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Kingston Holidays, Hotels & Travel Guide
Travel guide to hotels & holidays in Kingston
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Kingston Holidays Overview
A guide to holidays in 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 in 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 some neighbourhoods to avoid, like Trenchtown, a slum area
alongside a drainage trench where drug-related killings happen
regularly.
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Kingston
holidays - Top Places To Go
1. Bob Marley Museum
56 Hope Road
http://www.bobmarley-foundation.com/museum.html |
What is it? Jamaica's world famous son, singer-songwriter
Bob Marley, was responsible for making reggae music a global
phenomenon. The popular Rastafarian became a cult figure even
before his death caused by cancer in 1981 when he was 36 years old.
The museum devoted to his memory is the most-visited sight in
Kingston. The simple clapboard house was where Marley lived and
recorded his music until he died, and is now packed with Marley
memorabilia. There are also screenings of a movie about the
singer's life.
Hours of Operation: Monday to Saturday from 9.30am until 4pm (tours run
every hour)
Phone:927 9152 |
2. National Gallery
Roy West Building, Kingston Mall, 12 Ocean
Boulevard
www.instituteofjamaica.org.jm |
What is it? Jamaica's important art collection is often
overlooked by tourists, but is well worth visiting. The gallery
displays the works of Jamaica's talented artists, particularly that
of Edna Manley, 19th century sculptor and wife of a former prime
minister of Jamaica. Manley's acclaimed Ghetto
Mother stands in the main lobby of the national gallery,
along with a bronze statue by Christopher Gonzalez of reggae singer
Bob Marley. Other highlights of the collection are the religious
works of Mallica Reynolds, who has been hailed by art critics as a
modern genius.
Hours of Operation: 10am to 4.30pm Tuesdays to Thursdays, Fridays from
10am to 4pm, and on Saturdays from 10am to 3pm. Guided tours are
available
Phone:922 1561 |
3. Devon House
26 Hope Road
www.devonhousejamaica.com |
What is it? Devon House is one of numerous preserved
historic mansions in Jamaica that depict the glory of days gone by.
This house was built in 1881 by George Stiebel, a wealthy Jamaican
who became one of the first black millionaires in the Caribbean on
the strength of his mining interests in South America. In the
grounds are craft shops, restaurants, a bakery and pastry shop. The
venue is also famous for its delicious ice
cream.
Hours of Operation: Tours are from Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 5pm. The
shops are open Mondays to Saturdays from 10am to 6pm, the
restaurants close at 10pm
Phone:929 6602 |
Kingston
holidays - Top Events
1. Jamaica Carnival
From 2007-04-23
To 2007-04-23
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What is it? Jam-packed with spectacle, pageantry and
revelry, the biggest festival in Jamaica is a good-natured annual
bash that takes the island's music into the streets of Kingston.
Since the first carnival in 1990 the event has grown phenomenally
to attract tens of thousands of costumed merry-makers and
spectators who congregate over the carnival weeks and line the
route for the final Parade. Other centres on the island also hold
carnival events, and contestants from the different parishes vie
for the title of 'Soca Monarch', dancing in a special
competition.
Where is it? Liguanea Park |
2. Bob Marley Week
From 2007-02-05
To 2007-02-11
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What is it? Reggae fans and Rastafarians gather in
Kingston during the first week of February each year to enjoy a
feast of events lined up to commemorate the life and music of
Jamaica's best-known son, Bob Marley. Apart from a concert, the
week includes symposiums, lectures, karaoke contests, a fashion
show, exhibition and various other events related to Marley, who
died of cancer in 1981. The week is organised by the Bob Marley
Foundation and Bob Marley Museum.
Where is it? |
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