This beneficial information takes a better have a look at the place to keep in Puerto Vallarta. Should you’re dreaming of stress-free on the seaside, indulging in mouth-watering delicacies, and sipping cocktails whereas watching the sundown, then possibly it’s time to plan a visit to Mexico. PV is the proper vacation spot for all the above.

Best Areas to Stay in Puerto Vallarta

Let’s get down to enterprise and work out the place to keep in Puerto Vallarta. Right here’s a fast have a look at the very best areas in PV for a number of completely different classes:

Are you searching for a secluded all-inclusive resort with a personal seaside? Would you like to be in the middle of the bustling nightlife? Or possibly you’d like to expertise a extra native facet of PV? These are necessary issues to think about when searching for locations to keep in Puerto Vallarta.

Town extends from the airport south by El Centro and Outdated City/Romantic Zone down to Conchas Chinas. With the ocean to the entrance and the Sierra Madre mountains to the again, lots of the greatest neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta are on the hillside.

Though it’s not a really massive metropolis, you’ll need to think about the very best 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 components of the town. That is certainly one of my favourite locations to go to in Mexico, so I’m excited to share some suggestions with you and allow you to plan the proper journey.

1. El Centro: Best Place to Stay in Puerto Vallarta for Your First Time

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

El Centro is the proper place to base your self for a primary go to to the 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 industrial space as properly with loads of choices for buying and eating. Click on right here to discover El Centro on the map.

Execs of Staying in El Centro

• Most central location in PV
• Good spot to take in native tradition
• Shut proximity to a number of the main sights
• A few of the greatest eating places in city
• Fairly good nightlife scene
• Very simple to get round on foot, by bus, or taxi

Cons of Staying in El Centro

• Busy streets with fixed site visitors
• Will be noisy relying on the placement
• Might need to stand up and down a steep hill
• Tight dwelling quarters
• Barely restricted choice for lodging and nightlife

Best Places to Stay in El Centro

El Centro may be very a lot a neighborhood ‘hood, so it’s not stuffed with resorts and all-inclusive resorts. That being stated, there are many nice locations to lay your head right here.

1. Lodge Porto Allegro: This central resort gives 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 keep in the previous dwelling 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 in the town. Click on right here for particulars.

3. Blaze Lodge & Suites: The placement of this resort is tough to beat. You’re simply two blocks from the Malecon however far-off sufficient to not hear the noise from the nightclubs. Click on right here for particulars.

Prime Issues To Do in El Centro

There’s a lot to do in El Centro inside strolling distance of your lodging. A lot of the prime issues to do in the town are situated in this space. That’s what makes it one of many prime locations to keep 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 motive. It’s stuffed with beautiful sculptures and the people-watching is at all times nice. For a extra adventurous expertise, you possibly can 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 in city, 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 and then 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 however it’s value it for the view!

3. See the Cathedral and Major Sq.: The crown jewel of PV is unquestionably the Cathedral of Our Girl of Guadalupe. It’s a shocking church with an intricate cupola. One wonderful means to discover all that El Centro has to provide is by taking a metropolis tour. As well as to the principle sights, it additionally options espresso and tequila tastings. Click on right here to study extra.

Where to Eat and Drink in El Centro

El Centro is dwelling to a number of the best possible eating places in the town. Listed below are three that you simply’ll undoubtedly need to add to your checklist:

1. La Cappella: Whereas I totally advocate for consuming all the native meals (together with road tacos), this Italian restaurant is among the greatest 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. Should you fancy a sundown dinner right here, you’d higher e-book in advance. 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 known as Casa Kimberly, which is dwelling to this unbelievable restaurant.

My spouse and I’ve been to a variety of good eating places in PV and this one is well in the highest three. The menu modifications with the seasons and it’s at all times a tremendous eating expertise. Click on right here for instructions.

3. Cafe des Artistes: Finishing the trio of El Centro eating places is that this absolute gem of a spot. Your entire restaurant is a murals, from the mural that adorns the entrance to the elegant dishes that arrive at your desk.

They’ve a number of completely different areas in the restaurant and the menu is at all times altering. That is one other place you’ll need to reserve in advance to keep away from disappointment. Click on right here for instructions.

2. Outdated City: Best Space in Puerto Vallarta for Nightlife

Should you’ve come to PV to celebration (as many do), you’ll need to keep in the world generally known as Outdated City or the Romantic Zone (Zona Romantica in Spanish). That is the place to be after the solar goes down.

After a giant evening out in town, you’ll need to calm down on la playa. You’ll be in simply the proper 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 store, eat, calm down, or drink in the Romantic Zone. That is undoubtedly the very best space to keep in Puerto Vallarta for these wanting to have a very good time. I’ve spent many an evening in this space! Click on right here to discover this neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta on the map.

Execs of Staying in Outdated City

• Quick access to Los Muertos Seaside
• Nice culinary scene, from road 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 Outdated City

• Will 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”

Best Places to Stay in Outdated City (Zona Romantica)

There’s no scarcity of lodging choices in Outdated City and there’s one thing for each funds and fashion. Listed below are just a few of the very best decisions:

1. Tropicana: In order for you 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 resort alternative for digital nomads because it’s dwelling to top-of-the-line coworking areas in PV. Whenever you’re prepared to calm down, you possibly can soak in the recent tub or e-book a therapeutic massage. Click on right here for particulars.

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

Prime Issues To Do in Outdated City (Zona Romantica)

Whereas Outdated City is the very best place to keep in Puerto Vallarta for nightlife, there’s extra to this neighborhood than simply partying.

1. Los Muertos Seaside: Days in Outdated City are greatest spent on the seaside. The way you select to spend it’s up to you… There’s at all times the nice old style solar lounger & umbrella combo, which normally leads to fish tacos and margaritas in my expertise.

2. Get together it Up: As I discussed, Outdated City is the place to be in the event you’re wanting to partake in the nightlife. Yow 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 properly add a ship journey to your PV itinerary. There are a number of choices for excursions at sea corresponding to this superior journey to Yelapa to hike to a waterfall together with some snorkeling in Majahuitas.

Where to Eat and Drink in Outdated City (Zona Romantica)

Outdated City has a whole lot of bars, eating places, and golf equipment. You possibly can keep right here for a number of weeks and attempt 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 seaside and that’s what you’ll get right here. This is among the greatest eating places in city. Click on right here for instructions.

2. Tuna Azul: Should you’re searching 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 certainly one of my favourite bars in the world. Should you’re not into taking pictures pool downstairs, go to the terrace the place the celebration’s raging most nights. Click on right here for instructions.

3. Versalles: Coolest Place to Stay in Puerto Vallarta 

That is undoubtedly top-of-the-line neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta. It’s change into considerably of a foodie haven in current years.

Each time I’m going again to Puerto Vallarta, I do know there shall be a number of new eating places to attempt in Versalles. As well as to loads of native fare, there’s additionally Greek, Japanese, and even Nashville sizzling hen.

Staying in Versalles, you’ll possible meet a number of digital nomads in addition to full-time residents. It’s a fantastic spot to be in order for you to expertise extra of a neighborhood vibe than you’ll discover in Outdated City. Click on right here to discover Versalles on the map.

Execs of Staying in Versalles

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

Cons of Staying in Versalles

• A number of building in the world
• Not many resorts to select from
• Nightlife choices are restricted
• Will be an costly/lengthy cab trip after an evening out

Best Places to Stay in Versalles

As I discussed, there aren’t a ton of lodging choices right here. Many locations are simply flats which are 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 seaside trip, look no additional. Click on right here for particulars.

2. Zenharmony Suites: Should you’re searching for a bit extra space than a resort room and need to really feel what it’s like to stay in PV, this is a wonderful alternative. Click on right here for particulars.

3. Lodge Suites Mar Elena: This resort on the beachside of the freeway has some stable evaluations. They’ve a lot of choices together with one-bedroom flats and affordable charges. Click on right here for particulars.

Prime Issues To Do in Versalles

This is among the greatest areas to keep in Puerto Vallarta to simply take it simple, take pleasure in some good meals, and calm down on the seaside.

1. Take a Meals Tour: When in this foodie neighborhood, you’ll need to attempt as many locations as potential. That’s why it’s value 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 convey an OXXO picnic and just a few drinks. Click on right here for instructions.

3. See Stay Music: There are just a few good spots to catch some stay tunes in Versalles, together with Whiskey Kitchen. Click on right here for instructions.

Where 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 want to know! Click on right here for instructions.

2. LAMARA: A few of the greatest ceviche and aguachile in PV is on the menu right here. Order just a few 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: Best for Households 

For these touring with children, the Lodge Zone is an effective alternative. Of all of the Puerto Vallarta neighborhoods, that is the very best wager for households.

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

Many of those resorts 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 meals and drink choices. Click on right here to discover it on the map.

Execs of Staying in the Lodge Zone

• A number of lodging decisions
• Child-friendly and adults-only choices
• Quick access to the airport
• A protracted stretch of seaside

Cons of Staying in the Lodge Zone

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

Best Places to Stay in the Lodge Zone

You gained’t be shocked to discover out that there are many resorts in this secure neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta. Listed below are just a few of the very best choices:

1. Lodge Mio: This adults-only resort has a fantastic rooftop pool with ocean views. It’s additionally conveniently situated proper on the principle street. 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 children or not. Click on right here for particulars.

3. Krystal Grand: Also referred to as the Hacienda at Hilton, this all-inclusive resort is true on the seaside. Click on right here for particulars.

Prime Issues To Do in 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 need to sip a margarita on the seaside. There are nonetheless some adventures to be had, although.

1. Rhythms of the Night time: This is among the top-rated excursions in PV and for good motive. It’s a brilliant 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: Should you’re staying in the Lodge Zone, an effective 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.

Where to Eat and Drink in the Lodge Zone

Since many individuals select to go the AI route right here, they have an inclination to stick to their resort. There are nonetheless just a few 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 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 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 Stay 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 every year. Town is engaged on a large new cruise terminal known as Puerto Mágico (Magic Port) that may embrace a tequila museum and an aquarium. 

Should you’re studying this text, although, you’re in all probability not headed to Puerto Vallarta on a cruise ship. However, this space isn’t only for cruise passengers, because the Marina can be dwelling to a world-class golf course and loads of upscale 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 discover 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 buying choices
• Shut to 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 in order for you to exit for the evening

Best Places to Stay in the Marina Vallarta

1. San Tropico: This boutique resort is very rated thanks to its lovely, peaceable grounds. There are colourful murals all around the property, which is mainly a giant backyard. Right here you possibly can sit back in a hammock, take a dip in the outside pool, and even be part of a free yoga class. Click on right here for particulars.

2. Velas Vallarta Suites: This high-end resort has just a few completely different swimming pools (one even has a swim-up bar!) in addition to a pleasant beachfront space with solar loungers and cover tents for shade. There’s additionally a spa and a health middle, and it’s situated proper close to the world-class Marina Vallarta Golf Membership in order for you 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 acquired stellar evaluations and are adults-only. When it comes to Puerto Vallarta resorts, this one is value 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 in 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.

Where 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: in the event you like sushi, you gained’t need to miss the genuine sushi at this attractive boutique resort. The small restaurant serves up unbelievable nigiri and completely offered plates. It’s costly however value it.

2. Mr. Cream Pancakes and Waffles: this enjoyable restaurant does breakfast good. 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 partial to 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 up to the mountains. It’s dwelling to Playa Camarones, which is a enjoyable native seaside that’s at all times stuffed with the sounds of wandering mariachi bands.

It’s top-of-the-line neighborhoods to keep in Puerto Vallarta because it’s nonetheless shut to 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 stated, that is very a lot a neighborhood Mexican neighborhood. Chances are 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 road meals
• Cheaper than different areas

Cons of Staying in 5 de Diciembre

• Will be very noisy
• Cobblestone streets and hills will be robust to navigate
• Not many resort decisions
• Just a few bars to select from

Best Places to Stay in 5 de Diciembre

There aren’t a ton of resorts in 5D, however there are some stable decisions close to the seaside. Listed below 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 seaside with ocean views from many rooms. Some buddies stayed there lately and actually loved the rooftop pool. Click on right here for particulars.

3. Buenaventura Grand Lodge: Should you’re wanting to do the all-inclusive factor in this space, then the Buenaventura is your greatest 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 Driving with ATV and Zipline: Cruising by city and up to the mountains on an ATV is a enjoyable means 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 motive that 5D is among the greatest locations to keep in Puerto Vallarta is all of the superior road 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 just a few of my favourite issues and that is the proper nieghborhood to indulge in each. This tour is tons of enjoyable and an effective way to kick off an evening in PV.

Where 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 own home base. These are only a few of the very best locations in the world:

1. El Barracuda: This beachfront restaurant is at all times a go-to of mine when buddies come to go to. The seafood is wonderful right here and there’s a fantastic bar subsequent door known as El Photo voltaic that you could order drinks from. Click on right here for instructions.

2. Pepe’s Tacos: For tacos al pastor, this is among the greatest locations in city. They’ve loads of different decisions as properly. Click on right here for instructions.

3. Gusto Lounge: This is likely to be the one dive bar in the world the place you may get a lobster dinner. Sergio and Naomi are good buddies of ours and a number of the greatest bar house owners you’ll ever meet. Click on right here for instructions.

Best Areas to Stay in Puerto Vallarta: FAQs

In Conclusion

When contemplating the place to keep in Puerto Vallarta, you could have a number of choices. It’s not a giant 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 dwelling for just a few years.

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