Kingston

Travel Guide

Kingston showing boating, a sunset and heritage elements
Blue Mountains National Park which includes a waterfall and a lake or waterhole
Devon House featuring a fountain and a statue or sculpture
Devon House which includes a castle, a garden and a fountain
Kingston showing a playground and outdoor art as well as children

The capital of Jamaica sits on the Caribbean coast, and mixes fascinating history with a relaxed island vibe.

Kingston is at the heart of Jamaican life, and is a wonderful place to really get under the skin of the country and its people, away from the exclusive beach resorts. Sitting at the foot of the Blue Mountains, the city is home to both wealth and extreme poverty, giving a sense of what life is really like for the people who live here.

The Bob Marley Museum offers a wonderful insight into the music and life of a man who gave a voice to the powerless of the city, and of the world. Growing up in impoverished Trench Town, Marley’s lyrics concentrated on issues of oppression and poor people’s politics, and went on to make him the most famous reggae musician the world has ever seen.

Bob Marley was a Rastafarian, and you can visit one of the most significant Rastafarian communities here at Bull Bay.

On the other side of the coin, you can visit the decadent 19th-century mansion of millionaire George Stiebel, or the Royal Botanical Gardens. The latter are found in Hope Gardens, one of the many green public spaces in Kingston – other favourites include Emancipation Park and Mandela Park, and you can also take in the public botanical gardens found in Castleton. Halfway Tree, the shopping and commercial hub of the city, is well worth a visit too.

Heading for the harbour, you can visit the Palisadoes, a 17th-century safe port for the pirates of the Caribbean. Admire the ruins of Port Royal, fatally damaged by a 1692 earthquake, but where you can still see cannons and the remains of Saint Peter’s Church.

To travel to Kingston, you can take a flight to Norman Manley International Airport or the Tinson Pen aerodrome or, alternatively, you can book a cruise. There are minibuses, taxis and a bus system to help you get around. Common sense and caution while walking in more deprived areas are recommended.

Where to stay in Kingston

Devon House showing 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 boating, a bay or harbor 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
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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
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Half Way Tree

Half Way Tree might not have many top sights, but Devon House and Kings House are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Half Way Tree
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Liguanea

The restaurants and shopping are a few reasons travelers visit Liguanea. Though there aren't many top sights in the neighborhood, you can visit Bob Marley Museum and National Stadium, a few notable attractions nearby.

Liguanea
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Barbican

Barbican might not have many top sights, but Bob Marley Museum and Kings House are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Barbican
S Hotel Kingston

S Hotel Kingston

4.5 out of 5
1 St Lucia Avenue, Kingston, Saint Andrew
The price is P9,894 per night from Aug 8 to Aug 9
P9,894
P12,763 total
Aug 8 - Aug 9
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! (1,437 reviews)
"I didn’t like that guest had to wait until 11am for the cabana pool bar to be opened. We had to wait after breakfast and even after 11:30am. There was still no music or access to the bar"

Reviewed on Aug 2, 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 P9,674 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
P9,674
P11,860 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
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 Jul 31, 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
The price is P11,816 per night from Aug 8 to Aug 9
P11,816
P14,885 total
Aug 8 - Aug 9
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! (827 reviews)
"Very quite"

Reviewed on Jul 29, 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 Jul 19, 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 Jan 3, 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 Jul 15, 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.

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