This beneficial information takes a more in-depth take a look at the place to remain in Puerto Vallarta. In the event you’re dreaming of stress-free on the seashore, indulging in mouth-watering delicacies, and sipping cocktails whereas watching the sundown, then possibly it’s time to plan a trip to Mexico. PV is the right vacation spot for the entire above.
Finest Areas to Keep in Puerto Vallarta
Let’s get all the way down to enterprise and work out the place to remain in Puerto Vallarta. Right here’s a fast take a look at the perfect areas in PV for a number of totally different classes:
Are you in search of a secluded all-inclusive resort with a non-public seashore? Would you favor to be within the middle of the bustling nightlife? Or possibly you’d prefer to expertise a extra native facet of PV? These are vital issues to contemplate when in search of locations to remain in Puerto Vallarta.
The town extends from the airport south by means of El Centro and Outdated City/Romantic Zone all the way down to Conchas Chinas. With the ocean to the entrance and the Sierra Madre mountains to the again, most of the greatest neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta are on the hillside.
Regardless that it’s not a really large metropolis, you’ll wish to take into account the perfect Puerto Vallarta neighborhoods for you. I’ve spent a number of years living in Puerto Vallarta as a digital nomad and have stayed in many alternative components of town. That is certainly one of my favourite places to visit in Mexico, so I’m excited to share some ideas with you and enable you to plan the right journey.
1. El Centro: Finest Place to Keep in Puerto Vallarta for Your First Time
If it’s your first time in PV, I extremely recommend skipping the all-inclusive resort and staying in El Centro. I get the enchantment of the AI keep, however save that for a return go to. Belief me – you’ll be again…
El Centro is the right place to base your self for a primary go to to town. To begin with, it’s the central a part of city (therefore the title). That is the place you’ll discover the Cathedral of our Woman of Guadalupe, which is the image of Puerto Vallarta.
This neighborhood can be the place many of the well-known Malecon is positioned. As the middle of city, this can be a busy industrial space as properly with loads of choices for procuring and eating. Click here to find El Centro on the map.
Execs of Staying in El Centro
- Most central location in PV
- Great place to take in native tradition
- Shut proximity to a few of the main sights
- A few of the greatest eating places on the town
- Fairly good nightlife scene
- Very simple to get round on foot, by bus, or taxi
Cons of Staying in El Centro
- Busy streets with fixed visitors
- Will be noisy relying on the placement
- Might need to stand up and down a steep hill
- Tight residing quarters
- Barely restricted choice for lodging and nightlife
Finest Locations to Keep in El Centro
El Centro could be very a lot an area ‘hood, so it’s not filled with accommodations and all-inclusive resorts. That being mentioned, there are many nice locations to put your head right here.
1. Hotel Porto Allegro: This central lodge gives nice bang on your buck. There’s a free breakfast and a pleasant terrace with a plunge pool and views of the cathedral. Click here for particulars.
2. Casa Kimberly: How would you want to remain within the former dwelling of a few film stars? That’s what you’ll get at this well-known PV lodge which additionally has the most effective eating places within the metropolis. Click here for particulars.
3. Blaze Hotel & Suites: The situation of this lodge is tough to beat. You’re simply two blocks from the Malecon however distant sufficient to not hear the noise from the nightclubs. Click here for particulars.
High Issues To Do in El Centro
There’s loads to do in El Centro inside strolling distance of your lodging. A lot of the top things to do in the city are positioned on this space. That’s what makes it one of many high locations to remain in Puerto Vallarta for anybody.
1. Stroll the Malecon: Strolling alongside PV’s oceanfront promenade is excessive on each customer’s to-do checklist, and for good purpose. It’s filled with beautiful sculptures and the people-watching is all the time nice. For a extra adventurous expertise, you’ll be able to leap on an electrical bike for a tour of El Centro that additionally takes you into the mountains. Click here to be taught extra and e-book.
2. Hike to the Cross: For the most effective views on the town, hike up the hill to the cross (click here for instructions). This isn’t a lot a “hike” as it’s a stroll up a steep sidewalk after which some stairs. I’ve made it from the Malecon to the highest in 10-12 minutes strolling at a brisk tempo. You would possibly get a bit sweaty but it surely’s value it for the view!
3. See the Cathedral and Primary Sq.: The crown jewel of PV is undoubtedly the Cathedral of Our Woman of Guadalupe. It’s a surprising church with an intricate cupola. One nice strategy to discover all that El Centro has to supply is by taking a metropolis tour. Along with the principle sights, it additionally options espresso and tequila tastings. Click here to be taught extra.
The place to Eat and Drink in El Centro
El Centro is dwelling to a few of the very best eating places within the metropolis. Listed below are three that you simply’ll positively wish to add to your checklist:
1. La Cappella: Whereas I totally advocate for consuming the entire native meals (together with avenue tacos), this Italian restaurant is likely one of the greatest locations to eat in PV. It has a terrace with the right view of the church and its cupola, which is the place it will get its title. In the event you fancy a sundown dinner right here, you’d higher e-book upfront. Click here for instructions.
2. The Iguana: As soon as upon a time, film stars Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor fell in love with one another and town whereas on set in Puerto Vallarta. Their former house is now a lodge referred to as Casa Kimberly, which is dwelling to this unimaginable restaurant.
My spouse and I’ve been to numerous good eating places in PV and this one is well within the high three. The menu adjustments with the seasons and it’s all the time a high-quality eating expertise. Click here for instructions.
3. Cafe des Artistes: Finishing the trio of El Centro eating places is that this absolute gem of a spot. Your entire restaurant is a murals, from the mural that adorns the entrance to the elegant dishes that arrive at your desk.
They’ve a number of totally different areas within the restaurant and the menu is all the time altering. That is one other place you’ll wish to reserve upfront to keep away from disappointment. Click here for instructions.
2. Outdated City: Finest Space in Puerto Vallarta for Nightlife
In the event you’ve come to PV to get together (as many do), you’ll wish to keep within the space often called Outdated City or the Romantic Zone (Zona Romantica in Spanish). That is the place to be after the solar goes down.
After a giant night time out in town, you’ll wish to chill out on la playa. You’ll be in simply the suitable place, as this neighborhood is the house of Los Muertos Seashore – a focus for any customer to Puerto Vallarta.
As well as, there are tons of cafes, spas, eating places, outlets, bars, and nightclubs right here. You’ll by no means run out of choices for the place to buy, eat, chill out, or drink within the Romantic Zone. That is positively the perfect space to remain in Puerto Vallarta for these seeking to have time. I’ve spent many an evening on this space! Click here to search out this neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta on the map.
Execs of Staying in Outdated City
- Quick access to Los Muertos Seashore
- Nice culinary scene, from avenue meals to high-end eating places
- Epic nightlife
- Middle of the LGBTQ scene, AKA the “Gayborhood”
- Handy transportation choices
- Brief journey to seashores south of PV
Cons of Staying in Outdated City
- Will be loud… like, actually, actually loud
- Very crowded throughout excessive season, weekends, and holidays
- Extra security issues than in different areas
- Would possibly really feel like a “strolling ATM”
Finest Locations to Keep in Outdated City (Zona Romantica)
There’s no scarcity of lodging choices in Outdated City and there’s one thing for each finances and elegance. Listed below are a couple of of the perfect decisions:
1. Tropicana: If you wish to be proper on Los Muertos Seashore, that is the place for you. In addition they have an enormous pool overlooking the seashore in order that’s a giant plus. Click here for particulars.
2. Joint Boutique Hotel: It is a nice lodge alternative for digital nomads because it’s dwelling to one of many best coworking spaces in PV. If you’re able to chill out, you’ll be able to soak within the sizzling tub or e-book a therapeutic massage. Click here for particulars.
3. Casa Nicole: Visitors rave in regards to the glorious breakfast spot at this lodge. In addition they have a health club so you’ll be able to work it off later within the day! Click here for particulars.
High Issues To Do in Outdated City (Zona Romantica)
Whereas Outdated City is the perfect place to remain in Puerto Vallarta for nightlife, there’s extra to this neighborhood than simply partying.
1. Los Muertos Seashore: Days in Outdated City are greatest spent on the seashore. The way you select to spend it’s as much as you… There’s all the time the great old school solar lounger & umbrella combo, which normally results in fish tacos and margaritas in my expertise.
2. Occasion it Up: As I discussed, Outdated City is the place to be in the event you’re seeking to partake within the nightlife. You will discover it right here whether or not you’re in search of an aesthetic rooftop bar or a dingy dive, a cocktail lounge or a craft brewery, a rowdy nightclub, or quiet cocktails.
3. Boat Journey: In the event you’re staying proper by the pier, you would possibly as properly add a ship journey to your PV itinerary. There are a number of choices for excursions at sea similar to this awesome trip to Yelapa to hike to a waterfall together with some snorkeling in Majahuitas.
The place to Eat and Drink in Outdated City (Zona Romantica)
Outdated City has a whole bunch of bars, eating places, and golf equipment. You possibly can keep right here for a number of weeks and take a look at one thing new for each meal and each Completely happy Hour.
1. La Palapa: There’s nothing like having a candle-lit dinner on the seashore and that’s what you’ll get right here. This is likely one of the greatest eating places on the town. Click here for instructions.
2. Tuna Azul: In the event you’re in search of some tasty seafood in PV, I extremely suggest this place. The crab tacos are nice, as are the tuna sashimi tostadas. Click here for instructions.
3. El Soñador: That is certainly one of my favourite bars on the planet. In the event you’re not into taking pictures pool downstairs, go to the terrace the place the get together’s raging most nights. Click here for instructions.
3. Versalles: Coolest Place to Keep in Puerto Vallarta
That is positively the most effective neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta. It’s grow to be considerably of a foodie haven in recent times.
Each time I am going again to Puerto Vallarta, I do know there shall be a number of new eating places to strive in Versalles. Along with loads of native fare, there’s additionally Greek, Japanese, and even Nashville sizzling hen.
Staying in Versalles, you’ll possible meet a number of digital nomads in addition to full-time residents. It’s an important spot to be if you wish to expertise extra of an area vibe than you’ll discover in Outdated City. Click here to find Versalles on the map.
Execs of Staying in Versalles
- Wonderful culinary scene
- Extra native than touristy
- Quick access to downtown and the airport
- Seashore inside strolling distance
Cons of Staying in Versalles
- A number of building within the space
- Not many accommodations to select from
- Nightlife choices are restricted
- Will be an costly/lengthy cab experience after an evening out
Finest Locations to Keep in Versalles
As I discussed, there aren’t a ton of lodging choices right here. Many locations are simply residences which are rented out short-term, however listed below are some good decisions:
1. Secrets Vallarta: This all-inclusive resort is for adults solely. So in the event you’re in search of a calming seashore trip, look no additional. Click here for particulars.
2. Zenharmony Suites: In the event you’re in search of a bit more room than a lodge room and wish to really feel what it’s prefer to reside in PV, this is a wonderful alternative. Click here for particulars.
3. Hotel Suites Mar Elena: This lodge on the beachside of the freeway has some stable opinions. They’ve a number of choices together with one-bedroom residences and cheap charges. Click here for particulars.
High Issues To Do in Versalles
This is likely one of the greatest areas to remain in Puerto Vallarta to only take it simple, get pleasure from some good meals, and chill out on the seashore.
1. Take a Food Tour: When on this foodie neighborhood, you’ll wish to strive as many locations as doable. That’s why it’s value it to go along with a educated native information.
2. Chill on the Seashore: Playa Las Glorias is the native seashore in Versalles. This seashore is extra laid-back than Los Muertos and there aren’t many companies right here, so it’s a great spot to convey an OXXO picnic and some drinks. Click here for instructions.
3. See Stay Music: There are a couple of good spots to catch some reside tunes in Versalles, together with Whiskey Kitchen. Click here for instructions.
The place to Eat and Drink in Versalles
For a small neighborhood, Versalles actually packs a punch with locations to eat and drink. Listed below are just some of my faves:
1. El Puerco de Oro: These pork stomach tacos are life-changing. That’s all you’ll want to know! Click here for instructions.
2. LAMARA: A few of the greatest ceviche and aguachile in PV is on the menu right here. Order a couple of totally different plates and go household model for positive. Click here for instructions.
3. Mykonos: In the event you want a break from Mexican food, this Greek restaurant actually hits the spot. Click here for instructions.
4. Resort Zone: Finest for Households
For these touring with youngsters, the Resort Zone is an effective alternative. Of all of the Puerto Vallarta neighborhoods, that is the perfect wager for households.
Because the title suggests, this space is filled with accommodations. Most of them have facilities like swimming pools and playgrounds, and a few even have daycare choices.
Many of those accommodations are all-inclusive and have loads of kid-friendly meals decisions on the menus together with virgin cocktails and the like. For the adults, there are many traditional Mexican foods and drinks choices. Click here to find it on the map.
Execs of Staying within the Resort Zone
- A number of lodging decisions
- Child-friendly and adults-only choices
- Quick access to the airport
- A protracted stretch of seashore
Cons of Staying within the Resort Zone
- Not many eating places or bars exterior of the resorts
- Overpriced touristy outlets
- Not a lot of an area expertise
- Will be costly
Finest Locations to Keep within the Resort Zone
You gained’t be shocked to search out out that there are many accommodations on this secure neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta. Listed below are a couple of of the perfect choices:
1. Hotel Mio: This adults-only lodge has an important rooftop pool with ocean views. It’s additionally conveniently positioned proper on the principle highway. Click here for particulars.
2. Fiesta Americana: This highly-rated all-inclusive resort has one thing for everybody, whether or not you’re touring with youngsters or not. Click here for particulars.
3. Krystal Grand: Also referred to as the Hacienda at Hilton, this all-inclusive resort is correct on the seashore. Click here for particulars.
High Issues To Do within the Resort Zone
For a lot of guests to the Resort Zone, a trip right here is all about some good old school R&R. It’s a kind of posh areas of Puerto Vallarta the place you simply wish to sip a margarita on the seashore. There are nonetheless some adventures available, although.
1. Rhythms of the Night: This is likely one of the top-rated tours in PV and for good purpose. It’s a brilliant enjoyable night with a sundown cruise, open bar, scrumptious dinner, and a tremendous present on a secluded seashore.
2. Hop On Hop Off City Bus: In the event you’re staying within the Resort Zone, a good way to spend a day is by taking this bus with an audio tour up and down the coast.
3. San Pancho and Sayulita: Whereas PV is nice, there’s far more to discover in Banderas Bay. The cities of Sayulita and San Pancho to the north are properly value a day journey.
The place to Eat and Drink within the Resort Zone
Since many individuals select to go the AI route right here, they have a tendency to stay to their resort. There are nonetheless a couple of nice eating places value trying out, although.
1. La Leche: Sure, the title of this restaurant means “the milk,” however don’t let that deter you. It’s a contemporary and classy restaurant with an ever-changing menu that’s all the time ranked among the many greatest in PV. Click here for instructions.
2. Oasis del Holi: This unassuming native joint on the seashore is a superb place for some contemporary seafood, chilly beers, and sundown views. Click here for instructions.
3. Cerveceria Chapultepec: A preferred chain from Guadalajara, this spot churns out small plates and drinks for round 20 pesos ($1 USD) every. It’s a enjoyable place to hang around with locals and pre-game earlier than going out in town. Click here for instructions.
5. Marina Vallarta: Luxurious Space to Keep in Puerto Vallarta
Marina Vallarta is unquestionably the flowery a part of town. That is the place the large cruise ships dock, welcoming 1000’s upon 1000’s of tourists to PV annually. The town is engaged on an enormous new cruise terminal referred to as Puerto Mágico (Magic Port) that may embrace a tequila museum and an aquarium.
In the event you’re studying this text, although, you’re most likely not headed to Puerto Vallarta on a cruise ship. However, this space isn’t only for cruise passengers, because the Marina can be dwelling to a world-class golf course and loads of upscale outlets and lodging.
It’s a highly regarded spot for households or for individuals who search a little bit of peace and quiet (and luxurious) on their trip. Click here to find it on the map.
Execs of Staying in Marina Vallarta
- Luxurious lodging choices
- Quieter than Centro and Romanic Zone
- Pedestrian boardwalk
- 18 gap golf course
- Nice eating
- Many procuring choices
- Near the airport
Cons of Staying in Marina Vallarta
- Dearer than different areas of Puerto Vallarta
- Not as conventional or genuine
- Not the perfect seashores
- Longer journey to get into the middle if you wish to exit for the night time
Finest Locations to Keep within the Marina Vallarta
1. San Tropico: This boutique lodge is extremely rated due to its lovely, peaceable grounds. There are colourful murals all around the property, which is principally a giant backyard. Right here you’ll be able to relax in a hammock, take a dip within the outside pool, and even be part of a free yoga class. Click here for details.
2. Velas Vallarta Suites: This high-end resort has a couple of totally different swimming pools (one even has a swim-up bar!) in addition to a pleasant beachfront space with solar loungers and cover tents for shade. There’s additionally a spa and a health middle, and it’s positioned proper close to the world-class Marina Vallarta Golf Membership if you wish to hit the hyperlinks. Click here to be taught extra.
3. Casa Velas: This resort is unquestionably on the pricier facet, however they’ve bought stellar opinions and are adults-only. With regards to Puerto Vallarta accommodations, this one is value splurging on. Click here to see the newest value from Reserving.com.
Issues To Do in Marina Vallarta
- Go {Golfing} at Marina Vallarta Golf Club (early within the morning or late night, in any other case it’s too sizzling!)
- Go to the El Faro Lighthouse
- Stroll across the marina admiring the attractive yachts
- Go on a luxurious sundown sail that leaves from the Marina. Find out more here.
The place to Eat and Drink in Marina Vallarta
There are many nice meals choices right here, a lot of that are worldwide delicacies.
1. Casa Ritual for Sushi: in the event you like sushi, you gained’t wish to miss the genuine sushi at this attractive boutique lodge. The small restaurant serves up implausible nigiri and completely introduced plates. It’s costly however value it.
2. Mr. Cream Pancakes and Waffles: this enjoyable restaurant does breakfast good. Come right here for pancakes and waffles because the title suggests, or go for one thing extra native just like the chilaquiles.
6. 5 de Diciembre
I have to admit I’m a fan of the neighborhood often called 5D because it’s the place I’ve spent essentially the most time in PV. This native ‘hood is in between the Resort Zone and El Centro, with hilly streets that jut as much as the mountains. It’s dwelling to Playa Camarones, which is a enjoyable native seashore that’s all the time filled with the sounds of wandering mariachi bands.
It’s the most effective neighborhoods to remain in Puerto Vallarta because it’s nonetheless near all of the motion of El Centro and the Romantic Zone. Staying here’s a bit simpler on the pockets, although, and it’s not fairly as loud at night time.
That being mentioned, that is very a lot an area Mexican neighborhood. It’s possible you’ll hear canine, roosters, and the occasional mid-week fiesta…
Execs of Staying in 5 de Diciembre
- Very native neighborhood
- Good views from the highest of the hill
- Has a seashore
- Superior eating places and avenue meals
- Cheaper than different areas
Cons of Staying in 5 de Diciembre
- Will be very noisy
- Cobblestone streets and hills will be robust to navigate
- Not many lodge decisions
- Only some bars to select from
Finest Locations to Keep in 5 de Diciembre
There aren’t a ton of accommodations in 5D, however there are some stable decisions close to the seashore. Listed below are a few of my faves:
1. Villa Premiere: This beachfront lodge has a pleasant pool, a swim-up bar, a sauna, and extra. Click here for particulars.
2. The Paramar: It is a new lodge proper on the seashore with ocean views from many rooms. Some mates stayed there not too long ago and actually loved the rooftop pool. Click here for particulars.
3. Buenaventura Grand Hotel: In the event you’re seeking to do the all-inclusive factor on this space, then the Buenaventura is your greatest wager. Click here for particulars.
High Issues To Do in 5 de Diciembre
With the ocean to the entrance and mountains to the again, there are many alternatives for adventures when staying in 5D.
1. Horseback Riding with ATV and Zipline: Cruising by means of city and as much as the mountains on an ATV is a enjoyable strategy to spend a day in PV. You even have the choice to tack on an ATV experience and a zipline course.
2. Evening Taco Adventure: A serious purpose that 5D is likely one of the greatest locations to remain in Puerto Vallarta is all of the superior avenue meals. In the event you’re not snug simply selecting your personal taco stalls, leap on a tour with an area information.
3. Tacos & Tequila: These are a couple of of my favourite issues and that is the right nieghborhood to bask in each. This tour is tons of enjoyable and a good way to kick off an evening in PV.
The place to Eat and Drink in 5 de Diciembre
Consuming and ingesting your method round 5 de Diciembre is a significant spotlight of selecting this as your private home base. These are just some of the perfect locations within the space:
1. El Barracuda: This beachfront restaurant is all the time a go-to of mine when mates come to go to. The seafood is wonderful right here and there’s an important bar subsequent door referred to as El Photo voltaic you can order drinks from. Click here for instructions.
2. Pepe’s Tacos: For tacos al pastor, this is likely one of the greatest locations on the town. They’ve loads of different decisions as properly. Click here for instructions.
3. Gusto Lounge: This may be the one dive bar on the planet the place you may get a lobster dinner. Sergio and Naomi are good mates of ours and a few of the greatest bar homeowners you’ll ever meet. Click here for instructions.
Finest Areas to Keep in Puerto Vallarta: FAQs
El Centro and the Romantic Zone are linked by the bridge over the river and collectively they make for the perfect locations to remain in Puerto Vallarta middle.
There aren’t actually any “no go” areas in PV, however for vacationers, you’ll wish to stick nearer to the seashore and the central a part of town for comfort’s sake.
PV is mostly a really secure place to journey. The Resort Zone and the Versalles neighborhood are among the many most secure areas as there isn’t actually a lot nightlife. Most incidents right here happen after midnight within the fashionable bar and membership areas. Learn extra about safety in PV here.
In the event you don’t thoughts spending a while & cash getting round city, it doesn’t actually matter. PV isn’t that large and there are numerous handy choices for transportation from the native bus to rideshare apps.
I’m a fan of the 5 de Diciembre and El Centro neighborhoods as they’ve hills that provide you with wonderful views of the palm bushes and ocean. That is additionally the place you’ll discover the Malecon, the cathedral, and loads of avenue artwork.
I extremely suggest staying in downtown PV. This places you in a handy location whether or not you wish to go on day journeys or simply chill on the seashore. You’ll even have tons of choices for procuring, eating, and nightlife.
For essentially the most half, sure, nevertheless, there are many cobblestone streets right here and a few neighborhoods are fairly hilly. In case you have mobility points, you’ll wish to be sure you e-book a spot that shall be handy.
To be near all of the motion, you’ll wish to keep in El Centro or the Romantic Zone.
PV has an intensive bus system that may get you anyplace you’ll want to go. Most rides solely value 10 pesos (about $0.50 USD) and solely barely extra for journeys to locations like Bucerias or Sayulita.
In Conclusion
When contemplating the place to remain in Puerto Vallarta, you’ve a number of choices. It’s not a giant metropolis, however every space has its personal vibe with its personal professionals and cons.
No matter which of those neighborhoods you select to base your self in, it’s simple sufficient to get between them and to go on day journeys. You’ll even have nice decisions for meals regardless of which space you select.
I hope you discovered this information useful, and most of all I hope you get pleasure from your journey to this little slice of paradise I’ve been lucky sufficient to name dwelling for a couple of years.