Kingston a small destination with cosmopolitan appeal

Kingston, the capital of Jamaica, overwhelms tourists with its size, beauty and perfect setting. The cultural heart of the island remains abuzz with activities round the year; it is the place where political and business deals are made, musicians perform and people who want to make it big land their foot. The destination has been overlooked by travellers due to crime. The crime rent has gone down but still there are certain areas which should be avoided. Despite these problems people keep flying to Kingston which has so much to offer in terms of tourist attractions and activities.

Museum hopping

Jamaican capital is an excellent place for museum hopping as it is home to some great museums. Bob Marley Museum with a memorabilia and Bob Marley's personal belongings is a must visit destination for any tourist the museum is a preserved site bullet holes from assassination attempt. Arawak Museum or Taino Museum is a small museum showcasing artifacts and information about the original inhabitants of the island. People's Museum of Craft and Technology showcases pottery, instruments, and farming tools.

National Gallery of Jamaica

Those with an eye for artworks should visit this gallery where artwork by Jamaicans from throughout its history is being showcased. Here you can see artworks from the native Taino Indians through the colonial period to works by modern artists. The gallery holds annual National Visual Arts Exhibition to promote post-colonial art and to provide a platform to budding artists from Jamaica.

Hope Zoo Kingston

If you want to see the animal life of the region without making many efforts then there is no better place than Hope Zoo. Here Lucas, a regal male lion is star attraction. There are other animals that you will find interesting. Zebras, crocodiles, monkeys, deer, and several species of birds and animals add variety to this park.

Devon House

Want to see the fine specimen Jamaican architecture? Then there could be no better place than the Devon House built by George Stiebel, the nation's first black millionaire. This impressive mansion is built in 19th Century mansion style. After a visit to this building, stop at the craft shops at courtyard and gorge on delicacies at restaurant situated here.

Emancipation Park

Want a respite from the congestion and traffic from the city then visit Emancipation Park. This lush green park is thronged by locals for playing, jogging, relaxing, watching concerts and other things. The park is also popular with the couples who keep frequenting it.

Institute of Jamaica

This natural-history museum gives an insight into island's past starting with its early Arawak residents to modern times. Tourists can see the collections that include art, literature, and natural history.