Kingston

Trip preparation

Kingston is the largest city in Jamaica and is found on the southern side of the Island. It’s harbor is the 7th largest natural harbor in the world.

General

Airports and car rental The Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) is less than 20 minutes away from the capital. There is an airport shuttle and local bus services that connect the airport with the city. It is often better to rent a moped than a car to get around the island. This can usually be arranged by your hotel.

Language

Kingston is the city with the largest English speaking population south of the USA.

Currency

The official currency of Jamaica is the Jamaican dollar however the US dollar is widely accepted.

Best travel time

Kingston has a tropical climate, with a wet season from May to November, which brings heavy showers especially in May. The average temperature throughout the year is 31 degrees. The constant temperatures mean it does not matter which time of year you visit!

Visa requirements

For US and European citizens no visa is required, just a passport.

History

Kingston was founded after an influx of refugees in the area after an earthquake that destroyed the nearby town of Port Royal in 1692. It was not until the 1960s that industry really started to develop in Kingston.

Traditions and Culture

Although the culture of Jamaica as a whole is famed for being laid back and relaxed, Kingston is a cosmopolitan city and this is evident to the quicker pace of live here compared to the rest of the island. The town is the islands political and economic hub. As the home of reggae music, you will hear the city at all hours.

Religion

Christianity is the main religion on the island.

By bus

The town is easy to explore by foot. However taxis are also a reasonable option for short distances. Use taxis with red number plates as these are official registered taxis.

Sights

Places worth visiting in the city include the Hope Botanical gardens and William Grant Park. Or if you want to see evidence of the city’s colonial past, take a walk along the parade at Ocean Boulevard or visit the Coke Memorial hall. Visit the Blue Mountains to the north, where you can visit the coffee plantations. It is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The small fishing village of Port Royal is only a short ferry ride away or visit the town of Port Royal itself. Events

Food

Ackee is one of the stable foods of the island. Although it looks like scrambled eggs, it is actually a fruit and is worth a try. The cuisine of Jamaica can be an acquired taste. Dishes are heavily spiced. Dishes like goat soup and goat curry are popular with locals. However the city has restaurants offering a variety of cuisines from different cultures.