Kingston · Montego Bay · Negril · Ocho Rios · Portland · St Elizabeth ·

Top Cities or Towns to Visit in Jamaica

Whether you're floating downriver in a bamboo raft, on the beach, exploring a waterfall, or looking for a bag of mangoes and june plums at a roadside stand; Jamaica's unique character is always with you. There are plenty of places to stay and explore when visiting Jamaica. The place that you decide to visit will highly depend on the vibe of the trip you are looking for and the activities you want to partake in as each city/town offers something different. Some places are more tourist focused than others which is ideal if you want a beach and excursion type vacation. However there are also some amazing hidden gems that most people don't consider and are missing out on big time! We’ve compiled a list of the top places to visit in Jamaica to ensure you visit all the right places and get what you are looking for out of your vacation to Jamaica.

1. Montego Bay

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When most people think of Jamaica the first place that comes to mind is Montego Bay. One of the popular tourist spots in Jamaica as it is a blend of everything from beaches, parties, scrumptious food, and stunning nature. Montego Bay is a great place to experience authentic Jamaica. Strolling down the Hip Strip is a great place to start as it is packed with travellers and locals along a strip of bars, restaurants, and shops. There is something for everyone as there is a plethora of attractions and activities in Montego Bay for people to partake in. There are also plenty of restaurants in Montego Bay to choose from such as local food, Asian cuisine, Indian cuisine, and so on. It all depends on what you are in the mood to eat but whatever you desire you can find. If you’re looking for an amazing Villa we recommend our Luxury Orchids & Palms Villa.

2. Ocho Rios

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The second most popular tourist destination in Jamaica is Ocho Rios. In Ocho Rios it is easy to find excitement. Renowned for its attractions, greenery, and waterfalls. Ocho Rios is for those who love adventure and nature as exploring these places are at the tips of your fingers. Dunn’s River Falls, one of the most popular waterfalls, is situated in Ocho Rios and is a top activity in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios is a popular port for cruise ships to dock. If you are arriving on a cruise there is no worries as Ocho Rios is centrally located to many attractions and restaurants that will make a fun day effortless. Spend your day relaxing and easing your worries in the Caribbean sun and head out for sweet reggae music and dancing at night. Another perfect way to end the day is to eat, drink and be merry at a nice local restaurant. Why not book a beautiful vacation property to truly enjoy Ocho Rios.

3. Negril

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If you want to spend your vacation with white sand below, blue skies above and crystal clear water ahead, Negril is the place to be. Negril is renowned for its beautiful pristine beaches and astonishing sunsets - the perfect place to escape from reality, relax and unwind. Don't be fooled by Negril’s beauty, the greatness of Negril does not end there. Negril has more to offer besides beaches. There are plenty of activities and places to explore in Negril such as Blue Hole Mineral Spring, Rick’s Cafe, Margaritaville, and more. To ensure you have the energy to explore all of these activities, be sure to fuel your stay with delicious food from restaurants and bars in Negril. One of our favorite local restaurants is called Sweet Spot!

4. Kingston

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Tall buildings, car filled roads, joyful people filling the street, the aroma of food and street dances. Experience authentic city life in the capital of Jamaica - Kingston. For those who can't get enough of the hustle and bustle of life, Kingston delivers that vibe. Museums, restaurants, golfing, and nightlife are a few of the activities to do in Kingston. Get to experience the true vibes of Jamaica by being in the city where all the action happens. A huge part of experiencing culture is food! Kingston is an ideal place to try various types of Jamaican cuisine. From local cook shops, sports bars, or even fine dining there are a variety of restaurants in Kingston offering savoury food.

5. St Elizabeth

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A less touristy destination in Jamaica and quite overlooked is St Elizabeth. Wild, raw, and relatively undeveloped, St Elizabeth provides an abundance of natural beauty. St Elizabeth is a great place to unplug and take in the natural beauty of earth. It is lush and green, making it a great place for nature lovers. A lot of tourists don't venture to St Elizabeth however they are missing out as there are plenty of things to do in St Elizabeth. Pelican Bar and Treasure Beach are a few of the key activities in St Elizabeth.

6. Portland

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Negril, Montego Bay, and Ocho Rios get all the hype when one thinks of Jamaica. However, a place that must be visited and deserves more credit is Portland. One of the most underrated destinations in Jamaica is Portland. The true definition of a hidden gem, if you want to experience paradise, Portland is the closest place as its beauty is unmatched. Portland is renowned for its scenery, lush forests, and breathtaking beaches. From the famous Blue Lagoon to the scenic Frenchman’s Cove there are plenty of things to do and see in Portland. No amount of words can describe it, the best way to know is to experience it.

Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Negril are more tourist focused spots. Visiting those places will give you a little bit of all the action - great food, amazing clubs, beautiful beaches, and adventure packed excursions. Kingston is the place to be if you want to get a real vibe of Jamaican life. St Elizabeth and Portland are two hidden gems that a lot of people don't explore and miss out on! You will thank us later once you visit these places. A great tip to help you decide on choosing where to visit is to research the key activities you want to do and what you want the vibe of your trip to be. Knowing these things will help in deciding where to focus on visiting. On the other hand, who says you can't explore all of these places ?! Hire a driver and get to exploring :)

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