It's no secret that a day in Jamaica consists of sand, sun and fun. The island's relaxed atmosphere combined with stunning scenery creates picture-perfect days. However, when the sun falls, this spirited island nation offers some of the best nightlife and live music there is. Whether you're looking for a sumptuous dinner, a relaxing nightcap, or an energetic party, whatever you fancy, Jamaica's got the right atmosphere for you.

LIVE MUSIC
Feeling a bit rowdy and full of energy after a day relaxing? Check out the well-known scene at Risky Business in Negril. The bar is crammed with tourists, locals and spring breakers enjoying mixed drinks and live music. You can participate in their raucous beach contests or sit on the side-lines and watch.

For a more laid-back vibe, head to Alfred's Ocean Palace in Negril; it sits on a beautiful stretch of beach and offers fresh fruit cocktails and live music seven days a week. While reggae is prominent, you can also expect to hear some enjoyable jazz and country taking the stage creating a nice variation. On Fridays, Sundays and Tuesdays, the bar hosts big reggae shows with amazing local talent.

Rick's Cafe is another bar with a party atmosphere and a killer house band- as well as the incredible views. The Dollyman play seven nights a week for those addicted to reggae's rhythmic offbeat. The bar's outdoor area offers beautiful views of the Jamaican sunset and if you arrive in the early evening will actually be able to enjoy a drink or two in a tame environment before the night really kicks off. 

If you’ve got a taste for the famous jerk dishes, and want to enjoy some great music, head to BiBiBips in Ochos Rios. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday you can enjoy live music here consisting of reggae bands and some rap. The large open-air patios and verandas are the perfect setting for brews and beats.

For some karaoke, themed nights and Latin dancing, go to the renowned Mingles Pub, in Kingston, where visitors can also enjoy a range of Latin dishes. More original night-time entertainment can be found at the impressive Rum Jungle, which serves over a hundred rums from around the world, and takes the concept of a themed night to a whole new, impressive level, where the venue turns to a full on jungle with waterfalls and towering trees. 

For a relaxed atmosphere in Kingston, head to the Deck and enjoy their selection of beers, rums and snacks, at one of their Old School, Easy Listening, or Celebration nights. Or try the jazz and blues themed bar Redbones Blues Café.

Or if you're after a fun and unusual kind of entertainment, go to CHILLIN, at Coral Cliff, an ice bar with plenty of activity, dining and partying options, with coat and gloves provided too. 

DANCE CLUBS
After the bands have finished their sets, if you aren’t too tired from all the dancing then move to one of Jamaica's many late-night dance clubs! In Ochos Rios, Amnesia brings local music to the dance floor with fierce island spirit. The club's two dance floors offer an array of fun, themed nights, including dance hall and reggae. If the heat of the dance floor is too much, head up to the clubs open-air patio where it’s a bit more chilled out. 

Shaw Park Hotel is home to Silks Disco, which draws a predominantly local crowd who don’t mind the nightly $35 cover/open-bar combination. The club is discreet and mellow, offering a busy bar and a few slot machines. If you’re seeking a compromise between club and bar- this is the option for you.

In Negril, the famous Mariner's Negril Beach Club is home to The Jungle nightclub which can pretty much be summed up with its slogan "unleash the animal" which the wild clientele take to heart. The bottom four floors of The Jungle are packed with dancers enjoying the themed music nights while upstairs is the necessary "cool down" area where perspiration can dry and thirsts can be quenched with whatever you fancy. 

In Portmore, get your boogie on at Famous, a 10,000 square feet-large venue with LED screens and projection walls. In Kingston, Weekenzds hosts live DJ performances as well as 70s, 80s and 90s nights. 

In New Kingston, Escape 24/7 is a relaxed bar during the day that turns into a dance club on Friday and Saturday nights, with a selection of tunes from dancehall to hip-hop.

BEACHFRONT HANGOUTS
Since island nightlife begins as the sun is going down, finding a cosy, quiet spot to watch the sunset while there's still sand on your feet is a must. In Montego Bay, the best choice for island relaxation is Time 'n Place where you can sip your drink under a thatched roof.

A must-see bar in Montego Bay is Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville, which is something of a Jamaican landmark that offers great food, local lagers and killer margaritas, while offering some stunning views of the sea and the Coral Cliffs Hotel.

For some of the best eats on Jamaica Island, make a reservation at Norma's on the Beach at the Sea Splash Resort. Norma Shirley is widely acclaimed as Jamaica's finest female chef, and the food here- a fusion of different tastes- is the best on Seven Mile Beach. You’ll hear some new types of food creations; New World Caribbean, Caribbean Asian and Nuevo Latino but whatever label is attached to it, the food is out of this world. 

DINING 
Whether you're in the mood for local or international flavours, fine dining or finger grub, here is a selection of what you will find on the island.

- In Kingston

Local flavours can be found at Sweetwood Jerk Joint and Grog Shoppe, Moby Dick, Jo Jo's Jerk Pit, Sweetwood Jerk Joint, Usain Bolt Tracks & Records, whilst Café Africa specialises in authentic flavours from 18 African countries.

Mediterranean dishes can be enjoyed at Beirut Mediterranean Cuisine, Columbus Restaurant, Opa Greek Restaurant. For international classics, go to Alexander's, or Heather's Garden, and for Asian flavours, go to Dragon Court, Dragon Garden, Jade Garden, Pushpa, or Eat Japanese restaurant.

- In Montego Bay

Head to Pier One to enjoy fresh seafood with a view over the bay, or to the elegant Sugar Mill for a taste of the various Caribbean culinary influences beautifully paired with one of the 150 varieties of wine from their cellar.

For more Jamaican flavours, try Bigg's BBQ, Robbie's Kitchen, Pelican Grill, Pork Pit, MVP Smokehouse, Island Twist on the Beach, or Seahorse Grill.

- In Negril

Jamaican flavours can be found at Cosmos Seafood Restaurant, Juicy J's, Pushcart Restaurant, Our Past Time, and Sips & Bites.

Enjoy a unique fusion of Italian and Jamaican flavours at Ciao Jamaica, French and Jamaican fusion at Le Vendome, or more Latin and Caribbean-focused fusions of flavours at the renowned Norma's Restaurant.

- In Ocho Rios

Get your authentic local flavours from Lyming at Walkerswood, Sharkies Seafood, Bamboo Blu, Faith's Pen, Stush in the Bush (at Zionites Farm), Miss T's Kitchen or get your international classics from Cardiff Hall, Evita's Italian, Toscanini, Bizot Bar & Restaurant, and Honk Kong Restaurant.

- In Port Antonio

Mille Fleurs offers the perfect spot for a special candlelit dinner, with its charming veranda overlooking the Blue Mountains and Caribbean Sea.

- On the South Coast

Both international and local cuisine are offered at Casa de Viola, Star Grill, and at Bloomfield Great House, whilst Asian cuisine can be found at Lew's.