Kingston Jamaica – A Tourist Guide to This Exciting City

Kingston, the heart of the Caribbean’s most alluring islands, Jamaica, is a bustling cosmopolitan town. Founded following the disastrous Port Royal earthquake of 1692, Kingston is the centre of government and commerce and offers an all-inclusive variety of attractions for visitors.

A holiday in Kingston is perfect for anyone who enjoys the delights of a tropical island and the appeal of a mysterious city. Many party enthusiasts travel to Kingston for its renowned clubs and nightspots. There nightlife is centered on Knutsford Boulevard known as the “Kingston Strip”. Bob Marley Museum, one of the well known tourist places in the city, is built in the memory of late Reggae superstar, Robert Bob Marley. The museum is located in Marley’s original studio where a number of his songs were recorded. The Royal Botanical gardens known as “Hope Gardens” was established in 1873 on a section of land from the estate of Major Richard Hope. The Hope Gardens are the largest botanical gardens in the Kingston metropolitan city and habitats a large variety of exotic botanical collections.

Linstead, a small inland town, is a major commercial center where farmers travel from far away to sell a wide variety of produce. Linstead is a favorite meeting place for central Jamaicans since the 19th century and is always lively with its fresh weekly produce market. If you happen to visit Kingston, you will at some point of time land to the New Kingston. Built on the lands of the Knutsford Park Race Track, the area is a fast growing commercial district and is becoming the business center of the country.

The University of West Indies is also a home to many tourist attractions. There are many sights to see and stories to tell. Take a walking tour through the campus or stroll around the chapel and visit the well known geology museum or the Aqueduct. The University began at Mona, Jamaica, West Indies in 1948 as a college of the University of London and achieved full university status in 1962.

For the city’s best ice cream, pastry, gourmet cuisine and shopping, take a tour through the Devon House, Kingston’s known historical mansion. Furnished with the antiques of the 19th century from Jamaica and the Caribbean region, the historical site goes back in time of the Georgian style of house. The old stables, kitchen and other buildings on the property host some of Jamaica’s finest restaurants, confectioneries and souvenir shops. Devon House I Scream, makers of Jamaica’s premier brand of ice-cream has its main store at the location.

The city also boosts of some of its well known dining restaurants. Dragon City restaurant, Bamboo Village, Gimbilyn, Jade Garden, Chilitos and Whitebones seafood restaurant are among the popular ones. Also a large number of accommodation options are available for tourists throughout the city. Your holiday in Kingston can be planned any time of the year. The city has sunlight and sultry tropical days and nights through most of the months.

All though Jamaica has numerous tourist attractions, sometimes all you need from a vacation is just an opportunity to unwind. So pack for Kingston and get set to explore the good, bad and ugly aspects of the capital city.