City Name: Kingston
Where is it located?: Kingston is located in Jamaica, on the eastern half of the island.
Why do people go there?: Kingston isn’t the most beautiful city in the Caribbean, but it has its fair share of colonial charm, excellent food and the Bob Marley museum to boot!
How do travelers get there?: Most people fly into Kingston when they arrive in Jamaica, but stop-overs from cruise ships are also popular.
Currency: Jamaican dollar (JMD)
City Code: None needed
Languages: English, patois English
Neighborhoods: King Street, Ocean Blvd., Sir William Grant Park
Attractions: Bob Marley, Color, Waterfront
Tourist Office: Jamaica-Tourist Board Tourism Centre 21 Dominica Dr Kingston 5, Jamaica +1-809-929-9200, 952-4425 (Montego Bay), 974-2570 (Ocho Rios), 993-3051 (Port Antonio), 957-4243 (Negril)
Off-the-beaten-path: Bog Walk Gorge, St. Thomas
Tips for Visiting
When to go: Crowds will find you year round, but so will sunshine. Stay away from the city in the summer.
Common Phrases: ‘way yuh a’go, e e?’ = where are you going?; ‘seh wa?’ = what did you say; “mi nuh no” = ‘I do not know’; “teckear” = ‘take care’
City Specific Events: Bob Marley Week, Jamaica Carnival
How to get around?: Unfortunately, the bus system is something of a nightmare. Watch your pocketbook if you decide to take one, and plan on having plenty of time. Otherwise, hail a cab.
Good to know: Kingston is the biggest city in Jamaica.
Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airport to fly into Kingston is the Norman Manley International Airport.
Need more information?: Check out the Kingston travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.