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Why?  The heart of one of the Caribbean's most alluring islands, Jamaica, the city of Kingston is a bustling, sometimes squalid, but rollicking town. A holiday in Kingston is best spent at one of the beach resorts adjacent to the city itself, but no-one who visits Jamaica should miss out on exploring the good, bad and ugly aspects of its capital city.

When?  Holiday in Kingston any time of year and you are assured of sunshine and sultry tropical days and nights. Mountains shelter the city from most of the rain, so even if you travel to Kingston during the Caribbean rainy season, you are unlikely to have tropical storms spoil your fun.

Who for?  A holiday in Kingston is perfect for anyone who enjoys the delights of a tropical island dream, coupled with the fascination of a sometimes intimidating city. Many party enthusiasts travel to Kingston for its legendary clubs and nightspots.

More Info:  Plan a holiday in Kingston with the help of our full Kingston travel guide, which is updated regularly to ensure the very latest details of attractions, excursions and events in the city. The travel guide also contains basic information, including airport facilities, to ensure you 'know before you go'.

Overview

The capital of Jamaica, Kingston jives to the beat of the infectious reggae music that was born here and has swept through the world. It is the largest English-speaking city south of Miami, lying on a wide plain with the world's seventh-largest natural harbour to the south, and the Blue Mountains behind.

Jamaica itself may have the image of being laid back and rather slow, but cosmopolitan Kingston moves at a fast pace, in keeping with its importance as the dominant force on the island politically, commercially and culturally.

Tourists tend not to stay in Kingston as such, generally heading for the northern and western beaches and resorts instead, but the city does have a wide array of historical and cultural attractions, not to mention a very sophisticated and sizzling nightlife.

Kingston was founded in 1692 after the demise of nearby Port Royal, the former capital, which was devastated in an earthquake. Port Royal was known as the 'wicked city', being the haunt of decadent aristocrats and swashbuckling pirates. Kingston has tried to be more dignified, but it is a little grimy and crime is rife. There are also some inner city neighbourhoods to avoid, which are more prone to drug-related killings and gang violence.