The place to Keep in Puerto Vallarta: Finest 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.

Finest Areas to Keep in Puerto Vallarta

Let’s get all the way 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 totally different classes:

Are you on the lookout for a secluded all-inclusive resort with a personal seashore? Would you like to be within the heart of the bustling nightlife? Or perhaps you’d wish to expertise a extra native aspect of PV? These are necessary issues to think about when on the lookout for 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, 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 think about the perfect 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 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 make it easier 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 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 town. Initially, 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 business space as properly with loads of choices for purchasing and eating. Click on right here to search 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 few 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
• Could 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 may be very a lot a neighborhood ‘hood, so it’s not filled with accommodations and all-inclusive resorts. That being mentioned, there are many nice locations to put your head right here.

1. Resort 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 house of a few film stars? That’s what you’ll get at this well-known PV resort which additionally has among the finest 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 distant sufficient to not hear the noise from the nightclubs. Click on right here for particulars.

High Issues To Do in El Centro

There’s lots to do in El Centro inside strolling distance of your lodging. A lot 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 checklist, and for good purpose. It’s filled with beautiful sculptures and the people-watching is at all times nice. For a extra adventurous expertise, you possibly can soar 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 finest 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 value it for the view!

3. See the Cathedral and Essential Sq.: The crown jewel of PV is no doubt the Cathedral of Our Girl of Guadalupe. It’s a surprising church with an intricate cupola. One nice option 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 here are three that you just’ll positively need 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 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 title. In the event 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 known as Casa Kimberly, which is house to this unimaginable restaurant.

My spouse and I’ve been to a variety of good eating places in PV and this one is definitely within the high three. The menu modifications with the seasons and it’s at all times 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. 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 totally different areas within the restaurant and the menu is at all times 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: Finest Space in Puerto Vallarta for Nightlife

In the event you’ve come to PV to get together (as many do), you’ll need to keep within the space often called Previous 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 loosen up on la playa. You’ll be in simply the correct 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, loosen up, or drink within the Romantic Zone. That is positively the perfect space to remain in Puerto Vallarta for these seeking to have a great 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.

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
• Brief 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
• 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 here are a couple of of the perfect selections:

1. Tropicana: If you wish to be proper on Los Muertos Seashore, that is the place for you. Additionally they have an enormous pool overlooking the seashore in order that’s an enormous plus. Click on right here for particulars.

2. Joint Boutique Resort: This can be a nice resort selection for digital nomads because it’s house to one of many finest coworking areas in PV. Whenever you’re able to loosen up, you possibly can soak within the sizzling tub or e book a therapeutic massage. Click on right here for particulars.

3. Casa Nicole: Company rave in regards to the wonderful breakfast spot at this resort. Additionally they have a gymnasium so you possibly can work it off later within the day! Click on right here for particulars.

High Issues To Do in Previous City (Zona Romantica)

Whereas Previous 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 Previous City are finest spent on the seashore. The way you select to spend it’s as much as you… There’s at all times 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 in the event you’re seeking to partake within the nightlife. Yow will discover it right here whether or not you’re on the lookout for a cultured 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 properly add a ship journey to your PV itinerary. There are a number of choices for excursions at sea akin 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’ll be able to keep right here for a number of weeks and take a look at one thing new for each meal and each Joyful 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 the event you’re on the lookout for 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 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 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 finest neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta. It’s grow to be considerably of a foodie haven in recent times.

Each time I’m going again to Puerto Vallarta, I do know there can 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 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 search 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 building within the space
• Not many accommodations to select from
• Nightlife choices are restricted
• Could be an costly/lengthy cab experience 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 selections:

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

2. Zenharmony Suites: In the event you’re on the lookout for a bit extra space than a resort room and need to really feel what it’s wish to stay 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 stable opinions. They’ve a number of choices together with one-bedroom residences and cheap charges. Click on right here for particulars.

High Issues To Do in Versalles

This is likely one of the finest 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 need to attempt as many locations as doable. That’s why it’s value it to go together 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 deliver an OXXO picnic and some drinks. Click on right here for instructions.

3. See Reside Music: There are a couple of good spots to catch some stay 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 might want 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 couple of totally 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: Finest for Households 

For these touring with youngsters, the Resort Zone is an efficient selection. Of all of the Puerto Vallarta neighborhoods, that is the perfect wager for households.

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

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

Professionals of Staying within the Resort Zone

• A lot of lodging selections
• Child-friendly and adults-only choices
• Easy accessibility to the airport
• A protracted stretch of seashore

Cons of Staying within the Resort Zone

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

Finest Locations to Keep within the Resort Zone

You received’t be shocked to search out out that there are many accommodations on this protected neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta. Listed here are a couple of of the perfect choices:

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

High Issues To Do within the Resort Zone

For a lot of guests to the Resort Zone, a trip right here is all about some good old school R&R. It’s a 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 likely one of the top-rated excursions in PV and for good purpose. 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: 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 rather more to discover in Banderas Bay. The cities of Sayulita and San Pancho to the north are properly value a day journey.

The place to Eat and Drink within the Resort Zone

Since many individuals select to go the AI route right here, they have an inclination to stay to their resort. There are nonetheless a couple of nice eating places value 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 classy restaurant with an ever-changing menu that’s at all times 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 good 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 flowery a part of town. That is the place the large cruise ships dock, welcoming hundreds upon hundreds of holiday makers to PV annually. Town is engaged on a large new cruise terminal known 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 extremely popular spot for households or for many who search a little bit of peace and quiet (and luxurious) on their trip. Click on right here to search out it on the map.

Professionals of Staying in Marina Vallarta

• Luxurious lodging choices
• Quieter than Centro and Romanic Zone
• Pedestrian boardwalk
• 18 gap golf course
• Nice eating
• Many purchasing 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

Finest 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 possibly can relax in a hammock, take a dip within the outside 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 totally different swimming pools (one even has a swim-up bar!) in addition to a pleasant beachfront space with solar loungers and cover tents for shade. There’s additionally a spa and a health heart, 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 accommodations, this one is value 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 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 received’t need to miss the genuine sushi at this beautiful boutique resort. The small restaurant serves up implausible nigiri and completely introduced plates. It’s costly however value 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 keen on the neighborhood often called 5D because it’s the place I’ve spent essentially 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 at all times filled with the sounds of wandering mariachi bands.

It’s among the finest 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 mentioned, that is very a lot a neighborhood Mexican neighborhood. Chances are you’ll 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 will be robust to navigate
• Not many resort selections
• Just a few bars to select from

Finest Locations to Keep in 5 de Diciembre

There aren’t a ton of accommodations in 5D, however there are some stable 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: This can be a new resort proper on the seashore 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 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.

High Issues To Do in 5 de Diciembre

With the ocean to the entrance and mountains to the again, there are many alternatives for adventures when staying in 5D.

1. Horseback Driving with ATV and Zipline: Cruising via city and as much as the mountains on an ATV is a enjoyable option to spend a day in PV. You even have the choice to tack on an ATV experience and a zipline course.

2. Night Taco Journey: A serious purpose that 5D is likely one of the finest locations to remain in Puerto Vallarta is all of the superior avenue meals. In the event you’re not comfy simply selecting your individual taco stalls, soar 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 ingesting your method round 5 de Diciembre is a significant spotlight of selecting this as your house base. These are just some of the perfect 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 wonderful right here and there’s an important bar subsequent door known as El Photo voltaic that you may 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 selections as properly. Click on right here for instructions.

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

Finest Areas to Keep in Puerto Vallarta: FAQs

In Conclusion

When contemplating the place to remain in Puerto Vallarta, you may have 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 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 couple of years.

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