Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta

Mexico › Best Places to Stay in Puerto Vallarta
Updated: December 27, 2025

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The best place to stay in Puerto Vallarta area.

The Grand Velas is one of our favorite hotels in the Puerto Vallarta area. Fantastic for families.

Best Areas to Stay in Puerto Vallarta

Stretching for miles along the Bahía de Banderas and surrounded by mountains covered in lush greenery, Puerto Vallarta (or just ‘Vallarta’ to locals) is one of Mexico’s most vibrant beach destinations along the Pacific coast. Vallarta’s been attracting tourists since the 60s, when Hollywood royalty starred in Tennessee Williams’ Night of the Iguana at a nearby cove. Today, millions of vacationers come every year to sun themselves on the string of golden-sand beaches, take in the dining scene, peruse the local art in quirky galleries and stores, and wander the attractive malecón (beach promenade) and the cobbled streets of the historic center. More active travelers seek out adventure activities such as boat trips, horseback rides, scuba diving, and day trips to the interior. When the sun goes down, the pumping nightlife reminds you why Vallarta is the LGBTQ+ capital of Mexico. While Vallarta is rather spread out, the proliferation of local transport and taxis makes it easy to get around, and the central neighborhoods are very walkable.

Puerto Vallarta stretches for around 10 miles along the coast, from the international airport in the north to hilly Amapas at the very south of the town. In the southern part of the city, El Centro is Vallarta’s historic heart, consisting of a compact grid of narrow streets and centuries-old plazas, with colorful architecture and some hilly cobbled lanes. It’s fringed by the malecón and is known for its waterfront bars, restaurants, art galleries, and craft markets.

Just south of El Centro, across the Rio Cuale, is the Zona Romántica (also known as Old Town), another historic neighborhood with cobbled streets and traditional shops. The streets closest to the beach have a hipster vibe and are dotted with craft beer breweries, bars, and restaurants, while the streets east of Calle Insurgentes have a more local feel. Zona Romántica is home to Playa Los Muertos, one of Vallarta’s most popular beaches, and the bustling nightlife makes this neighborhood a favorite with LGBTQ+ travelers.

South of the Zona Romántica and overlooking the southern end of Playa Los Muertos, Vallarta becomes a narrow squiggle of quiet, hilly streets known as Amapas, peppered with luxury villas and a handful of excellent hotels. Even farther south is Conchas Chinas, a spread-out, affluent residential neighborhood with villas high up on the hillside offering some of the best views in the bay.

In the northern half of the city, stretching between the north end of the malecón in El Centro and the southern end of the Zona Hotelera, the largely residential neighborhood of 5 de Diciembre is quieter than Centro or the Zona Romántica but easily walkable. It features Old-World architecture, some of the best taco stands in Vallarta (including the famous Pepe’s Tacos), great local bars, and the Blue Flag-certified Playa Camarones.

The Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone) is a spread-out neighborhood that consists of a long stretch of beach dotted with high-rise hotels, many of them all-inclusive. This is a popular part of town for visitors looking for resort amenities. While many guests eat on-site, the area also features the La Isla Shopping Village and several high-end independent restaurants like Icu and La Leche.

Near the international airport at the north of the city is Marina Vallarta, one of the city’s most upscale neighborhoods. It is a modern area centered around the yacht marina and the cruise ship terminal, featuring luxury accommodations, a championship golf course, and a waterfront boardwalk lined with international dining options.

Farther north, beyond the airport and across the state line into Nayarit, Nuevo Vallarta (now often called Nuevo Nayarit) is home to a clean yacht marina, world-class golf courses, the massive Vidanta complex, and a long stretch of wide, sandy beaches lined with luxury resorts and condos.

Best Places to Stay in Puerto Vallarta

Best luxury hotel in Puerto Vallarta.

The pool and ocean views at Hotel Mousai – a great place to stay for couples.

Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta for…

  • Best Neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta for First Timers: El Centro & Zona Romántica
    For a first visit, I recommend staying in either El Centro or the Zona Romántica. El Centro is the most atmospheric part of Vallarta and is walkable, offering a perfect mix of traditional dining, high-end art galleries, and the iconic malecón. The Zona Romántica, located just across the river, is the hub of the city’s social scene with the best city beach (Playa Los Muertos), diverse nightlife, and an incredible concentration of restaurants. Because these two neighborhoods are adjacent and connected by the pedestrian bridge at Isla Cuale, you can easily stay in one and enjoy the highlights of the other on foot.
  • Best Neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta for Families: Zona Hotelera, Marina Vallarta, & Zona Romántica
    For a classic beach holiday with all-inclusive resorts and kids’ clubs, stay in the Zona Hotelera. The beaches here, particularly Playa de Oro (which holds Blue Flag certification for safety and cleanliness), have gentle waves perfect for swimming and water sports. Marina Vallarta is another top choice for families seeking a quieter, upscale environment; it is very safe, close to the airport, and features a pedestrian-friendly boardwalk with an evening market that kids enjoy. If you are traveling with teenagers, the Zona Romántica is a better fit. It offers more independence with its walkable streets, easy access to Playa Los Muertos for parasailing and banana boat rides, and proximity to the pier for day-trip departures to Yelapa. El Centro remains the best bet for families on a budget, as the free performances and sculptures along the malecón provide endless (and free) evening entertainment.
  • Best Neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta for Couples: El Centro & Amapas
    Despite its name, the Zona Romántica is often too busy and loud to be the city’s most romantic spot. For a true getaway, I recommend El Centro. It’s fun, with narrow cobbled streets, hidden garden courtyards, and the beautifully lit malecón for sunset walks. The most romantic boutique hotels are tucked into the hills just a few blocks inland, offering privacy and sweeping views of the bay. If you prefer modern luxury and even more seclusion, head to Amapas. This area sits on the cliffs just south of the main action, providing high-end suites with private infinity pools and a quieter, more exclusive vibe while still being a short taxi ride from the dining scene in the Zona Romántica.
  • Best Neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta for Food & Restaurants: Zona Romántica, El Centro, & Versalles
    You will eat well almost anywhere in Vallarta, but for the most diverse scene, head to the Zona Romántica. It’s packed with everything from the legendary al pastor at Pancho’s Takos to modern Mexican fine dining at Makal. El Centro remains the home of Vallarta’s “grand dame” restaurants, specifically Café des Artistes and the stunning The Iguana at Casa Kimberly. For 2026, the “it” neighborhood is Versalles (about 10 minutes north of downtown); it’s a residential area that has exploded into a culinary hotspot with trendy bistros like Cha’ for brunch and El Puerco de Oro for pork belly tacos.

    In the Zona Hotelera, two spots stand out for their international recognition: Icu (which holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand) and the all-white, high-concept La Leche. If you want the city’s best street food, head to 5 de Diciembre for the “taco crawl” of a lifetime, specifically at Pepe’s Taco and El Carboncito. For an upscale marina-front vibe, Marina Vallarta offers excellent seafood and Italian at Tintoque and Portobello.

  • Best Neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta for Sightseeing & Activities: El Centro, Zona Romántica, & Marina Vallarta
    The primary sightseeing hub is El Centro. Its main attractions are the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (the iconic crown-topped church) and the malecón, a mile-long boardwalk lined with surrealist sculptures. At the north end of the malecón, look for the Voladores de Papantla, who perform an ancient Totonac ritual swinging from a 60-foot pole. For history, the Museo del Cuale on the island between El Centro and the Zona Romántica is worth a quick visit.

    For activities, the Zona Romántica is the ideal base for exploring the south. The Los Muertos Pier is the departure point for water taxis to secluded beaches like Yelapa and Las Ánimas, as well as snorkeling trips to Los Arcos Marine Park. If you are into world-class golf or deep-sea fishing, Marina Vallarta is the best base, with many charters departing directly from the boardwalk. Nuevo Vallarta (Nuevo Nayarit) is now a major sightseeing destination in its own right due to the VidantaWorld theme park. Most adrenaline-heavy tours – like canopy zip-lining and ATV adventures – include pickup from the Zona Hotelera or Marina area.

  • Best Neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta for Nightlife: Zona Romántica & El Centro
    The Zona Romántica is the undisputed center of Vallarta’s nightlife. It is world-renowned for its LGBTQ+ scene, with massive clubs and high-energy bars concentrated around Lázaro Cárdenas and Olas Altas. Beyond the clubs, this neighborhood is the hub for craft beer; check out Los Muertos Brewing for a local pint. El Centro offers a different vibe, with high-end cocktail lounges and mezcalerías tucked into the side streets near the malecón. El Colibrí is a standout for creative cocktails, while Bar Morelos is a popular mezcaleria and lounge for the late-night crowd.

    If you prefer a more American-style night out, Murphy’s Irish Pub on the malecón is the place for live music and sports. Marina Vallarta provides a more relaxed evening, with several upscale wine bars and sports pubs overlooking the yachts, catering mostly to boat owners and residents. For the big, Vegas-style nightclub experience (think Mandala or La Santa), head to the Zona Hotelera, where the largest venues in the city are located.

Zona Romantica in Puerto Vallarta.

Boat tours and water taxis to southern beaches depart from the Los Muertos pier in the Zona Romántica.

  • Best Neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta for Shopping: El Centro & Zona Romántica
    Mexico produces an incredible range of high-quality handicrafts, and Puerto Vallarta is the best place on the Pacific coast to find them. The region is particularly famous for Huichol (Wixárika) art – look for the intricate, psychedelic beadwork and yarn paintings. For the best experience, visit El Centro during the Art Walk (which runs every Wednesday evening from late October through May). Top galleries here include Galeria Colectika for ancestral folk art, Galeria de Ollas for world-class Mata Ortiz ceramics, and Peyote People for authentic Wixárika beadwork and wood carvings. For fine textiles and black clay ceramics from Oaxaca, check out Caballito de Mar.

    In the Zona Romántica, the shopping is a mix of high-end galleries and trendy lifestyle boutiques. Tierra Huichol offers museum-quality indigenous art, while Mundo de Azulejos is the place for colorful, locally produced Talavera tiles. For a modern take on Mexican design, the Manyana lifestyle store features stylish linen wear and handcrafted ceramics. If you are looking for affordable souvenirs or mass-produced crafts, head to the Mercado Municipal Río Cuale (at the bridge) or the Isla Cuale Flea Market, located on the shaded island in the river between El Centro and the Zona Romántica.

  • Best Neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta for a Local Vibe: 5 de Diciembre & Versalles
    If you want to escape the “tourist bubble,” 5 de Diciembre is the place. It is a traditional Mexican neighborhood with a bohemian edge, narrow cobbled streets, and colorful one-story homes. It’s quieter than El Centro but arguably has the best street food in town – look for the clusters of taco stands around Calle Honduras. There’s a decent beach here (Playa Camarones, which holds Blue Flag status).

    I also recommend checking out Versalles for a local, modern vibe. Located just north of the Hotel Zone, it has recently transformed from a sleepy residential area into the city’s top culinary destination. It is far more “local” than the Zona Romántica, filled with trendy independent cafes, bakeries, and upscale bistros that cater to residents and digital nomads. While it isn’t beachfront, it offers a level of authenticity and value you won’t find in the more tourist-heavy zones.

  • Safest Areas of Puerto Vallarta
    Puerto Vallarta remains one of the safest major tourist destinations in Mexico. The most secure areas for travelers are Marina Vallarta and the Zona Hotelera, both of which feature high-end resorts with private security and well-patrolled, well-lit public spaces. El Centro and the Zona Romántica are also very safe to walk around, even after dark, thanks to a heavy presence of the local Tourist Police (often seen on white bikes or ATVs). As of 2026, it’s important to note that while the state of Jalisco may carry a higher advisory level due to issues in other regions, Puerto Vallarta itself has no travel restrictions for government employees and maintains an excellent safety record for visitors. Standard precautions still apply: avoid flashing expensive jewelry or large amounts of cash, stick to well-trafficked streets at night, and always use authorized taxis or ride-sharing apps like Uber rather than hailing a random car on the street.
  • Unsafe Areas of Puerto Vallarta
    There are no specific neighborhoods within the main tourist zones that you need to actively avoid. However, I recommend staying within the established tourist areas (the malecón, Zona Romántica, Marina) especially if it’s your first visit. Use common sense: do not wander deep into the residential hills or unlit outskirts late at night. The most important rule for staying safe in Vallarta is to avoid any involvement with drugs – the vast majority of serious incidents in Mexico are tied to the narcotics trade, and even minor involvement can put you at significant risk.

The Best Areas in Puerto Vallarta for Tourists

1. El Centro

Stretching from the Rio Cuale in the south to the northern end of the palm-lined malecón, El Centro is Vallarta’s historic heart. This busy, walkable neighborhood is packed with excellent restaurants, art galleries, and the landmark Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. As you move inland, the streets become steeper and more lush, hiding some of the city’s most romantic boutique hotels and high-end dining spots.

The malecón is the center of the action, featuring sand sculptures, street performers, and a rotating collection of contemporary art. At the north end, you can watch the Voladores de Papantla perform their traditional ritual. For high-quality Mexican arts and crafts, El Centro is unbeatable; I recommend visiting during the Wednesday night Art Walk (October through May) to meet local gallery owners. For more affordable souvenirs, head to the Mercado Municipal at the river’s edge. While the waterfront can be loud at night due to several open-air bars, the streets further up the hill are quieter and offer spectacular views of the sunset over the bay.

2. Zona Romántica

Bounded by the Rio Cuale to the north and the cliffs of Amapas to the south, the Zona Romántica (also called “Old Town”) is the most popular neighborhood in Vallarta. It perfectly balances historic charm with a high-energy social scene. The western blocks near the beach are home to the city’s best-known beach clubs and boutiques, while the area east of Calle Insurgentes maintains a more traditional Mexican feel with local markets and authentic taco stands.

The neighborhood’s center main attraction is Playa Los Muertos, the most active beach in the city. The iconic, sail-shaped Los Muertos Pier is not just a landmark; it’s the primary hub for boarding water taxis (pangas) to southern gems like Yelapa, Las Ánimas, and Quimixto. At night, the pier lights up in shifting colors, providing a dramatic backdrop for the many beachfront restaurants. For shopping and dining, Calle Basilio Badillo and Calle Olas Altas are the two main arteries, lined with everything from upscale art galleries to sidewalk cafes. On Saturday mornings from November through April, Lázaro Cárdenas Park hosts the popular Olas Altas Farmers Market, a must-visit for local food and handmade crafts.

3. Amapas & Conchas Chinas

Beach resort in Puerto Vallarta.

Garza Blanca, just south of Puerto Vallarta.

Just south of the Zona Romántica, the shoreline rises into jungle-covered cliffs. This is the quietest and most affluent part of the city. Amapas sits closest to the action, offering a mix of luxury hillside villas and beachfront condos. It is an easy, though very steep, walk or a short taxi ride into the heart of Old Town. If you want a secluded feel while remaining near the city’s best restaurants, stay here.

Farther south is Conchas Chinas, often called the “Beverly Hills of Puerto Vallarta.” This is an exclusive residential neighborhood where the accommodations are primarily high-end villas and a few luxury boutique hotels. The beaches here are smaller, rockier, and much more private than those in town. It remains the top choice for travelers seeking quiet and the most impressive views of Banderas Bay. Continuing south along the highway leads you to the South Zone, home to large-scale luxury resorts like Hotel Mousai and Garza Blanca, as well as Playa Mismaloya – the famous filming location for The Night of the Iguana.

4. 5 De Diciembre

A compact grid of streets hemmed in between the Playa Camarones and the mountains, the neighborhood of 5 de Diciembre sits conveniently between El Centro and the Hotel Zone. This up-and-coming area has a bohemian vibe and showcases Vallarta’s traditional architecture, with narrow cobbled streets and brightly painted one and two-story houses. The hillier parts of the neighborhood offer some of the most spectacular sunset views of the coast.

It is quieter and far less “touristy” than the historic center, yet easily walkable to the malecón and the attractions of downtown. The local beach, Playa Camarones, holds Blue Flag certification, making it one of the cleanest and safest swimming spots in the bay. For foodies, this neighborhood is legendary for its authentic street food; some of the city’s most famous taco stands, including Pepe’s Tacos and El Carboncito, are located here. Accommodations in this area range from midrange beachfront hotels to boutique guesthouses and high-value apartment rentals.

5. Zona Hotelera

The Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone) stretches along the coast between 5 de Diciembre and the Marina. This is where you will find the city’s high-rise hotels, large all-inclusive resorts, and modern shopping centers. The neighborhood was designed to handle the bulk of Vallarta’s tourism, leaving the historic downtown architecture intact. The beaches here, such as Playa de Oro, are wide, golden-sand stretches that are frequently awarded Blue Flag status for cleanliness and safety.

While many visitors stay on-property for meals, the area is home to La Isla Shopping Village, an open-air mall with international brands, a cinema, and several good restaurants. For high-end dining, this neighborhood features Icu (recognized with a Michelin Bib Gourmand) and the visually striking La Leche. The Hotel Zone is very well-connected; it is a quick 10-minute bus or Uber ride south to the historic center or north to the Marina. It’s an ideal base for travelers who want easy beach access and resort amenities without being fully isolated from the city.

6. Nuevo Vallarta & Marina Vallarta

At the north end of the city near the international airport, Marina Vallarta is one of the most upscale neighborhoods. It is built around a large yacht marina and features a high-end 18-hole golf course, the city’s cruise ship terminal, and a long boardwalk lined with international restaurants and boutiques. It is a self-contained, very safe area that is well-connected to the rest of the city by public transport and taxis.

Farther north, across the state line into Nayarit, is Nuevo Vallarta (now officially renamed Nuevo Nayarit). This area is home to some of the widest, flattest beaches in the bay, making it ideal for long walks and family swimming. The biggest draw here is VidantaWorld, a massive new theme park and entertainment complex. The neighborhood also features luxury condos, world-class golf courses, and a clean marina where you can frequently spot pelicans and herons. The downside is the distance; Nuevo Nayarit is far from the historic charm and cultural attractions of downtown Vallarta. While you can use Uber or local buses, I recommend having a rental car if you plan to explore beyond the resort gates.

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