Five Cities With a Bad Rap: Kingston, Mon
Some locales can’t seem to shake their less-than-sparkling reputations despite efforts to lock away the skeletons of yesterday. We’ve decided to highlight five of these Bad Rap Cities that are making moves to shed their grimy and gritty images in hopes of becoming more tourist-friendly. Maybe, just maybe, after reading this series you'll be willing to take a chance on them. Enjoy.
Bad Rap City: Kingston, Jamaica
Why Go?
We’ve all seen the "Come to Jamaica” ads encouraging folks to experience the sparkling sea and sand with a side of reggae and jerk chicken. But those commercials never shout-out Kingston, the island’s capital. Mention the city that’s a half-million strong and you’re likely to hear a sharp intake of breath followed by mutterings of murder and mayhem. But don’t believe all the hype, says Kaci Hamilton, a travel writer and Kingstonian. “People are very hospitable here. You get invited to their homes for dinner, to go sailing or even play golf.”
She admits that crime and violence is endemic in certain areas of Kingston(stay clear of the West End), but many parts of the city are safe,surprisingly wealthy and quite beautiful, like tourist-friendly New Kingston.
Smart travelers should employ the same sense they use everywhere they go—keep eyes and ears open and stay clear of dodgy-looking places. For intrepid
travelers with a sense of adventure, there’s much to discover here. Oh, and JetBlue begins service from JFK to Kingston on October 31st, with flights starting at $258 roundtrip!
What to Do:
Visit the art and memorabilia-filled Bob Marley Museum, the reggae king’s former residence and recording studio. The National Gallery of Jamaica,located in the downtown waterfront section, features art history exhibits and paintings by some of the island’s talented artists. Jamaica’s oldest museum, The Natural History Division of the Institute of Jamaica, features preserved animal and indigenous plant exhibits. For outdoor fun, the waterfront Victoria Crafts Market is the place for souvenirs of the wooden bowl and batik-prints variety. Sporty types can catch a cricket game at Sabina Park, or take a boat to Lime Cay, a tiny island off Kingston, for swimming and snorkeling.
Sound Sleep:
Some visit Kingston only if they’re staying at the infamous Strawberry Hill resort, high in the Blue Mountains overlooking the city. But there are several safe hotels in Kingston proper like the Hilton and the Courtleigh, both in the well-developed business district.
Insider Tip:
Skip the rental car and navigating Kingston’s notoriously rough roads and travel by taxi. It’s the safest and easiest way to get around. Better yet, ask your hotel’s concierge to set you up with a driver that doubles as a guide and knock two birds with one stone. Just make sure you agree to the fee before you set off.
Want to share your own experience visiting Kingston? Join the conversation and comment below.
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[Photo: Wikimedia]
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