The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

April 21, 2022 Myesha Cogley

Strolling, shopping, and sipping tequila along the Malecon boardwalk of Puerto Vallarta is the best way to kick off your vacation. Then hit the cobblestone streets of Old Vallarta to browse the flea market for handmade crafts. The calm, warm waters of the Bay of Banderas make for excellent diving, or you can just watch artists sculpt spectacular creations in the sand. The cluster of fine art galleries in El Centro are perfect spots to hit on a self-guided art tour.
Restaurants in Puerto Vallarta

1. Galleria Dante

Calle Basilio Badillo 269, Puerto Vallarta 48380 Mexico +52 322 222 2477 [email protected] http://www.galleriadante.com
Excellent
84%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 357 reviews

Galleria Dante

Art gallery where the newest in classical and contemporary sculptures of many talented artists can be viewed. Great Place to SHOP for great art collection.

Reviewed By BeenThere2c - Doha, Qatar

This is a wonderful gallery full of every imaginable style of artwork reflecting local culture. It is a welcoming space with a new adventure at every turn. The gallery is a great place to shop with very reasonable prices, or a great place to visit for an authentic experience.

2. Act2PV

Calle Basilio Badillo 330, Puerto Vallarta 48380 Mexico +52 322 222 1512 [email protected] http://www.act2pv.com
Excellent
90%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,851 reviews

Act2PV

Act2PV is the largest entertainment venue in the Banderas Bay, bringing you the BEST OF THE BEST entertainment for 2020! With FOUR shows every night, this beautiful theater has something for everyone! The brand-new Starlight Cabaret is the largest open-air theater in Puerto Vallarta. It is fully Covid-protocol compliant, and masks are required. Act2PV features high-quality theatrical productions, musicals, stage plays and concerts, as well as internationally-renowned musicians and top quality drag shows! With its amazing sound and lighting systems, Act2PV is on par with any theater in North America! Excellent live musical entertainment (with no cover) is also offered in the beautiful, fully-stocked Encore bar! Come early and enjoy a drink!

Reviewed By 559mattk

Steven’s show was incredibly entertaining. He sings and has a great voice, he tells stories which makes you really like him personally, he’s a great dancer, and of course, amazing pole dancer. I was very inspired by his confidence and talent.

3. 4D Art Museum

Avenida Paseo de La Marina 3 Condominios Marina Golf, Puerto Vallarta 48350 Mexico +52 322 198 7198 [email protected] http://4dartmuseum.org
Excellent
99%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 86 reviews

4D Art Museum

The first Art Museum in the city. ABOUT US. 4D Art Museum is a place where community meets to live astral experiences, to get inspiration, to relax, and also, to act. Moreover, it is also a place to be intellectually and spiritually stimulated. We truly believe in ARTivismo (ARTivism), which is a way to combine ART and CULTURE to awake consciousness about different social issues. By being the first Art Museum in Puerto Vallarta, we have created a new space to know, through a very innovative way, more about our Mexican ancestral roots and a unique kind of painting technique that invites us to travel to other dimensions. 4D Art Museum invites you to live a never-seen-before art experience, taking you into a mysterious and colorful Fourth Dimension (4D). We will enjoy a visually surprising tour, full of magic and energy that will lead you to other dimensions.

Reviewed By kathyklaus2017 - Alberta, Canada

If you are a lover of truly unique art forms, don't miss the opportunity to experience this unusual gallery. Colour, form, sculpture, painting, multi-media, hospitality; this tour provides a view of this exciting artist's perspective. I loved it and will return every year to follow the evolution of his work.

4. Centro Historico

Puerto Vallarta 48300 Mexico http://www.visitmexico.com/jalisco/puerto-vallarta/centro-historico
Excellent
67%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,303 reviews

Centro Historico

While cobblestone streets along the Malecon add colonial charm, this area also features street vendors and craftsmen.

Reviewed By DeeJ_Fox - Bucerias, Mexico

Could wander around old ATown for days on end and discover new places every time. there is a variety of restaurants, bars, tons of shopping, mercado is great for first time visitors, river cuale is beautiful, art galleries and many wonderful taco stands

5. Marina Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta Mexico +52 1 322 221 0275 [email protected] http://marina-vallarta.com.mx/
Excellent
51%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,817 reviews

Marina Vallarta

Marina Vallarta operated by Bay View Grand, is considered a prime location marina located in the heart of Puerto Vallarta Jalisco. Marina Vallarta offers all our guests excellent customer service, 354 slips up to 160´, pump out services, power, water, oil disposal, dry dock, Internet Wi-Fi which is the best in the region, fuel station in the entrance channel, hotels, restaurants, bars, and much more, all these just 3 minutes away from the International airport and 10 minutes from Puerto Vallarta downtown.

Reviewed By Sparty2015 - Minnesota, United States

We stayed at the Mayan Hotel in the marina which is on the Pacific Ocean beach. After a very short walk to the Marina, you will be very impressed with all of the gorgeous sail boats and yachts, as well as the restaurants and shops. The restaurants range from some at very low prices to other white tablecloth establishments with fine dining menus. Easy to spend a few hours in this area every day.

6. Plaza de Armas

Puerto Vallarta 48300 Mexico
Excellent
56%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 137 reviews

Plaza de Armas

This main hub of Puerto Vallarta features many shops, art galleries and a gazebo.

Reviewed By Paulshappy - Courtenay, Canada

The Plaza Principal is across the street from the waterfront Plaza del las Armas, and is an important stop for all tourists. First, the pavilion in the centre of this plaza is home to local musicians, so hopefully you'll catch some tunes. Second, the large 'municiple building' on the corner has a public washroom, free. Third, the east end of the plaza houses Our Lady of Guadaloupe Church, a beautiful iconic church with the 'crown' on her upper reach. Buy a cerzeza in the plaza at a local shop, sit a spell and watch, maybe a bite to eat from a street vendor? Just enjoy, take a picture, and breath in all in. Hola Paul

7. Zona Romantica

Puerto Vallarta Mexico +52 322 222 7307 http://www.visitmexico.com/jalisco/puerto-vallarta/malecon-y-zona-romantica
Excellent
71%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,875 reviews

Zona Romantica

Cozy restaurants and bars line the street in "romantic zone."

Reviewed By TerriMac13 - Prince George, Canada

My partner and I have been to PV several times, and the Romantic Zone is our favorite part of town: beautiful architecture, lots of great shops and restaurants, and authentic Mexican charm away from the touristy areas. If you want to see the real PV, visit the Romantic Zone!

8. Olas Altas

Puerto Vallarta Mexico +52 322 205 4138 http://www.banderasnews.com/vallarta-photos/south-
Excellent
67%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 507 reviews

Olas Altas

Neighborhood near the pier offering many seafood dining experiences.

Reviewed By johnpV4713TS - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

This is a great street to walk up if you are looking for great food and fun. It is one bkock up from the Malecon. Many restaurants and bars to choose from. You will not be disappointed.

9. El Centro

Puerto Vallarta Mexico +52 322 222 4475 http://visitapuertovallarta.com.mx
Excellent
60%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 833 reviews

El Centro

The half-mile long boardwalk that borders the shoreline.

Reviewed By 896ss - Bognor Regis, United Kingdom

it the centre of vallarta lots of shops and restaurants great to wonder about for a day , nice and clean and friendly

10. Caballito

Malecon de Puerto Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta Mexico http://www.visitapuertovallarta.com.mx
Excellent
66%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 457 reviews

Caballito

One of Puerto Vallarta's many statues, it depicts a boy riding a giant sea horse while waving to passers-by.

Reviewed By LaraCroftWestMids

The promenade along the front of the town has bronze sculptures placed at various points along it. They are all very unusual and beautiful. There are also a set of bronze “ chairs” that are very unusual. A great place to visit with an eclectic mix of shops

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