Mountains because the peaks are usually shrouded in mist, giving them a bluish glow, especially in the morning. If you're more in the mood for a picnic, Holywell National Park is famous for that. It is also the home of the famous Blue Mountain coffee, 2 pounds (1 kilogram) can cost up to $100 or more.
- Discover: What you should know before you go - Blue Mountains
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6 Port Royal
Port Royal was once a feared city. Known and feared as the capital of pirates in the 17th and 18th centuries. The pirates Captain Henry Morgan, Blackbeard, and Calico Jack came and went here and squandered their booty. The city experienced fires and hurricanes, but the massive earthquake in 1962 engulfed more than half of the town. The remains of the city, pirates, admirals, and battles are well-preserved, and a visit is both history and adventure.
- Tickets: Book your Port Royal Tour
7 National Gallery of Jamaica
The National Gallery of Jamaica is the oldest and largest public art gallery in the English-speaking Caribbean. Specializing in Jamaican art from 1920 to the present, it features several important artworks by Jamaican artists such as Cecil Baugh, Carl Abrahams, Edna Manley, and Mallica ‘Kapo' Reynolds. You'll also see works by international artists, pre-Columbian art, and traveling exhibitions.
8 Royal Botanical Garden
9 Fleet Street & Life Yard
Lively, colorful houses line the street. But the main attraction is the exciting murals. They were painted by local and international artists as part of the “Paint Jamaica” project. The wonderful project has been around since 2014 and started at 41 Fleet Street.
Paintings full of hopes, dreams, and experiences – each mural tells a story. The Life Yard initiative promotes sustainable agriculture and teaches children in the community the importance of organic farming and arts and crafts.
10 Emancipation Park
In the middle of Kingston is Emancipation Park. At the entrance is an imposing bronze sculpture symbolizing the triumphant rise from the horrors of enslavement. The park is filled with beautiful trees, flowers, and fountains. Perfect for a walk, picnic, or fitness. Concerts and other events are often held here. Play chess or table tennis, or join in aerobics. Snacks and drinks can be purchased from vendors outside the gates, and across the street, you'll find the Sweetwood Jerk Center and Jamaica Pegasus Restaurant.
