Set on one of the largest natural harbors in the world, Kingston was founded in July1692 as a place for survivors and refugees of an earthquake that destroyed the pirate city of Port Royal. The south-east coast of Jamaica has been ravaged by other earthquakes and fires since, but is still a wonderful place to visit.

Two parts make up the central area of Kingston: the historic but troubled Downtown with brightly coloured buildings, and New Kingston where the new upmarket areas and shopping malls are.

The most famous museum in Kingston is the one dedicated to Bob Marley, in his former house on Hope Road, where he lived and recorded his music. Another museum tourists might be interested in, is the National Gallery on Ocean Boulevard which is devoted to the works of Jamaica's best artists, or The Jamaican People's Museum of Crafts and Technology.

The surviving old buildings in Kingston, Jamaica, include St James' Cathedral and the Old King's House.

A good time to visit Jamaica is in April, during the Kingston Carnival, one of the most vibrant and lively carnivals in the Caribbean, with elaborate costumes and dancing in the streets.