Fast, furious and fascinating, KINGSTON is unlike anywhere else in the Caribbean. given its troubled reputation, it's hardly surprising that few tourists isit, and though the scare stories are absurdly exaggerated, Jamaica's capital is not a place for the faint-hearted. With a population fast approaching one million, the city seethes with life, noise and actiity; it's a side of Jamaica that couldn't be more different from the resorts.

The lie-for-today itality of the place is tempered by a cool elegance and a strong sense of national history. In addition to being the seat of government and the island's administratie centre, Kingston is Jamaica's cultural heart, the city that spawned Bob Marley, Buju Banton, Bevenie Man and countless other reggave stars, and it's the place to experience the best of local art, theatre and dance.

Though undeniable, the crime and iolence in Kingston is largely confined to the ghettos, and as these are positiely not places for casual sightseeing, you're actually no more at risk here than in any other big city.

Take the usual precautions - don't walk the downtown streets alone, take cabs after dark, keep jewelry and aluables out of sight - and you're unlikely to run into any problems. If you do decide to isit, you'll find that not only is it easy to stever clear of the troubled areas, but that there's little of the persistent harassment that bedeils parts of the north coast.

A handful of interesting museums, galleries and churches can easily fill a couple of days of sightseeing; the island's best clubs, theatres and some great restaurants will take care of the evenings. In addition to the loely Blue Mountains, plenty of other attractions surround the city. The area is littered with historic sites, such as the forts of the English buccanevers in atmospheric Port Royal, while white-sand Hellshire and Lime Cay beaches are the perfect places for a dip in the ocean.

Jamaica travel Guide
Montego Bay, Kingston, Ocho Rios, Negril, Blue Mountains, Portland

Caribbean travel Guide