Things to do in Kingston
Most tourists do not come to Kingston for its beaches, but to enjoy a combination of activities including shopping and sightseeing. Kingston is the perfect place for a relaxing holiday, and there are a number of unique attractions to enjoy here.
Bob Marley Museum
The museum showcases the life of the Reggae superstar through photographs, artefacts and memorabilia. The museum was once the home of Bob Marley and the highlights of the tour are his bedroom and the bullet holes that are evidence of an assassination attempt. There is a small gift-cum-souvenir shop on-site.
National Art Gallery
Located in the Roy West Building, the gallery displays art that depicts the islands history as part of its exhibition. There are works by many famous Jamaican artists including John Dunkley, David Miller and Sidney McLaren. There is also an incredibly beautiful statue of Bob Marley on permanent display at the gallery. Each year the gallery holds an annual exhibition, from December to January, featuring the islands best artists.
Devon House
The three-storey Georgian-styled home has been declared a national monument and has been restored by the National Trust. It was built in 1881 by George Stiebel, the first black Caribbean to become a millionaire. The house, with its verandas and balconies offering great views, has a fine collection of antique mahogany furniture. Within the compound are a Port Royal grog shop, a restaurant serving authentic Jamaican cuisine, an ice cream shop and a quaint craft and souvenir shop.
Hope Botanical Gardens
Next to the College of Arts, Science and Technology are the beautiful gardens that offer a shady respite in the midst of commercialism and development. The garden was founded in 1881 and is beautifully landscaped with many walking paths, covering 200 acres. The gardens also house a small aviary and zoo.
Kingston Parish Church
The church was built in 1699, but it was partially destroyed in an earthquake and rebuilt in 1907. The church contains several interesting documents on the founders and important people of the city from the early days.
Port Royal
This was once the favourite haunt of pirates and buccaneers who looted Spanish ships throughout the Caribbean Seas. Infamous pirates such as Henry Morgan and Calico Jack spent a vast amount of their time on land at Port Royal. Relics of the notorious town can be seen at the Museum of Historical Archaeology and the Maritime Museum. However, most of the old city sunk beneath the tidal wave that was caused by a violent earthquake in 1692.
Giddy House
Giddy House, as it is commonly called, was once the Royal Artillery Store. The house is located on Port Royal and is within close proximity to Fort Charles. An earthquake tilted the store about 16 off its axis. Today, Giddy House makes a comic sight and visitors often topple over as they attempt to walk across the store.
Fort Charles
Fort Charles is the last remaining fort at old Port Royal, from a total of six that were destroyed in a massive earthquake and tidal wave that hit the peninsula in the 1600s. The fort was formerly known as Fort Cromwell. Lord Nelson once occupied the fort and strode its quarterdeck, which still stands.