Things To Do
in Portmore
Portmore is a large, rapidly growing suburban town on Jamaica's southern coast, part of the Kingston Metropolitan Area. It features an extensive canal-and-waterfront network, modern housing estates, and a developing array of shopping centers and eateries. The town serves as a commuter hub with quick access to Kingston and nearby beaches like Hellshire.
Visitors should expect warm Caribbean weather, friendly locals, and ample opportunities for coast and outdoor exploration, though traffic can be heavy during peak hours.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down in Portmore and check in to your guesthouse or hotel. Unpack and take a leisurely walk around your neighborhood to get a feel for the town. Stop by a roadside vendor for a fresh coconut water to beat the heat.
Head to a nearby local market to browse fruits, vegetables, and handmade crafts. Chat with friendly vendors and sample tropical treats like Jamaican mango or ackee. Pick up a few souvenirs or spices to take home.
Enjoy your first Jamaican dinner at a local jerk stand, savoring spicy chicken or pork. Listen to upbeat reggae rhythms floating through the air as the sun sets. End the night with a stroll along the Portmore waterfront, enjoying the cool sea breeze.
Rise early and drive to Old Harbour Bay to watch fishermen bring in their catch. Observe the traditional pirogues and nets, and learn about local fishing techniques. Purchase fresh fish directly from the seafarers for a later meal.
Join a community guide for a walking tour of the village’s colorful houses and small-scale docks. Meet local artisans crafting grills, nets, and wooden carvings. Sit down for a seaside lunch featuring the morning’s fish sautéed in island spices.
Return to Portmore and relax with a cold Red Stripe at a beachside bar. Share stories with locals about life in the fishing community. Watch the stars emerge above the calm harbor waters.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| ☕Cup of coffee | $1-3 |
| 🍽️Lunch for two at mid-range cafe | $16-30 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $70-150 |
| 🚌Local transit day pass | $2-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close access to Kingston and popular beaches
- Relaxed island vibe with friendly locals
- Growing selection of dining and waterfront spaces
- Good value for money in many casual venues
- Traffic can be heavy, especially during peak hours
- Public transport can be crowded and less frequent outside city centers
- Some areas may lack dense infrastructure in parts of Portmore
- "Wah gwaan" - What's up / Hello
- "Weh yuh seh?" - What are you saying?
- "Ow much?" - How much is this?
- "Mi deh yah" - I'm here / I'm good
- "Bless up" - Blessings / Hello / Thanks
Places to Visit in Portmore
Visit one of these nice places.
Long, scenic walkway along the canal with opportunities for sunrise and sunset reflections on the water.
Golden-hour shots over the Caribbean with silhouettes of fishing boats and beach vendors.
Hilltop vantage point with coastal views and a sense of local history.
Food in Portmore
Portmore Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Brightly spiced grilled chicken cooked over pimento wood; widely available from roadside stalls and seaside shacks.
Must-Try!
Jamaica's national dish, typically scrambled with onions, peppers, and spices; popular at breakfast spots and some casual eateries.
Fried fish topped with a tangy pickled vegetable sauce; commonly served with bammy or dumplings.
Crispy fried seafood paired with sweet fried dough strips called festival; a staple at beachside vendors.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling lines of vendors offering fried fish, patties, jerk sticks, bammy, and fresh fruit.
Iconic seaside stalls known for seafood plates, festival, bammy, and cold drinks with sea views.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Begin conversations with a friendly greeting like Good morning and say please and thank you. A respectful tone goes a long way.
Keep voices moderate in public spaces, dress modestly in more rural or church settings, and avoid confrontations in crowded areas.
Safety
Tipping in Portmore
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a 10–15% tip is customary if service is not included. Small tips for taxi drivers or bag handlers are appreciated but not mandatory.
Cash is widely accepted (JMD and USD). Major credit and debit cards are common in larger eateries and hotels; mobile payments are increasingly available at some shops and cafes.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid days with frequent short bursts of tropical rain; sea breezes are welcome. Expect higher humidity and the busiest beach times on weekends.
Continued warmth with possible showers; hurricane season runs June through November, so monitor weather forecasts for coastal travel.
Milder and more comfortable daytime temperatures; less rain, making it a popular time for visitors from cooler climates.
Pleasant and lively with plentiful outdoor events and beach activities; good conditions for photography and walking tours.
Portmore at Night
Hiking in Portmore
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A hillside route with city and coastal views, suitable for a half-day hike.
Accessible via Kingston; longer day trips or overnight hikes with sweeping sunrise views.
Airports
How to reach Portmore by plane.
Located in Kingston; major international gateway with road access to Portmore via main highways and toll routes.
Montego Bay's international airport; reachable by domestic flight connections or longer drives from Kingston if routing is planned differently.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many households are family-centered with suburban living patterns and community-oriented amenities.
Residents who travel to Kingston and surrounding parishes for work or education.
Numerous schools and local hangouts contribute to an active youth presence and growing nightlife.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and watched; local leagues and informal games are common in communities around Portmore.
A traditional sport throughout Jamaica, with community matches and school programs
Jamaica's athletic culture is strong; local clubs and schools often host weekend training and events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Portmore.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many vegetarian options exist, including callaloo, rice and peas, bammy, festival, fried dumplings, and vegetable stews. Mention no meat or fish when ordering, and ask to substitute sides where possible.