coronation market

This huge and crowded market should be up near the top of things to do. This is where you'll meet the people, ask revealing questions, walk a lot and be quite hot. If you're buying any quantity you can hire a cart and have its operator follow or guide. The place is huge. It is packed, especially on weekends. It might be intimidating and chaotic , but it shouldn't be. It's a social destination for locals and many will spend the day finding their favourite vendors.

Markets are generally fun and the huge Coronation Market is a wonderful feast of sights, smells and sounds. So many different fruits and vegetables to see and buy - don't be afraid to ask the vendors (known as higglers) what they are, and to try them. The place has a great atmosphere and you get to hear real Jamaica talk.

This is one of the best things to experience while in Kingston. Our guide MaryAngela was excellent at winding us through the vast market to sample exotic fruits, local food and other goods. From the tour we were able to gain insight as our guide pointed out the micro economy in place as vendors, farmers and retailers come from all over the island to stay for days to prepare to set up business on a Saturday. The market is open everyday, but it is at it's biggest and best on Saturday.