Although, there are several airports in Jamaica, the Kingston International Airport or the Norman Manley International Airport, which lies 17 miles southeast from the center of the city, is the most accessible entry point via plane. Local and international couriers offer cheap flights to Kingston, Jamaica.
The Kingston Airport has hotel chains serving weary travelers, as well as restaurants and shops. Taxicabs, airport shuttle, and car rentals take visitors from Kingston to other Jamaican cities. Resort vans can also be arranged beforehand. Be sure to guard your luggage, as petty theft is possible as in other cities.
The primary means of transport in Jamaica is by public transit. Railway transportation was once prominent in the country, but was closed in 1992. But there are reports of resuming their services in 2011.
When taking public transportation, head to the downtown terminal along Beckford and Pechon Streets for buses and taxis running from Kingston to other cities. You can also take a bus from the Half-Way Tree Transportation Center and at the Parade Bus Park. Kingston has an impressive bus transit system with interactive route maps.
There are two types of taxis in Kingston, Jamaica; the route taxi (with a fixed route), and the charter taxi. Route taxis require you to share the seat with other passengers going your way. Charter taxis often overcharge tourists so negotiate with the driver first before riding.
If you want to experience Kingston your way, book a rented car and get a trusty map. Kingston has plenty of inner roads and you can easily get lost.
Rastafari fans will surely live it up in a tour to the Bob Marley Museum in 56 Hope Road. A guided tour plus a 20-minute documentary film on the reggae legend lasts an hour.
Catch a glimpse of the rich Jamaican culture at the Arawak Museum, People's Museum of Craft and Technology, and at the National Gallery of Jamaica. Another interesting place to check out is the Hope Botanical Gardens, the largest in the Caribbean.
What's a trip to the Caribbean without a dip to its pristine waters? Frolic in the beaches off Port Royale. The most famous is the exotic island of Lime Kay where tourists can camp overnight.
Jamaican handicrafts are plenty in Kingston as it is the country's capital. You can get cheap finds from coffee beans, vegetables, and spices in open-air bazaars and supermarkets.
The all-time favorite Jamaican patties are plentiful in Kingston. Jerk (curried and browned meat), escoveitch, ackee and salted codfish are perhaps the best-known Jamaican dishes. Don't forget to sample the famous Jamaican rum.
Though Kingston's streets are notorious after sundown, the city boasts a lively nightlife that lasts through to the wee hours. The Quad is a favorite hangout place for dancehall reggae and jazzy tunes. The Deck also has plenty of top-rate restaurants and disco clubs.