Front view of Frank Loyd Wrights Gordon House
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Gordon House Parliament

4.3
·9 reviews·Kingston, Jamaica

Gordon House: Jamaica's Parliament. Gordon Town: Serene river dining & hikes. A blend of governance and natural beauty.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Parliamentary Sessions

Witness history in the making

CrowdMedium
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Front view of Frank Loyd Wrights Gordon House

Gordon House Parliament

Best Time

Parliamentary Sessions

Witness history in the making

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Gordon House: Jamaica's Parliament. Gordon Town: Serene river dining & hikes. A blend of governance and natural beauty.

4.3
(9 reviews)

"Experience the heart of Jamaican democracy and then escape to a tranquil riverside paradise."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Dining in Advance

Reservations are essential for popular riverside spots in Gordon Town. Call ahead! :telephone_receiver:

Check Parliament Schedule

To witness a sitting, check the official Parliament of Jamaica schedule beforehand. 📅

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.3 · 9 reviews

Type

Government Office

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Parliamentary Sittings

Parliamentary Sittings

Gordon House, Downtown Kingston

Witness the heart of Jamaican democracy. Observe debates and law-making in the nation's Parliament.

Riverside Dining Experience

Riverside Dining Experience

Gordon Town

Enjoy delicious Ital cuisine by a serene river, often with a refreshing waterfall nearby. A true taste of Jamaica's natural beauty.

Gordon Town River Hike

Gordon Town River Hike

Gordon Town

Explore the lush natural surroundings with a guided hike along the river, culminating in a refreshing dip.

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Planning Your Visit

Understand the Dual Nature of Gordon House

Gordon House is primarily the seat of Jamaica's Parliament, a place of governance. However, the surrounding Gordon Town area offers a distinct natural escape with river dining and hiking. Plan your visit accordingly, as these are two very different experiences.

Bookings and Access for Dining

For the popular riverside dining experiences in Gordon Town, reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekends or special occasions. Some spots operate on a lunch-only basis. Check their Instagram pages for the most current information and booking details.

Best Times

When
Parliamentary Sessions
Why
Witness history in the making
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends (Dining)
Why
Lively atmosphere, book ahead!
Crowd
High
When
Weekday Lunch (Dining)
Why
More relaxed, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Have you tried the dining experience plus waterfall hike experience in Gordon Town? I’ve been multiple times and it’s amazing. @Prettyclose1876 Add this experience to the list of things to do in Kingston & St. Andrew. It’s a 2-in-1 experience where you get access to Ital riverside dining (meal & coconut water) and a river hike. #river #riversidedining #waterfall #coconut #kingston #placetovisit ...
@explorewithtash_
52.2K likes • 684.9K views

Book Dining in Advance

Reservations are essential for popular riverside spots in Gordon Town. Call ahead! :telephone_receiver:

Check Parliament Schedule

To witness a sitting, check the official Parliament of Jamaica schedule beforehand. 📅

It’s my man’s Birthday!!! We kicked off the weekend with lunch at Pretty Close in Gordon Town. Was n o t disappointed. The calabash was stavked with so much food #riverdining #kingstonjamaica #prettyclose #jamaicanfood #italstew #saltmackerel #riceandpeas #friedfish #snapper #escovitchfish #coconutwater #calabash #birthdayboy
@tashthemillionaire
9K likes • 126.9K views
Members of Parliament (MPs) representing the governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), led by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, walked out of Gordon House on Tuesday while Opposition Leader Mark Golding was making his contribution to the Budget Debate. Read more: Click the link in our stories or the link in our bio
jamaicaobserver
1.8K likes • 130.4K views

Follow Social Media for Updates

For dining spots like Pretty Close, follow their Instagram for the latest info and booking. :iphone:

Wear Comfortable Shoes

If you plan on hiking in Gordon Town, sturdy footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:

Our field trip to Gordon House to watch the sitting of Parliament #jamaica #gordonhouse #jamaican #fieldtrip #parliament #senate
headstartschoolja
15 likes • 311 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Dining in Advance

Reservations are essential for popular riverside spots in Gordon Town. Call ahead! :telephone_receiver:

Check Parliament Schedule

To witness a sitting, check the official Parliament of Jamaica schedule beforehand. 📅

Follow Social Media for Updates

For dining spots like Pretty Close, follow their Instagram for the latest info and booking. :iphone:

Wear Comfortable Shoes

If you plan on hiking in Gordon Town, sturdy footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:

Respectful Attire for Parliament

While not strictly enforced for visitors, dressing respectfully is advised when visiting Gordon House. 👔

What Travellers Say

4.3
(9 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Gordon House as the vital center of Jamaican governance and debate. The surrounding Gordon Town area is lauded for its serene river dining and natural beauty, offering a refreshing escape. While the parliamentary building is seen as functional, there's a recognized need for modernization.

"The nation's business, debates, the laws of the land. This is the place you have to pass on Duke Street. - been there sitting and watching its people over the years. I agree whole heartily that the building is 'bursting at it seams' and it is high time for a new place of abode. Gordon House must be placed at the ideal spot where she stands out as a shining star, where those who enter her doors serve with greater dignity and pride. I can't wait for the new home and design to be a reality. Jamaicans let us dream big., bring prominence to light. Let the world be scared of our unearthed potentials. I love sweet Jamaica."

Marcia Johnson

"The seat of Parliament and Senate. Situated down town in the Kingston. The building was named after a former parliamentarian who was going by the crown for his support of Paul Bogle of thé Morant Bay rebellion. A building and location that have out lived its size and facilities. We need a new and modern Parliament building."

Samuel Buchanan

"The Houses of Parliament of Jamaica."

Gwyneth HaroldDavidson

What People Like

Seat of Jamaican democracy
Beautiful riverside dining
Authentic Ital cuisine

What People Dislike

Parliament building needs modernization
Downtown parking challenges

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Gordon House is located on Duke Street in downtown Kingston. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available. If driving, be aware that parking in downtown Kingston can be challenging. Instagram

Gordon Town is located outside of Kingston. Taxis or private drivers are the most convenient options. Some TikToks mention parking at the foot of Skyline Drive for certain spots. TikTok

While public buses may go towards Gordon Town, they can be less direct and comfortable for tourists. A taxi or pre-arranged transport is generally recommended for a smoother journey. TikTok

These locations are quite distinct. You'll need to arrange separate transportation. A taxi or ride-share service is your best bet for moving between downtown Kingston and the more rural Gordon Town area. TikTok

While major road repairs have been completed, it's always wise to check local conditions before traveling, especially during the rainy season. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

General public access to observe parliamentary sittings is usually free, but you may need to go through security checks. It's best to check the Parliament of Jamaica's official website for any specific visitor guidelines or booking requirements. Instagram

Gordon House is primarily an active government building. Public access for observation is typically limited to scheduled parliamentary sessions. Check the official schedule for dates and times. Instagram

For popular spots like Pretty Close, reservations are highly recommended. Contact them directly via their Instagram page or phone number to secure your spot. TikTok+1

Some dining establishments in Gordon Town include access to the river and hiking areas as part of their dining package. It's advisable to confirm this when making your reservation. TikTok

While you can see the exterior of Gordon House, interior access for general visitors is typically restricted to parliamentary sessions. Instagram

🎫 📍 Onsite Experience

You can observe debates, listen to speeches, and witness the legislative process. Be prepared for security checks and follow any instructions from parliamentary staff. Instagram+1

Expect delicious Ital cuisine, which is Rastafarian-inspired vegetarian/vegan food. Dishes often include Ital stew, rice and peas, fried fish, and fresh coconut water served in a calabash. TikTok+1

Ital food is prepared without salt and is often very fresh and flavorful, emphasizing natural ingredients. It's a healthy and delicious culinary experience. TikTok+1

The river hikes are generally considered moderate. The terrain can be uneven, so good footwear is essential. Some parts might be more challenging depending on the specific trail. TikTok

Gordon House is named after Alexander Gordon, a former parliamentarian who supported the Morant Bay rebellion. It's the historic seat of Jamaican government. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography rules can vary. Generally, taking photos during official sittings might be restricted. It's best to ask for permission or check signage. Instagram

The lush riverbanks, cascading waterfalls, and the vibrant presentation of Ital food offer fantastic photo opportunities. Capture the natural beauty and the unique dining setup. TikTok+1

As Gordon Town is a more natural and less urbanized area, drone usage might be less restricted than in the city. However, always be mindful of private property and local regulations. TikTok

Morning light can be beautiful and less harsh, while late afternoon can offer a golden glow. Consider the time of day for the best natural lighting for your shots. TikTok

During official sittings, photography of members might be restricted to accredited press. Outside of sessions, it's generally not appropriate to photograph individuals without their consent. Instagram

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