Kingston Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Kingston showing heritage elements, general coastal views and building ruins
Blue Mountains National Park featuring a lake or waterhole and a waterfall
Devon House showing a statue or sculpture and a fountain
Devon House showing a fountain, château or palace and a park
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 neighbourhoods, 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 featuring a house and a park

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 general coastal views, boating and a bay or harbour

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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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
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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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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
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Constant Spring

If you're spending some time in Constant Spring, Manor Park Plaza and Constant Spring Golf Club are top sights worth seeing.

Constant Spring
S Hotel Kingston

S Hotel Kingston

4.5 out of 5
1 St Lucia Avenue, Kingston, Saint Andrew
The price is Rp2.640.429 per night from 5 Sept to 6 Sept
Rp2.640.429
Rp3.409.663 total
5 Sept - 6 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Kingston. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,445 reviews)
"From the moment I arrived at S Hotel Kingston, I was truly impressed by the impeccable service, modern elegance, and warm Jamaican hospitality. The staff were incredibly attentive, courteous, and went above and beyond to ensure my stay was comfortable and memorable. The rooms are beautifully designed, ..."

Reviewed on 5 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 Rp2.727.814 per night from 19 Aug to 20 Aug
Rp2.727.814
Rp3.344.334 total
19 Aug - 20 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Kingston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,157 reviews)
"Rooms were clean Bathroom was clean Bed rest was good Breakfast was ok continental View from breakfast area , not the best but not displeasing to the eye sight"

Reviewed on 4 Aug 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 Rp3.329.629 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
Rp3.329.629
Rp4.194.300 total
23 Aug - 24 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Kingston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (828 reviews)
Excellent
"Had a wonderful stay in this beautiful hotel"

Reviewed on 4 Aug 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Bob Marley Museum and Palace ...
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
Cattleya's New Kingston Guest Apartment

Cattleya's New Kingston Guest Apartment

3.5 out of 5
12A Kingsway, Apartment #3, Kingston, Kingston Parish
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly apartment in Kingston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Bob Marley ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (61 reviews)
"Very quiet nd clean as well as safe. It’s comfortable."

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Cattleya's New Kingston Guest Apartment
Cozy Apartments

Cozy Apartments

2.5 out of 5
1 Winston Avenue, Kingston 6, Kingston, Kingston
Stay at this apartment in Kingston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 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
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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Things to do