This beneficial information takes a more in-depth have 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 possibly it’s time to plan a visit to Mexico. PV is the proper vacation spot for the entire 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 have a look at the very best 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 wish 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The town extends from the airport south by way of El Centro and Outdated City/Romantic Zone right down to Conchas Chinas.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.
Though it’s not a really huge metropolis, you’ll need to contemplate the very best 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 various components of the town. That is considered one of my favourite locations to go to in Mexico, so I’m excited to share some ideas with you and assist you to plan the proper 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 proper place to base your self for a primary go to to the 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 be the place a lot of the well-known Malecon is situated. As the middle of city, it is a busy industrial space as nicely with loads of choices for buying 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
- Great place to take in native tradition
- Shut proximity to among the main sights
- A number 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
- May be noisy relying on the situation
- 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 may be very a lot an area ‘hood, so it’s not filled with accommodations and all-inclusive resorts. That being stated, there are many nice locations to put your head right here.
1. Resort Porto Allegro: This central resort presents 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 dwelling of a few film stars? That’s what you’ll get at this well-known PV resort which additionally has top-of-the-line 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 distant sufficient to not hear the noise from the nightclubs. Click on right here for particulars.
High Issues To Do in El Centro
There’s a lot to do in El Centro inside strolling distance of your lodging. Many of the high issues to do within the metropolis are situated 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 record, and for good cause. 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 soar 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 guide.
2. Hike to the Cross: For top-of-the-line 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 nevertheless it’s price it for the view!
3. See the Cathedral and Primary Sq.: The crown jewel of PV is indisputably the Cathedral of Our Girl of Guadalupe. It’s a surprising church with an intricate cupola. One nice approach 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 dwelling to among the best possible eating places within the metropolis. Listed below are three that you simply’ll undoubtedly need to add to your record:
1. La Cappella: Whereas I absolutely 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 proper 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 guide 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 the town whereas on set in Puerto Vallarta. Their former house is now a resort referred to as Casa Kimberly, which is dwelling to this unbelievable restaurant.
My spouse and I’ve been to a number of good eating places in PV and this one is well within the high three. The menu modifications with the seasons and it’s all the time a high quality 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. 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 totally different areas within the restaurant and the menu is all the time 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: Greatest Space in Puerto Vallarta for Nightlife
If you happen to’ve come to PV to occasion (as many do), you’ll need 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 an enormous night time out in town, you’ll need to calm down on la playa. You’ll be in simply the precise 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, calm down, or drink within the Romantic Zone. That is undoubtedly the very best space to remain in Puerto Vallarta for these trying to have 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
- Quick access to Los Muertos Seashore
- Nice culinary scene, from avenue meals to high-end eating places
- Epic nightlife
- Heart of the LGBTQ scene, AKA the “Gayborhood”
- Handy transportation choices
- Brief journey to seashores south of PV
Cons of Staying in Outdated City
- May 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”
Greatest 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 funds and elegance. Listed below are a couple of 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 an enormous plus. Click on right here for particulars.
2. Joint Boutique Resort: It is a nice resort alternative for digital nomads because it’s dwelling to one of many greatest coworking areas in PV. If you’re able to calm down, you’ll be able to soak within the sizzling tub or guide a therapeutic massage. Click on right here for particulars.
3. Casa Nicole: Friends rave in regards to 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 on right here for particulars.
High Issues To Do in Outdated City (Zona Romantica)
Whereas Outdated 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 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 nice 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, Outdated City is the place to be for those who’re trying to partake within the nightlife. Yow 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: If you happen to’re staying proper by the pier, you would possibly as nicely add a ship journey to your PV itinerary. There are a number of choices for excursions at sea equivalent 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 tons of 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 on right here for instructions.
2. Tuna Azul: If you happen to’re in search of 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 considered one of my favourite bars on the earth. If you happen to’re not into taking pictures pool downstairs, go to the terrace the place the occasion’s raging most nights. Click on right here for instructions.
3. Versalles: Coolest Place to Keep in Puerto Vallarta
That is undoubtedly top-of-the-line neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta. It’s develop into considerably of a foodie haven in recent times.
Each time I am going again to Puerto Vallarta, I do know there will probably 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 probably meet a number of digital nomads in addition to full-time residents. It’s an awesome spot to be if you wish to expertise extra of an area vibe than you’ll discover in Outdated City. Click on right here to search out Versalles on the map.
Execs of Staying in Versalles
- Superb culinary scene
- Extra native than touristy
- Quick access to downtown and the airport
- Seashore inside strolling distance
Cons of Staying in Versalles
- Numerous building within the space
- Not many accommodations to select from
- Nightlife choices are restricted
- May be an costly/lengthy cab trip 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 can be rented out short-term, however listed below are some good decisions:
1. Secrets and techniques Vallarta: This all-inclusive resort is for adults solely. So for those who’re in search of a soothing seashore trip, look no additional. Click on right here for particulars.
2. Zenharmony Suites: If you happen to’re in search of a bit extra space than a resort room and need to really feel what it’s wish to reside in PV, this is a superb alternative. 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 flats and cheap charges. Click on right 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, take pleasure in some good meals, and calm down on the seashore.
1. Take a Meals Tour: When on this foodie neighborhood, you’ll need to attempt as many locations as attainable. 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 on right here for instructions.
3. See Dwell Music: There are a couple of good spots to catch some reside 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 number of the greatest ceviche and aguachile in PV is on the menu right here. Order a couple of totally different plates and go household fashion for positive. Click on right here for instructions.
3. Mykonos: If you happen to want a break from Mexican meals, this Greek restaurant actually hits the spot. Click on right here for instructions.
4. Resort Zone: Greatest for Households
For these touring with youngsters, the Resort Zone is an effective alternative. Of all of the Puerto Vallarta neighborhoods, that is the very best wager 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 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
- Quick access to the airport
- An extended stretch of seashore
Cons of Staying within the Resort Zone
- Not many eating places or bars exterior of the resorts
- Overpriced touristy retailers
- Not a lot of an area expertise
- May be costly
Greatest Locations to Keep within the Resort Zone
You gained’t be stunned to search out out that there are many accommodations on this secure neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta. Listed below are a couple of of the very best choices:
1. Resort Mio: This adults-only resort has an awesome rooftop pool with ocean views. It’s additionally conveniently situated proper on the principle highway. 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 youngsters or not. Click right here for particulars.
3. Krystal Grand: Also called the Hacienda at Hilton, this all-inclusive resort is correct on the seashore. Click on right 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 need to sip a margarita on the seashore. There are nonetheless some adventures available, although.
1. Rhythms of the Evening: This is likely one of the top-rated excursions in PV and for good cause. It’s an excellent enjoyable night with a sundown cruise, open bar, scrumptious dinner, and an incredible present on a secluded seashore.
2. Hop On Hop Off Metropolis 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 way more to discover in Banderas Bay. The cities of Sayulita and San Pancho to the north are nicely 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 a couple of 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 stylish restaurant with an ever-changing menu that’s all the time ranked among the many greatest in PV. Click on right here for instructions.
2. Oasis del Holi: This unassuming native joint on the seashore 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 unquestionably the flamboyant a part of the town. That is the place the large cruise ships dock, welcoming 1000’s upon 1000’s of holiday makers to PV every year. The town is engaged on a large new cruise terminal referred to as Puerto Mágico (Magic Port) that can embody a tequila museum and an aquarium.
If you happen to’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 retailers and lodging.
It’s a extremely popular spot for households or for many 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 buying 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 night time
Greatest Locations to Keep within the Marina Vallarta
1. San Tropico: This boutique resort is very rated because of its stunning, peaceable grounds. There are colourful murals everywhere in the property, which is mainly an enormous backyard. Right here you’ll be able to relax in a hammock, take a dip within the out of doors pool, and even be part of a free yoga class. Click on right here for particulars.
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 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 unquestionably on the pricier facet, however they’ve obtained stellar opinions and are adults-only. In relation to Puerto Vallarta accommodations, this one is price splurging on. Click on right here to see the newest value 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, lots of that are worldwide delicacies.
1. Casa Ritual for Sushi: for those who like sushi, you gained’t need to miss the genuine sushi at this attractive boutique resort. The small restaurant serves up unbelievable nigiri and completely introduced plates. It’s costly however price it.
2. Mr. Cream Pancakes and Waffles: this enjoyable restaurant does breakfast excellent. 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 need to admit I’m keen on the neighborhood often called 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 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 top-of-the-line 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 stated, that is very a lot an area Mexican neighborhood. Chances are you’ll hear canines, 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
- May be very noisy
- Cobblestone streets and hills will be powerful to navigate
- Not many resort decisions
- Just a few 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 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 seashore with ocean views from many rooms. Some associates stayed there lately and actually loved the rooftop pool. Click on right here for particulars.
3. Buenaventura Grand Resort: If you happen to’re trying to do the all-inclusive factor on this space, then the Buenaventura is your greatest wager. Click on right 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 Using with ATV and Zipline: Cruising by way of city and as much as the mountains on an ATV is a enjoyable approach to spend a day in PV. You even have the choice to tack on an ATV trip and a zipline course.
2. Night Taco Journey: A significant cause that 5D is likely one of the greatest locations to remain in Puerto Vallarta is all of the superior avenue meals. If you happen to’re not comfy simply selecting your individual taco stalls, soar on a tour with an area information.
3. Tacos & Tequila: These are a couple of 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 significant spotlight of selecting this as your property base. These are only a few of the very best locations within the space:
1. El Barracuda: This beachfront restaurant is all the time a go-to of mine when associates come to go to. The seafood is superb right here and there’s an awesome 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 likely one of the greatest locations on the town. They’ve loads of different decisions as nicely. Click on right here for instructions.
3. Gusto Lounge: This is perhaps 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 house owners you’ll ever meet. Click on right here for instructions.
Greatest 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 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 the 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 standard bar and membership areas. Learn extra about security in PV right here.
If you happen to 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 superb 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 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 seashore. You’ll even have tons of choices for buying, eating, and nightlife.
For probably the most half, sure, nevertheless, there are many cobblestone streets right here and a few neighborhoods are fairly hilly. You probably have mobility points, you’ll need to you’ll want to guide a spot that will probably 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 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 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 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 dwelling for a couple of years.
