This useful information takes a more in-depth take a look at the place to remain in Puerto Vallarta. In the event you’re dreaming of enjoyable 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 all the way down to enterprise and work out the place to remain in Puerto Vallarta. Right here’s a fast take a look at one of the best areas in PV for a number of completely different classes:
Are you in search of a secluded all-inclusive resort with a personal seaside? Would you like to be within the middle of the bustling nightlife? Or perhaps you’d wish to expertise a extra native aspect 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 by means of 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.
Although it’s not a really huge metropolis, you’ll wish to think about one of the 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 elements 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 assist you 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 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 also be the place many of the well-known Malecon is positioned. As the middle of city, this can be a busy industrial space as nicely 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 absorb 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 visitors
- May be noisy relying on the placement
- Might need to stand up and down a steep hill
- Tight residing quarters
- Barely restricted choice for lodging and nightlife
Finest Locations to Keep in El Centro
El Centro could be very a lot a neighborhood ‘hood, so it’s not stuffed with motels and all-inclusive resorts. That being stated, there are many nice locations to put your head right here.
1. Lodge Porto Allegro: This central lodge 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 house of a few film stars? That’s what you’ll get at this well-known PV lodge which additionally has top-of-the-line eating places within the metropolis. Click on right here for particulars.
3. Blaze Lodge & Suites: The placement of this lodge is tough to beat. You’re simply two blocks from the Malecon however distant sufficient to not hear the noise from the nightclubs. Click 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 high issues to do within the metropolis are positioned on this space. That’s what makes it one of many high locations to remain in Puerto Vallarta for anybody.
1. Stroll the Malecon: Strolling alongside PV’s oceanfront promenade is excessive on each customer’s to-do checklist, and for good cause. It’s stuffed with beautiful sculptures and the people-watching is all the time nice. For a extra adventurous expertise, you’ll be able to leap on an electrical bike for a tour of El Centro that additionally takes you into the mountains. Click on right here to study extra and e book.
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 may get a bit sweaty nevertheless it’s price it for the view!
3. See the Cathedral and Essential Sq.: The crown jewel of PV is certainly the Cathedral of Our Woman of Guadalupe. It’s a surprising church with an intricate cupola. One nice method 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 study extra.
The place to Eat and Drink in El Centro
El Centro is house to a number of the very best eating places within the metropolis. Listed below are three that you simply’ll positively wish to add to your checklist:
1. La Cappella: Whereas I totally advocate for consuming the entire native meals (together with avenue tacos), this Italian restaurant is among 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 the event you fancy a sundown dinner right here, you’d higher e book upfront. 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 lodge known as Casa Kimberly, which is house to this unimaginable restaurant.
My spouse and I’ve been to quite a lot of good eating places in PV and this one is well within the high three. The menu adjustments with the seasons and it’s all the time a fantastic 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. The whole 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 wish to reserve upfront to keep away from disappointment. Click on right here for instructions.
2. Previous City: Finest Space in Puerto Vallarta for Nightlife
In the event you’ve come to PV to social gathering (as many do), you’ll wish 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 night time out in town, you’ll wish to chill out on la playa. You’ll be in simply the precise 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, chill out, or drink within the Romantic Zone. That is positively one of the best space to remain in Puerto Vallarta for these trying to have a very good 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 Previous City
- Easy accessibility to Los Muertos Seaside
- 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
- May be loud… like, actually, actually loud
- Very crowded throughout excessive season, weekends, and holidays
- Extra security considerations than in different areas
- Would possibly really feel like a “strolling ATM”
Finest 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 funds and magnificence. Listed below are a couple of of one of the best decisions:
1. Tropicana: If you wish to be proper on Los Muertos Seaside, that is the place for you. In addition they have an enormous pool overlooking the seaside in order that’s a giant plus. Click on right here for particulars.
2. Joint Boutique Lodge: It is a nice lodge selection for digital nomads because it’s house to one of many finest coworking areas in PV. Whenever you’re able to chill out, 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: Friends rave in regards to the wonderful breakfast spot at this lodge. 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 one of the best place to remain in Puerto Vallarta for nightlife, there’s extra to this neighborhood than simply partying.
1. Los Muertos Seaside: Days in Previous City are finest spent on the seaside. The way you select to spend it’s as much as you… There’s all the time the great old style solar lounger & umbrella combo, which normally results in fish tacos and margaritas in my expertise.
2. Celebration it Up: As I discussed, Previous City is the place to be should you’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: In the event you’re staying proper by the pier, you may as nicely add a ship journey to your PV itinerary. There are a number of choices for excursions at sea resembling 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 lot 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 Comfortable 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 finest eating places on the town. Click on right here for instructions.
2. Tuna Azul: In the event 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 the earth. In the event you’re not into taking pictures 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 positively top-of-the-line neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta. It’s turn out to be 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 rooster.
Staying in Versalles, you’ll probably meet a number of digital nomads in addition to full-time residents. It’s an amazing 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 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 building within the space
- Not many motels to select from
- Nightlife choices are restricted
- May be an costly/lengthy cab trip 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 can be 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 should you’re in search of a soothing seaside trip, look no additional. Click on right here for particulars.
2. Zenharmony Suites: In the event you’re in search of a bit more room than a lodge room and wish to really feel what it’s wish to dwell in PV, this is a wonderful selection. Click on right here for particulars.
3. Lodge Suites Mar Elena: This lodge on the beachside of the freeway has some strong critiques. They’ve a number 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 finest areas to remain in Puerto Vallarta to simply take it simple, get pleasure from some good meals, and chill out on the seaside.
1. Take a Meals Tour: When on this foodie neighborhood, you’ll wish 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 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 carry 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 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 it’s worthwhile 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 a couple of completely different plates and go household model for certain. Click on right here for instructions.
3. Mykonos: In the event you want a break from Mexican meals, this Greek restaurant actually hits the spot. Click on right here for instructions.
4. Lodge Zone: Finest for Households
For these touring with youngsters, the Lodge Zone is an effective selection. Of all of the Puerto Vallarta neighborhoods, that is one of the best wager for households.
Because the identify suggests, this space is stuffed with motels. Most of them have facilities like swimming pools and playgrounds, and a few even have daycare choices.
Many of those motels are all-inclusive and have loads of kid-friendly meals decisions on the menus together with virgin cocktails and the like. For the adults, there are many traditional Mexican foods and drinks choices. Click on right here to search out it on the map.
Execs of Staying within the Lodge Zone
- Numerous lodging decisions
- Child-friendly and adults-only choices
- Easy accessibility to the airport
- An extended stretch of seaside
Cons of Staying within the Lodge Zone
- Not many eating places or bars outdoors of the resorts
- Overpriced touristy retailers
- Not a lot of a neighborhood expertise
- May be costly
Finest Locations to Keep within the Lodge Zone
You received’t be shocked to search out out that there are many motels on this protected neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta. Listed below are a couple of of one of the best choices:
1. Lodge Mio: This adults-only lodge has an amazing rooftop pool with ocean views. It’s additionally conveniently positioned 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 referred to as the Hacienda at Hilton, this all-inclusive resort is correct on the seaside. 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 style R&R. It’s a type of posh areas of Puerto Vallarta the place you simply wish 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 cause. 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 the event 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 nicely 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 an inclination to stay to their resort. There are nonetheless a couple of 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 stylish 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 seaside is a superb place for some recent seafood, chilly beers, and sundown views. Click on right here for instructions.
3. Cerveceria Chapultepec: A preferred chain from Guadalajara, this spot churns out small plates and drinks for round 20 pesos ($1 USD) every. It’s a enjoyable place to hang around with locals and pre-game earlier than going out in town. Click on right 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 enormous cruise ships dock, welcoming 1000’s upon 1000’s of tourists to PV every year. Town is engaged on an enormous new cruise terminal known as Puerto Mágico (Magic Port) that can embody a tequila museum and an aquarium.
In the event 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 also be house to a world-class golf course and loads of upscale retailers and lodging.
It’s a highly regarded spot for households or for individuals who search a little bit of peace and quiet (and luxurious) on their trip. Click 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 one of the best seashores
- Longer journey to get into the middle if you wish to exit for the night time
Finest Locations to Keep within the Marina Vallarta
1. San Tropico: This boutique lodge is very rated because of its stunning, peaceable grounds. There are colourful murals all around the property, which is principally 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 on right here for particulars.
2. Velas Vallarta Suites: This high-end resort has a couple of 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 positioned 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 certainly on the pricier aspect, however they’ve acquired stellar critiques and are adults-only. In the case of Puerto Vallarta motels, 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: should you like sushi, you received’t wish to miss the genuine sushi at this beautiful boutique lodge. The small restaurant serves up incredible nigiri and completely introduced 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 need 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 Lodge Zone and El Centro, with hilly streets that jut as much as the mountains. It’s house to Playa Camarones, which is a enjoyable native seaside that’s all the time stuffed 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 a neighborhood Mexican neighborhood. It’s possible you’ll hear canine, roosters, and the occasional mid-week fiesta…
Execs of Staying in 5 de Diciembre
- Very native neighborhood
- Good views from the highest of the hill
- Has a seaside
- 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 may be robust to navigate
- Not many lodge decisions
- Only some bars to select from
Finest Locations to Keep in 5 de Diciembre
There aren’t a ton of motels 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 lodge 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 lodge proper on the seaside with ocean views from many rooms. Some pals stayed there not too long ago and actually loved the rooftop pool. Click on right here for particulars.
3. Buenaventura Grand Lodge: In the event you’re trying to do the all-inclusive factor on this space, then the Buenaventura is your finest wager. 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 means of city and as much as the mountains on an ATV is a enjoyable method 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 serious cause that 5D is among the finest locations to remain in Puerto Vallarta is all of the superior avenue meals. In the event you’re not snug simply selecting your individual taco stalls, leap on a tour with a neighborhood 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 a good way to kick off an evening in PV.
The place to Eat and Drink in 5 de Diciembre
Consuming and consuming your manner round 5 de Diciembre is a significant spotlight of selecting this as your own home base. These are only a few of one of the best locations within the space:
1. El Barracuda: This beachfront restaurant is all the time a go-to of mine when pals come to go to. The seafood is superb right here and there’s an amazing bar subsequent door known 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 finest 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 pals of ours and a number of the finest bar house owners 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 one of the best locations to remain in Puerto Vallarta middle.
There aren’t actually any “no go” areas in PV, however for vacationers, you’ll wish to stick nearer to the seaside and the central a part of town for comfort’s sake.
PV is usually a really protected 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 widespread bar and membership areas. Learn extra about security in PV right here.
In the event 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 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 avenue artwork.
I extremely advocate staying in downtown PV. This places you in a handy location whether or not you wish to go on day journeys or simply chill on the seaside. You’ll even have tons of choices for procuring, eating, and nightlife.
For probably 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 wish to you should definitely e book a spot that will probably be handy.
To be near all of the motion, you’ll wish to keep in El Centro or the Romantic Zone.
PV has an in depth bus system that may get you wherever it’s worthwhile 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 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 irrespective 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 house for a couple of years.
