- Destinations
- Caribbean
- Jamaica
- Kingston
Kingston
The capital of Jamaica, Kingston jives to the beat of the
infectious reggae music that was born here and has swept through
the world. It is the largest English-speaking city south of Miami,
lying on a wide plain with the world's seventh-largest natural
harbour to the south, and the Blue Mountains behind.
Jamaica itself may have the image of being laid back and rather
slow, but cosmopolitan Kingston moves at a fast pace, in keeping
with its importance as the dominant force on the island
politically, commercially and culturally.
Tourists tend not to stay in Kingston as such, generally heading
for the northern and western beaches and resorts instead, but the
city does have a wide array of historical and cultural attractions,
not to mention a very sophisticated and sizzling nightlife.
Kingston was founded in 1692 after the demise of nearby Port
Royal, the former capital, which was devastated by an earthquake.
Port Royal was known as the 'wicked city', being the haunt of
decadent aristocrats and swashbuckling pirates. Kingston has tried
to be more dignified, but it is a little grimy and crime is rife.
There are also some inner-city neighbourhoods to avoid, which are
more prone to drug-related killings and gang violence.
Information & Facts
Climate
Jamaica has a tropical climate with year-round constant high
temperatures and humidity and no seasonal variation. The city of
Kingston lies on the dry part of the island, so rainfall is
intermittent. When it does rain, showers are short, heavy and
followed by sunshine. The rainiest weather occurs in May and June
and later in October and November, sometimes extending into
December. Tropical storms and hurricanes can occur between July and
November.
Getting Around
Public transport is not recommended for visitors to Kingston due
to overcrowding and unsafe conditions aboard the buses, and driving
conditions are chaotic. Downtown is easily navigable on foot, but
walking anywhere at night is not advisable. Taxis come in various
shapes, sizes and vintages, but should bear a red licence plate
with the letters 'PPV' indicating it is an authorised taxi.
Passengers should negotiate a fare before setting off.
Language
The official language of Jamaica is English but a local
patois is also spoken, a mixture of English, Spanish, and various
African languages.
Money
The Jamaican Dollar (JMD) is divided into 100 cents. The island
is well supplied with ATMs, banks and bureaux de change. Banking
hours are usually Monday to Thursday from 9am to 2pm, and Friday
from 9am to 4pm. Cambio exchange offices are found throughout the
country, open later than banks and often offering better exchange
rates. Retain receipts as proof of legal currency exchange.
Exchange bureaux at the airports and hotels also offer better rates
than banks. Major credit cards and travellers cheques are widely
accepted. Both cash and travellers cheques are best taken in US
Dollars.
Night Life
After a long day enjoying the Caribbean sunshine, what could be
better than working up a sweat in one of Kingston's hottest
nightclubs? Jamaicans love to dance and it doesn't take long for
the rum to get flowing and the party to really kick off. Most of
the nightlife is centred round the tourist areas, but the most
popular strip is without a doubt Knutsford Blvd in Kingston 5,
where the highly popular Asylum nightclub, synonymous with
Kingston's hip and happening party scene, attracts revelers of all
kinds. Quad is also hot on the club scene, with a jazz café,
nightclub and Voodoo Lounge, perfect for shaking a tail feather. A
variety of music bars and clubs offering all kinds of music abound,
with everything from reggae, rock, jazz, latin and house to keep
those hips shaking until the early hours. Kingston can be dangerous
after dark so it might be worth finding out where to go from your
hotel before heading out for a big night. Walking at night is not
recommended, better to take a taxi.
Shopping
With everything from colourful beachwear and tropical shirts to
locally-made crafts and jewellery, Kingston has it all and
shopaholics won't be disappointed. The New Kingston Shopping Centre
off Dominica Drive is the place to go for high quality and a wide
range of products, while the Island Life Mall on St. Lucia Avenue
offers a variety of shops, boutiques and even the Chelsea Art
Gallery. Sovereign Centre is Jamaica's largest shopping centre and
boasts a variety of western stores and boutiques, as well as a food
court and two cinemas. Tuff Gong in Marcus Garvey Drive is the
place to go for anything reggae, they even have a recording studio
used by Ziggy Marley. Jubilee Market on Orange Street is great for
souvenir shopping as just about everything is sold here, from Bob
Marley mementos and local arts and crafts to fresh fruit and the
usual tourist miscellany. Keep a firm grip on your purse as it's a
haven for pickpockets. Kingston Crafts Market, on Harbour Street,
is also a good place for souvenir shopping - look out for wooden
crockery, pepper pots made from mahoe wood, masks, straw hats and
baskets. There is a Farmer's Market at Market Square every Tuesday,
Thursday, and Saturday throughout the year, where you can find
local arts and crafts along with fresh produce. Or those happy to
take it slow can head down Constant Spring Road and browse through
the shopping plazas along the sides of the road.
Sightseeing
Sightseeing in Kingston has a split personality due to the
city's colonial past. Visitors will find attractions like Devon
House and Spanish Town with grand British and Spanish architecture
next to bustling markets with a distinctly Afro-Caribbean
flavour.
Despite Kingston's chequered past, visitors shouldn't miss
touring the stately mansions and art galleries alongside the
beaches and Bob Marley sights. Further from the city, the Blue
Mountains offer a wild experience with waterfalls, hiking, and
tours of thoroughly-modernised coffee plantations. Kingston has
come a long way, and is sure to have something to do and see for
everyone.