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Romantic Zone
Summary
- The Romantic Zone is the part of town where you can experience the heart and soul of Puerto Vallarta and its Mexican culture.
- In the Romantic Zone you can find several art galleries, shops, bookstores, markets, coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and many street-side stands.
- The Isla Río Cuale Flea Market, on the north side of the Romantic Zone, is a great place to find souvenirs and artisan treasures.
- The top attractions in Old Vallarta are Playa Los Muertos & Playa Olas Altas.
- The pier at Playa Los Muertos was designed by architect José de Jesús Torres Vega. It offers benches, footpaths, and handrails, and a landing dock with berth space for up to 6 boats.
Introduction
Olas Altas Street, Romantic Zone, Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone, also known as Viejo Vallarta (Old Vallarta), Old Town, and the South Side, is just south of downtown Puerto Vallarta and is one of the busiest parts of town. The streets are smaller and there is a higher concentration of cafes, bars, shops, and restaurants per square foot than almost anywhere else in the city.
Your trip to Puerto Vallarta is not complete without enjoying this neighbourhood (barrio) in the Romantic Zone. As with the downtown area, this is where you’ll experience the heart and soul of this once sleepy fishing village and its Mexican culture.
Romantic Zone, Puerto Vallarta
The signature Mexican cobblestone village streets cross over from north of the Cuale River and extend into this, a newer development (from around the 1950s and 60s) in a traditional Mexican design with a pueblo-like feel. The older buildings take you back to simpler times, and the people here are extremely welcoming and friendly, so you’ll find yourself coming back time and again, plus there is always something going on in this part of town.
Many of the smaller hotels, posadas, and inns (less luxury, but much more friendly and laid-back) can be found here – check out our hotel map – and many are located between Olas Altas Street and the beach. I recommend this option for those that want to experience a more authentic Mexico.
A walk along Basilio Badillo and part of Olas Altas in Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone
There’s no need to be walled up in a resort when you are staying here. All the nightlife and excitement is just a step away, and for the daytime meals you can really take advantage of the different food and budget options, either at one of the many restaurants or even tacos and other food stands you can find in the houses or streets.
Enjoy walking around the place. The sidewalks can at times be challenging, though quite recently the city government improved many of the sidewalks on the main streets, unifying the design with the ones north of the Cuale River.
How to get there
Viejo Vallarta (Old Vallarta), Old Town, the South Side, and Colonia Emiliano Zapata, now also called the “Romantic Zone”, are just south of the downtown area of Puerto Vallarta. It’s the busiest part of Puerto Vallarta. The streets are smaller, and there are more shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants per square foot here than anywhere else in town.
It is bounded by the Cuale River to the north and Las Estacas Beach (Hyatt Ziva) to the south. It is also known as the South Side and Colonia Emiliano Zapata.
It is a practical division of the area within Banderas Bay and is mostly used for tourist and practical reasons. This makes it a bit flexible, so don’t be surprised if you see it defined differently elsewhere. Just take that into account and don’t be disappointed.
You’ll notice you cross bridges over the Cuale river when going south from downtown Puerto Vallarta. That’s when you know you are arriving at the South Side “Zona Romantica”.
If you walk along the Malecon past the Arches and the Naval Museum, you’ll get to a pedestrian bridge with a lookout that crosses the river too. That’s another way of getting to the Old Town of PV.
Colorful facades in the Old Town (Romantic Zone), Puerto Vallarta
What to do
Full walking tour of Lazaro Cardenas Street, Romantic Zone (Old Town)
You’ll find innumerable art galleries, shops (jewelry, antiques, handicrafts, shoes, Talavera, and tiles), bookstores, markets, coffee shops (cafés), bars, large and small restaurants, and many street-side taco stands on the side streets that are also part of the general scenery. There are also ice-cream parlours (I love the lemon (lime) ice cream from La Michoacana), bakeries, barbers, tequila, and the list goes on. Old Vallarta is my preferred place when it comes to breakfast options. There are many great options and you can’t go wrong.
Olas Altas Street, Romantic Zone (Old Town), Puerto Vallarta
Another important attraction of this part of town are the beaches, in this case, Los Muertos Beach, Olas Altas, Las Amapas and further south Conchas Chinas too. If you have to stay in an all-inclusive hotel, it will be best you choose Marina Vallarta or Puerto Vallarta’s Hotel Zone.
If you really want to enjoy Mexico and the true Puerto Vallarta experience, then the Romantic Zone (Zona Romántica) is where it’s at.
This is the part of town most recurrent visitors stay at and the ex-pats enjoy at night.
Don’t forget to include a shopping excursion to the Isla Río Cuale Flea Market, on the north side of the Romantic Zone on Cuale Island. Here you’ll definitely find the perfect souvenir and many unique options for artisan treasures. For example, great blown-glass drinking glasses and pitchers, serving platters, dinnerware or glazed clay mugs, plates and dishes painted in typical and colorful Mexican patterns, all kinds of textile options, sarapes (traditional Mexican shawls), leather products (sandals, purses, wallets), hammocks, Mexican toys, beachwear, jewelry in silver or pewter, hand-beaded bracelets and earrings, Mexican vanilla, and much more.
Margarita Grill, one of many Romantic Zone restaurants
Los Muertos Beach & Olas Altas Beach
Los Muertos Beach (Playa de Los Muertos) and the Pier, Romantic Zone, Puerto Vallarta
The top attractions in Old Vallarta are Playa Los Muertos & Playa Olas Altas. These beaches, especially Los Muertos, are crowded compared to the rest of the beaches in Vallarta, but that also means that if you enjoy people watching, you’ll have fun here, vendors, activities, food, beer, parasailing, a swim in the ocean (the waves aren’t big), play in the sand with your kids.
Then enjoy the bars and cafés. At night, there are quite a few very good restaurants on the beach, with the famous and romantic Vallarta sunsets.
Olas Altas Beach, Romantic Zone, Puerto Vallarta
Other landmarks in this area:
Read the full Los Muertos beach article – Complete Olas Altas Beach Guide
Pier at Playa Los Muertos
Los Muertos Beach Pier, located in Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone (South Side)
After almost three years, the Pier at Los Muertos Beach has been inaugurated with fireworks, music, and fun, on January 4th, 2013.
Pier at Los Muertos Beach, Romantic Zone
The pier is one of the main elements in an ambitious renewal program for downtown Puerto Vallarta that includes a series of important projects around the town. These will add to the main existing attractions for both local and international visitors.
In this case, the pier has become an important attraction for Francisca Rodríguez street and the surrounding areas and both the streets and pedestrian access has been improved.
Olas Altas Farmers’ Market (Tianguis Cultural)
Olas Altas (ex-Old Town) Farmers’ Market Puerto Vallarta Paper Mache
The Olas Altas Farmers’ Market has become one of the best weekend attractions in Puerto Vallarta, locals and ex-pats enjoy purchasing and sampling fresh local produce.
Cafe Street (Olas Altas)
Puerto Vallarta Romantic Zone Bars & Restaurants
Strolling through the romantic zone is food for the heart. As you step through the entrance of any of the restaurants in this area, you breathe that special “something” in the air that provides an irresistible temptation to stop and sample the delicious seafood cuisine and international dishes prepared by international chefs from all parts of the world, as well as fabulous desserts, refreshing beverages, and fragrant coffees. Many cafes line Olas Altas and the side streets.
Las Amapas Beach
This small beach, Las Amapas, is located a little bit south of Viejo Vallarta (Romantic Zone), the area south of the Cuale River in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico.
Las Amapas Beach is next to Los Muertos Beach and El Púlpito, the rocky formation, like a peninsula, that sticks out on the south end of Playa Los Muertos in PV.
The beach is flanked by rocks; to the right, the aforementioned Pulpit Rock; and to the left, rocks that extend to Conchas Chinas Beach to the south.
Conchas Chinas Beach
Conchas Chinas Beach is, without a doubt, one of the most fascinating and striking beaches within Puerto Vallarta, the Banderas Bay area and Mexican beaches in general. The melding of various ecosystems in one location, together with its graceful coast and underwater profile, has given the place a beauty that must be seen to be understood.
You can easily get to this beach from downtown PV, just minutes from the Romantic Zone, so you really have no excuse to not visit Conchas Chinas. There are many hotels, villas, restaurants, and businesses close by to provide visitors and local residents with everything they could wish for during their visit.
Conchas Chinas stands out because it combines two geographical highlights, an enclave between the mountainous jungle of the Sierra Madre, and the crystalline coasts of the Pacific Ocean, creating a picturesque scene that dazzles visitors.
Read a full Conchas Chinas Beach article
Romantic Zone (Old Town/Old Vallarta) Location Map
FAQ
- What is the safest part of Puerto Vallarta to stay in?
The Marina and the Romantic Zone are considered some of the safest areas to stay in Puerto Vallarta. Both areas are popular among tourists and offer a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and attractions. The Marina is known for its upscale atmosphere, luxury resorts, and high-end shops and restaurants. It has a very secure, controlled environment with 24/7 security personnel. The Romantic Zone offers a more authentic Mexican experience with cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and a vibrant mix of galleries, cafes, and bars. As a central tourist area, it also has a strong police presence and is considered very safe.
- Where do locals go in Puerto Vallarta?
Locals in Puerto Vallarta enjoy spending time at the city’s beautiful beaches, scenic parks, and lively local markets. Popular beach spots include Playa de Oro, Playa Las Animas, and Playa Camarones for their soft sand and calm waters. Many locals visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens to enjoy the lush vegetation and hiking trails. They also frequent authentic local food venues like Birrieria las 3 Regiones taco stand, cafes like Cafecito Vallarta, and neighborhood bars like La Cerveceria Union. The downtown Lazaro Cardenas market is a favorite for produce, spices, crafts.
- Is Downtown Puerto Vallarta nice?
Yes, downtown Puerto Vallarta is an exceptionally nice and popular area, celebrated for its vibrant mix of historic Mexican charm and a lively beach town atmosphere. It features a picturesque historic center with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and the iconic Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe church. The downtown seamlessly blends into the scenic Malecón, a beautiful oceanfront boardwalk lined with fascinating sculptures, shops, and restaurants, making it perfect for strolling and enjoying the stunning ocean views.
The area offers an excellent variety of dining, from upscale restaurants to authentic street food, along with fantastic shopping in boutiques and art galleries. Adjacent to the main center is the popular Zona Romántica (Romantic Zone), known for its trendy vibe and energetic nightlife. The entire downtown is considered safe and is very walkable, allowing visitors to easily explore its captivating blend of culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty on foot.
Tip: For an unforgettable experience, head down to the Malecón or any beachfront spot about 30 minutes before the scheduled sundown to watch the spectacular sunset over the bay.
- What is considered old town in Puerto Vallarta?
Old Town, also known as the Romantic Zone or Zona Romántica, is considered the historic heart of Puerto Vallarta. It is characterized by its picturesque cobblestone streets, classic whitewashed buildings, red-tiled roofs, and a lively mix of shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. Nestled between the Sierra Madre mountains and Banderas Bay, Old Town has a traditional Mexican village charm with its colonial architecture and slower pace compared to the rest of Puerto Vallarta. Its romantic ambience comes from the area’s natural beauty, outdoor cafes, and charming boutique hotels. Old Town offers visitors a taste of an authentic Mexican neighborhood.
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