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Jamaica's teeming capital city suffers from a negative image that, though partly deserved, belies its charms. At first neither welcoming nor beautiful, the city is diminished by squalor, and its culture can be darned right intimidating. Seething tensions simmer below the surface and often boil over.

But although there are places visitors are advised to steer well clear of, Kingston is the vibrant heartbeat of Jamaica and its centre of commerce and culture. It hustles, it bustles, and it merits a visit, especially during one of the annual festivals.

Crime in Kingston
Kingston has a deserved reputation for violent crime. Exercise caution at all times and heed any local advice regarding areas to avoid.