Kingston, the vibrant city centre, pulsates with and its rich, eclectic culture. Named a UNESCO City of Music, Kingston’s musical heritage is evident - from colourful murals in tribute to reggae icons to the vivid expressions of dancehall booming from speaker-boxes and passing vehicles. Your tour of Kingston will take you up mountains and down city streets as you discover the heartbeat of Jamaica.

 

DAY 1: Awaken to Restoration in Nature's Embrace

The day begins in the mountains above the city at Strawberry Hill Hotel in Irish Town. Nestled among stunning flora and fauna, this cozy retreat in the Blue Mountains is the perfect escape for those seeking tranquility. Awaken to the sounds of nature on the beautifully maincured property and enjoy breakfast with freshly brewed Blue Mountain Coffee on the veranda, overlooking nature’s splendor.

 

Strawberry Hill

Strawberry Hill

Set in the cool hills of the Blue Mountains, Strawberry Hill is an architectural masterpiece and the haven for creative…

Blue Mountain Hike: After breakfast, explore the majestic Blue Mountain region, one of the island's natural wonders. Trek along misty mountain paths that offer not only breathtaking views but also serene connection with nature. From RafJam its about 20 minutes drive through misty montane forest to Holywell - a recreational area that's part of the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park. At Holywell, park rangers lead guided tours and operate a visitors' centre and plant nursery preserving and protecting the vibrant biodiversity. The Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with hundreds of endemic and migratory species calling the area home. Take a seat under one of the gazebos to watch species of all colours and sizes flit past. 

Before you depart Holywell, head over to Blue Brews Bistro for a mid-morning snack. Relax at bistro-style seats on the patio or chill at the big wooden picnic tables overlooking the park. You'll be tempted to sit for a while. Listen to the sound of birdsong with the cool air on your face as rolling mist makes its way down the mountain. This is the place to come back to your best self as you take in Jamaica’s unspoiled beauty.

 

 

Midday Escapades

Discover the perfect lunch in the mountains at EITS Cafe. EITS (which stands for Europe-In-The-Summer) is a charming café that mingles the gentility of a French cafe with undeniable Jamaican rustic charm. The farm-to-table menu includes a fusion of Jamaican and European-inspired cuisine, with dishes like ackee and curry goat samosas, seafood bisque, and barrel-roasted chicken. Plan your visit to make it to one of their live music events, staged on special occasions like Mother’s Day or during Independence Celebrations in August.

As you make your way down the mountain, stop in at Craighton Estate in Irish Town to take in in the fascinating history of Jamaica’s coffee production through a guided tour, complete with a delightful coffee tasting experience. The gardens at Craighton are beautiful, so you’ll want to linger for a while.

EITS Cafe

EITS Cafe

Shortened form for Europe in the Summer, EITS café is a rustic eatery in the Blue Mountains which serves up an appealing…

Craighton Estate

Craighton Estate

Craighton Estate is located in Irish Town St. Andrew and owned by Japan-based Ueshima Coffee Company. The estate offers…

Artistic Afternoon

Bob Marley Museum: Back down on the plain, spend the afternoon on a transformative journey at the home and recording studio of the iconic reggae legend, Bob Marley. Be immersed in the sights and sounds that once inspired the artist. Step into the world of musical greatness as you tour Marley’s sanctuary, where every nook and cranny resonates with the rhythm and echoes of his timeless work.

No trip to Kingston is complete without a visit to the historic Devon House. Just down the road from the museum, journey back to 19th-century at the home of George Stiebel, Jamaica’s first black millionaire. Once you’ve toured the house, stop in at the Devon House Bakery for the most sumptuous patties, filled with flavourful chunks of succulent lobster, spicy curry goat, beef, even callaloo. And for your sweet tooth? Savor the BEST ice cream on the island - arguably in the world. Recognized by National Geographic as one of the best places in the world to eat ice cream, Devon House I-Scream is known for signature flavours like Rum and Raisin, Stout, Coconut, even Guava.

 

Devon House Bakery Patty

 

The National Gallery of Jamaica: With stomachs filled and the sun still shining, delve into Kingston’s vibrant art scene at The National Gallery of Jamaica in Downtown Kingston. The largest and oldest public art museum in the Caribbean showcases compelling collections spanning colonial to contemporary eras. Active exhibitions highlight the extraordinary talent of Jamaican and Caribbean visual artists.

Kingston After Dark

ROK Hotel Kingston, Tapestry Collection by Hilton: A block from the National Gallery, along the waterfront, is the ROK Hotel. Check in for the night then head to the Rokstone Pool Bar and Grill on the hotel’s second floor. The open-air deck offers unobstructed views of Kingston Harbour and is the perfect spot to grab a drink before dinner.

 

ROK Hotel Kingston Exterior at Sunset

 

Step across the road to Gloria’s Seafood City at Victoria Pier. Gloria’s is well-known for authentic and flavourful seafood loved by Jamaicans and visitors. Start off with a bowl of fish soup, known as ‘Fish Tea’. Try peppered or curried shrimp, tasty conch, and whole fresh fish, prepared fried, curried, roasted, or steamed with a heap of flavourful aromatics and vegetables. Don’t forget the festival and bammy!

Day 2: Colourful City

Sunrise in Downtown Kingston

Enjoy fine brewed coffee and treats in the heart of Downtown Kingston at Danya's Coffee Barrel. Danya’s cozy ambiance makes it the perfect place to grab your morning fuel with some freshly made pastries.

Ready for an adventure? Follow your guide to Coronation Market and take in the sounds, sights, and smells of the largest market in the English-speaking Caribbean. The size alone will amaze you, along with the colorful characters and vibrant diversity of the island's bounty of fruits, vegetables, and provisions.

 

Healing Afternoon

On the last Sunday of each month, check out the Kingston Creative Art Walk Festival. Tour Water Lane to see the colourful murals and street art in the city’s growing ‘Art District’. The festival is free to the public and features dancers, visual artists, poets, and musicians bringing Downtown to life. Paid tours take explorers through Kingston’s streets to learn the history and heritage of the city. The Music Tour makes a stop in Trench Town, where Bob Marley once lived and that inspired the song ‘No Woman No Cry’. Try the Food Tour to sample the city’s unique flavours.

 

016_JTB_Culture_Heritage_Kingston_WaterLane_Downtown_Toots_Mural

 

With its vast array of exotic flora, tranquil walking paths, and picturesque ponds, Hope Gardens offers a peaceful retreat allowing you to reconnect with nature and unwind amidst lush greenery. It’s the perfect place to spend a quiet late afternoon.

Cheers to Nightlife

As the sun sets, Kingston’s nightlife comes alive. The city invites you to experience its energy at street dances from Uptown Mondays to Weddy Wednesdays. Check out the music scene at Kingston Dub Club or Janga’s Soundbar. For some late-night street-side eats, try smoky pan chicken roasted in open drums. The aroma is undeniable as vendors serve up jerk pork, conch soup, crab, and roast corn in steaming foil packets. The pulse of the city continues into the early morning and invites you to linger in all its glory.

Kingston is a dynamic blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that remains with you long after you depart its shores.

Kingston Dub Club

Kingston Dub Club

Kingston's Dub Club is where true lovers of music congregate. Established and upcoming musicians and music lovers…