Rafael's Guidebook
Neighborhoods
Ready to party and have fun? This is the place. Zona Romántica bumps up to Centro (Old Town) and it has energy pumping through its veins. Here you’ll find great restaurants, bars, night clubs and more. Playa de Los Muertos is located here and it is arguably the most happening beach in Vallarta proper. Definitely a must visit area.
178 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Zona Romantica
Ready to party and have fun? This is the place. Zona Romántica bumps up to Centro (Old Town) and it has energy pumping through its veins. Here you’ll find great restaurants, bars, night clubs and more. Playa de Los Muertos is located here and it is arguably the most happening beach in Vallarta proper. Definitely a must visit area.
Centro (Old Town) is the heartbeat of the city. Cobblestone streets, historic buildings, Malecón (the Boardwalk) and more await you. The Malecón is a great launching point for you to explore this wonderful neighborhood. Here you’ll see young, old, families, couples and everyone else you can imagine. You’ll also find great restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. One of my faves is La Capella, a beautiful Italian restaurant full of old world charm, amazing food and stunning views.
84 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Centro
Centro (Old Town) is the heartbeat of the city. Cobblestone streets, historic buildings, Malecón (the Boardwalk) and more await you. The Malecón is a great launching point for you to explore this wonderful neighborhood. Here you’ll see young, old, families, couples and everyone else you can imagine. You’ll also find great restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. One of my faves is La Capella, a beautiful Italian restaurant full of old world charm, amazing food and stunning views.
A hip, trendy neighborhood that is less than 10 minutes away from Zoho Skies. It’s home to some of the coolest, happening spots in Vallarta. Over the last few years it’s been booming and in high demand. Check it out, you won’t be disappointed.
34 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Versalles
A hip, trendy neighborhood that is less than 10 minutes away from Zoho Skies. It’s home to some of the coolest, happening spots in Vallarta. Over the last few years it’s been booming and in high demand. Check it out, you won’t be disappointed.
Beaches
Los Muertos Beach
Playa Yelapa
Sayulita
88 Avenida RevoluciónFood scene
Mariscos 8 Tostadas is a great local seafood restaurant. They have a handful of locations in and around Vallarta. Always fresh, high quality seafood. It’s a local institution and must visit in my opinion.
96 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mariscos 8 Tostadas
s/n QuillaMariscos 8 Tostadas is a great local seafood restaurant. They have a handful of locations in and around Vallarta. Always fresh, high quality seafood. It’s a local institution and must visit in my opinion.
Breakfast with a marina view. One of our favorite places at Marina Vallarta. Great food, great service and reasonable prices. Can’t beat it!
64 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mr. Cream Pancakes & Waffles
Breakfast with a marina view. One of our favorite places at Marina Vallarta. Great food, great service and reasonable prices. Can’t beat it!
Amazing views and amazing Italian food. Set in an old world setting, expect great service by all the staff and only the highest quality ingredients. Start with the Caprese Salad and go from there.
52 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
La Cappella
363 B C. MiramarAmazing views and amazing Italian food. Set in an old world setting, expect great service by all the staff and only the highest quality ingredients. Start with the Caprese Salad and go from there.
Traditional Mexican restaurant with classic, artesanal touches everywhere. It all starts with a great service experience and it’s all up from there. Try the Molcajete, where you get a variety of meats served in a traditional molcajete. They also have a trio that plays music requests with aplomb. Enjoy!
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Casa Tradicional Cocina Mexicana
245 C. ZaragozaTraditional Mexican restaurant with classic, artesanal touches everywhere. It all starts with a great service experience and it’s all up from there. Try the Molcajete, where you get a variety of meats served in a traditional molcajete. They also have a trio that plays music requests with aplomb. Enjoy!
Cafe Es Todo
600 Mar de CortesConsejos para la ciudad
Facilidad para moverse por la casa
Uber, taxis and local transportation
Getting around Puerto Vallarta is easy and there are plenty of options. Uber operates in Vallarta and rates are very competitive. Taxis are also abundant and another great option. Finally, the local bus system is the most affordable option and an easy way to meet locals. As of December 2021, the local bus costs 10 MXP or about 0.50 USD.
No te pierdas
Book a Tour or Adventure Activity
There are so many exciting things to do and places to see in Vallarta. One of my faves is doing the Outdoor Zip Line Adventure with Vallarta Adventures. It is day packed with so many adventures. You start off on speed boats, transfer to military style 4x4 cargo trucks, then on to a mule to hike you up the mountain, ziplining, rappelling, water slides and more follow. It’s a super exciting day for those adrenaline junkies. Don’t miss it!