Jamaica's Nightlife

A country with a cultural heritage as diverse and proud as Jamaica is bound to offer the best in local nightlife and after-dark entertainment. From Hedonism in Negril, to the Centerstage Theatre in Kingston, Jamaica offers visitors enough fun for several nights.

Negril

If spending an evening in Negril, Jamaica, most folks will venture to Rick's about an hour before sunset. The most popular location on the island to view the sun go down, visitors can have a drink and watch adventurous cliff-divers and, if lucky, one might witness the phenomenon of the green flash that occurs only when the sun sets on a cloudless night. Scientifically, it happens because the light of the sun is refracted through the earth's atmosphere, but local legend says a couple who witnesses this rara avis will be guaranteed true love.

If you and your significant other hope to nestle in the comfort of a resort, Sandals Negril Beach Resort is for you. One among three locations, which also include Dunn's River and Montego Bay, the resort provides all-inclusive fun for couples looking to get away.

Another famous spot for great nightlife in Negril is Hedonism II, a place famous for its bacchanals and high-end service, but not a place for the weak of heart when it comes to partying. You have to purchase a pass for about $75(USD) if you aren't already a guest, but with unlimited drinks and food, it's well-worth the cost.

If you love listening to live music and discovering new bands,  you won't want to miss Alfred's Ocean Place, which features nightly performances right on the beach.

Montego Bay

If you are looking to start off your evening in a fun and novel way, you may want to check out Glistening Waters Restaurant and Marina just outside Montego Bay for dining, disco, and drinks overlooking the glowing river.  You will also find the island's most authentic British Pub, the Royal Stocks, in Montego Bay.

In the mood to take a risk? Then you should visit Jackpot Jungle, the premier gaming experience in Jamaica. Whether you are just looking to try your luck, or you are the play-to-win type, this casino's got the game for you. Basics like blackjack and roulette always make for a good time, but the main attractions are the 120+ slot machines available with a wide variety of games, from traditional slots to interactive gaming. Games take US denominations from five cents to $5(USD).

Montego Bay is home to Hip Strip, a section of Gloucester Ave thick with popular bars and clubs.  Located in MoBay's favorite hot spot is the Twisted Kilt, the island's first Irish pub, and the very jazzy Blue Beat.  Rum Jungle is perhaps the most impressive spot on Hip Street, known for it's theatricality, exotic food, and samples of over 100 different rums.  Meanwhile, for true novelty, check out Chillin, a game center with artificial falling snow and an ice bar.  Get lucky on Hip Strip by visiting the street's casinos: Caribbean Treasures and Coral Cliff Gaming Room..

For great drinks and good music, there's no place like Margueritaville (also on Hip Strip), and now you can enjoy this great nightlife tradition, Jamaican style. This bar and café has an excellent menu with traditional items, as well as traditional Jamaican drinks and food. During the day, sports events are broadcast on big screen TVs, and after dark, theme nights add to the fun of the laid-back atmosphere.

Kingston

Visitors to Kingston, Jamaica can enjoy a wide variety of nightlife in tourist-centered areas, but without awareness of local trends, you may find yourself lost in the big city. To avoid getting lost or wasting your time, it is probably a good idea to ask your hotel concierge where the local hot spots are (and are not).

Knutsford Blvd in Kingston 5 offers a plethora of after-dark entertainment. Club Asylum offers visitors a sensory taste of genuine Jamaican nightlife. However, if the crowd is at full capacity, nearby Jonkanoo Lounge is a cozy location where patrons can "cool out."  Mingles is where to go for a younger crowd, where you can dance to soca, pop, and reggae. 

Club Habibi, a Latin nightspot with an Arab name, is a true example of Jamaica's diversity and culture. Habibi hosts theme nights ranging from fashion night, where you show up dressed for the red carpet, to 80s night, a blast from the past. A favorite of locals is Latin night, which features two hours of Latin dance lessons prior to the beginning of a great mix of Latin dance music. Also located on the "hip strip" are Mingles Pub and Pool Bar which grants lovers of Latin music a chance to dance their Saturday night away.

If you crave a more cosmopolitan approach to your nightlife, Redbones Blues Café can provide the perfect backdrop for a beautiful garden setting.  This locale is know for smooth jazz and blues music, southern food, and it's art gallery.  Carlos' Cafe is another trendy spot in the area.

For more family-oriented entertainment in Jamaica, there is the Centerstage Theatre, a local cast that puts on musical comedies in native tongues. Although you may not understand what's being spoken, it's a great experience to see the culture of the island performed live. The theatre is cozy and comfortable without being too small. Prices will vary depending on when you purchase tickets.  The Ward Theater, one of Jamaica's national monuments, is another great spot for live theater in Kingston.

Other Cities

It's the smaller joints that are popular in Port Antonio.  The Roof Club, which is located on the second floor of it's building, is a great locale to groove to dancehall hits.

The scene in Ocho Rios is more than a little edgy, and the faint at heart may want to ignore the nightlife in this area.  Expect for things to get wild when you visit clubs like Amnesia.  If you're in Ocho Rios and want to avoid the crazy club scene, check out Ocean's 11, a bar on the water, or Strawberries, a bar and restaurant featuring local cuisine.

Time 'n' Place, in Falmouth, is an unlikely hot spot.  The place is constructed of driftwood and looks slightly delapidated, but it is where locals go for the best mixed drinks in town.

A Warning

Certain illicit substances are relatively popular on the party scene in Jamaica, and as a tourist, an offer will more than likely crop up to try them out. Although it may not appear that way, Jamaican law expressly forbids the use of mind-altering substances, and a visit to local jails is the best way to miss out on all the other great nightlife in Jamaica.