Itineraries for Your Trip to Kingston
2 Days in Kingston for First Timers
While a lot of people visit Jamaica for the white-sand beaches and fantastic resorts, what drew me to the country was the culture. I grew up listening to reggae, dancehall, and dub music, so visiting Kingston, Jamaica’s capital and cultural hub, was a big treat for me. Not only did I get to visit the former home of Bob Marley, now a museum, but I also got the chance to listen to some of my favorite genres of music on massive sound systems. Even if you aren’t a fan of Jamaican music, you’ll find plenty of culture in Kingston, from art museums to historic homes. Here’s how to make the most of two days in Kingston.
If you only have time for one thing, make it the Bob Marley Museum.
The wet season runs from roughly May–October. Pack an umbrella if you come during this time.
Start your Kingston trip off by getting acquainted with the city's highlights on a city tour. With just a couple of hours, you can get a feel for the lay of the land while you pass by points of interest such as Devon House and Emancipation Park that you can later return to on your own.
In the afternoon, head to downtown Kingston to see some of the city’s many murals that bring color and energy to the city’s Art District. Head along Water Lane and the surrounding streets to check out large-scale works by local artists. Guide-led art walks make it easy to see the highlights without worrying about missing anything.
Evenings in Kingston are great for travelers who love to eat, whether in the form of dining out at area restaurants or sampling street food. If you’re in town on a Tuesday evening, head to the Kingston Night Market, where you can try all sorts of tasty local cuisine, from jerk chicken to a type of deep-fried bread known as festivals.
On your second morning, revisit some of the top spots you saw on your first-day bus tour, including the Bob Marley Museum and Devon House. Start at the Bob Marley Museum to learn about the life of the reggae legend before heading to Devon House, a beautiful historic estate with a famous ice cream shop.
In the afternoon, head to the Blue Mountains, a region famous for its delicious coffee and lush scenery. It’s close enough to Kingston to check out in one afternoon, and half-day guided tours make it easy to get to the region without having to rent a car. Sample fresh coffee and take an invigorating hike before heading back to the city.
Spend your last night in Kingston dancing the night away to dancehall and reggae tunes at one of Kingston’s many bars and clubs. If you’re in town on a Friday night, you can hop aboard a party cruise that sails out into the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea. Free drinks and food sweeten the deal!
