Where’s the Best Place to Visit in Jamaica?

As a local travel blogger, I often get asked where to visit by first-time visitors. Jamaica, a vibrant and culturally rich island in the Caribbean, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, reggae music, and warm hospitality. Each town in Jamaica possesses its own unique charm, so to get an authentic Jamaican experience you have to visit at least two or three towns. If you think an all-inclusive hotel stay where you never leave the resort, or visiting one corner of the island will give you an accurate representation of Jamaica, forget about it! In this article, we will take a journey through some of Jamaica’s seven best towns and cities (including pros and cons!) to help you make the best choice about where to visit in Jamaica for a real taste of the island.

What’s Inside

1. Montego Bay, the Trendy City
2. Negril, Jamaica’s Beach Capital
3. Ocho Rios, for Adventure Junkies
4. Kingston, the Reggae Mecca
5. Port Antonio, the Nature Paradise
6. Falmouth, for History Buffs
7. Treasure Beach, Laidback Capital

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1. Montego Bay, the Trendy City

Montego Bay, or “MoBay,” is Jamaica’s second city and a bustling tourist hub on the northwest coast, home to the island’s largest international airport which is also rated as one of the Caribbean’s best. With its lively atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and top-notch luxury all-inclusive resorts, Montego Bay is a great place to start if you’re visiting Jamaica for the first time. Hip Strip, a popular stretch along Gloucester Avenue, offers shopping, dining, nighttime entertainment and daytime fun at the Dead End Beach, Doctor’s Cave Beach and Margaritaville.

Visitors can also explore the Rose Hall Great House or play golf at the Rose Hall and Cinnamon Hill golf courses, some of the island’s best. During summer, the city comes alive with the annual Jamaican music festival, Reggae Sumfest. Montego Bay is easily Jamaica’s most visited city, although personally it’s not my speed (too touristy!).

• Pros: multiple luxury all-inclusive resorts to choose from, very close to the airport, great beaches, good for nightlife.
• Cons: As the city depends heavily on tourism, expect more crowds, traffic, higher prices (most are quoted in USD) and tourist traps. The best beaches have exclusive access for hotel guests ONLY, or charge an admission fee.

2. Negril, Jamaica’s Beach Capital

Famous for its breathtaking Seven Mile Beach, Negril is a laid-back town on the western coast of Jamaica, another great spot for first time visitors to Jamaica. Known for one of Jamaica’s best sunsets and vibrant nightlife, Negril attracts both relaxation-seekers and party enthusiasts. Cliff diving at the Rick’s Café, water sports such as parasailing, adventure activities like ATV riding and ziplining, and sunset catamaran cruises are among the many activities which make Negril a diverse and enjoyable destination. Look out for annual Negril parties such as Mocha Fest and Dream WKND, as well as the annual Reggae Marathon which takes place parallel to the famous Seven Mile Beach. There are also niche activities available such as marijuana tours, yoga retreats and psilocybin experiences for those inclined.

• Pros: Absolutely breathtaking sunsets, free beach access for ALL (locals + tourists), a great balance between daytime and nightlife activities, perfect for relaxation and wellness.
• Cons: A long drive from the east coast (think Kingston, the capital city!) on roads which aren’t usually in the best condition, beach peddlers can be annoying and persistent.

3. Ocho Rios, for Adventure Junkies

Ocho Rios, situated on Jamaica’s north coast, is one of the most visited places in Jamaica as it’s a resort town that mixes natural wonders with modern attractions. Dunn’s River Falls, an award-winning waterfall and natural attraction, is one of the most visited places in Jamaica. At Dunn’s River, you can climb the terraced waterfalls or relax on the adjacent beach. As it’s often crowded, go early to find it empty or skip it altogether and visit the smaller, less popular Konoko Falls instead.

Ocho Rios offers activities like horseback riding, zip-lining, river tubing, jumping into waterfalls and rum-tasting at Chukka Cove. You can also have a great time relaxing on the beach, trying a new watersport, having a history lesson at the Seville Heritage Park or venturing further west for the spelunking at the Green Grotto Caves. The dining options are great too with Miss T’s Kitchen and the nearby Plantation Smokehouse being among my favourites.

• Pros: great balance of activities available, beautiful waterfalls and beaches, lots of opportunities to learn the history of Jamaica.
• Cons: Main Street in Ocho Rios always has heavy daytime traffic, more expensive than other towns (e.g. gasoline, food), things are often quoted in USD, the town is very touristy and gets crowded on cruise ship days.

4. Kingston, the Reggae Mecca

As the capital and largest city of Jamaica, Kingston is the cultural heartbeat of the island. It is a bustling metropolis that seamlessly blends history, art, and music. Visitors can explore the Trench Town Culture Yard and Bob Marley Museum, dedicated to the legendary reggae musician, or wander through the vibrant markets and historic sites like Devon House. Kingston boasts a lively nightlife scene, with reggae clubs and street parties that reflect the city’s vibrant spirit.

The city also boasts endless entertainment options, some of which are summed up here and here. These include recreational flights over the city, paragliding, boat tours to smaller cays, ATV riding, pole dancing and sampling craft beer. Note: Kingston comes even more alive during Reggae Month in February, and you can check out this tour for an introduction to Jamaican music.

• Pros: Multiple daily entertainment and nightlife options, excellent food options and restaurants (e.g. rooftop dining, international cuisine, vegan food), weekly live reggae music, great art scene (think street art, murals, sculptures and art galleries, many of which have free admission), more affordable than other cities on this list.
• Cons: Kingston has a high crime rate so some neighbourhoods are best avoided altogether. Peak hour traffic (between 7am and 9am, 4pm and 7pm) is HORRIBLE. No all-inclusive hotels.

5. Port Antonio, the Nature Paradise

Tucked away on Jamaica’s northeastern coast, Port Antonio is located inside of Portland, Jamaica’s most beautiful parish. Surrounded by lush mountains and pristine beaches, Port Antonio offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of Jamaica’s north, south and west coasts. Famous attractions include the Rio Grande, Blue Lagoon, Reach Falls, and Frenchman’s Cove. Port Antonio’s charm lies in its unspoiled nature, making it a haven for eco-tourism enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil retreat. Portland is also the birthplace of jerk in Jamaica, so you’ll get the best authentic jerk chicken and jerk pork here. Check out the Portland Jerk Centre and Boston Jerk Centre.

• Pros: Affordable town, laid-back pace, excellent beaches, numerous hidden waterfalls and rivers, best place to try Jamaican jerk!
• Cons: No nightlife at all, most shops close by nightfall, no all-inclusive hotels, very remote– long drive from the airport and all other towns.

6. Falmouth, for History Buffs

Known for its well-preserved Georgian architecture, Falmouth is a small historic town on Jamaica’s north coast. Stroll through the streets lined with colorful buildings, visit the Falmouth Court House, and experience the vibrant local culture. Falmouth is also a gateway to the Luminous Lagoon and the Martha Brae River, where visitors can enjoy a relaxing bamboo rafting adventure through lush tropical surroundings. One of Jamaica’s oldest rum distilleries is also located near Falmouth. Sign up for a guided tour here.

• Pros: well-preserved historical buildings– great for history buffs, gateway to numerous attractions.
• Cons: city centre has a lot of traffic especially on cruise ship days, no nightlife.

7. Treasure Beach, Laidback Capital

For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, Treasure Beach on the south coast offers a quiet retreat. Comprising several fishing villages, this area is known for its tranquil beaches, friendly locals, and a slower pace of life. Visitors can explore the nearby Black River and see Jamaican crocodiles in their natural habitat, indulge in local seafood, or simply relax and drink Red Stripe beer at a bar floating in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. Treasure Beach also hosts the annual Calabash International Literary Festival which has even hosted the likes of famed Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie in 2023.

• Pros: Clean, flourishing community tourism model, most hotels and villas are owned by locals which is very refreshing, lots of sporting and music events. No tourist traps, even the vendors are super-friendly and never pushy. Excellent seafood and local cuisine options.
• Cons: No all-inclusive hotels, no fancy restaurants.

Wrap Up

Jamaica’s towns showcase the island’s incredible diversity, from the bustling energy of Kingston to the untouched beauty of Port Antonio and the laid-back vibes of Negril. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, Jamaica’s towns offer a wide range of experiences that capture the essence of this Caribbean paradise. Each town is a unique chapter in Jamaica’s story, inviting visitors to explore and create memories that will last a lifetime. And, if you’ve never used GetYourGuide, download the app then enter ADVENTURESFROMELLE5 to save 5% off your first excursion. 🙂

If you liked this article you may also enjoy:

• Is Jamaica Safe for Tourists?
• Is Jamaica Safe for Solo Travelers?
• Is Kingston, Jamaica Worth Visiting?
• Why Do Jamaicans Run So Fast?

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