The third Caribbean destination of our winter travels after the Dominican Republic and Virgin Gorda was Jamaica, where we spent two weeks in January-February 2025. Leaving our main bags in Santo Domingo, we explored this island nation of reggae, Rastafari culture, and sprint legends with just daypacks. This post shares experiences from capital city Kingston, north coast destinations Boston Bay, Port Antonio, Runaway Bay, and Falmouth, plus practical tips for independent travel.
Kingston – Gritty Yet Fascinating Capital
Flying roundtrip from Santo Domingo to Kingston, we experienced Jamaica’s capital at both ends of our trip. Like the island itself, Kingston revealed its charms slowly – this vibrant, African-influenced city initially felt overwhelming. Behind its rough exterior lies compelling history and culture, though most tourist hotspots lie outside the capital.
We first stayed in a private apartment in Upper Town’s Camperdown district, later moving to Rae Town near Downtown. Camperdown offered peaceful suburban living for work days, while Rae Town’s lively neighborhood provided easy access to bustling Downtown.
While exploring Downtown, we stumbled upon Kingston’s Art District – a kaleidoscope of street art centered around Water Lane and Church Street. The non-profit Kingston Creative offers guided Artwalk Tours explaining these murals that blend Jamaican history, music, and social commentary. Annual Artwalk Festivals combine live music, street food, and pop-up galleries.
Downtown’s heart beats around Saint William Grant Park, surrounded by colonial buildings and markets. The area’s African heritage feels palpable – over 90% of Jamaicans descend from enslaved Africans brought during Britain’s brutal sugar plantation era.
Beer enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Clubhouse Brewery in Constant Spring’s former golf clubhouse. This craft brewery makes decent artisanal beers, with a second location in Falmouth’s cruise terminal.
Bob Marley Museum & 80th Anniversary Celebrations
While Kingston lacks typical “must-see” attractions, reggae fans must visit the Bob Marley Museum at 56 Hope Road. This 1970s home of Marley’s Tuff Gong Records became a museum in 1991, preserving his studio, gold records, and personal effects (no interior photography allowed).
We visited twice – first casually, then for Marley’s 80th birthday festivities on February 6, 2025. All-day concerts featured his descendants, blending reverence with laid-back vibes. Nearby Devon House, built by Jamaica’s first Black millionaire, offers colonial architecture and ice cream parlors in park-like grounds.
Portland’s Boston Bay & Bustling Port Antonio
Beyond Kingston, we explored Jamaica’s north coast. Portland parish offers lush Blue Mountains (famous coffee), waterfalls, and jerk cuisine birthplace Boston Bay. Though rain limited beach time, our Toga Guest House provided cozy workspace between pub visits and jerk chicken feasts.
Port Antonio, Portland’s main town, blends faded colonial charm with vibrant markets. The Errol Flynn Marina area offers waterfront strolls, while nearby Folly Ruins showcase 1900s mansion remains. We stayed in a basic Rasta hostel – affordable but basic.
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Runaway Bay Cabin Life & Falmouth Day Trip in Jamaica
Avoiding touristy Montego Bay, we spent three days in hillside cabins near Runaway Bay. Though beach-free, hiking through tropical forests proved magical. A day trip revealed Falmouth’s Georgian architecture and cruise port. We stumbled upon a colorful fishing village through Maps.me – perfect for puppy cuddles and local chats.
Practical Jamaica Travel Tips
- Transport: Knutsford Express buses connect cities. Use InDrive app for taxis
- Costs: Hostels €20-50/night. Food prices similar to Europe
- Currency: JMD €1≈160JMD (2025). ATMs widely available
- Language: English widely spoken, though patois common
- Climate: Dry season Dec-Apr (25-30°C). North coast rains year-round
Read more Caribbean destinations in these articles