Top Things to do in Kingston
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What to do and see in Kingston, Kingston Parish: The Best Things to do
Far from the north coast resort towns, Kingston is Jamaica at its most authentic, a sprawling city of contrasts spread between the east coast and the Blue Mountains. Kingston's diversity is reflected in its disparate neighborhoods, from the wealthy northern suburbs to the less affluent downtown. Travelers can discover the spirit of One Love at the Bob Marley Museum, or sample delicious ice cream at Devon House. Nearby, the former capital of Spanish Town offers insight into the area's history.
Restaurants in Kingston
1. Blue Mountains
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 407 reviews
Want a wild outdoor adventure that'll leave you breathless, exhilarated and home in time for supper? Then push your way through the dense tropical forest of the Blue Mountains for an afternoon that will feast your eyes and work your quads.
Reviewed By CyndyandByron - Bridgeton, United States
One of us had trained for the Jamaica Defense Force while the other had heard all of the stories about the narrow winding roads, the cool temperatures, the lush jungle, and of course, the stories of an 18 year old private and his first days from home. This was a visit coming for the past 40 years, but always delayed. It was a moving experience to watch the septuagenarian relive the start of his 20 year military career at a base founded n 1841 by the British. Little did they know their escape from yellow fever would be coming up on its 200th anniversary. Be sure to check out the museum on the base. We passed the small towns of Redlight and Irish Town as we traveled the curvy road back to Kingston. We were able to see all the way into the waters of Kingston Harbor from the winding road. Great day!
2. Devon House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,098 reviews
The 19th century home of George Stiebel, the first black millionaire in the Caribbean, Devon House presents a unique and extraordinary opportunity for multiple experiences in a center of excellence in the city of Kingston, Jamaica. It combines heritage, park facilities, restaurants and shopping for the best of what is authentically Jamaican. Here, the arts, education and entertainment co-exist to give Jamaicans and Tourists alike a space that appeals to all senses.
Reviewed By traveller19622015 - Toronto, Canada
This ia a must have every time I go to Jamaica. I enjoy the mango, coconut and rum and raisin ice cream.
3. Holywell Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 94 reviews
Established in 1988, The Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust (JCDT) is a non-governmental organization and charity with a mandate to conserve Jamaica’s natural environment. The activities of the JCDT centre on the 41,198 hectares (101, 313 acres) of rain and cloud forest that make up the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park including it's core, Preservation Zone which covers 26,251 hectares (65,000 acres) and is inscribed as a World Heritage Site. In addition JCDT's work focuses on the approximately 28,494 hectares of land around the protected area called the Community Buffer Zone.
Reviewed By adamk1971 - Baltimore, United States
The drive here from Kingston is spectacular, although a bit nail-biting for first timers. Drive with care, make regular use of your horn going around sharp corners, and be prepared to stop to let big trucks go by. I find the best time to make the drive up is after 9am when most of the traffic will have already driven down the mountain. There are a few (but only a few) decent places to pull over and catch a fantastic view from the road into the mountain valleys. Take your time and if it is safe stop and take some pics. I have driven all across the USA and I can honestly say there are very few roads I have driven that compare with the scenic majesty of this road. On your drive you will pass through the Jamaican Defense Forces base in Newcastle. Pull over by the chain-link fence to get a beautiful view of Kingston and the ocean. Holywell is considered a cloud forest so it is prone to be enveloped in clouds (which you will experience as fog). The circuit up and around the mountain is a well-maintained trail and offers three different overlook decks for beautiful views of the valley below and surrounding mountains (unfortunately there is no seating on these decks). The park charges just $100 JMD for Jamaican residents but about ten times that (about $10 USD) for non-residents. Near the parking area there are some benches to sit and relax and you will likely see some hummingbirds. The Waterfall loop trail is an easier trail than the mountian loop with some decent views as well.
4. Bob Marley Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,408 reviews
The world-famous reggae star's home, displaying Marley's guitar and other artifacts.
Reviewed By Allen1307 - Rugby, United Kingdom
I visited the Bob Marley Museum today anybody who visits Jamaica must see this museum It was Bob’s house in Kingston, his recording studio, where he played football, where he rehearsed, and where he hung out. It’s also where unidentified gunmen tried to assassinate him - you can still see the bullet holes. Our Tour guide was great very informative and friendly.
5. Emancipation Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 698 reviews
Reviewed By chittyd2019 - Georgetown, Guyana
The atmosphere and scenery was so beautiful and calming, also learnt about Jamaican history here, it was a beautiful day and the waterfall was beautiful and also what it represents.
6. Trench Town Culture Yard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 172 reviews
This museum is an authentic place The home of Bob Marley when he first came to Kingston. It's not just about Bod Marley though, There is alot more that we offer, The authenticy , The History about our community of Trench Town, It is also about the other Artists and different Personalities that contibuted their time to the music and for putting the Trench Town name on the Map,
Reviewed By maryelleno811
Travelle was excellent explaining the History of the part of Jamacia. So humbling to see the early days of many great people who have walked on this planet. Peace.
7. Club Kingston Airport Departure Lounge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 340 reviews
A uniquely Jamaican, first class lounge experience.Imagine escaping from the stress and chaos of security lines and crowded departure halls to a sanctuary where you can relax or catch up with the office. This premier airport departure lounge affords you the space to enjoy culturally themed place to relax, a complimentary premium bar, snacks, Wi-Fi, shower facilities, concierge duty free shopping. Jamaican hospitality and charm meet first world innovation at Club Kingston.
Reviewed By MrMarkBennett - Northampton, United Kingdom
We used Club Kingston for arrival and departure and although it made little difference on arrival it was nice to be met and quickly escorted through. Unfortunately our luggage took an age to arrive so it slowed down what otherwise would have been a 20 minute service from plane to car park. The departure was a must as the shops in the small terminal are limited and we were delayed. The complimentary food and drink (including alcoholic drinks and cocktails) was nice and the staff were helpful, even escorting us to the departure gate.
8. Port Royal
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 359 reviews
Old pirate haunt, notorious in its day for residents' sticky fingers and loose morals, now being renovated into a major tourist attraction.
Reviewed By patron2929 - Shrewsbury, United Kingdom
Of Captain Morgan fame, today, Port Royal is known to post-medieval archaeologists as the "City that Sank". it the most important underwater archaeological site in the western hemisphere, yielding 16th–and-17th-century artefacts. Several 17th and early 18th century pirate ships sank within Kingston Harbour and are being carefully harvested, under controlled conditions, by various teams of archaeologists. Many of these are displayed in the museum when it is open! The fort area is very interesting. A few bars and restaurants abound for a break.
9. Trench Town
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By SheilaW34 - Corralejo, Spain
I can't understand the way people think they've "done" Trench Town by just touring past the slums in cars. I must say we'd had enough walking for the day as we arrived from a Saturday morning in Coronation Market. But we felt we had to tour the actual yard where Bob Marley had lived with a host of other to-be-famous musicians. It's still there and deserves a visit. We turned up there very thirsty and hungry too. The woman running the show was just SO caring. She got us brought beers to where we sat in her office and then sent out for food for us. It turned out to be the one thing we'd missed so far -- pig's tail and rice 'n' peas -- and it was absolutely delicious! Sitting on a bench sharing that meal out of a polystyrene container using one plastic fork was one of the best meals I've had in years! She is such a kind and helpful person, but then almost everyone we met in Kingston was the same. Blackie went on to give us a very informative tour of the yard, with lots of photographic evidence and anecdotes. My husband is a musician and sings several Marley hits. They really have added meaning to him now. The one thing I regret not asking is: where did all this massed talent go? What about their kids and everyone else who has grown up in Kingston since? We searched hard and found only one live group performing in Kingston in six days; not even any buskers! That was the one big disappointment of the holiday.
10. Fort Clarence Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 152 reviews
Reviewed By H8776XQlisac - Hertford, United Kingdom
This beach is another piece of paradise. Yes you have to pay JA$300 each. There is toilet facilities and showers. There is food to buy and great music being played. The water is crystal clear and warm. It certainly is worth the drive, however be aware the sat nav can take you along the toll road. I highly recommend this beach.
