Hip Strip
3
About
If you're looking for a fun time in Montego Bay, this buzzing strip located next to the Donald Sangster International Airport is always buzzing with activity. During the day, check out the boutiques and shop for some handmade souvenirs. The Caribbean sunsets and panoramic bay views are exceptionally stunning, too. By night, enjoy the pulsating reggae music and party with the locals over rum punch and the island's famous jerk chicken. You can drop by Hip Strip on a shopping or city tour of Montego Bay. Plan your visit from December to April for pleasant weather and the most happening parties. – Tripadvisor
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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3.0
867 reviews
Excellent
146
Very good
146
Average
321
Poor
156
Terrible
98
tammyhowlett
Belleville, Canada65 contributions
Jan 2020
the hipstrip is a very safe place to walk day or night. one end stops at a public beach, called dead end beach, safe to walk during the day on your own. can walk to the very end to the concrete barriers of the airport and if the tide is low you can walk out and around and stand on the beach and watch the airplanes fly in to land directly overhead. at night the locals set up shop and use the road at dead end beach as a local hangout, loud music from vechiles and you can buy a drink from any of the vendors and food and hang out at the piers and chat and sit on the break wall. cool place at night. the other end of the hipstrip is a public park and public beach. there are gazebos and picnic tables, nice area for pictures. you can cross the bridge here and go over to downtown montego bay. there are many rstaurants and bars and shops to go to all along the street on both sides. most of the souvenier shops all offer the same type of items, sometimes you can find different sales and deals at each shop. best to look around and find the bargains as some offer buy one get one free or half off or a discount the more you buy. most of the stores along the strip are now owned by east indians but have jamaican workers, some of the jamaican women are very pushy and persistent about you going into the shops and looking. many locals will stop you and ask if you want a taxi or to buy weed or go see their shops. i have never felt threatened or unsafe walking the strip day or night on my own, just be respectful and polite and a firm no thank you is all i have ever needed to say.there is a casino that has fair type games and arcade/video games on the bottom level and then a bar/restaurant and slots and other gambling games, bring id if gambling.the casino has nightly entertainment as well. kareoke one night. there is a margarittaville across the street from the casino. margarittaville is expensive but a fun experience day or night.ladies night is thursday. there is also a burger king and a starbucks, pork pit is a good place to eat. go out and walk and enjoy, the locals are very friendly and like to cht and walk with you sometimes, no harm though, just be friendly and chat and smile and if you are not interested be nice, not rude. you are a guest in their country.
Written January 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy A
Waukesha, WI23 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
First time in Jamaica and wanted to pick up some souvenirs for family back home. I imagined local shop owners with more of an open/flea market type of vibe. Not the case on the Hip Strip. After 15 minutes we realized that we were not supporting the locals at all. All shops have the same or similar items and each shop owner (non Jamaican heritage) wanted to tell you why their shop/ items were the best and lowest prices. The items are cheaper than the hotel gift shop so we had to purchase a few T-shirts but it didn't feel as if we were supporting the culture at all. The view at the end of the Hip Strip was breathtaking and that alone was worth the $80.00 taxi ride from our hotel.
We have local vendors that visit our beach throughout the day and have committed to ourselves that any jewelry/ wood carvings/ stuff that we want to purchase, we will do through them. They are friendly, teach you about their culture and authentically engage with the visitors.
We have local vendors that visit our beach throughout the day and have committed to ourselves that any jewelry/ wood carvings/ stuff that we want to purchase, we will do through them. They are friendly, teach you about their culture and authentically engage with the visitors.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carey B
Winnipeg, Canada20 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
Hip strip is a long strip of souvenir shops with the same thing in every shop you may save a few dollars if you shop around but my husband and I got out of our cab at one shop and decided to do all our shopping there we saved the lots with the lady that helped us we did not walk much more of the strip due to us already have purchased everything we needed we walked next-door and went to lounge 2727 which has an absolutely incredible view great food and atmosphere in the daytime. You will be asked in front of every store to come in and purchase etc. etc. it definitely can be pushy but if you’re looking for shopping for souvenirs it’s the place to go our hotel shop was three times as much as the hip strip to purchase souvenirs
Written April 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kalps68
London, UK249 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Alot of hype for nothing. We went there expecting to spend at least two hours shopping. All shops were the same sold the same merchandise. We spent all of 40 mins in the shops then went onto Starbucks
Highlight starbucks and back to the hotel
This set us back $60 for the cab
Highlight starbucks and back to the hotel
This set us back $60 for the cab
Written July 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MIKA D
6 contributions
May 2021
I stayed at a hotel that is Jamaican owned and operated and this property sits on the hip strip and across from a famous beach. The hhip strip is lively and buzzing when in full swing. It's only worth visiting when there aren't any restrictions during the week. On the wknds you could hit or miss a new curfew that would require the area to close earlier than normal. There are beaches, all kinds of smoke and party accessories a party animal could dream of. Bars and clubs and lots of local hotels. This is a great spot for the budget friendly pocket that just wanna have fun.
Written June 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mel V
1 contribution
Jun 2024 • Family
Do not waste your time! Thought we’d get off the resort to do some shopping, but there is nothing here. If your resort has a shop, it’s better there. Prices are high on hip strip and the employees don’t really let you enjoy browsing. They’re too pushy. Also, ask your resort how much it costs for a driver there. We didn’t know it would cost $40 for a 10 minute ride.
Written June 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EK D
4 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
Nothing really to see here. Not worth your time. The majority of the drivers drop you off in front of the Banana Bay store because they have parking for all the drivers. But don't go in there. It's a total rip off. What they are doing us downright horrible. I made the mistake of not waiting to buy alcohol from the duty free shop. They charged me $85 for alcohol that sells for $35. And sold me rum for $35 that is $13.50 in the duty free shop. They say they are getting you a deal on their products, but they are not. All they keep saying is we will give you a good price. It's not a good price. Go and support the local shops. They all carry the same thing and you can get a better deal from the locals.
I would not recommend anyone support the people in the Banana Bay shop on the hip strip. Not to mention the strip is uneventful. Not worth the travel time and money.
I would not recommend anyone support the people in the Banana Bay shop on the hip strip. Not to mention the strip is uneventful. Not worth the travel time and money.
Written April 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy C
Edmonton, Canada13 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Do not waste your time. We wanted to get out of our hotel for an afternoon and what a waste of time and money. Blue Banana store is a huge scam of a store where they pressure you to buy overpriced garbage. All the shops are the same. Save your time and money.
Written December 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vivienne Maragh ( Bella)
Pikesville, MD52 contributions
Mar 2023 • Solo
This review is about 2 months late ⏰ but better late than never. New happenings of the Hip Strip as of 1-2023 a.k.a. Jimmy Cliff Boulevard. Clubs, Restaurants 3 weed dispensaries, massage parlor, kosher spot, Burger 🍔 King, Margaritaville, Dolphin 🐬 Cove local hotels that only provide a Continental breakfast 🍳 lunch and dinner is on you. The Hip
Strip is fun and exciting for me more so than the private resorts as you get to mix and mingle in freedom. You will absolutely not be disappointed. You can enjoy the beach 🏝️ on the entire Strip. Within walking 🚶♂️ distance the newly erected harmony park where @ Kelly’s Water-sports such as Glass bottom Boat ride, Parasailing 🪂etc… you have local cruises 🚢 @ Margaritaville and big bouncy things in the water for the children. A hop skip and a jump
from downtown Montego Bay minutes from the Airport and the famous Pier 1 that offers lunch brick dinner 🥘 karaoke on Wednesday nightdress into dancing 💃🏽 dancing 🕺🏿 until 4:30 -5 am in the Morning. Friday’s is the most exciting nights for most first timers and everyone get to mix from the rich to the famous to the infamous. I must admit Pier one is the place for a perfect Date as it has a beautiful scenery and Pier.. I have been going to Pier 1 for over 10 years so the pics varies,
There is no curfew for noise so you will hear music 🎶 @ any given time depending on where your staying on The Hip Strip. Let me not forget Coral Gardens which is like a Dave & Buster’s on the first floor for The kiddies and teens and a Casino on the second floor. Your now free to Roam Montego Bay and get out of the Resorts of course if your staying @ the resorts in The Montego Bay Area there’s a Shuttle service provided to carry you to Margaritaville & Pier 1 that will also carry you back to the Resort. 🏝️💃🏽🍳🪂🚢🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲
Strip is fun and exciting for me more so than the private resorts as you get to mix and mingle in freedom. You will absolutely not be disappointed. You can enjoy the beach 🏝️ on the entire Strip. Within walking 🚶♂️ distance the newly erected harmony park where @ Kelly’s Water-sports such as Glass bottom Boat ride, Parasailing 🪂etc… you have local cruises 🚢 @ Margaritaville and big bouncy things in the water for the children. A hop skip and a jump
from downtown Montego Bay minutes from the Airport and the famous Pier 1 that offers lunch brick dinner 🥘 karaoke on Wednesday nightdress into dancing 💃🏽 dancing 🕺🏿 until 4:30 -5 am in the Morning. Friday’s is the most exciting nights for most first timers and everyone get to mix from the rich to the famous to the infamous. I must admit Pier one is the place for a perfect Date as it has a beautiful scenery and Pier.. I have been going to Pier 1 for over 10 years so the pics varies,
There is no curfew for noise so you will hear music 🎶 @ any given time depending on where your staying on The Hip Strip. Let me not forget Coral Gardens which is like a Dave & Buster’s on the first floor for The kiddies and teens and a Casino on the second floor. Your now free to Roam Montego Bay and get out of the Resorts of course if your staying @ the resorts in The Montego Bay Area there’s a Shuttle service provided to carry you to Margaritaville & Pier 1 that will also carry you back to the Resort. 🏝️💃🏽🍳🪂🚢🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲
Written March 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lori S
Edwardsville, IL179 contributions
Sep 2019
Very busy area. I like to look around but not when people are literally grabbing your arm to drag you into shops. You can't take two steps without a vendor nagging you for business. Evidently it's a hot spot for bouncy brownies... Jamaica would be tolerable if it weren't for the pushy vendors. I feel for the people trying to make a living but I'm not going to buy a bunch of stuff I don't have a use for.
Written August 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How many shops are there here? Is there enough to shop for a half a day?
Written January 21, 2024
It’s enough shops to shop all day. The Hip Strip is a very exciting place to visit from shopping to eating to gambling to massages to swimming to Weed dispensaries Clubbing Watersports. You will not be disappointed
Written September 19, 2024
Hi. Can you walk from the cruise terminal to Dr Cave beach and also visit Hip Strip and then walk back to the cruise terminal or do you need to take a taxi,thanks
Written August 13, 2023
It would be a rather long walk and some parts no sidewalk. Better to taxi it
Written August 23, 2023
Do the shops take credit cards or only cash?
Written July 7, 2023
Rafa B
Cuenca, Ecuador
How much does it cost per person to enter at margaritaville?
Written August 15, 2022
Hi can anyone recommend a good hotel near hip strip? We are thinking of coming from uk. Many thanks
Written January 28, 2022
Are the bars reasonably priced?
How much on average is it for a red strip? Thanks
Written May 3, 2019
mhairirobertson02
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Hello, I am looking to find reggae records/lps to take home? Does anyone know where is best to head for this.
Written September 13, 2017
A few shops had CDs but not LPs.
Written September 15, 2017
Are the prices at hip strip in USD or JMD? Thanks
Written March 20, 2017
You can make purchases in us or Jamaican money. It's good to change your money to Jamaican money bc things will be less. $1us is not equal to $100 Jamaican dollars, so you lose $22 Jamaican dollars every time that you give them us money. Try changing your money it's better. if you want to go to the club the us $ is much more than the Jamaican$ and the club takes advantage charging $10 us or $500 Jamaican = less than $5 us dollars.
Written March 26, 2017
A Tripadvisor member
are there casinos in montego bay
Written December 28, 2016
Yes they are, me and my hub walk to one, which i had no idea why we did that in the dark but we had no luck
Written June 6, 2019
We have never been to Jamaica and just wondering did you feel safe on hip strip? or is it creepy like DRepublic?
Do they sell any real gold jewelry?
Thanks
Written November 21, 2016
It is VERY safe. there is more vehicle traffic than foot traffic on the strip. You just need to be aware of whats going on around you as you should even when you are not on vacation
Written January 20, 2017
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