Kingston, the capital city of Jamaica, is the ultra-modern, all-encompassing hub of the island. As the seat of the Jamaican government and the country’s commercial centre, Kingston also boasts some impressive cultural, and recreational options. Here’s a look at what the city has to offer.
Food
Devon House I-Scream: Want to indulge in a cooler, creamier ice cream treat? Make a stop at Devon House I-Scream, listed in 2011 as the 4th best place in the world to eat ice cream by National Geographic. With over 27 ice cream flavours to choose from, you can indulge in unique tropical tastes like guava, coconut, and stout. Enjoy these exciting ice cream flavours in the gardens of the historic Devon House complex, the former home of Jamaica’s first black millionaire George Stiebel.
Crab at Heroes Circle: For a true Jamaican street food experience, head to Heroes Circle in downtown Kingston, arguably the best crab spot in the country. The crab vendors offer delicious crab dishes year-round, with some of the crabs caught as far away as Portland to the east, and Clarendon to the south. You can get boiled crabs, curried crabs (done to order) and soup, as well as roasted yam, saltfish, and corn. With meals as low as J$150.00, it’s easy to grab a quick, tasty, authentically Jamaican lunch.
Activities
Touring the Bob Marley Museum: The Bob Marley Museum presents the perfect opportunity to know the Jamaican reggae icon on a more personal level. The museum, which features nineteenth-century architecture, was Marley’s home from 1975 until his death in 1981. His widow, Rita Marley, converted the home into a museum six years later. Visitors have the option of going on the Bob Marley Home Tour, where they can explore the musician’s home and view his personal treasures. They can also go on the Making of the Music Tour, for an intimate look at Marley’s recording studio as well as learn about the record-making process. After the tour, visitors can pick up a souvenir at the gift shop or grab a bite to eat at the One Love Café.
Visiting Hope Gardens: Also called the Royal Botanical Gardens, Hope Gardens occupies 200 acres of land in St. Andrew’s Liguanea plains. Established in 1873 on a piece of land from the estate of Major Richard Hope, Hope Gardens is now the largest public green space in Kingston. It’s home to a variety of both endemic and exotic flora, including a Cassia siamea grove at the entrance, and the Blue Mahoe tree (Hibiscus elatus) – Jamaica’s national tree. Other areas of interest include the bougainvillea walk and the lily pond. Hope Gardens is a wonderful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle, and a magnet for nature enthusiasts.
Entertainment
With a signature party for almost every day of the week, Kingston nightlife has become legendary – attracting party-goers from around the world. To really experience the best of Kingston’s nightlife, plan your party experience between the months of February and April, when Carnival season is in full swing. Men and women fete in the latest costume designs representing popular ‘bands’ Xaymaca International, Xodus Carnival, and Bacchanal Jamaica. Rave to the sweet sounds of soca music at Bacchanal Fridays, and tek on di road in beautiful, intimate regalia during Road March, normally held on the last Sunday of April.
Accommodation
While not quite a tourist hot spot like Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, or Negril, Kingston is home to a small, but impressive collection of hotels in the New Kingston area, more suited to the business professional. You won’t find multiple swimming pools of various sizes sprawled out on huge properties. What you can find, however, are comfortable beds, hot water, reliable Wi-Fi connections, state-of-the-art gyms, and great breakfasts. Many of these hotels boast well stocked bars, making them perfect places to decompress after a hard day’s work.
They’re also in close proximity to the Emancipation Park, another green space free of cost to the public. Enjoy some quiet time in the park or pack a pair of running shoes to use its jogging trail.
In an island that’s known for its beaches, Kingston is a mecca of history, entertainment and delectable restaurants. And you don’t need to break the bank to have great experiences in this city.