This beneficial information takes a better have a look at the place to remain in Puerto Vallarta. In case you’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 visit to Mexico. PV is the proper vacation spot for the entire above.
Greatest 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 have a look at the very best areas in PV for a number of completely different classes:
Are you in search of a secluded all-inclusive resort with a personal seashore? Would you like to be within the middle of the bustling nightlife? Or perhaps you’d wish to expertise a extra native facet of PV? These are essential issues to think about when in search of locations to remain in Puerto Vallarta.
Town extends from the airport south via El Centro and Previous City/Romantic Zone all the way down to Conchas Chinas. With the ocean to the entrance and the Sierra Madre mountains to the again, lots of the finest neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta are on the hillside.
Regardless that 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 residing in Puerto Vallarta as a digital nomad and have stayed in many various components of town. That is one in all my favourite locations to go to in Mexico, so I’m excited to share some ideas with you and allow 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 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 Woman of Guadalupe, which is the image of Puerto Vallarta.
This neighborhood can be the place many of the well-known Malecon is situated. As the middle of city, this can be a busy industrial space as effectively with loads of choices for buying and eating. Click on right here to seek out El Centro on the map.
Professionals of Staying in El Centro
- Most central location in PV
- Great place to take in native tradition
- Shut proximity to a number of the main sights
- A number of the finest 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 situation
- Might need to stand up and down a steep hill
- Tight residing quarters
- Barely restricted choice for lodging and nightlife
Greatest Locations to Keep in El Centro
El Centro could be very a lot a neighborhood ‘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. Lodge Porto Allegro: This central resort presents nice bang in 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 among the best eating places within the metropolis. Click on right here for particulars.
3. Blaze Lodge & Suites: The placement 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 lots to do in El Centro inside strolling distance of your lodging. Many 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 listing, and for good motive. It’s stuffed with gorgeous 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 on right here to study extra and e book.
2. Hike to the Cross: For among the best 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 may get a bit sweaty but it surely’s price it for the view!
3. See the Cathedral and Major Sq.: The crown jewel of PV is no doubt the Cathedral of Our Woman of Guadalupe. It’s a shocking 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 primary sights, it additionally options espresso and tequila tastings. Click on right here to study extra.
The place to Eat and Drink in El Centro
El Centro is dwelling to a number of the very best eating places within the metropolis. Listed here are three that you simply’ll positively need to add to your listing:
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 finest 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. In case you fancy a sundown dinner right here, you’d higher e book 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 dwelling to this unbelievable restaurant.
My spouse and I’ve been to a variety of good eating places in PV and this one is definitely within the prime 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. 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 completely 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. Previous City: Greatest Space in Puerto Vallarta for Nightlife
In case you’ve come to PV to get together (as many do), you’ll need to keep within the space referred to as Previous 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 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, loosen up, or drink within the Romantic Zone. That is positively the very best space to remain in Puerto Vallarta for these seeking to have an excellent time. I’ve spent many an evening on this space! Click on right 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 avenue 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. In addition they have an enormous pool overlooking the seashore in order that’s an enormous plus. Click on right here for particulars.
2. Joint Boutique Lodge: This can be a nice resort alternative for digital nomads because it’s dwelling to one of many finest coworking areas in PV. Whenever you’re able to loosen up, you’ll be able to soak within the sizzling tub or e book a therapeutic massage. Click on right here for particulars.
3. Casa Nicole: Visitors rave concerning the glorious breakfast spot at this resort. In addition they have a fitness center so you’ll be able to work it off later within the day! Click on right 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 finest 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, Previous City is the place to be should 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 case you’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 similar to this superior journey 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 a whole bunch 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 Pleased 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 finest eating places on the town. Click on right here for instructions.
2. Tuna Azul: In case you’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 one in all my favourite bars on this planet. In case you’re not into capturing pool downstairs, go to the terrace the place the get together’s raging most nights. Click on right here for instructions.
3. Versalles: Coolest Place to Keep in Puerto Vallarta
That is positively among the best neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta. It’s turn into 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 attempt in Versalles. Along with loads of native fare, there’s additionally Greek, Japanese, and even Nashville sizzling hen.
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 a neighborhood vibe than you’ll discover in Previous City. Click on right here to seek out 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
- A lot of development within the space
- Not many accommodations to select from
- Nightlife choices are restricted
- Could 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 residences 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 should you’re in search of a calming seashore trip, look no additional. Click on right here for particulars.
2. Zenharmony Suites: In case you’re in search of a bit more room than a resort room and need to really feel what it’s wish to dwell in PV, this is a superb alternative. Click on right here for particulars.
3. Lodge 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 likely one of the finest areas to remain in Puerto Vallarta to simply take it simple, take pleasure in some good meals, and loosen up on the seashore.
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 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 place to carry 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 here 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 on right here for instructions.
2. LAMARA: A number of the finest ceviche and aguachile in PV is on the menu right here. Order just a few completely different plates and go household model 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. Lodge Zone: Greatest for Households
For these touring with youngsters, the Lodge Zone is an efficient alternative. Of all of the Puerto Vallarta neighborhoods, that is the very best guess for households.
Because the identify 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 food and drinks choices. Click on right here to seek out it on the map.
Professionals of Staying within the Lodge Zone
- A lot of lodging decisions
- Child-friendly and adults-only choices
- Easy accessibility to the airport
- A protracted stretch of seashore
Cons of Staying within the Lodge Zone
- Not many eating places or bars exterior of the resorts
- Overpriced touristy outlets
- Not a lot of a neighborhood expertise
- Could be costly
Greatest Locations to Keep within the Lodge Zone
You received’t be shocked 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. Lodge Mio: This adults-only resort has an incredible rooftop pool with ocean views. It’s additionally conveniently situated proper on the primary 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.
Prime Issues To Do within the Lodge Zone
For a lot of guests to the Lodge 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 motive. It’s an excellent enjoyable night with a sundown cruise, open bar, scrumptious dinner, and a tremendous present on a secluded seashore.
2. Hop On Hop Off Metropolis Bus: In case you’re staying within the Lodge 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 rather 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 Lodge 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 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 all the time ranked among the many finest 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 town. That is the place the large cruise ships dock, welcoming hundreds upon hundreds of tourists to PV every year. Town is engaged on a large new cruise terminal referred to as Puerto Mágico (Magic Port) that can embrace a tequila museum and an aquarium.
In case you’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 be dwelling to a world-class golf course and loads of upscale outlets and lodging.
It’s a very fashionable 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 seek out 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 buying choices
- Near the airport
Cons of Staying in Marina Vallarta
- Costlier 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 all around the property, which is mainly an enormous backyard. Right here you’ll be able to sit back in a hammock, take a dip within the outside 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 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 on right here to study extra.
3. Casa Velas: This resort is unquestionably on the pricier facet, however they’ve received stellar opinions and are adults-only. On the subject of Puerto Vallarta accommodations, this one is price splurging on. Click on right here to see the most recent 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, a lot of that are worldwide delicacies.
1. Casa Ritual for Sushi: should you like sushi, you received’t need to miss the genuine sushi at this attractive 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 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 have to admit I’m keen on the neighborhood referred to as 5D because it’s the place I’ve spent essentially the most time in PV. This native ‘hood is in between the Lodge 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 stuffed with the sounds of wandering mariachi bands.
It’s among the best 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. 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 avenue meals
- Cheaper than different areas
Cons of Staying in 5 de Diciembre
- Could be very noisy
- Cobblestone streets and hills may be robust 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 on right here for particulars.
2. The Paramar: This can be a new resort proper on the seashore 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 Lodge: In case you’re seeking to do the all-inclusive factor on this space, then the Buenaventura is your finest 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 Driving with ATV and Zipline: Cruising via 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 motive that 5D is likely one of the finest locations to remain in Puerto Vallarta is all of the superior avenue meals. In case you’re not snug simply selecting your personal taco stalls, leap 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 a good 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 own home base. These are just some 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 incredible bar subsequent door referred to as El Photo voltaic you could order drinks from. Click on right here for instructions.
2. Pepe’s Tacos: For tacos al pastor, this is likely one of the finest locations on the town. They’ve loads of different decisions as effectively. Click on right here for instructions.
3. Gusto Lounge: This is likely to be the one dive bar on this planet the place you will get a lobster dinner. Sergio and Naomi are good associates of ours and a number of the finest 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 town for comfort’s sake.
PV is mostly a really secure place to journey. The Lodge 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 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 a lot of 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 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 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 essentially the most half, sure, nevertheless, there are many cobblestone streets right here and a few neighborhoods are fairly hilly. If in case you have mobility points, you’ll need to you’ll want to e book a spot that shall 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 wherever you’ll want to go. Most rides solely price 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 have got 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 just a few years.