Trench Town
Trench Town, Kingston, St. Andrew
The Trench Town neighborhood of Kingston—and, more specifically, the Trench Town Culture Yard—is most famous as the home of reggae legend Bob Marley, who spent much of his youth living and creating music here. The neighborhood is also considered the birthplace of reggae itself, with many other artists originating here, too.
Most visitors to Trench Town will want to visit the Trench Town Culture Yard, the public housing block (called a government yard) where Marley lived. Bob Marley’s bedroom, with his first guitar, and the remains of his Volkswagen van are on display, and exhibits at the Trench Town Culture Yard Museum illuminate the significance of the area, which was designated a national heritage site in 2007.
Trench Town is the birthplace of reggae and a must-visit for music lovers.
Wear comfortable footwear as the area is best explored on foot.
Safety in Trench Town has come into question due to crime, according to the US Department of State. Although tourists are rarely targeted, travelers considering a visit should refer to their government’s travel advisories for the latest information.
Trench Town is located just northwest of downtown Kingston, about a mile (1.6 kilometers) from the western edge of National Heroes Park and a 15-minute drive from the Bob Marley Museum. Most visitors come as part of an organized tour as it's considered safer than venturing into the area without a local guide.
Tours of Trench Town are available throughout the year, but as most of the area is outdoors, you may want to plan your visit around the rainy hurricane season (June through October). Don't miss a visit to the Trench Town Culture Yard Museum, open daily from 9am to 6pm.
Many of Jamaica’s most famous artists and groups hail from Trench Town, including Toots and the Maytals, Dean Fraser, and longtime Marley collaborators such as Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. Trench Town shows up in many of Marley’s lyrics: “Trenchtown Rock” puts the neighborhood front and center, while “No Woman, No Cry” makes a nostalgic reference to the area.
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