Time of the basis: Population: Area: Monetary unit:

1630 590 thousand persons of 25 sq. km Jamaican dollar ( notes and coins )

The Kingston is capital of Jamaica, and also historical, cultural and a country administrative centre. The city is on Caribbean sea. The Kingston is possessed in natural harbour, protected by passage Palisados. The country Large part mountains in height take of 900 m. In capital the large part of all population of Jamaica is concentrated. The basic population - Africans and metises. The insignificant part of the population is made by natives of the European and Asian countries. An official language is English. But, despite it, many aboriginals of capital in informal conversation use local dialects. The believing population professes basically Christianity (Catholics, Protestants).
Kingston - a city with rich history. In XVII century it was one of the largest centres of a slave-trade in West Indies. In 1703 the Kingston has very hardly suffered from a fire. Already later the Kingston has turned to a chief town of Jamaica, and in 1872 has been confirmed by its capital.


In 1907 the city has been almost destroyed as a result of the happened earthquake, the significant part of buildings of Old English culture has been destroyed. The capital has partially been restored, therefore the Kingston is considered a modern city. It is famous for the numerous museums. Historical and art museums, the Museum of natural history, the House museum of the Bean of the Gauze and residence of the main governor concern their number. One of the most popular streets is Royal. On it the largest shops, boutiques, hotels, restaurants, cinemas are possessed. Here there is the most important cultural place of interest of a city - a cathedral the Saint Thomas erected in 1699 and anew restored after earthquake, occurred in 1907 In the street under the name of Djuk there is a residence of the government of Jamaica. In the east of a Kingston the strength the Rock fort based in second half XVII century is possessed On Kingston suburb there is the famous university of West Indies, Based in 1948, and also Institute of Jamaica into which enter public library, a museum and the regular exhibition of arts.

The Kingston has no officially confirmed a flag .
the Arms Kingston represent a heraldic board on which dark blue field the plotting of a white cross is seated. Along the edges of a board two opened books are seated. In board top the plotting of an insect, and in bottom - a figure of the most ancient deity is seated. As arms chargers act the gold lion standing on hinder legs which head is topped by a tower crown, and the black Indian in a loincloth, an onion keeping in the left hand. Over stamp drawing the knightly top section with a coverlet of dark blue and white colours, and also a windmill towers.

Kingston, Jamaica - Kingston Travel guide

Kingston is located on the southeast coast of Jamaica and is both the capital and largest city on the island. Founded in 1693 on the site of the much destroyed Port Royal, Kingston soon found itself the largest centre of trade and economy in Jamaica.
The city is divided into two parts, uptown and Downtown and is home to some fantastic restaurants and first class hotels. The city does not have any beaches at all but does have a very lively club scene with many Reggae, Dub and Ska themes. For Bob Marley fans Kingston houses the official Bob Marley museum a place of homage to all of his followers.
Kingston is the capital city of Jamaica. This port city lies on the southwest coast and constitutes the largest city on the island. It is a fascinating mixture of culture, business, and learning. The University of the West Indies resides here as does the Bob Marley Museum. The city isn't for the passive tourist but it does have many great qualities that make it worth a visit. New Kingston the financial capital of Jamaica bordered by Oxford Road, Old Hope Road, Trafalgar Road and Holborn Road.

Kingston Culture

Culture in Kingston is divided straight down the middle, the uptown developed New Kingston on one side and the almost forgotten troubled and poverty stricken downtown on the other.
Ironically most of the culture to which Jamaica and Kingston have become synonymous throughout the world stems from the downtown neighbourhoods such as Trenchtown. These areas stricken by poverty and violence were and are the breeding ground for both reggae music and much of the culture surrounding the lifestyle associated with it.
In complete contrast to downtown Kingston, uptown has received much financial attention and is the part of the city more frequented by tourists. Cultural events are far more directed at an international audience and the lack of financial crises allows for a far calmer environment.

Kingston Things to See

Kingston is a city that has suffered much hardship and many problems related to drugs and gangs so as a visitor to the city it is worth being aware and sticking to the ‘tourist path’.

One picturesque landmark is Devon House. This old house has been restored and tours are available. Nearby is some nice shopping where some lovely artwork and quality craft items are sold. Also there is a pleasant little tavern called The Grogge Shoppe underneath a large tree. Fare is simple but scrumptious.
Kingston is perhaps the most historic city in Jamaica. Just east is Port Royal. Once it was wealthy and decadent, the home of pirates and royalty. The "wicked city" was struck by a massive earthquake in 1692 and much of the old city sank into the bay. It is said that hardy snorkelers can see the remnants that lay a mere 30 feet beneath the water. Local resorts sponsor scuba and glass bottom boat tours.

The capital of Jamaica was moved to Kingston. The center of town has a very British layout of grids. The rest of the city is a labyrinth of streets and alleys. Music has a strong presence in Kinston and this is in fact the city where Bob Marley learned to make his glorious music. Trenchtown where Marley resided is situated around a large drainage trench, hence the name. It is a area slum where the poorest of poor live. Now riddled with drug killings, it is not a place for outsiders. Do find your way to the Bob Marley Museum. The museum is interesting to say the least!
The Bob Marley museum is the most popular tourist destination in Kingston. This shrine to the legend of Reggae is a great place to get a feel for the man and his music.

Kingston offers the visitor the opportunity to enjoy some wonderful examples of colonial architecture such as Devon House, the mansion built in 1881 by George Stiebel one of the first Caribbean millionaires.
A trip to Kingston would not be complete without paying a visit to some of the most important historical points on the island such as Spanish Town, the capital of Jamaica under Spanish rule and a wonderful mix of Spanish and British architecture. The former Pirates haven, Port Royal is another fantastic historical spot. In 1692 a tidal wave and earthquake destroyed the town leaving behind only ruins that today have been transformed into a museum and an archaeological site.
The biggest pull of Kinston is the accessibility of the famous Blue Mountains, misty home of the world's most expensive coffee. A trip up into the Blue Mountains is a welcome reprieve from the city and makes for a wonderful excursion and hike. This oasis of Flora and Fauna towers above the city and sprawls out for miles reaching peaks of over 7,000 feet. Hike over to the Blue Mountain page for more information.

• Kingston Museums and Galleries

  • Bob Marley Museum

    The most popular museum in Jamaica dedicated to the world famous singer songwriter Bob Marley. This once home of Bob Marley has been crammed with memorabilia that can be enjoyed by all of his admirers.
    Bob Marley Museum Address:
    56 Hope Road, Kingston, Jamaica Telephone: 927 9152
    Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 9.30am until 4pm (tours run every hour)
    Admission Charge: J$500 (adults), J$400 (students and children 13-18), J$200 (children 4-12)

  • National Gallery

    This wonderful gallery displays the works of Jamaica’s most important artist such as Edna Manley, Christopher Gonzalez and Mallica Reynolds.
    National Gallery Address:
    Roy West Building, Kingston Mall, 12 Ocean Boulevard. Telephone: 922 1561; Opening hours: 10am to 4.30pm Tuesdays to Thursdays, Fridays from 10am to 4pm, and on Saturdays from 10am to 3pm.
    Admission Charge: J$50 (adults)

  • Fort Charles Maritime Museum

    Within the Fort are the office and former living quarters of Horatio Nelson who came to Port Royal in 1777 at the age of 19. Two years later he became the Commander of Fort Charles. These two structures now house the Fort Charles Maritime Museum.
    Fort Charles Maritime Museum Address:
    Fort Charles Maritime Museum
    Port Royal, Kingston, Jamaica
    Open hours: 9am-5pm Monday-Thursday, 9am-4pm Friday

  • Bank of Jamaica Money Museum

    The story of money in Jamaica and around the world is housed in this museum at the headquarters of the National bank of Jamaica.
    Bank of Jamaica Money Museum Address:
    Nethersole Place, Kingston, Jamaica. Tel - +1 876 922 0750
    Opening hours: 10 am – 4pm Monday to Friday
    Admission FREE

• Kingston Food and Drink

  • Golden Bowl - Finest Chinese dishes

    7 Cargill Ave, Kingston 10, Jamaica, Tel +1 876 929 8556, Fax +1 876 926 2001

  • BrownStone Steak House - Famous steaks

    38 Trafalgar Road, (PCJ Building), Kingston 10, Jamaica, Tel +1 876 929 1389

  • Crab Bar & Grill (The) - seafood

    Abahati Hotel, 7 Grosvenor Terrace, Kingston 8, Jamaica, Tel +1 876 755 0498

  • Norma's on the Terrace – Caribbean food

    26 Hope Road, Kingston 10, Jamaica, Tel +1 876 968 5488

  • Redbones Blues Cafe – Secluded Caribbean restaurant

    21 Braemer Ave, Kingston 5, Jamaica. Tel +1 876 978 6091, Fax +1 876 978 8262

  • Eden Vegetarian Restaurant - Variety of vegetarian dishes

    Shop 24, Central Plaza, 13 Constant Spring Road, Kingston 10, Jamaica, Tel +1 876 926 3051

  • Velisa's – Gourmet whole food restaurant

    11 Devon Road, Kingston 10, Jamaica. Tel - 906-3574

  • 925-Jerk – Great Jerk chicken and Jerk pork!

    69 Constant Spring Road,Unit 10, Blaise Industrial Park, Kingston 10, Jamaica. Tel - (876)925-5375

  • Peppers Classic Bar – Open air bar and restaurant

    31 Upper Waterloo Road, Kingston 10, Jamaica Tel - 876-969-2421

  • El Dorado Restaurant – Known for its seafood as well as great steaks

    Terra Nova Hotel, 17 Waterloo Road, New Kingston Tel - 876-926-9334 or 876-926-2211

  • La Fresca Bar and Grill – Smart hotel restaurant

    Terra Nova Hotel, 17 Waterloo Road, New Kingston Tel - 876-926-9334 or 876-926-2211

• Getting Around - Kingston Transport

  • From Mandalay Airport:

    • The airport has car rental agencies located in the Business Arcade on the western terminal building, outside the Customs Hall. Bargain Rent-A-Car (876) 924-8293 International Rentals/Budget (876) 924-8762 or (876) 924-8964 Island Car Rentals (876) 924-8075 or (876) 924-8389
    • The Jamaica Union of Travellers Association (JUTA) provides a taxi service at the airport, with a fleet of air-conditioned vehicles ranging from sedans to large 30-seater buses. For further information and bookings, please call JUTA at (876) 924-8511
    • The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) operates a public bus service between the airport and Kingston's City Centre.

  • Around Kingston:

    • Public transportation consists of buses, minibuses and route taxis. JUTA (the Jamaica Union for Travellers Association) operates a reliable and quality transportation service specifically for tourists, which consists of well-maintained and air-conditioned cars, buses, coaches and luxury vehicles.
    • Licensed taxis recognisable by the red license plate that indicates the taxi is a Public Passenger Vehicle (PPV) are the best way to get around the city. Few of Jamaica’s taxis are metered. If you accept a driver’s offer of his services as a tour guide, be sure to agree on a price before departing.

  • Around the island:

    • Buses and coasters (private minibuses, displaying red license plates with the initials 'PPV'), run between Kingston and every point on the island. Buses arrive and depart from each town's transportation station.
    • Internal flights through Air Jamaica Express (tel 888/359-2475) and International Air Link (tel 940-6660) provide regularly scheduled service between the island's major cities, including Kingston, Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios and Port Antonio. TimAir (tel 952-2516) provides charter service between the resort areas.

Need to find a place to stay while you are in Kingston? Thanks to the Jamaican Tourist Board Online Site you can find one. These guys are great. They've basically compiled a constantly updating list of the Hotels, All Inclusives, Guest Houses, and Apartment Resorts for most of the hotspots in Jamaica.