Jamaica

Cost of living

What a month costs

New Kingston and uptown St Andrew cost the most. Imported goods and cars run high, but local produce, patties and the bus network keep everyday spending down.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Kingston

1. Bob Marley MuseumThe reggae legend's home and studio on Hope Road. The essential Kingston pilgrimage.
2. Devon HouseA restored 19th-century mansion with gardens, shops, bakeries and the island's most famous ice cream.
3. Emancipation ParkNew Kingston's green heart, with the striking Redemption Song statue and morning joggers.
4. Royal Botanical Gardens at HopeLarge botanical gardens and a small zoo, a leafy escape from the uptown grind.
5. National Gallery of JamaicaDowntown home of Jamaican art from Edna Manley to the present. The country's best collection.
6. Trench Town Culture YardThe government yard where Bob Marley and reggae came of age, now a community museum.
7. National Heroes ParkMemorial grounds honouring Marcus Garvey, Nanny and other national heroes.
8. Institute of JamaicaThe old cultural institution downtown with the natural history museum and archives.
9. Coronation MarketSprawling downtown produce market, chaotic and colourful, the pantry of Kingston.
10. Half Way TreeThe historic crossroads and clock tower that anchors busy central St Andrew.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. Blue MountainsCoffee country and cool air just above the city. Hike toward Blue Mountain Peak or stop at Holywell.
2. Port RoyalThe old pirate town on the harbour tip. Fort Charles, sunken history and famous fried fish.
3. Port AntonioPortland on the lush east coast, home to the Blue Lagoon and Frenchman's Cove. About three hours out.
4. Ocho RiosNorth coast resort strip with Dunn's River Falls and Mystic Mountain. Roughly two hours by highway.
5. Treasure BeachLaid-back fishing villages on the dry south coast in St Elizabeth. Slow, local and low-rise.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. Cafe BlueLocal coffee house pouring proper Blue Mountain beans. The Devon House branch is a favourite.
2. Deaf Can CoffeeSocial-enterprise roastery run by deaf baristas, known for good espresso and pop-up events.
3. Cannonball CafeHomegrown coffee chain with reliable flat whites and light bites across uptown.
4. Starbucks Sovereign CentreThe familiar green sign at Liguanea for anyone craving a standard-issue latte.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. Usain Bolt's Tracks & RecordsThe sprinter's flagship sports bar in New Kingston, jerk classics and a lively crowd.
2. Gloria's SeafoodThe Port Royal institution for fried fish, festival and bammy right by the water.
3. Sweetwood Jerk JointSmoky pimento-wood jerk on Knutsford Boulevard, a New Kingston go-to.
4. East Japanese RestaurantPopular uptown sushi spot when you need a break from Jamaican fare.
5. Jade RestaurantLong-running Chinese kitchen at Sovereign Centre, a Kingston standby.
6. Grog Shoppe at Devon HouseCasual Jamaican dining in the mansion courtyard, easy to pair with an ice cream.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. Susie's Bakery & Coffee BarBeloved uptown bakery-cafe for a sit-down breakfast, pastries and coffee.
2. Devon House BakeryPatties, breads and pastries in the mansion grounds, best enjoyed under the trees.
3. Juici PattiesJamaican chain doing hot patties and cocoa bread, the everyday grab-and-go breakfast.
4. TasteeThe other patty giant, an island institution for a quick, cheap morning bite.