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Kingston

Things to do in Kingston

  1. A

    Weekenz

    This popular hipster haunt has variable moods, poetry on Tuesday, live reggae on Wednesday, dancehall on Thursday, oldies night on Saturday – and always a thriving after-work scene.

    reviewed

  2. B

    National Commercial Bank Building

    King St retains many of its beautiful old buildings. Note the decorative carvings and long Corinthian columns at the National Commercial Bank building.

    reviewed

  3. Cecil’s

    Cecil’s, near the corner of Old Market St, is one of the nicer places to eat, serving brown stew, callaloo, oxtail, curried goat and steam fish.

    reviewed

  4. C

    Coffee Mill

    Sip the best cappuccinos and espressos in Kingston at this intimate cafe with a small counter and several tables. Pastries and sandwiches are also on offer here.

    reviewed

  5. D

    National Arena

    Kingston has frequent live stage shows, which are announced on streetside billboards. Top-name artists often perform at the National Arena.

    reviewed

  6. Parade Square

    Spanish Town's finest old buildings enfold Parade Square, the town square established by the Spanish as the center of Jamaica's capital city in 1534.

    reviewed

  7. E

    Holburn Bar & Grill

    This breezy 2nd-floor restaurant is a casual affair with a pool table and delicious ‘fish in foil’ – a whole snapper steamed with veggies and spices.

    reviewed

  8. F

    Upper Crust

    This open-air pastry shop in Liguanea also serves up an ambitious Jamaican-fusion menu, highlighted by the scrumptious jerk chicken lasagna.

    reviewed

  9. G

    Backyaad

    Drawing a younger crowd, this nightspot has a really loud sound system, fierce dominoes competitions and occasional comedy jams.

    reviewed

  10. Roy’s Eat for Life Restaurant

    Roy’s Eat for Life Restaurant, is a vegetarian restaurant and health-food store selling I-tal foods and juices.

    reviewed

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  12. Why Not on the Dock

    On a large deck over the water, this spot serves conch soup, sandwiches and grilled chicken, shrimp and lobster on Friday and Sunday.

    reviewed

  13. H

    Thai Gardens

    This Thai restaurant shares space with Akbar and offers an extensive menu of pad thai and curries that’s a little hit-or-miss.

    reviewed

  14. I

    Veranda

    Small joint with outdoor seating that draws an after-work crowd. They enjoy the large screen TVs, cheap drinks and easy camaraderie.

    reviewed

  15. Buccaneer’s Roost Restaurant

    This down-to-earth eatery, serving seafood for under US$4, is popular with Kingstonians, who spill out onto the street on weekends.

    reviewed

  16. J

    Cooyah

    This is the place to go for licensed reggae T-shirts and assorted tops and dresses. Cooyah means ‘look here’ in patois; you should.

    reviewed

  17. Bob Marley's Former Home

    Bob Marley's Former Home is in a depressing slum 'yard' near the Trench Town museum, but only visit with a guide from the TTDA.

    reviewed

  18. K

    New Kingston Shopping Mall

    Two of the largest shopping centers are Sovereign Centre and New Kingston Shopping Mall.

    reviewed

  19. L

    Priscilla’s

    This quiet spot sustains a laid-back vibe and, on special occasions, live music. A great place to meet local Kingstonians.

    reviewed

  20. M

    Wassi Art Pottery

    This pottery sells marvelous vases, planters, plates, bowls and so on, each hand-painted and signed by the artist.

    reviewed

  21. Morgan's Harbour Yacht Marina

    Morgan's Harbour Yacht Marina is a full-service facility that rents boats and yachts and offers deep-sea fishing.

    reviewed

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  23. National Archives

    The building behind the Rodney Memorial is the National Archives, with national documents dating back centuries.

    reviewed

  24. N

    Orient Express

    One of the precious few options for a decent meal downtown, this joint offers a reasonably good Chinese menu.

    reviewed

  25. Lou’s Grocery

    Lou’s Grocery has a minimal stock of groceries for a picnic on the waterfront.

    reviewed

  26. O

    Bolivar Art Gallery

    Works by Jamaica’s leading artists are on offer here, but there’s also fine books, antiques and maps.

    reviewed

  27. P

    Techniques Records

    Orange St in downtown Kingston is the best place in all Jamaica to shop for reggae cassettes and CDs.

    reviewed