Our top Jamaica picks by city
Our top Jamaica picks by city
Emily Buchanan
Available for hire
We've been to Jamaica together 6 times now and each trip we work to discover something new and beautiful for anyone who wants to stay. Planning a trip to Jamaica? Use this guide to decide what area to stay in or what to do when you go. Be sure to book your hotels through this guide or reach out to us directly to rate shop for you to support us so we can keep offering you the best insights!
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Kingston
Stay
Strawberry Hill
@emilybethbuchanan
One of the best views of my life. The food is amazing. The stay is amazing. Brave the road on the way up, it's worth it!
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Port Royal
@emilybethbuchanan
Once known as the wickedest city on earth, and the inspiration for "Pirates of the Caribbean"! Great stop for history buffs.
*Hack: make sure to eat at Gloria's after your tour before you leave Port Royal. Best fish I've ever had!
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Blue Mountains
@emilybethbuchanan
A Blue Mountain hike is no joke but it's a wonder to see. If you're the outdoor type this is for you.
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Eat + Drink
Gloria's
@emilybethbuchanan
We rec pairing this meal with a tour of the historic Port Royal! Afterward, head to the top of Gloria's pop open a Red Stripe and enjoy the freshest fish of your life. Scout's honor!
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Usain Bolt's Tracks & Records
@emilybethbuchanan
A dope spot paying homage to one of Jamaica's finest! Great for watching international football!
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Oceano Jamaica
@emilybethbuchanan
Great drinks, food and atmospher. Plus there's a hidden bar in the back!
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Republic
@emilybethbuchanan
A NEW hidden bar in Kingston! The vibes are immaculate... if you can find it. ;)
Hint: Check out Oceano for entrance!
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Café Blue - Irish Town
@emilybethbuchanan
About 40 away from the city, not far from Stawberry Hill, this coffe shop/cafe is great for working abroad with spanning views.
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Montego Bay
Stay
S Hotel Jamaica
@emilybethbuchanan
Pinned this for beach access. Next door you can pay a small fee to enjoy a SUPER nice public beach area. It’s perfect.
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Doctor's Cave Beach
@emilybethbuchanan
Easily in our top 3 beaches on the island. Location is great, bar on site and never too busy.
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Appleton Estate
@emilybethbuchanan
While it's about a 2 hour drive, this estate tour is one of our favorites especially if you're a history or rum junkie!
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Eat + Drink
Pineapple Beach
@emilybethbuchanan
A stunning outdoor bar with a private cove, this place feels like a movie.
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Negril/West End
For a closer look into Negril, check out our specific guide here!>
Stay
The absolute best part of the South Coast of Jamaica are the cliffs! These rocky features give most stays a unique aesthetic that allows you to climb through caves, find hideaways and test your wits on cliff jumping or simply enjoy the best sunsets.Â
(We actually had our wedding on the South Coast!)
$$$
The Cliff Hotel Jamaica
@emilybethbuchanan
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Azul Beach Resort Negril by Karisma
@emilybethbuchanan
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Skylark Negril Beach Resort
@emilybethbuchanan
This is one of your few sandy beachfront on the South Coast, so if you're looking for that instead of cliffs, make sure to check Skylark out.
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$
Samsara Cliff Hotel
@emilybethbuchanan
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Tingalayas Retreat
@emilybethbuchanan
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Rick's Cafe
@emilybethbuchanan
Come for the cliff jumping-stay for the food!
There is also access to a great pool on site.
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Blue Hole Mineral Spring | Jamaica
@emilybethbuchanan
If you're a nature lover then you'll love this picture perfect way to cool off and tap into your inner adventurer.
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Martha Brae Rafting Village
@emilybethbuchanan
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YS Falls
@emilybethbuchanan
About a 2-hour drive from Negril, this place feels like paradise has the falls and zip lining and I'd definitely recommend it for a day activity.
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Eat + Drink
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Margaritaville Negril
@emilybethbuchanan
The is THE spot any hour, come for day hangs or night time fun.
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Juici Patties
@emilybethbuchanan
This is a great place to stop for snacks if you decide to check out the bamboo rafting!
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Kenny's Italian Cafe
@emilybethbuchanan
Don't be fooled by the name, this is a beautiful nightlife spot!
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Portland Recs Coming Soon!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Emily Buchanan
Available for hire
🔒Certified Travel Agent
Former expat + islander duo. 💕
Find guides for the Caribbean, Africa and our now home Atlanta. Plus some fun stops in between.
✨We love a view, a rooftop situation, and good food.
💸Most guides are for a middle-class budget
🔑We take you beyond tourist spots
>>> ATL eating, drinking, and rooftop guide available now!
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