This useful information takes a better take a look at the place to remain in Puerto Vallarta. If you happen to’re dreaming of stress-free on the seashore, indulging in mouth-watering delicacies, and sipping cocktails whereas watching the sundown, then perhaps it’s time to plan a trip to Mexico. PV is the right vacation spot for all the above.
Greatest Areas to Keep in Puerto Vallarta
Let’s get right down to enterprise and determine the place to remain in Puerto Vallarta. Right here’s a fast take a look at the very best areas in PV for a number of completely different classes:
Are you on the lookout for a secluded all-inclusive resort with a non-public seashore? Would you like to be within the middle of the bustling nightlife? Or perhaps you’d prefer to expertise a extra native facet of PV? These are essential issues to contemplate when on the lookout for locations to remain in Puerto Vallarta.
The town extends from the airport south by way of El Centro and Previous City/Romantic Zone right down to Conchas Chinas. With the ocean to the entrance and the Sierra Madre mountains to the again, lots of the greatest neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta are on the hillside.
Regardless that it’s not a really large metropolis, you’ll need to take into account the very best 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 considered one of my favourite places to visit in Mexico, so I’m excited to share some suggestions with you and assist you plan the right journey.
1. El Centro: Greatest Place to Keep in Puerto Vallarta for Your First Time
If it’s your first time in PV, I extremely counsel skipping the all-inclusive resort and staying in El Centro. I get the attraction 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 start with, it’s the central a part of city (therefore the identify). That is the place you’ll discover the Cathedral of our Girl 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, it is a busy industrial space as effectively with loads of choices for purchasing and eating. Click here to find El Centro on the map.
Professionals of Staying in El Centro
- Most central location in PV
- Good spot to absorb native tradition
- Shut proximity to among 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 site visitors
- Could be noisy relying on the placement
- May need to rise up and down a steep hill
- Tight dwelling quarters
- Barely restricted choice for lodging and nightlife
Greatest Locations to Keep in El Centro
El Centro could be very a lot an area ‘hood, so it’s not stuffed 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 resort affords 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 residence of a few film stars? That’s what you’ll get at this well-known PV resort which additionally has the most effective eating places within the metropolis. Click here for particulars.
3. Blaze Hotel & Suites: The placement of this resort 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.
Prime Issues To Do in El Centro
There’s lots to do in El Centro inside strolling distance of your lodging. Many of the top things to do in the city 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 motive. It’s stuffed with beautiful sculptures and the people-watching is at all times nice. For a extra adventurous expertise, you’ll be able to soar 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 may get a bit sweaty nevertheless it’s price it for the view!
3. See the Cathedral and Important Sq.: The crown jewel of PV is no doubt the Cathedral of Our Girl 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 here to be taught extra.
The place to Eat and Drink in El Centro
El Centro is residence to among the very best eating places within the metropolis. Listed here are three that you just’ll positively need to add to your checklist:
1. La Cappella: Whereas I totally advocate for consuming all the native meals (together with road 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 identify. If you happen to fancy a sundown dinner right here, you’d higher e-book prematurely. 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 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 well within the prime three. The menu modifications with the seasons and it’s at all times a wonderful 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. All the 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 completely 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 here for instructions.
2. Previous City: Greatest Space in Puerto Vallarta for Nightlife
If you happen to’ve come to PV to social gathering (as many do), you’ll need to keep within the space generally known as Previous City or the Romantic Zone (Zona Romantica in Spanish). That is the place to be after the solar goes down.
After a giant evening out in town, you’ll need to chill out on la playa. You’ll be in simply the correct 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, retailers, 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 very best space to remain in Puerto Vallarta for these seeking to have a great time. I’ve spent many an evening on this space! Click here to seek out this neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta on the map.
Professionals of Staying in Previous City
- Easy accessibility to Los Muertos Seashore
- Nice culinary scene, from road meals to high-end eating places
- Epic nightlife
- Heart of the LGBTQ scene, AKA the “Gayborhood”
- Handy transportation choices
- Quick journey to seashores south of PV
Cons of Staying in Previous City
- Could 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”
Greatest Locations to Keep in Previous City (Zona Romantica)
There’s no scarcity of lodging choices in Previous City and there’s one thing for each price range and elegance. Listed here are just a few of the very best decisions:
1. Tropicana: If you wish to be proper on Los Muertos Seashore, that is the place for you. Additionally 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 resort selection for digital nomads because it’s residence to one of many best coworking spaces in PV. While 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 concerning the wonderful breakfast spot at this resort. Additionally they have a fitness center so you’ll be able to work it off later within the day! Click here for particulars.
Prime Issues To Do in Previous City (Zona Romantica)
Whereas Previous City is the very best place to remain in Puerto Vallarta for nightlife, there’s extra to this neighborhood than simply partying.
1. Los Muertos Seashore: Days in Previous City are greatest spent on the seashore. The way you select to spend it’s as much as you… There’s at all times the great old school solar lounger & umbrella combo, which normally results in fish tacos and margaritas in my expertise.
2. Get together it Up: As I discussed, Previous City is the place to be when you’re seeking to partake within the nightlife. You will discover it right here whether or not you’re on the lookout 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: If you happen to’re staying proper by the pier, you may as effectively add a ship journey to your PV itinerary. There are a number of choices for excursions at sea resembling this awesome trip to Yelapa to hike to a waterfall together with some snorkeling in Majahuitas.
The place to Eat and Drink in Previous City (Zona Romantica)
Previous City has tons of of bars, eating places, and golf equipment. You may 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: If you happen to’re on the lookout for 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 considered one of my favourite bars on the planet. If you happen to’re not into taking pictures pool downstairs, go to the terrace the place the social gathering’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 change into considerably of a foodie haven lately.
Each time I’m going again to Puerto Vallarta, I do know there will likely 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 rooster.
Staying in Versalles, you’ll doubtless 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 an area vibe than you’ll discover in Previous City. Click here to find Versalles on the map.
Professionals of Staying in Versalles
- Superb culinary scene
- Extra native than touristy
- Easy accessibility to downtown and the airport
- Seashore inside strolling distance
Cons of Staying in Versalles
- Plenty of development within the space
- Not many accommodations to select from
- Nightlife choices are restricted
- Could be an costly/lengthy cab journey after an evening out
Greatest Locations to Keep in Versalles
As I discussed, there aren’t a ton of lodging choices right here. Many locations are simply flats which might be rented out short-term, however listed below are some good decisions:
1. Secrets Vallarta: This all-inclusive resort is for adults solely. So when you’re on the lookout for a calming seashore trip, look no additional. Click here for particulars.
2. Zenharmony Suites: If you happen to’re on the lookout for a bit more room than a resort room and need to really feel what it’s prefer to dwell in PV, this is a superb selection. Click here for particulars.
3. Hotel Suites Mar Elena: This resort on the beachside of the freeway has some strong opinions. They’ve a lot of choices together with one-bedroom flats and cheap charges. Click here for particulars.
Prime 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 need to attempt as many locations as doable. That’s why it’s price 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 Reside Music: There are just a few good spots to catch some dwell 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 here are only a few of my faves:
1. El Puerco de Oro: These pork stomach tacos are life-changing. That’s all it’s essential know! Click 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 completely different plates and go household fashion for certain. Click here for instructions.
3. Mykonos: If you happen to want a break from Mexican food, this Greek restaurant actually hits the spot. Click here for instructions.
4. Resort Zone: Greatest for Households
For these touring with youngsters, the Resort Zone is an effective selection. Of all of the Puerto Vallarta neighborhoods, that is the very best guess for households.
Because the identify suggests, this space is stuffed 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 food and drinks choices. Click here to find it on the map.
Professionals of Staying within the Resort Zone
- Plenty of lodging decisions
- Child-friendly and adults-only choices
- Easy accessibility to the airport
- An extended stretch of seashore
Cons of Staying within the Resort Zone
- Not many eating places or bars outdoors of the resorts
- Overpriced touristy retailers
- Not a lot of an area expertise
- Could be costly
Greatest Locations to Keep within the Resort Zone
You gained’t be stunned to seek out out that there are many accommodations on this secure neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta. Listed here are just a few of the very best choices:
1. Hotel Mio: This adults-only resort has an incredible rooftop pool with ocean views. It’s additionally conveniently situated 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: Often known as the Hacienda at Hilton, this all-inclusive resort is true on the seashore. Click 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 school R&R. It’s a type of posh areas of Puerto Vallarta the place you simply need 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 motive. It’s a brilliant enjoyable night with a sundown cruise, open bar, scrumptious dinner, and an incredible present on a secluded seashore.
2. Hop On Hop Off City Bus: If you happen to’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 far more to discover in Banderas Bay. The cities of Sayulita and San Pancho to the north are effectively 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 an inclination to stay to their resort. There are nonetheless just a few nice eating places price trying out, although.
1. La Leche: Sure, the identify 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 at all times ranked among the many greatest in PV. Click here for instructions.
2. Oasis del Holi: This unassuming native joint on the seashore is a good place for some contemporary seafood, chilly beers, and sundown views. Click 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 here for instructions.
5. Marina Vallarta: Luxurious Space to Keep in Puerto Vallarta
Marina Vallarta is certainly the flowery a part of town. That is the place the large cruise ships dock, welcoming hundreds upon hundreds of holiday makers to PV every year. The town is engaged on an enormous new cruise terminal referred to as Puerto Mágico (Magic Port) that can embrace a tequila museum and an aquarium.
If you happen to’re studying this text, although, you’re in all probability 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 here to find it on the map.
Professionals of Staying in Marina Vallarta
- Luxurious lodging choices
- Quieter than Centro and Romanic Zone
- Pedestrian boardwalk
- 18 gap golf course
- Nice eating
- Many purchasing choices
- Near the airport
Cons of Staying in Marina Vallarta
- Dearer than different areas of Puerto Vallarta
- Not as conventional or genuine
- Not the very best seashores
- Longer journey to get into the middle if you wish to exit for the evening
Greatest Locations to Keep within the Marina Vallarta
1. San Tropico: This boutique resort is extremely rated because of its lovely, peaceable grounds. There are colourful murals everywhere in the property, which is mainly a giant backyard. Right here you’ll be able to sit back in a hammock, take a dip within the out of doors pool, and even be a part of a free yoga class. Click here for details.
2. Velas Vallarta Suites: This high-end resort has just a few completely 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 here to be taught extra.
3. Casa Velas: This resort is certainly on the pricier facet, however they’ve bought stellar opinions and are adults-only. Relating to Puerto Vallarta accommodations, this one is price 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, lots 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 implausible 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 identify 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 generally known as 5D because it’s the place I’ve spent probably 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 seashore that’s at all times stuffed 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 evening.
That being mentioned, that is very a lot an area Mexican neighborhood. You might hear canine, roosters, and the occasional mid-week fiesta…
Professionals of Staying in 5 de Diciembre
- Very native neighborhood
- Good views from the highest of the hill
- Has a seashore
- Superior eating places and road meals
- Cheaper than different areas
Cons of Staying in 5 de Diciembre
- Could be very noisy
- Cobblestone streets and hills might be powerful to navigate
- Not many resort decisions
- Only some bars to select from
Greatest Locations to Keep in 5 de Diciembre
There aren’t a ton of accommodations in 5D, however there are some strong decisions close to the seashore. Listed here 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 here for particulars.
2. The Paramar: It is a new resort proper on the seashore with ocean views from many rooms. Some associates stayed there lately and actually loved the rooftop pool. Click here for particulars.
3. Buenaventura Grand Hotel: If you happen to’re seeking to do the all-inclusive factor on this space, then the Buenaventura is your greatest guess. Click 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 Riding 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 journey and a zipline course.
2. Evening Taco Adventure: A serious motive that 5D is likely one of the greatest locations to remain in Puerto Vallarta is all of the superior road meals. If you happen to’re not comfy simply selecting your personal taco stalls, soar on a tour with an area information.
3. Tacos & Tequila: These are just a few of my favourite issues and that is the right 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 means round 5 de Diciembre is a significant spotlight of selecting this as your private home base. These are only a few of the very best 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 superb right here and there’s an incredible bar subsequent door referred to as El Photo voltaic which 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 effectively. Click here for instructions.
3. Gusto Lounge: This may be the one dive bar on the planet the place you will get a lobster dinner. Sergio and Naomi are good associates of ours and among the greatest bar house owners you’ll ever meet. Click here for instructions.
Greatest Areas to Keep in Puerto Vallarta: FAQs
El Centro and the Romantic Zone are related by the bridge over the river and collectively they make for the very best 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 seashore and the central a part of town for comfort’s sake.
PV is usually 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 in style bar and membership areas. Learn extra about safety in PV here.
If you happen to don’t thoughts spending a while & cash getting round city, it doesn’t actually matter. PV isn’t that large and there are various 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 offer you superb 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 suggest 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 seashore. You’ll even have tons of choices for purchasing, eating, and nightlife.
For probably the most half, sure, nonetheless, there are many cobblestone streets right here and a few neighborhoods are fairly hilly. When you’ve got mobility points, you’ll need to be sure you e-book a spot that will likely be handy.
To be near all of the motion, you’ll need to keep in El Centro or the Romantic Zone.
PV has an intensive bus system that may get you wherever it’s essential 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 could have 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 residence for just a few years.
