Kingston Travelers Recommend

While many travelers to Jamaica pass through Kingston en route to beach destinations or skip it entirely, the capital is full of culture and history and merits a few days. With three days in the city, you have time to see historic and reggae-related sites, as well as take a day trip out of town. Here’s one way to plan your time.

Day 1: Jamaican Heritage

Spend your first day in Kingston experiencing the city's history and culture. Learn more about colonial and maritime history at Port Royal, home to the 17th-century Fort Charles, now a maritime museum. For art, head to the National Gallery of Jamaica, home to a large collection of artwork from across the Caribbean, including pieces from the celebrated Jamaican artist, Edna Manley. Not far from the National Gallery is Emancipation Park, full of outdoor sculptures and art installations. Art-themed walking tours tend to include both attractions. For a taste of Jamaica, try a cuisine-focused walking tour, which introduces you to Jamaican classics such as patties and jerk chicken. And if your visit happens to be on a Tuesday, make sure to stop by the weekly Kingston Night Market, popular for its large variety of food and crafts vendors.

Day 2: Strictly Roots and Culture

Kingston is the birthplace of reggae music, and its reggae-related attractions are among its biggest draws. Spend your second day visiting reggae sites—you can save time and money and take the stress out of planning by booking a reggae-themed city tour. Popular attractions include the Bob Marley Museum, featuring a large variety of Marley-related ephemera exhibited in the former home of the late singer. Nearby, the Peter Tosh museum focuses on the works of Tosh. Further south, Trench Town is the neighborhood where Bob Marley came of age and is home to the Trench Town Culture Yard Museum; tours to the area usually stop at the museum and devote some time to exploring the neighborhood. If you have time, National Heroes Park is also worth a visit. A number of famous Jamaicans are buried at the botanic garden, including Marcus Garvey, and it's where Marley's famous 1976 Smile Jamaica concert took place.

Day 3: Out into Nature

There are plenty of great spots near Kingston for a day trips, particularly if you like to get out into nature. A short drive inland, the Blue Mountains are known for producing the country's finest coffee, but the area is worth visiting even if you aren't into coffee for its scenery and ample hiking and bird-watching. Know that the drive up can be treacherous, particularly on rainy days, so it's easiest to go with a tour or hire a private guide who’s familiar with the route. Alternatively, consider joining a day trip to Dunn’s River Falls, a terraced waterfall not far from Montego Bay. It’s one of the most popular of Jamaica’s numerous waterfalls, and most tours include the chance to climb up to the top of the falls (with the support of your guide) for expansive views out over the jungle.

With two days in the capital of Jamaica, you have time to visit museums and historic sites and spend a day immersing yourself in the local reggae scene. Here’s one way to go about it.

Day 1: History and Culture

**Morning:**They say one of the best ways to experience a culture is through its food, and Kingston has a lot to offer when it comes to cuisine. Consider starting your day with a food tour, where you get to try local favorite such as jerk chicken and patties (filled puff pastries).

**Afternoon:**In the afternoon, head to Port Royal, at the end of Kingston Harbor, to visit Fort Charles, a 17th-century fort that now houses a maritime museum. Then make your way inland to the National Gallery of Jamaica, home to one of the largest collections of art in the Caribbean region.

**Night:**When the sun begins to set, make your way to Harbour Street, just up from the National Gallery, where there are plenty of restaurants for all budgets. If you’re in town on a Tuesday, don't miss the weekly Kingston Night Market to gorge on street food shop the handicrafts vendors.

Day 2: Reggae Roots

**Morning:**Devote your second day to learning the history of reggae. Start at the Bob Marley Museum in Marley’s old house, followed by a tour of the nearby Peter Tosh Museum. While each can be visited individually, full-day tours that visit both museums along with other reggae-related attractions such as Trenchtown are a better value.

**Afternoon:**In the afternoon, head to Trench Town, where Marley and other reggae stars got their start (you can learn all about it at the Trench Town Culture Yard Museum). If you’re not on a full-day reggae tour, it's recommended to visit this area with a guide or as part of a tour for safety reasons.

**Night:**If you want to continue your reggae experience into the evening, head to a club to listen to dub, roots, or dancehall music; the Kingston Dub Club is a popular option. Alternatively, stop for food and drinks at Usain Bolt Tracks & Records, a music and sports pub owned by the running superstar.

Even with just one day in Kingston, it's possible to get a feel for the city’s arts, culture, and history, with time to hit up museums, see public art, and even do a little shopping. Here’s how.

Morning: Godfathers of Reggae

Make a beeline to the Bob Marley museum on Hope Road, housed in the former home of the famous reggae artist. The museum is only accessible by joining a guided tour (included in the ticket price), and you can prebook your admission to guarantee a spot. From the museum, it's a quick walk to the newer Peter Tosh museum, dedicated to the famous Wailer. Tours that include visits to both, with stops at other reggae-related sites such as Trench Town, are also available for those who want to spend a whole day devoted to Jamaica's best-known cultural export.

Afternoon: Kingston Arts

In the afternoon, head south to the National Gallery of Jamaica to see its extensive collection of Jamaican and pan-Caribbean art, including works from Edna Manley, such as her celebrated sculpture,Negro Aroused. From here, it's a short walk to Emancipation Park, which boasts an extensive mix of temporary and permanent public art installations; the most famous, Redemption Song, takes its name from a Marley classic. Art-focused walking tours often include both stops and are great for those who want to save time and learn about the local art scene from a guide.

Night: The Kingston Night Market

If at all possible, try to arrange your Kingston visit to include a Tuesday night, when Kingston Night Market—just south of the Bob Marley Museum—operates. Here you find all sorts of locally produced arts and crafts for sale along with live music and plenty of opportunities to try local cuisine. Guided tours that include hotel transfers are also available, and having a guide can be useful in helping you to navigate the market, learn about island cuisine, and understand local bargaining practices.