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

This beneficial information takes a better take a look at the place to remain in Puerto Vallarta. Should you’re dreaming of enjoyable 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 right vacation spot for all the 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 take a look at the very best areas in PV for a number of completely different classes:

Are you searching for 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 prefer to expertise a extra native aspect of PV? These are necessary issues to contemplate when searching for locations to remain in Puerto Vallarta.

Town extends from the airport south by way 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, most of the greatest neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta are on the hillside.

Although it’s not a really large metropolis, you’ll wish 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 alternative elements of the town. That is one among my favourite locations to go to in Mexico, so I’m excited to share some ideas with you and enable you plan the right journey.

1. El Centro: Greatest Place to Keep in Puerto Vallarta for Your First Time

If it’s your first time in PV, I extremely recommend skipping the all-inclusive resort and staying in El Centro. I get the attraction of the AI keep, however save that for a return go to. Belief me – you’ll be again…

El Centro is the right place to base your self for a primary go to to 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 Girl 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 nicely with loads of choices for procuring 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
• Good spot to absorb native tradition
• Shut proximity to a number of the main sights
• Among 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 visitors
• Might be noisy relying on the situation
• May 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 may be very a lot a neighborhood ‘hood, so it’s not filled with inns and all-inclusive resorts. That being mentioned, there are many nice locations to put your head right here.

1. Lodge Porto Allegro: This central lodge gives nice bang to 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 the most effective eating places within the metropolis. Click on right here for particulars.

3. Blaze Lodge & Suites: The placement of this lodge is difficult 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 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 gorgeous sculptures and the people-watching is at all times nice. For a extra adventurous expertise, you may 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 the most effective 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 surely the Cathedral of Our Girl 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 undoubtedly wish to add to your record:

1. La Cappella: Whereas I absolutely advocate for consuming all the 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 right view of the church and its cupola, which is the place it will get its title. Should 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 the town whereas on set in Puerto Vallarta. Their former house is now a lodge referred to as Casa Kimberly, which is house to this unimaginable 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 at all times a effective 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 at all times altering. That is one other place you’ll wish to reserve prematurely to keep away from disappointment. Click on right here for instructions.

2. Previous City: Greatest Space in Puerto Vallarta for Nightlife

Should you’ve come to PV to get together (as many do), you’ll wish 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 wish to loosen up on la playa. You’ll be in simply the best 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, loosen up, or drink within the Romantic Zone. That is undoubtedly the very best 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 seek out this neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta on the map.

Professionals of Staying in Previous City

• Quick access to Los Muertos Seaside
• Nice culinary scene, from avenue 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 Previous City

• Might 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”

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 finances and elegance. Listed below are a number of of the very best decisions:

1. Tropicana: If you wish to be proper on Los Muertos Seaside, 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 Lodge: It is a nice lodge alternative for digital nomads because it’s house to one of many greatest coworking areas in PV. While you’re able to loosen up, you may soak within the sizzling tub or e-book a therapeutic massage. Click on right here for particulars.

3. Casa Nicole: Friends rave concerning the wonderful breakfast spot at this lodge. Additionally 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 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 Seaside: Days in Previous City are greatest spent on the seashore. The way you select to spend it’s as much as you… There’s at all times the great old style solar lounger & umbrella combo, which often results in fish tacos and margaritas in my expertise.

2. Get together it Up: As I discussed, Previous City is the place to be in the event you’re seeking to partake within the nightlife. You will discover it right here whether or not you’re searching for an aesthetic rooftop bar or a dingy dive, a cocktail lounge or a craft brewery, a rowdy nightclub, or quiet cocktails.

3. Boat Journey: Should you’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 Previous City (Zona Romantica)

Previous City has a whole lot 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 Blissful 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: Should you’re searching for 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 among my favourite bars on the planet. Should you’re not into taking pictures 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 undoubtedly the most effective neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta. It’s develop into considerably of a foodie haven lately.

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 seemingly meet a number of digital nomads in addition to full-time residents. It’s an important 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

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

Cons of Staying in Versalles

• Plenty of development within the space
• Not many inns to select from
• Nightlife choices are restricted
• Might be an costly/lengthy cab journey after an evening out

Greatest Locations to Keep in Versalles

As I discussed, there aren’t a ton of lodging choices right here. Many locations are simply residences which might 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 in the event you’re searching for a calming seashore trip, look no additional. Click on right here for particulars.

2. Zenharmony Suites: Should you’re searching for a bit more room than a lodge room and wish to really feel what it’s prefer to reside in PV, this is a superb alternative. Click on right here for particulars.

3. Lodge Suites Mar Elena: This lodge on the beachside of the freeway has some strong opinions. They’ve numerous choices together with one-bedroom residences and cheap charges. Click on right here for particulars.

Prime Issues To Do in Versalles

This is likely one of the greatest areas to remain in Puerto Vallarta to only take it simple, take pleasure in some good meals, and loosen up on the seashore.

1. Take a Meals Tour: When on this foodie neighborhood, you’ll wish to attempt as many locations as potential. That’s why it’s price it to go together with a educated native information.

2. Chill on the Seaside: 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 carry an OXXO picnic and some drinks. Click on right here for instructions.

3. See Stay 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 below are only a few 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: Among the greatest ceviche and aguachile in PV is on the menu right here. Order a number of completely different plates and go household fashion for certain. Click on right here for instructions.

3. Mykonos: Should 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 title suggests, this space is stuffed with inns. Most of them have facilities like swimming pools and playgrounds, and a few even have daycare choices.

Many of those inns 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 basic Mexican foods and drinks choices. Click on right here to seek out it on the map.

Professionals of Staying within the Lodge Zone

• Plenty of lodging decisions
• Child-friendly and adults-only choices
• Quick access to the airport
• An extended stretch of seashore

Cons of Staying within the Lodge Zone

• Not many eating places or bars exterior of the resorts
• Overpriced touristy retailers
• Not a lot of a neighborhood expertise
• Might be costly

Greatest Locations to Keep within the Lodge Zone

You gained’t be stunned to seek out out that there are many inns on this protected neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta. Listed below are a number of of the very best choices:

1. Lodge Mio: This adults-only lodge has an important 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 referred to as 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 style R&R. It’s a kind of posh areas of Puerto Vallarta the place you simply wish to sip a margarita on the seashore. There are nonetheless some adventures available, although.

1. Rhythms of the Night time: 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: Should 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 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 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 a number of nice eating places price trying out, 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 stylish restaurant with an ever-changing menu that’s at all times 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 contemporary 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 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 annually. Town is engaged on an enormous new cruise terminal referred to as Puerto Mágico (Magic Port) that can embody a tequila museum and an aquarium. 

Should 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 extremely popular 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 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 procuring 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 lodge is extremely rated due to 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 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 certainly on the pricier aspect, however they’ve acquired stellar opinions and are adults-only. In relation to Puerto Vallarta inns, 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 gorgeous 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: in the event you like sushi, you gained’t wish to miss the genuine sushi at this beautiful boutique lodge. 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 title suggests, or go for one thing extra native just like the chilaquiles.

6. 5 de Diciembre

I have to admit I’m a fan of the neighborhood 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 house to Playa Camarones, which is a enjoyable native seashore that’s at all times filled with the sounds of wandering mariachi bands.

It’s the most effective neighborhoods to remain in Puerto Vallarta because it’s nonetheless near all of the motion of El Centro and the Romantic Zone. Staying here’s a bit simpler on the pockets, although, and it’s not fairly as loud at evening.

That being mentioned, that is very a lot a neighborhood Mexican neighborhood. Chances are you’ll hear canines, 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

• Might be very noisy
• Cobblestone streets and hills could be powerful to navigate
• Not many lodge decisions
• Just a few bars to select from

Greatest Locations to Keep in 5 de Diciembre

There aren’t a ton of inns 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 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 seashore with ocean views from many rooms. Some pals stayed there lately and actually loved the rooftop pool. Click on right here for particulars.

3. Buenaventura Grand Lodge: Should you’re seeking to do the all-inclusive factor on this space, then the Buenaventura is your greatest 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 by way 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 journey 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. Should you’re not snug simply selecting your personal taco stalls, leap on a tour with a neighborhood information.

3. Tacos & Tequila: These are a number of of my favourite issues and that is the right 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 ingesting your means round 5 de Diciembre is a serious spotlight of selecting this as your private home base. These are only a few of the very best locations within the space:

1. El Barracuda: This beachfront restaurant is at all times a go-to of mine when pals come to go to. The seafood is superb right here and there’s an important bar subsequent door referred to as El Photo voltaic which 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 greatest locations on the town. They’ve loads of different decisions as nicely. Click on right here for instructions.

3. Gusto Lounge: This may be the one dive bar on the planet the place you will get a lobster dinner. Sergio and Naomi are good pals of ours and a number of the greatest 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’ve gotten 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 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 house for a number of years.

Like This Article? Pin it!