Spanish Town, Jamaica

Capital City

With a population of 131,056, Spanish Town is no quaint colonial gem. The former capital of Jamaica has lost much of its economic and cultural vitality since the seat of government was relocated to Kingston in 1872. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the town's historic architecture and street names a mere facade for the gritty realities of daily life.

Though the Rio Cobre provides a scenic backdrop, violence in the area has prevented the town's iconic Old Iron Bridge from achieving UNESCO World Heritage status. Those drawn to Spanish Town's rich history and connections to Jamaican culture may find the town's charms overshadowed by the grind of navigating its crumbling infrastructure and high crime rates.

In short, Spanish Town is better suited for the hardened expat than the casual tourist.