The Caribbean capital that sways to the reggae beat

This ultra-laidback Caribbean island's capital is Kingston, a bustling city lying on a large natural harbour. One of the best known Caribbean capitals, Kingston is the most culturally and commercially important city in Jamaica. Although not well-known as a tourist destination in its own right, Kingston is the location of Norman Manley International Airport, where some flights to Jamaica from the UK will fly into. The city was founded in the late 17th-century, after the former Jamaican capital, Port Royal, was destroyed by an earthquake. Kingston is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with a pulsating nightlife that belies the slow and steady image of Jamaica as a whole. More than just a gateway to the beach resorts, flights to Kingston are just the start of a wonderful Jamaican experience. As the Jamaican tourist board would say: “There’s no one way to go Jamaica - go find yours!”

Why Go?
If you are heading off for a holiday in one of Jamaica’s beach resorts, you may find yourself on a flight to Kingston. But before rushing off to the beautiful palm-lined beaches, spare a day getting to know the Jamaican capital and discover a lively and exciting city in the legendary home of reggae.

When to Go?
A tropical climate and long hot sunny days throughout the summer makes Kingston a sweltering place throughout the whole year. The wet season is from May to November, during which time the island can experience hurricanes. During the dry season, from December to April, temperatures get up into the high 30s at times, although March often brings heavy showers due to the city's location close to the Blue Mountains. Flights are available throughout the year.

How to get there?
To get flights to Kingston Norman Manley International Airport, you have the option of British Airways or Virgin for a direct service, both of whom depart from London Gatwick. There is also the option of indirect flights to Kingston with airlines such as Air France.

Must see
Visit the National Gallery of Jamaica in Kinston, which houses works from several prominent Jamaican artists including Carl Abrahams and Edna Manley. As Jamaica’s most famous son, the Bob Marley museum in Kingston is jam-packed with Marley memorabilia and is basically just the house where he once lived and worked. The Spanish Town neighbourhood on the outskirts of Kingston is an interesting mix of Spanish and British Georgian architecture, harking back to Jamaica’s colonial past. There is a museum in Spanish Town dedicated to local arts, crafts and technology, as well as a colourful marketplace.