City: Puerto Vallarta
Top Things to do in Puerto Vallarta
Countries
What to do and see in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: The Best Free Things to do
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
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 357 reviews
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. Plaza Lazaro Cardenas
3. Posters International
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By 386allisonm
I stumbled on this gallery during the Wednesday night art walk and was instantly drawn to the amazing and interesting artwork. Marty, the owner, is incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about Polish vintage posters and his extensive collection is quite impressive. I came back the next day and inquired about a couple of specific genres and he took his time to share numerous posters with me, explaining about the artist and history behind them. I ended up purchasing a 1980s poster that I could not be more happy with. With my purchase I received information from the gallery and from the MoMa (there was an exhibit there of many of these works a few years ago) with more details about this period of often subversive art. Whether you are interested in purchasing or just in seeing a stunning collection, Posters International is well worth your time. I highly recommend it among the other galleries in Puerto Vallarta.
4. Centro Historico
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,303 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,817 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 137 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,875 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 507 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 833 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 457 reviews
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
