Kingston, Jamaica: A 72-Hour Guide to the Reggae Capital

Welcome: Arrive at the Norman Manley International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a local meal at Devon House, a cultural landmark known for its restaurant and world-famous ice cream.

Out and about: Visit the Bob Marley Museum for an immersive experience into Jamaica’s reggae legacy. Take the guided tour through the preserved rooms, see his gold records, and feel the powerful history of the music that changed the world. Then, explore Emancipation Park to soak in the local atmosphere.

After sunset: Head to Kingston’s Waterfront for dinner at Gloria’s Seafood, followed by live music and cocktails at Ribbiz Ocean Lounge.

Morning: An early start is essential for the Blue Mountain Tour. You’ll ascend into the misty, cool air of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit a working coffee plantation like the Craighton Estate, and sample a fresh cup of world-renowned Blue Mountain coffee while enjoying spectacular panoramic views.

Out and about: Find your sea legs in Port Royal. Head out to the quiet fishing village that was once known as the “richest and wickedest city in the world.” Explore Fort Charles, where you can see the “Giddy House,” which was tilted by the great earthquake of 1692, and imagine the city in its swashbuckling heyday. A trip to Port Royal is incomplete without eating at Gloria’s Rendezvous.

After sunset: Experience modern Kingston at Usain Bolt’s Tracks & Records, a lively sports bar and restaurant owned by the world’s fastest man. With a huge video screen, great music, and a menu full of contemporary Jamaican favorites, it’s a fun and energetic spot to spend your Saturday evening.

Morning: Visit Hope Botanical Gardens for a peaceful morning walk or yoga session. Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the largest botanical garden in the English-speaking Caribbean. The beautifully landscaped grounds showcase a vast collection of native and exotic plants, offering a serene contrast to the morning’s activities. Stop by Cafe Blue after for coffee and light bites.

Out and about: Stop at the waterfront to visit the National Gallery of Jamaica, the oldest and largest public art museum in the Anglophone Caribbean. It offers a stunning visual history of Jamaica—from the Taino people to contemporary masters—and is a perfect final cultural stop. Pick up art-related goods at the gift shop or take a short walk to the Kingston Craft Market for locally made crafts.

Farewell: Before departing, consider visiting Scotchies Jerk Centre, a quintessential Jamaican institution. Enjoy authentic, smoky jerk chicken and pork, traditionally cooked over pimento wood, in a lively, casual, and rustic open-air setting—the perfect farewell meal.