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About Saint Andrew And Kingston
Saint Andrew and Kingston form the vibrant, beating heart of Jamaica, where the island's rich history, dynamic culture, and modern energy converge. Kingston, the capital city, is a cultural powerhouse, home to the legendary Bob Marley Museum at his former residence, the historic Devon House mansion with its world-famous ice cream, and the National Gallery showcasing Jamaica's finest art. The area pulses with the rhythms of reggae and dancehall, especially in the Trench Town culture yard, the birthplace of reggae. Just beyond the urban buzz, the parish of Saint Andrew offers a dramatic escape into nature. The majestic Blue Mountains loom over the city, offering world-class hiking, breathtaking views, and the chance to tour coffee plantations producing the renowned Blue Mountain coffee. From the bustling Coronation Market to the serene Hope Botanical Gardens, and from the historic Port Royal—once the 'wickedest city on earth'—to the upscale shops and restaurants of New Kingston, this region offers an unforgettable blend of urban excitement and natural beauty, all infused with the unmistakable warmth and spirit of Jamaica.
Capital CityMajor Hub
Things to do in Saint Andrew And Kingston
Kingston Bike Tours - Scenic Waterfront Ride
From CA$80
5.0 (30)
Trolley City Tour of Kingston
From CA$45.77
4.8 (32)
Queen's University Ghost Tour: Campus Legends & Lore
Kingston Ghost Tour: The Original Haunted Walk
From CA$37.28
4.7 (114)
Fort Henry Ghost Tour: Kingston's Haunted Fortress
From CA$37.28
4.6 (87)
Ghost and Mystery Trolley Tour
From CA$54.81
4.4 (68)
Kingston: Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour
From CA$51.42
4.3 (9)
1-hour Walking Tour of Kingston with a local historian
From CA$32.21
4.3 (7)
Thousand Islands Sunset Dinner Cruise
Heart of the 1000 Islands Lunch Cruise
From CA$107.63
3.9 (72)
Heart of the 1000 Islands Sightseeing Cruise
From CA$70.34
3.7 (82)
Heart of the 1000 Islands Brunch Cruise
From CA$107.63
3.7 (13)
Kingston Sunset Cocktail Cruise
From CA$57.91
3.6 (11)
Kingston Self-Guided Walking Tour & Scavenger hunt (updated)
From CA$36
3.6 (10)
Kingston Discovery Sightseeing Cruise
From CA$46.61
3.1 (43)Places to visit in Saint Andrew And Kingston
The Arms/Rodney Lookout
The Arms/Rodney Lookout, Morgan's Way, Portmore, Jamaica
Statue of Alexander Bustamante, National Hero
Statue of Alexander Bustamante, National Hero, South Parade, Kingston, Jamaica
Alhambra Inn
Alhambra Inn, 1 Tucker Avenue, Liguanea, Jamaica
hot off the press
hot off the press, Grenada Crescent, New Kingston, Jamaica
ROK Hotel Kingston, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
ROK Hotel Kingston, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, 2-4 King Street, Kingston, Jamaica
BlueMountView Guesthouse
Blue Mount View Guesthouse, Middleton Road, Middleton, Jamaica
Moon Hill
Moon Hill, 5 Roedeen Close, Barbican, Kingston 6, Jamaica
Rodney's Lookout Trail Head
Rodney's Lookout Trail Head, Gerbera Ave, Greater Portmore, Portmore, Jamaica
Kingston Viewpoint
Kingston Viewpoint, Channel View Avenue, Red Hills, Jamaica
Duke Street Mural
Duke Street Mural, Tower Street, Kingston, Jamaica
Anchorage Bed & Breakfast
Anchorage Bed & Breakfast, Gwendon Park Avenue, Constant Spring, Red Gal Ring, Jamaica
Devon House
Devon House, 26 Hope Road, Half Way Tree, Jamaica
Bebe's Corner
Bebe's Corner, B1, Gordon Town, Jamaica
Waterfall Viewpoint
Waterfall Viewpoint, Nelson Street, Green Hill, Jamaica
Boone Hall Oasis
Boone Hall Oasis, Seymour Close, Stony Hill, Jamaica
Travel Tips for Saint Andrew And Kingston
Getting Around
Public transit includes crowded but cheap minibuses (route taxis) and larger buses. For convenience and safety, tourists should use licensed taxis (negotiate fares upfront) or app-based services like Uber, which operates in Kingston. Car rentals are available but driving in Kingston is challenging due to aggressive local driving styles and navigating the left side of the road. Many visitors hire a private driver for day trips, especially to the Blue Mountains.
Best Time To Visit
December to April during the dry season offers the most pleasant weather with less humidity and minimal rain, ideal for city exploration and mountain hikes. However, this is peak tourist season. The summer months (July-August) are hotter and more humid but coincide with major festivals like Reggae Sumfest (in Montego Bay, but draws crowds island-wide).
Local Customs
Jamaican culture is warm but respectful. A friendly greeting is important. Dress is generally casual, but modest attire is expected when visiting churches or rural communities. Beachwear is for the beach only. Tipping is customary: 10-15% in restaurants if service charge isn't included; tip taxi drivers, tour guides, and hotel staff. Respect Rastafarian beliefs and culture. Haggling is common in markets but not in established shops.
Safety Information
Exercise increased caution, especially at night. Stick to well-populated, tourist-frequented areas like New Kingston, Devon House, and the Bob Marley Museum. Avoid walking alone in downtown Kingston after dark and be discreet with valuables. Use licensed taxis (identified by red license plates) or arrange transport through your hotel. Be wary of common scams like overcharging or 'friendly' guides. Petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded markets; keep belongings secure.
Health Information
Medical facilities in Kingston are the best in Jamaica, with major public hospitals like Kingston Public Hospital and private options like Andrews Memorial Hospital. Travelers should have comprehensive health insurance. Common concerns include mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue; use repellent. Tap water in Kingston is generally safe, but bottled water is widely available. No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry, but Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine vaccinations are recommended. Pharmacies are well-stocked.
Languages Spoken
EnglishJamaican Patois
Quick Facts
Currency
Jamaican Dollar (JMD)
$
$
Timezone
America/Jamaica -05:00 (GMT)
Calling Code
+1
Electricity
Driving Side
Left
Population
Approximately 670,000
Area
452 km²
Government
Local municipal government (Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation - KSAMC) within Jamaica's parliamentary democracy.
Emergency Contacts
Also known as: Kingston and Saint Andrew Corporation, KSAC, Half Way Tree