Montego Bay: a first-timer's guide to Jamaica's resort city

Why visit Montego Bay

MoBay is convenient. You can be in the sea within an hour of landing at Sangster International, and the city has every kind of stay, from big all inclusive resorts at Rose Hall to small hotels on the Hip Strip. It is also a handy base for day trips to Falmouth, the Martha Brae, the hills of St. James and even Negril.

Areas to know

**Gloucester Avenue**, the Hip Strip, runs along the coast with bars, restaurants, craft stalls and access to Doctor's Cave Beach. **Downtown** has Sam Sharpe Square, the Harbour Street craft market and busy local streets. **Rose Hall and Ironshore**, east of the airport, have the large resorts, golf courses and Half Moon. **Montego Bay Freeport** is the cruise port. Many visitors barely leave their resort, but a bit of exploring pays off.

Beaches

**Doctor's Cave Beach** is the famous one, with soft sand, clear water and lifeguards; there is an entry charge. Nearby are Aquasol and other managed beaches. **Dead End Beach** by the airport runway is a free local favourite for sunset and plane watching. Resort beaches at Rose Hall are usually for guests.

History and culture

**Rose Hall Great House** is the best known of the old plantation houses, famous for the legend of Annie Palmer, the White Witch. **Greenwood Great House** is quieter and full of antiques. Downtown, **Sam Sharpe Square** remembers the Baptist deacon who led the 1831 Christmas Rebellion, an uprising that helped hasten the end of slavery in the British Empire.

Day trips

Pole a bamboo raft down the **Martha Brae** river, explore the Georgian streets of **Falmouth**, and take a night trip on the **Luminous Lagoon**, where the water glows when you move. Inland, **Mayfield Falls** in Westmoreland has river pools you walk up with a guide. Negril is about ninety minutes west and Ocho Rios about ninety minutes east by the north coast highway.

Food and nightlife

**Scotchies** in Ironshore is one of the most famous jerk centres on the island. The **Pork Pit** on the Hip Strip is a quick local option. For a special night, take the little ferry to **The Houseboat Grill** in the lagoon. Margaritaville and Pier 1 are the big party venues, and in July **Reggae Sumfest** fills the city with the biggest names in reggae and dancehall.

Staying safe

Montego Bay has a high crime rate in some neighbourhoods, and government travel advice names areas to avoid. Tourist areas are generally fine with normal care. Use licensed taxis with red PP plates or JUTA vehicles, avoid walking downtown at night, and politely but firmly decline persistent offers on the Hip Strip.

Where to stay

Choose the **Hip Strip** if you want to walk to beaches, bars and restaurants and see a little local life; small hotels such as the S Hotel sit right beside Doctor's Cave Beach. Choose **Rose Hall and Ironshore** for big all inclusive resorts, golf and calm private beaches, and plan on taxis or tours to go out. Villas in the hills above the bay suit families and groups who want space and views.

When to go

The dry season from mid December to April brings sunny days, steady breezes and the highest demand, so book early. May, June and November are quieter and often better value. Hurricane season runs from June to November; buy travel insurance and keep an eye on forecasts from the Meteorological Service of Jamaica.

Plan your days with our places to visit list and the free trip planner.