Kingston, the heart of the Caribbean’s most attractive islands, Jamaica, is a lively cosmopolitan city. Founded after the disastrous 1692 Port Royal earthquake, Kingston is the center of government and commerce and offers a variety of all-inclusive attractions for visitors.
A Kingston vacation is perfect for anyone who enjoys the delights of a tropical island and the lure of a mysterious city. Many party enthusiasts travel to Kingston for its famous clubs and nightspots. There, the nightlife is centered on Knutsford Boulevard, known as the “Kingston Strip”. The Bob Marley Museum, one of the best-known tourist spots in the city, is built in memory of reggae superstar Robert Bob Marley. The museum is located in Marley’s original studio, where several of his songs were recorded. The Royal Botanic Gardens known as “Hope Gardens” were established in 1873 on a section of land owned by Major Richard Hope. Hope Gardens are the largest botanical gardens in the metropolitan city of Kingston, home to a wide variety of exotic botanical collections.
Linstead, a small inland town, is a major trading center where farmers travel from far away to sell a wide variety of products. Linstead has been a favorite gathering place for central Jamaicans since the 19th century and is always buzzing with its weekly fresh produce market. If you visit Kingston, at some point you will land in New Kingston. Built on the grounds of the Knutsford Park Race Track, the area is a fast growing commercial district and is becoming the business center of the country.
The University of the West Indies is also home to many tourist attractions. There are many sights to see and stories to tell. Take a walking tour of the campus or stroll through the chapel and visit the well-known geology museum or the Aqueduct. The University began in Mona, Jamaica, West Indies in 1948 as a college of the University of London and achieved full university status in 1962.
For the best ice cream, pastries, gourmet cuisine and shopping in the city, take a tour of Devon House, Kingston’s well-known historic mansion. Furnished with 19th century antiques from Jamaica and the Caribbean region, the historic site dates back to the days of the Georgian style of houses. The property’s former stables, kitchen and other buildings house some of Jamaica’s best restaurants, sweet shops and souvenir shops. Devon House I Scream, makers of Jamaica’s leading ice cream brand, has its flagship store on site.
The city also powers some of its well-known gastronomic restaurants. Dragon City Restaurant, Bamboo Village, Gimbilyn, Jade Garden, Chilitos, and Whitebones Seafood Restaurant are among the most popular. There are also a plethora of accommodation options available to tourists throughout the city. Your Kingston vacation can be planned at any time of the year. The city has sunlight and sweltering tropical days and nights during most of the months.
Although Jamaica has numerous tourist attractions, sometimes all you need from a vacation is just a chance to relax. So pack up for Kingston and get ready to explore the good, bad and ugly aspects of the capital city.