Puerto Vallarta Romantic Zone

Of all the things to do in Puerto Vallarta, getting lost in the Romantic Zone, or Viejo Vallarta, is a timeless classic. One of the oldest parts of the city, the Romantic Zone Puerto Vallarta is where colonial cobblestone streets are lined with markets and restaurants. It’s bordered to the north by the Rio Cuale and to the south by the mountains. Here, the cultural traditions of Mexico mix with international influences, making it one of the hippest areas of Puerto Vallarta. As you explore the best places in Romantic Zone Puerto Vallarta, be sure to try a little of everything.

Shopping

When it comes to the best places in Romantic Zone Puerto Vallarta for shopping, you won’t find fashion malls or chain stores. You can find those shops in other areas of town, but here is where to go for unique boutiques and local markets. Along the Rio Cuale, vendors sell everything from souvenir mugs to handmade jewelry and paintings by local artists. A short walk inland from the beach is the Emiliano Zapata market with fresh produce and exotic fruits. In between these two markets in downtown Puerto Vallarta, you’ll find elegant galleries, fine jewelers, designer swimwear shops, and the best places for unique souvenirs.

Eating

Browsing shops can work up an appetite, and the Romantic Zone is one of the hippest areas of Puerto Vallarta for foodies. For a quick bite to eat, local taco stands serve up sizzling quesadillas and tacos. There are always new Romantic Zone Puerto Vallarta restaurants with authentic Mexican food as well as international fare, and vegans and vegetarians won’t feel limited with a variety of healthy and flavorful options at Romantic Zone Puerto Vallarta restaurants.

Drinking

Some of the best Romantic Zone Puerto Vallarta restaurants are also breweries where you can try a flight or pint of craft beer with unique flavor profiles. In downtown Puerto Vallarta, you can also find some of the city’s best mixologists using not just tequila but also raicilla and mezcal, tequila’s close cousins. As you’re drinking in Viejo Vallarta, try the unique options you can’t find anywhere else, but remember to drink responsibly before hiring a taxi or Uber to take you back to your resort.

Nightlife

One of the reasons that Viejo Vallarta is one of the hippest areas of Puerto Vallarta is its inclusivity. Downtown Puerto Vallarta is one of the gay-friendliest areas of Mexico, and its nightlife is open to all. Dance the night away at Mr. Flamingo, or kick back and listen to live music at El Soñador. One of the best places in Romantic Zone Puerto Vallarta for entertainment is Act II Entertainment Stages. The nightly drag queen shows will have you doubled over with laughter, and the powerful singers will put you in awe. With a variety of shows throughout the season, spending the night at the theater is one of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta.

Beach

Playa Los Muertos is the most popular beach in the city where families come to picnic and swim throughout the year. Bring your own umbrella or grab a spot at one of the oceanfront restaurants and beach clubs. As you sit, local vendors show off their wares and fishing boats haul in their catches. Sipping a beer and eating freshly grilled shrimp while you sink your toes into the sand is one of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta on vacation.

The Romantic Zone in Puerto Vallarta has it all. From afternoon shopping to late-night dancing, you can easily spend the whole day exploring the cobblestone streets of Viejo Vallarta.