The place to Keep in Puerto Vallarta: Greatest Areas and Locations

This useful information takes a more in-depth have a look at the place to remain in Puerto Vallarta. In the event 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 right down to enterprise and determine the place to remain in Puerto Vallarta. Right here’s a fast have a look at the perfect 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 favor to be within the heart of the bustling nightlife? Or perhaps you’d prefer to expertise a extra native facet of PV? These are necessary issues to think about when in search of locations to remain in Puerto Vallarta.

The town extends from the airport south by means of El Centro and Outdated City/Romantic Zone right down to Conchas Chinas.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 finest neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta are on the hillside.

Regardless that it’s not a really massive metropolis, you’ll need to take into account the perfect Puerto Vallarta neighborhoods for you. I’ve spent a number of years dwelling in Puerto Vallarta as a digital nomad and have stayed in many alternative elements of the town. That is one in every of my favourite locations to go to in Mexico, so I’m excited to share some ideas with you and aid you 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 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 the town. To begin with, it’s the central a part of city (therefore the title). That is the place you’ll discover the Cathedral of our Woman of Guadalupe, which is the image of Puerto Vallarta.

This neighborhood can be the place a lot of the well-known Malecon is positioned. As the middle of city, it is a busy business space as effectively 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
• Great place to absorb native tradition
• Shut proximity to among the main sights
• A few of the finest eating places on the town
• Fairly good nightlife scene
• Very straightforward to get round on foot, by bus, or taxi

Cons of Staying in El Centro

• Busy streets with fixed visitors
• May be noisy relying on the situation
• May need to stand 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 lodges 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 house 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 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 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 listing, and for good purpose. It’s filled with gorgeous sculptures and the people-watching is all the time nice. For a extra adventurous expertise, you may bounce 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 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 but it surely’s price it for the view!

3. See the Cathedral and Predominant 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 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 among the best possible 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 road tacos), this Italian restaurant is without doubt 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 title. In the event you 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 house to this unbelievable restaurant.

My spouse and I’ve been to numerous 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 positive 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 complete 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. Outdated City: Greatest Space in Puerto Vallarta for Nightlife

In the event you’ve come to PV to occasion (as many do), you’ll need to keep within the space often known as Outdated City or the Romantic Zone (Zona Romantica in Spanish). That is the place to be after the solar goes down.

After an enormous night time out in town, you’ll need to chill out 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, chill out, or drink within the Romantic Zone. That is positively the perfect space to remain in Puerto Vallarta for these seeking 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 Outdated City

• Quick access to Los Muertos Seashore
• Nice culinary scene, from road meals to high-end eating places
• Epic nightlife
• Middle of the LGBTQ scene, AKA the “Gayborhood”
• Handy transportation choices
• Brief journey to seashores south of PV

Cons of Staying in Outdated City

• May be loud… like, actually, actually loud
• Very crowded throughout excessive season, weekends, and holidays
• Extra security issues than in different areas
• May 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 magnificence. Listed here are a number of of the perfect selections:

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 Resort: It is a nice resort selection for digital nomads because it’s house to one of many finest coworking areas in PV. While you’re able to chill out, you may soak within the scorching tub or guide a therapeutic massage. Click on right here for particulars.

3. Casa Nicole: Visitors rave concerning the wonderful breakfast spot at this resort. In addition they have a health club so you may work it off later within the day! Click on right here for particulars.

Prime Issues To Do in Outdated City (Zona Romantica)

Whereas Outdated City is the perfect 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 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 style solar lounger & umbrella combo, which often results in fish tacos and margaritas in my expertise.

2. Social gathering it Up: As I discussed, Outdated City is the place to be if you happen to’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 the event you’re staying proper by the pier, you would possibly as effectively add a ship journey to your PV itinerary. There are a number of choices for excursions at sea comparable to this superior journey to Yelapa to hike to a waterfall together with some snorkeling in Majahuitas.

The place to Eat and Drink in Outdated City (Zona Romantica)

Outdated City has 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 without doubt one of 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 suggest 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 every of my favourite bars on this planet. In the event you’re not into capturing 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 positively top-of-the-line neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta. It’s turn into considerably of a foodie haven in recent times.

Each time I’m going again to Puerto Vallarta, I do know there will probably be a number of new eating places to strive in Versalles. Along with loads of native fare, there’s additionally Greek, Japanese, and even Nashville scorching rooster.

Staying in Versalles, you’ll possible meet a number of digital nomads in addition to full-time residents. It’s an incredible spot to be if you wish to expertise extra of 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

• Wonderful culinary scene
• Extra native than touristy
• Quick access to downtown and the airport
• Seashore inside strolling distance

Cons of Staying in Versalles

• A lot of building within the space
• Not many lodges 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 residences which can be rented out short-term, however listed below are some good selections:

1. Secrets and techniques Vallarta: This all-inclusive resort is for adults solely. So if you happen to’re in search of a calming seashore trip, look no additional. Click on right here for particulars.

2. Zenharmony Suites: In the event you’re in search of a bit extra space than a resort room and need to really feel what it’s prefer to reside in PV, this is a superb selection. Click on right here for particulars.

3. Resort Suites Mar Elena: This resort 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 without doubt one of the finest areas to remain in Puerto Vallarta to simply take it straightforward, take pleasure in some good meals, and chill out on the seashore.

1. Take a Meals Tour: When on this foodie neighborhood, you’ll need to strive 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 number 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 here are just some of my faves:

1. El Puerco de Oro: These pork stomach tacos are life-changing. That’s all it’s essential to know! Click on right here for instructions.

2. LAMARA: A few of the finest ceviche and aguachile in PV is on the menu right here. Order a number of completely different plates and go household type for positive. 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. 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 perfect wager for households.

Because the title suggests, this space is stuffed with lodges. Most of them have facilities like swimming pools and playgrounds, and a few even have daycare choices.

Many of those lodges are all-inclusive and have loads of kid-friendly meals selections on the menus together with virgin cocktails and the like. For the adults, there are many basic Mexican foods and drinks choices. Click on right here to search out it on the map.

Execs of Staying within the Resort Zone

• A lot of lodging selections
• Child-friendly and adults-only choices
• Quick access to the airport
• A protracted 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 shocked to search out out that there are many lodges on this protected neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta. Listed here are a number of of the perfect choices:

1. Resort Mio: This adults-only resort has an incredible 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: Often known as the Hacienda at Hilton, this all-inclusive resort is true on the seashore. Click on right here for particulars.

Prime Issues To Do within the Resort Zone

For a lot of guests to the Resort Zone, a trip right here is all about some good old style R&R. It’s a type of posh areas of Puerto Vallarta the place you simply need to sip a margarita on the seashore. There are nonetheless some adventures available, although.

1. Rhythms of the Evening: This is without doubt one of the top-rated excursions in PV and for good purpose. It’s a brilliant 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 the event you’re staying within the Resort 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 way 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 a tendency to stay to their resort. There are nonetheless a number of nice eating places price testing, although.

1. La Leche: Sure, the title of this restaurant means “the milk,” however don’t let that deter you. It’s a contemporary and 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 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 unquestionably the flowery a part of the town. That is the place the enormous cruise ships dock, welcoming hundreds upon hundreds of tourists to PV annually. 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. 

In the event you’re studying this text, although, you’re most likely not headed to Puerto Vallarta on a cruise ship. However, this space isn’t only for cruise passengers, because the Marina can be house to a world-class golf course and loads of upscale retailers 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 search out it on the map.

Execs of Staying in Marina Vallarta

• Luxurious lodging choices
• Quieter than Centro and Romanic Zone
• Pedestrian boardwalk
• 18 gap golf course
• Nice eating
• Many procuring choices
• Near the airport

Cons of Staying in Marina Vallarta

• Dearer than different areas of Puerto Vallarta
• Not as conventional or genuine
• Not the perfect 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 extremely rated because of its stunning, peaceable grounds. There are colourful murals all around the property, which is principally an enormous backyard. Right here you may 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 number 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 heart, 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 unquestionably on the pricier facet, however they’ve bought stellar critiques and are adults-only. Relating to Puerto Vallarta lodges, this one is price splurging on. Click on right here to see the most recent 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 scorching!)
• 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: if you happen to like sushi, you gained’t need to miss the genuine sushi at this beautiful boutique resort. The small restaurant serves up unbelievable nigiri and completely offered plates. It’s costly however price it.

2. Mr. Cream Pancakes and Waffles: this enjoyable restaurant does breakfast excellent. Come right here for pancakes and waffles because the title suggests, or go for one thing extra native just like the chilaquiles.

6. 5 de Diciembre

I need to admit I’m a fan of the neighborhood often 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 house 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 road meals
• Cheaper than different areas

Cons of Staying in 5 de Diciembre

• May be very noisy
• Cobblestone streets and hills might be powerful to navigate
• Not many resort selections
• Only some bars to select from

Greatest Locations to Keep in 5 de Diciembre

There aren’t a ton of lodges in 5D, however there are some strong selections 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: It is a new resort proper on the seashore with ocean views from many rooms. Some mates stayed there just lately and actually loved the rooftop pool. Click on right here for particulars.

3. Buenaventura Grand Resort: In the event you’re seeking 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 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 purpose that 5D is without doubt one of the finest locations to remain in Puerto Vallarta is all of the superior road meals. In the event you’re not snug simply selecting your personal taco stalls, bounce on a tour with an area information.

3. Tacos & Tequila: These are a number of of my favourite issues and that is the proper nieghborhood to bask 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 method round 5 de Diciembre is a serious spotlight of selecting this as your own home base. These are just some of the perfect locations within the space:

1. El Barracuda: This beachfront restaurant is all the time a go-to of mine when mates come to go to. The seafood is wonderful right here and there’s an incredible bar subsequent door referred to as El Photo voltaic you could order drinks from. Click on right here for instructions.

2. Pepe’s Tacos: For tacos al pastor, this is without doubt one of the finest locations on the town. They’ve loads of different selections as effectively. Click on right here for instructions.

3. Gusto Lounge: This could be the one dive bar on this planet the place you will get a lobster dinner. Sergio and Naomi are good mates of ours and among the finest bar homeowners you’ll ever meet. Click on right here for instructions.

Greatest Areas to Keep in Puerto Vallarta: FAQs

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 execs and cons.

No matter which of those neighborhoods you select to base your self in, it’s straightforward sufficient to get between them and to go on day journeys. You’ll even have nice selections for meals regardless 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 house for a number of years.

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