This useful information takes a more in-depth take a look at the place to remain in Puerto Vallarta. In case you’re dreaming of stress-free on the seaside, indulging in mouth-watering delicacies, and sipping cocktails whereas watching the sundown, then perhaps it’s time to plan a visit to Mexico. PV is the proper vacation spot for the entire above.
Finest Areas to Keep in Puerto Vallarta
Let’s get right down to enterprise and work out the place to remain in Puerto Vallarta. Right here’s a fast take a look at the most effective areas in PV for a number of totally different classes:
Are you searching for a secluded all-inclusive resort with a personal seaside? Would you favor to be within the middle of the bustling nightlife? Or perhaps you’d wish to expertise a extra native facet of PV? These are vital issues to think about when searching for locations to remain in Puerto Vallarta.
Town extends from the airport south by way of El Centro and Outdated City/Romantic Zone right down to Conchas Chinas.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.
Despite the fact that it’s not a really huge metropolis, you’ll need to take into account the most effective Puerto Vallarta neighborhoods for you. I’ve spent a number of years dwelling in Puerto Vallarta as a digital nomad and have stayed in many alternative elements of town. That is one in all my favourite locations to go to in Mexico, so I’m excited to share some suggestions with you and make it easier to plan the proper 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 proper place to base your self for a primary go to to town. To start 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 also be the place many of the well-known Malecon is situated. As the middle of city, this can be a busy industrial space as properly with loads of choices for procuring and eating. Click on right here to search out El Centro on the map.
Execs of Staying in El Centro
- Most central location in PV
- Good spot to take in native tradition
- Shut proximity to among the main sights
- A few of the greatest eating places on the town
- Fairly good nightlife scene
- Very straightforward 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 dwelling quarters
- Barely restricted choice for lodging and nightlife
Finest Locations to Keep in El Centro
El Centro could be very a lot a neighborhood ‘hood, so it’s not stuffed with inns and all-inclusive resorts. That being mentioned, there are many nice locations to put your head right here.
1. Resort Porto Allegro: This central resort 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 on right here for particulars.
2. Casa Kimberly: How would you want to remain within the former residence of a few film stars? That’s what you’ll get at this well-known PV resort which additionally has among the finest eating places within the metropolis. Click on right here for particulars.
3. Blaze Resort & Suites: The situation of this resort is tough to beat. You’re simply two blocks from the Malecon however far-off sufficient to not hear the noise from the nightclubs. Click on right here for particulars.
Prime Issues To Do in El Centro
There’s loads to do in El Centro inside strolling distance of your lodging. A lot of the prime issues to do within the metropolis are situated on this space. That’s what makes it one of many prime 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 stuffed with gorgeous sculptures and the people-watching is at all times nice. For a extra adventurous expertise, you’ll be able to bounce on an electrical bike for a tour of El Centro that additionally takes you into the mountains. Click on right here to be taught extra and ebook.
2. Hike to the Cross: For among the finest views on the town, hike up the hill to the cross (click on right 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 however it’s price it for the view!
3. See the Cathedral and Fundamental Sq.: The crown jewel of PV is surely the Cathedral of Our Woman of Guadalupe. It’s a surprising church with an intricate cupola. One nice option 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 on right here to be taught extra.
The place to Eat and Drink in El Centro
El Centro is residence to among the best possible eating places within the metropolis. Listed below are three that you simply’ll undoubtedly need to add to your checklist:
1. La Cappella: Whereas I totally advocate for consuming the entire native meals (together with road tacos), this Italian restaurant is among the greatest locations to eat in PV. It has a terrace with the proper view of the church and its cupola, which is the place it will get its title. In case you fancy a sundown dinner right here, you’d higher ebook prematurely. Click on right 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 resort referred to as Casa Kimberly, which is residence to this unbelievable restaurant.
My spouse and I’ve been to quite a lot of good eating places in PV and this one is definitely within the prime three. The menu modifications with the seasons and it’s at all times a superb eating expertise. Click on right 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 at all times altering. That is one other place you’ll need to reserve prematurely to keep away from disappointment. Click on right here for instructions.
2. Outdated City: Finest Space in Puerto Vallarta for Nightlife
In case you’ve come to PV to social gathering (as many do), you’ll need to keep within the space generally known as Outdated City or the Romantic Zone (Zona Romantica in Spanish). That is the place to be after the solar goes down.
After an enormous evening out in town, you’ll need to loosen up on la playa. You’ll be in simply the proper place, as this neighborhood is the house of Los Muertos Seaside – a focus for any customer to Puerto Vallarta.
As well as, there are tons of cafes, spas, eating places, retailers, bars, and nightclubs right here. You’ll by no means run out of choices for the place to buy, eat, loosen up, or drink within the Romantic Zone. That is undoubtedly the most effective space to remain in Puerto Vallarta for these trying to have an excellent time. I’ve spent many an evening on this space! Click on right here to search out this neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta on the map.
Execs of Staying in Outdated City
- Easy accessibility to Los Muertos Seaside
- Nice culinary scene, from road 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 considerations than in different areas
- May 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 price range and elegance. Listed below are just a few of the most effective decisions:
1. Tropicana: If you wish to be proper on Los Muertos Seaside, that is the place for you. Additionally they have an enormous pool overlooking the seaside in order that’s an enormous plus. Click on right here for particulars.
2. Joint Boutique Resort: It is a nice resort selection for digital nomads because it’s residence to one of many greatest coworking areas in PV. Whenever you’re able to loosen up, you’ll be able to soak within the sizzling tub or ebook a therapeutic massage. Click on right here for particulars.
3. Casa Nicole: Visitors rave concerning the wonderful breakfast spot at this resort. Additionally they have a health club so you’ll be able to work it off later within the day! Click on right here for particulars.
Prime Issues To Do in Outdated City (Zona Romantica)
Whereas Outdated City is the most effective place to remain in Puerto Vallarta for nightlife, there’s extra to this neighborhood than simply partying.
1. Los Muertos Seaside: Days in Outdated City are greatest spent on the seaside. The way you select to spend it’s as much as you… There’s at all times the nice old style 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 when you’re trying to partake within the nightlife. You could find it right here whether or not you’re searching for a cultured rooftop bar or a dingy dive, a cocktail lounge or a craft brewery, a rowdy nightclub, or quiet cocktails.
3. Boat Journey: In case 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 comparable to this superior journey 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 lots of of bars, eating places, and golf equipment. You possibly can keep right here for a number of weeks and check out one thing new for each meal and each Blissful Hour.
1. La Palapa: There’s nothing like having a candle-lit dinner on the seaside and that’s what you’ll get right here. This is among the greatest eating places on the town. Click on right here for instructions.
2. Tuna Azul: In case you’re searching for some tasty seafood in PV, I extremely advocate this place. The crab tacos are nice, as are the tuna sashimi tostadas. Click on right here for instructions.
3. El Soñador: That is one in all my favourite bars on the earth. In case you’re not into capturing pool downstairs, go to the terrace the place the social gathering’s raging most nights. Click on right here for instructions.
3. Versalles: Coolest Place to Keep in Puerto Vallarta
That is undoubtedly among the finest neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta. It’s change into considerably of a foodie haven lately.
Each time I am going again to Puerto Vallarta, I do know there can be a number of new eating places to attempt 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 incredible spot to be if you wish to expertise extra of a neighborhood vibe than you’ll discover in Outdated City. Click on right here to search out Versalles on the map.
Execs of Staying in Versalles
- Wonderful culinary scene
- Extra native than touristy
- Easy accessibility to downtown and the airport
- Seaside inside strolling distance
Cons of Staying in Versalles
- Numerous development within the space
- Not many inns 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 here are some good decisions:
1. Secrets and techniques Vallarta: This all-inclusive resort is for adults solely. So when you’re searching for a soothing seaside trip, look no additional. Click on right here for particulars.
2. Zenharmony Suites: In case you’re searching for a bit more room than a resort room and need to really feel what it’s wish to dwell in PV, this is a wonderful selection. Click on right here for particulars.
3. Resort Suites Mar Elena: This resort on the beachside of the freeway has some strong opinions. They’ve plenty of choices together with one-bedroom residences and affordable charges. Click on right here for particulars.
Prime Issues To Do in Versalles
This is among the greatest areas to remain in Puerto Vallarta to simply take it straightforward, take pleasure in some good meals, and loosen up on the seaside.
1. Take a Meals Tour: When on this foodie neighborhood, you’ll need to attempt as many locations as potential. That’s why it’s price it to go along with a educated native information.
2. Chill on the Seaside: Playa Las Glorias is the native seaside in Versalles. This seaside 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 on right here for instructions.
3. See Reside Music: There are just a few good spots to catch some dwell tunes in Versalles, together with Whiskey Kitchen. Click right 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 only a few of my faves:
1. El Puerco de Oro: These pork stomach tacos are life-changing. That’s all you could know! Click on right here for instructions.
2. LAMARA: A few of the greatest ceviche and aguachile in PV is on the menu right here. Order just a few totally different plates and go household type for certain. Click on right here for instructions.
3. Mykonos: In case you want a break from Mexican meals, this Greek restaurant actually hits the spot. Click on right here for instructions.
4. Resort Zone: Finest for Households
For these touring with children, the Resort Zone is an effective selection. Of all of the Puerto Vallarta neighborhoods, that is the most effective guess for households.
Because the title suggests, this space is filled with inns. Most of them have facilities like swimming pools and playgrounds, and a few even have daycare choices.
Many of those inns 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 basic Mexican food and drinks choices. Click on right here to search out it on the map.
Execs of Staying within the Resort Zone
- Numerous lodging decisions
- Child-friendly and adults-only choices
- Easy accessibility to the airport
- A protracted stretch of seaside
Cons of Staying within the Resort Zone
- Not many eating places or bars outdoors of the resorts
- Overpriced touristy retailers
- Not a lot of a neighborhood 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 inns on this protected neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta. Listed below are just a few of the most effective choices:
1. Resort Mio: This adults-only resort has an incredible rooftop pool with ocean views. It’s additionally conveniently situated proper on the principle street. Click on right here for particulars.
2. Fiesta Americana: This highly-rated all-inclusive resort has one thing for everybody, whether or not you’re touring with children or not. Click right here for particulars.
3. Krystal Grand: Often known as the Hacienda at Hilton, this all-inclusive resort is true on the seaside. Click on right here for particulars.
Prime 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 style R&R. It’s a type of posh areas of Puerto Vallarta the place you simply need to sip a margarita on the seaside. There are nonetheless some adventures available, although.
1. Rhythms of the Evening: This is among the top-rated excursions in PV and for good purpose. It’s an excellent enjoyable night with a sundown cruise, open bar, scrumptious dinner, and a tremendous present on a secluded seaside.
2. Hop On Hop Off Metropolis Bus: In case you’re staying within the Resort Zone, an effective 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 rather more to discover in Banderas Bay. The cities of Sayulita and San Pancho to the north are properly price 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 just a few nice eating places price testing, 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 stylish restaurant with an ever-changing menu that’s at all times ranked among the many greatest in PV. Click on right here for instructions.
2. Oasis del Holi: This unassuming native joint on the seaside is a superb place for some recent seafood, chilly beers, and sundown views. Click on right here for instructions.
3. Cerveceria Chapultepec: A well-liked 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 on right here for instructions.
5. Marina Vallarta: Luxurious Space to Keep in Puerto Vallarta
Marina Vallarta is certainly the flamboyant a part of town. That is the place the enormous cruise ships dock, welcoming hundreds upon hundreds of holiday makers to PV annually. Town is engaged on a large new cruise terminal referred to as Puerto Mágico (Magic Port) that may embody a tequila museum and an aquarium.
In case 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 also be residence to a world-class golf course and loads of upscale retailers and lodging.
It’s a very talked-about spot for households or for individuals who search a little bit of peace and quiet (and luxurious) on their trip. Click on right here to search out 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 most effective seashores
- Longer journey to get into the middle if you wish to exit for the evening
Finest Locations to Keep within the Marina Vallarta
1. San Tropico: This boutique resort is extremely rated due to its lovely, peaceable grounds. There are colourful murals everywhere in the property, which is principally an enormous backyard. Right here you’ll be able to relax in a hammock, take a dip within the outside pool, and even be a part of a free yoga class. Click on right here for particulars.
2. Velas Vallarta Suites: This high-end resort has just a few 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 situated proper close to the world-class Marina Vallarta Golf Membership if you wish to hit the hyperlinks. Click on right here to be taught extra.
3. Casa Velas: This resort is certainly on the pricier facet, however they’ve obtained stellar opinions and are adults-only. With regards to Puerto Vallarta inns, this one is price splurging on. Click on right here to see the newest worth from Reserving.com.
Issues To Do in Marina Vallarta
- Go {Golfing} at Marina Vallarta Golf Membership (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. Discover out extra right 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: when you like sushi, you gained’t need to miss the genuine sushi at this beautiful boutique resort. The small restaurant serves up unbelievable nigiri and completely offered plates. It’s costly however price 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 keen on the neighborhood generally known as 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 residence to Playa Camarones, which is a enjoyable native seaside that’s at all times stuffed with the sounds of wandering mariachi bands.
It’s among the finest 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 evening.
That being mentioned, that is very a lot a neighborhood Mexican neighborhood. Chances are 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 seaside
- Superior eating places and road meals
- Cheaper than different areas
Cons of Staying in 5 de Diciembre
- Will be very noisy
- Cobblestone streets and hills could be robust to navigate
- Not many resort decisions
- Only some bars to select from
Finest Locations to Keep in 5 de Diciembre
There aren’t a ton of inns in 5D, however there are some strong decisions close to the seaside. Listed below are a few of my faves:
1. Villa Premiere: This beachfront resort has a pleasant pool, a swim-up bar, a sauna, and extra. Click on right here for particulars.
2. The Paramar: It is a new resort proper on the seaside with ocean views from many rooms. Some associates stayed there just lately and actually loved the rooftop pool. Click on right here for particulars.
3. Buenaventura Grand Resort: In case you’re trying to do the all-inclusive factor on this space, then the Buenaventura is your greatest guess. Click on right here for particulars.
Prime 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 Using with ATV and Zipline: Cruising by way of city and as much as the mountains on an ATV is a enjoyable option to spend a day in PV. You even have the choice to tack on an ATV experience and a zipline course.
2. Night Taco Journey: A serious purpose that 5D is among the greatest locations to remain in Puerto Vallarta is all of the superior road meals. In case you’re not snug simply selecting your individual taco stalls, bounce on a tour with a neighborhood information.
3. Tacos & Tequila: These are just a few of my favourite issues and that is the proper nieghborhood to take pleasure in each. This tour is tons of enjoyable and an effective way to kick off an evening in PV.
The place to Eat and Drink in 5 de Diciembre
Consuming and consuming your approach round 5 de Diciembre is a serious spotlight of selecting this as your private home base. These are only a few of the most effective locations within the space:
1. El Barracuda: This beachfront restaurant is at all times a go-to of mine when associates come to go to. The seafood is wonderful right here and there’s an incredible bar subsequent door referred to as El Photo voltaic you can order drinks from. Click on right here for instructions.
2. Pepe’s Tacos: For tacos al pastor, this is among the greatest locations on the town. They’ve loads of different decisions as properly. Click on right here for instructions.
3. Gusto Lounge: This may be the one dive bar on the earth the place you will get a lobster dinner. Sergio and Naomi are good associates of ours and among the greatest bar homeowners you’ll ever meet. Click on right 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 most effective locations to remain in Puerto Vallarta middle.
There aren’t actually any “no go” areas in PV, however for vacationers, you’ll need to stick nearer to the seaside and the central a part of town for comfort’s sake.
PV is usually a really protected 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 in style bar and membership areas. Learn extra about security in PV right here.
In case you don’t thoughts spending a while & cash getting round city, it doesn’t actually matter. PV isn’t that huge and there are numerous handy choices for transportation from the native bus to rideshare apps.
I’m keen on 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 road artwork.
I extremely advocate staying in downtown PV. This places you in a handy location whether or not you need to go on day journeys or simply chill on the seaside. You’ll even have tons of choices for procuring, eating, and nightlife.
For essentially the most half, sure, nonetheless, there are many cobblestone streets right here and a few neighborhoods are fairly hilly. You probably have mobility points, you’ll need to you should definitely ebook a spot that can be handy.
To be near all of the motion, you’ll need to keep in El Centro or the Romantic Zone.
PV has an in depth bus system that may get you anyplace you could 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 might have a number of choices. It’s not an enormous metropolis, however every space has its personal vibe with its personal execs and cons.
No matter which of those neighborhoods you select to base your self in, it’s straightforward sufficient to get between them and to go on day journeys. You’ll even have nice decisions for meals irrespective of which space you select.
I hope you discovered this information useful, and most of all I hope you take pleasure in your journey to this little slice of paradise I’ve been lucky sufficient to name residence for just a few years.
