Kingston Jamaica 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Historical Kingston

Morning:

  • Breakfast at Tastee Patties, a local favorite for Jamaican fast food. (Various locations in Kingston)
  • Start your day with a visit to the Hope Gardens, a beautiful botanical garden in the heart of Kingston.
  • Head to the Institute of Jamaica and its adjacent National Gallery of Jamaica, showcasing works by local artists.
  • Explore the Independence Park, where Jamaica’s Declaration of Independence was signed.

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at Juici Patties, another popular spot for tasty Jamaican food. (Various locations in Kingston)
  • Visit the National Heroes Park, final resting place of national heroes like Marcus Garvey and Bob Marley.
  • Explore the Robert Nesta Marley Museum to learn about the life and legacy of the legendary reggae artist.

Evening:

  • Dinner at Emancipation Park, where you can find a variety of food vendors offering local cuisine.
  • Enjoy live music at The Blues Bar, one of Kingston’s most popular nightspots.

Day 2: Adventure and Relaxation

Morning:

  • Breakfast at your accommodation or grab a quick snack from a nearby bakery.
  • Visit the Blue Mountains Coffee Plantation and Farm, take a tour, learn about coffee production, and taste some of Jamaica’s best coffee.
  • Head to Port Royal (a short ferry ride away), known as “the wickedest city on earth” in the 17th century. Visit the Fort Charles.

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at Pork Pie Restaurant & Bakery in Port Royal, serving delicious pork pies and other Jamaican dishes.
  • Relax on a beach at Port Royal or head back to Kingston and enjoy some downtime at Baldwin’s Castle Beach.

Evening:

  • Dinner at Itaa Itaa, a trendy restaurant offering fusion cuisine with a great view of the city. (14 Hagley Park Rd, Kingston)
  • Take a stroll along the waterfront at Half Moon Drive, enjoy the sunset, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Kingston.

Things to Know:

  • Jamaica uses the Jamaican Dollar (JMD). Major credit cards are accepted at many tourist spots, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand.
  • English is widely spoken, but learning a few basic phrases in Patois will be appreciated.
  • Tap water in Kingston is not safe to drink, so stick to bottled water.

Transportation:

  • Taxis are the most common means of transportation. Make sure to negotiate the price before starting your journey.
  • The Kingston Metro bus system offers affordable public transportation, but it can be confusing for tourists.
  • Renting a car is an option, but driving in Kingston can be challenging due to heavy traffic and unfamiliar road rules.

Tips:

  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
  • Always ask permission before taking photographs of people or private property.
  • Embrace the Jamaican culture, enjoy the music, and don’t forget to try some delicious jerk chicken!