Vibrant and beautifully chaotic Kingston is the largest city and capital of Jamaica. It is also the cultural mecca and heartbeat of the island. Though lacking in resorts and beaches, it excels in rich cultural and historical attractions. Below are four best cultural things to do in Kingston, Jamaica:
1. Devon House
Pay a visit to the Georgian style mansion of Jamaica’s first black millionaire, George Stiebel.
Declared a national monument in 1990 by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust, the mansion sits on 11 acres of gardens and feels like an oasis in this often hectic city. The surrounding buildings, including the stables and kitchen, have been repurposed into a selection of artisan shops, restaurants and cafés.
It’s also a popular choice for family recreation. Especially on a Sunday afternoon when queues are out of the door for the acclaimed Devon House ice cream (known as “I-Scream”) – a household name in Jamaica. I highly recommend the Devon Stout. The strong malt flavour adds a contrasting bittersweet taste to this rich and creamy ice cream.
Address: 26 Hope Road | Kingston 10
Website: https://www.devonhouseja.com
2. Port Royal
A visit to Port Royal is akin to stepping into a scene of Pirates of the Caribbean.
It is here where the notorious Captain Henry Morgan established his headquarters. Today, it is a small, sleepy fishing village located at the mouth of Kingston Harbour. Whereas, during the 17th century, it was dubbed “the richest and wickedest city in the world”.
In particular, the city became infamous for buccaneers, debauchery, and inebriated Englishmen making their riches in iniquitous dealings in the slave trade. Expect to see narrow cobbled streets, large fortresses, cannons, and red brick buildings.
The port was once the second-largest English city of the Americas after Boston. In 1692 an earthquake and tsunami devastated the city, sinking much of its land beneath the sea.
After your visit, make sure you check out Gloria’s for delicious seafood.
3. National Gallery of Jamaica
Witness how art has evolved in the Caribbean by exploring the history of Jamaica’s visual arts.
Established in 1974, the NGJ is the oldest and largest public art museum in the English-speaking Caribbean. It houses a premier collection of Jamaican art, paintings, drawings and sculptures. Mostly, the works are by artists from Jamaica, including Edna Manley and Carl Abrahams. The art is displayed over two floors and covers the island’s history, dating back from the Taino to the present day.
Address: 12 Ocean Blvd, Block C, Kingston
Website: https://nationalgalleryofjamaica.wordpress.com
4. Bob Marley Museum
Last but not least, on the list of best cultural things to do in Kingston, Jamaica, take a trip to the home of the man who is possibly Jamaica’s leading cultural export. The musician’s British colonial-style residence, which he purchased in 1975, is now a museum. Upon entrance, you will be greeted by a life-size bronze statue of the music legend. Inside, Bob’s home is pretty much untouched, with rooms kept as they were when he lived there.
Furthermore, the house is full of rich memories and mementoes of the late great singer. Such items include Rastafarian cloaks and Bob’s favourite denim shirt, which he wore for many performances.
Finally, at the end of the tour, enjoy a short movie about the legend in the theatre, which was once a recording studio. After that, relax, feel “Irie” and “don’t worry about a thing” in the One Love Café. Inspired by Bob’s Rastafarian lifestyle, the One Love Café encompasses organic living “ital livity” by providing delectable natural recipes and juices.
Address: 56 Hope Road in Kingston, Jamaica
Website: https://www.bobmarleymuseum.com
