About Downtown and Romantic Zone, Puerto Vallarta
About Downtown Puerto Vallarta
Downtown Puerto Vallarta, known by locals as “El Centro”, features an array of exciting things to do and see while on vacation in Mexico.
Whether seeking out the famous Puerto Vallarta cathedral, local shops, flea markets, restaurants, bars or nightlife, the Malecon (Spanish for “boardwalk”) is most popular place to begin exploring Downtown Puerto Vallarta.
From there, continue your journey throughout town to experience all of the wonderfully rich cultural, artistic and gastronomical offerings of Downtown Puerto Vallarta.
Downtown Puerto Vallarta Shopping, Restaurants and Bars at Malecon Boardwalk
The undeniably picturesque setting of the Malecon in Downtown Puerto Vallarta truly impresses.
Featuring cobblestone streets and towering palm trees that line the shores of Bandaras Bay, the Malecon is home to charming boutique shops, art galleries and jewelry stores.
Relish in the simple beauty that abounds while strolling along the Malecon and snapping photos of the beautiful sculptures that line the boardwalk.
The Malecon boasts of a range of Puerto Vallarta restaurants sure to please every budget and taste preference.
Sample Mexico’s traditional fares at one of the many locally owned and operated restaurants or enjoy a lavish meal at one of the many fine dining restaurant options for a romantic evening in Puerto Vallarta.
For travelers seeking the best of Puerto Vallarta shopping, visit the main square, known as the Plaza Principal.
The Municipal Center, located in the main square, is primarily comprised of banks and shops.
Enjoy shopping for the perfect piece of jewelry, handicraft or souvenir that will always remind you of your tropical vacation to Puerto Vallarta.
After an afternoon of shopping along Puerto Vallarta’s Malecon and Plaza Principal, sit back and relax on the benches that surround the gazebo in the main square.
On weekends and holidays, listen to the local bands and Mariachi musicians that perform from the gazebo.
Enjoy a variety of local entertainment at Puerto Vallarta’s outdoor theatre, Los Arcos, located just across from the Plaza Principal.
The Glorious Puerto Vallarta Cathedral
Just one block from the main square sits the breathtaking Puerto Vallarta cathedral.
The magnificent crown-topped bell tower of Iglesia de Nueastra Senora de Guadalupe is simply stunning.
The interior of Puerto Vallarta’s celebrated cathedral is just as beautiful as the exterior, beginning with the crown of angels that decorates the entrance of the cathedral.
Downtown Puerto Vallarta Flea Markets 
After exploring Puerto Vallarta’s famous cathedral, feel the pulse Downtown Vallarta by visiting the local flea markets.
Featuring locally made handicrafts, jewelry and souvenirs, items found at the Downtown Vallarta flea market are available at bargain prices.
The Cuale River at Downtown Puerto Vallarta
A small island divides Puerto Vallarta’s Cuale River, located at the southern point of the Downtown area.
Visit the statue of John Huston before exploring the Cuale River Museum. Shops and restaurants also line the walkway at the Cuale River.
Plan ahead and bring your swimsuit for a refreshing dip in the Cuale River after a long day of exploring the many corners of Downtown Puerto Vallarta.
About Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone
Experience the romantic mystique of Puerto Vallarta’s celebrated Romantic Zone.
Whether exploring this historic part of Puerto Vallarta on a honeymoon or family vacation in paradise, the Romantic Zone is a destination not to be missed. The beachfront town of the Romantic Zone features cobblestone streets back by boutique shops, restaurants and hotels.
Whether strolling around town in search of the perfect Puerto Vallarta restaurant or relaxing on Los Muertos Beach with a tropical cocktail, the Romantic Zone is one of Puerto Vallarta’s most popular destinations. Located in Downtown Puerto Vallarta, the Romantic Zone is bordered by water on two sides. The Romantic Zone is bordered by the Cuale River to the North and by the famous Los Muertos Beach to the west.
About Puerto Vallarta’s Los Muertos Beach
Los Muertos Beach, “the Beach of the Dead”, is one of the most popular attractions of Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone. According to legend, Los Muertos Beach was once covered by dead bodies after a war broke out between the local natives and gold and silver smugglers.
Another legend tells the story that Los Muertos Beach was once used as a cemetery by the indigenous people of Puerto Vallarta. Regardless of its haunting history, Los Muertos Beach remains one the most visited beaches of Puerto Vallarta.
Things to Do in Romantic Zone Puerto Vallarta
Spend the day sunbathing on Los Muertos Beach or relaxing beneath a thatched-roof palapa with a tropical cocktail while reading your favorite book.
Mingle with locals and others on vacation in Puerto Vallarta by joining in on the fun of a game of beach volleyball. At Los Muertos Beach Pier, rent a small boat and enjoy fishing for a fresh catch relax on a water taxi ride to villages south of the beach.
For couples and singles looking for nightlife, Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone offers a variety of nightclubs, jazz bars and restaurants with live music for a night out on the town.
Puerto Vallarta Restaurants in the Romantic Zone
A myriad of flavors can be experienced on Puerto Vallarta’s “Restaurant Row”, located in the Romantic Zone on Basilio Badillo Street.
Restaurants for every budget and taste preference can be found on Puerto Vallarta’s Restaurant Row.
From typical taco stands to world-class international cuisine, expect to find the perfect restaurant for both an afternoon lunch by the beach and romantic sunset dinner dates overlooking Bandaras Bay.
Puerto Vallarta Shopping in the Romantic Zone
The walkway at Olas Altas in the Romantic Zone also attracts numerous visitors every day. A variety of boutique shops and locally owned and operated restaurants line the sidewalks.
For those looking for the perfect souvenir or piece of jewelry to remember their Puerto Vallarta vacation by, the Romantic Zone offers wonderful art galleries with gifts unique to Puerto Vallarta.
The art galleries typically display traditional Huichol art; animal sculptures made of yarn and decorated with beads.
