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kingston: general info
· city links
· history
things to do
· hostels
· tours
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KINGSTON
Calling Code: +1 876
The capital city of Jamaica, Kingston, is an astonishing tangle of contradictions, and lures visitors with its bustling and
colorful local life. With a population of about 700,000, Kingston dominates Jamaica politically, commercially and culturally. This city
is referred to as the pulse of the Jamaican nation.
Sandwiched between the impressive Blue Mountains and the spectacular harbor, Kingston is remarkable for its exclusive air of Jamaican
soul, which is its history and music. Kingston offers a wide range of entertainment and leaves a strong, lasting impression.
The view from the mountains reveals leafy foothill suburbs overlooking a splendid natural harbor. Just north of the waterfront is the
historic downtown area, with its sumptuous hotels and casinos, street vendors and beggary. Old Kingston is historically fascinating,
and dates back to the times of the Spanish conquistadors.
The remains of the early Jamaican capital, today called Spanish Town, have managed to preserve thir typical Spanish colonial style
architecture. A sad reminder of the colonial past is the site where Port Royal was once located. Known as the wickedest city on earth,
Port Royal was one of the largest and richest slave trade centers in the world. The National Gallery, located in downtown Kingston,
displays Jamaican works from the 1920s onwards, including a good collection of Edna Manley's sculptures.
North of the old town center is New Kingston with its high-rise offices and banks, fabulous hotels and nightclubs. Exciting shopping
plazas and art galleries make you feel in the thick of the things. The city's highlight, the Bob Marley Museum, is located here. A
Mecca for the Reggae superstar's fans, Bob's house, has a collection of his personal belongings and an exhibition dedicated to his
life and music.
The night brings out a myriad of neon lights over the city's skyline - it is the time when Kingston really comes to life. Nightlife is
what Jamaican is famous for, with its world-class nightclubs and discos, reggae music fills the air and one cannot stop oneself from
swaying to the tropical rhythms.
But, we must warn the traveler that nighttime can be dangerous for foreigners in Kingston if away from traditional tourist sites.
Kingston is full of contrasts, and sometimes, risks, but it offers an experience undeniably worth savouring.
If you know of a great destination we're missing,
review it for us!!
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