Kingston

Travel Guide

Kingston which includes boating, general coastal views and a sunset
Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park featuring a waterfall and a lake or waterhole
Devon House featuring a statue or sculpture and a fountain
Devon House showing a park, a castle and a fountain
Kingston showing a playground and outdoor art as well as children

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

Devon House which includes a house and a garden

New Kingston

New Kingston is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Devon House and Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Library while in the area.

New Kingston
Port Royal showing a bay or harbour, boating and general coastal views

Port Royal

Unique features of Port Royal include the restaurants and waterfront views. Make a stop by St Peter’s Church or Fort Charles while you're exploring the area.

Port Royal
Default Image

Kencot

While Kencot isn't home to many top sights, Devon House and St Andrew Parish Church are some notable places to visit nearby.

Kencot
Default Image

Half Way Tree

When in Half Way Tree, you can plan a visit to Devon House and Kings House, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Half Way Tree
Default Image

Liguanea

The restaurants and shopping are just a few features travellers like about Liguanea. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Bob Marley Museum and National Stadium are a few top places to visit.

Liguanea
Default Image

Barbican

5/5(1 area review)

While Barbican may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Bob Marley Museum and Kings House.

Barbican
S Hotel Kingston

S Hotel Kingston

4.5 out of 5
1 St Lucia Avenue, Kingston, Saint Andrew
The price is €189 per night from 16 Aug to 17 Aug
€189
16 Aug - 17 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Kingston. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,435 reviews)
"This hotel is in a great location in Kingston. The room was a bit small but was clean and comfortable. However, the bathroom door could not stay closed. We reported it but it was never fixed."

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

S Hotel Kingston
R Hotel Kingston

R Hotel Kingston

4 out of 5
2 Renfrew Road , Kingston 10, Jamaica, Kingston, Jamaica
The price is €176 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
€176
18 Aug - 19 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Kingston. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,156 reviews)
"The property is excellent for a short vacation. But I was extremely disappointed in the pool and the narrow area on the hotel's grounds to properly maneuver a vehicle. I should've done more research. The staff is very accommodating and friendly. They make you feel at home, a rare quality when traveling. ..."

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

R Hotel Kingston
AC Hotel by Marriott Kingston, Jamaica

AC Hotel by Marriott Kingston, Jamaica

4.5 out of 5
38 Lady Musgrave Rd, Kingston, St. Andrew Parish
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €221 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
€221
9 Aug - 10 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Kingston. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (825 reviews)
"Very quite"

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

AC Hotel by Marriott Kingston, Jamaica
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.
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 (surcharge). Popular attractions Bob Marley Museum and Jamaica ...
7.2/10 Good! (50 reviews)
"This property is like an hidden gem afforded in heart of Kingston"

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

The Gardens
Cozy Apartments

Cozy Apartments

2.5 out of 5
1 Winston Avenue, Kingston 6, Kingston, Kingston
Stay at this apartment in Kingston. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Bob Marley Museum and Palace Cineplex are located ...
"This property was doble booked"

Reviewed on 3 Jan 2025

Cozy Apartments
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, parking (surcharge), and a garden. Popular attractions Bob Marley Museum and Super Value Town Center ...
"My hostess Novelette was very cooperative and eager to ensure my stay went well. She was always ready to answer any questions asked to make my stay comfortable. I would certainly stay here again should the opportunity arise."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2024

Abacus Jamaica the Zana Suite
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

Things to do