Things to do in Jamaica
4 destinations in Jamaica, when to visit each, and what a trip actually costs.
Places to visit in Jamaica
- Things to do in Kingston city, culture, food
- Things to do in Montego Bay beach, relax, adventure
- Things to do in Negril beach, relax, nature
- Things to do in Ocho Rios beach, adventure, relax
Best time to visit Jamaica
When flights to each destination are cheapest.
- Kingston
- The cheapest months to fly to Kingston are May, June, and early December before the holidays, when fares can run 25-35% lower than the peak winter-sun season of January through March. Midweek departures (Tuesday and Wednesday) consistently beat weekend prices by another 10-15%.
- Montego Bay
- The cheapest months to fly to Montego Bay are May, June, and early September when hurricane-season deals push fares 30-40% below the December-April peak winter season. Flying midweek (Tuesday-Wednesday departures) versus weekend can save an additional 10-15% on the same routes.
- Negril
- The cheapest months to fly to Negril are May, June, and early September (hurricane shoulder season), when round-trip fares can run 25-40% less than peak December-April prices; flying mid-week (Tuesday/Wednesday) shaves another 10-15% off versus weekend departures.
- Ocho Rios
- Flying in late April through early June or late October through November unlocks the cheapest fares, typically 25-40% below the December-to-April peak winter season. Midweek departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) shave another $30-60 off round trips compared to weekend flights.
Is Jamaica expensive?
A day on the ground for one person travelling alone, before flights: somewhere to sleep, food, something to do and getting around.
- Kingston
- About $53 a day on a shoestring, about $230 comfortably.
- Montego Bay
- About $50 a day on a shoestring, about $245 comfortably.
- Negril
- About $55 a day on a shoestring, about $260 comfortably.
- Ocho Rios
- About $53 a day on a shoestring, about $275 comfortably.
Set your dates, budget and home airport on any destination below for a total that includes flights.
Free things to do in Jamaica
- Kingston: Emancipation Park Beautifully landscaped urban park with bold sculpture and a great people-watching scene
- Kingston: Port Royal Ferry & Exploration Catch the cheap ferry to the sunken pirate city and wander its historic forts and waterfront
- Montego Bay: Walter Fletcher Beach (Aquasol Theme Park public side) Free public beach access with calm waters and a lively local atmosphere
- Montego Bay: Hip Strip People-Watching & Street Music Stroll Gloucester Avenue at sunset for live reggae, vendors, and vibrant street energy
- Negril: Sunset watching at the West End Cliffs The most spectacular free show in the Caribbean, locals and travelers line the cliffs every evening.
- Negril: Stroll Seven Mile Beach The beach is public; walk its full length, swim, and people-watch without spending a dollar.
Cheap eats in Jamaica
- Scotchies Too in Kingston, Jerk chicken or pork straight off the pimento-wood pit with festival bread Plates $5-10
- Gloria's Seafood City (Port Royal) in Kingston, Escovitch fish with bammy, the most iconic cheap seafood lunch in Jamaica Plates $6-12
- Scotchies Jerk Centre in Montego Bay, Jerk pork or chicken with festival bread and bammy Plates $6-10
- Market Place Jerk Pit (Charles Gordon Market) in Montego Bay, Jerk chicken quarter with rice and peas Plates $3-6
- Cosmo's Seafood Restaurant & Bar in Negril, Steamed fish with bammy and festival Plates $8-14
- Sweetwood Jerk Centre in Negril, Jerk chicken with rice and peas Plates $5-9