Kingston

Reading Time:5 minutes

Published: 12:00am, 30 Mar 2008

The edgy, intense capital of Jamaica is a great destination for those who are less interested in beaches than in music, art, food and Bob Marley.

1. Legend

There are several essential stops in Jamaica for the Bob Marley pilgrim, including the Bob Marley Museum (bottom), in Kingston. Although perhaps a less-compelling destination than the reggae singer's birthplace and childhood home in the mountains, a visit to the 19th-century mansion where Marley once lived is still interesting and feels like entering a time warp. In the courtyard, grizzled reggae warriors, once friends of the legend himself, loll around in the same way they might have when Marley was in residence. Inside, there is a collection of touching family photos and a display of the star's clothing and awards. 'Some people cry,' the tour guide gushes, 'when they see his bedroom and the beat-up bicycle he used early in his career to peddle his records door to door.' Even more gripping are the bullet holes in a wall at the back of the house, souvenirs of an assassination attempt. The museum is at 56 Hope Road, tel: 876 927 9152; www.bobmarley-foundation.com/museum.html.

2. Sun is shining

There are plenty of good reasons to visit Devon House (below right), one of the oldest homes in Jamaica. For the locals, the principal attraction is the ice-cream sold at a little stand on the mansion grounds. And while it's true that on a steamy Kingston day the flavour of ginger-pineapple, sorrel and even stout ice-cream can trump a lesson in the island's history, the mansion itself is worth wandering around. Built in 1881 for George Stiebel, Jamaica's first black millionaire and a noted philanthropist, the house is full of antiques. Highlights are the ballroom's original green and white Wedgwood ceiling, the games room's ingenious Victorian envelope card table and the stunning hand-carved, mirrored wardrobe in the master bedroom. For those who aren't impressed by history, just pack a lunch, picnic on the grounds and listen to the nightingales and turtledoves. Devon House is at 26 Hope Road, tel: 876 929 6602.

3. Buffalo soldier

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