Puerto Vallarta is one of the most beautiful beach cities in all of Mexico and full of rich history. With golden sands and clear blue waters, it is a no wonder that tourists travel from all over the world to catch a glimpse of the waves and enjoy this delightful city. However, the beach is not the only attraction that manages to lure in millions every year. In fact, there are dozens of local neighborhoods that provide a type of charm that you just won’t experience anywhere else. While there are so many to choose from, one neighborhood that is a must-see for any tourist is Old Town Vallarta. So break away from your gorgeous Puerto Vallarta villa and make your way over to this fascinating section of the city.
Typically, when you hear the phrase “old town” to describe a part of a city, it is often the hub of that city and the part of town where there are plenty of shops as well as a place of historical significance. In other words, the place to go out, explore, shop, grab a bite to eat, get a sense of the older history of the town, and just have fun. The same rings true for Old Town Vallarta. Keep in mind that you may also hear Old Town Vallarta referred to in a number of different ways including Old Vallarta, the South Side, the Romantic Zone, and of course the Spanish version of the name “Viejo Vallarta”, so be sure to remember them during your trip. Also, don’t confuse Old Town Vallarta with its neighboring counterpart – Downtown Vallarta.
While Old Town Vallarta is definitely a tourist hotspot, you will be glad to know that you will also find plenty of history along the way. This includes historic sites and views that will truly give visitors the authentic feel they are looking for. In fact, one of the first things that tourists visiting the area for the first time will notice are the cobblestone roads that will make you feel like you are in a pueblo. Many visitors love to walk around Old Vallarta to simply take in all the sites and people watch. You can be surprised how these two simple tasks can keep you busy for hours! As a tourist, you will want to make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes as many of the roads and walking paths are uneven.
If you love art, you will be ecstatic to learn that there are plenty of art galleries to visit in Old Vallarta. Every year, millions of people from across the world come to Mexico, stay in Puerto Vallarta villa rentals, and visit these amazing places. The neighborhood also hosts a popular art walk that garners the attention of locals and visitors alike. The Historic Center Art Walk, or the Centro Histórico Camino Del Arte offers art walks at various times (In 2017 it will be Wednesdays) roughly between October 25 and May 30 every year. There are 13 different local galleries that participate in the art walk and the festivities take place from 6pm until 10 pm. If you are not able to visit during the night of an art walk, there are still countless art galleries which you can visit. You can spend hours exploring the various art pieces from so many different artists. For a full list of art galleries, click here.
Who doesn’t love theater and live performances? These art forms can give you a glimpse into Mexican life and culture and actually bring them to life. Not to mention they are a great option if you’re looking for a fun activity to do around the city. Some places to catch a theater performance include Act II Stages, The Palm Cabaret, and the Boutique Theatre. Seeing a live play or performance is a truly magical experience and highly recommended. Not only is it a great experience as a tourist, but you are also helping to support local artists. The Puerto Vallarta Malecon is also a must-see. This promenade is located right on the coast and the hub of nightlife. There is plenty to do and offers a beautiful view for visitors.
Of course, you wouldn’t visit a new neighborhood without exploring the food! Food is always a great way to immerse yourself in a new culture and taste your way through a new city. Food options are plentiful and visitors have the option of choosing from restaurants, cafes, and taco stands. You will find a variety of different food options, so don’t worry about being confined to a single choice. Basilio Badillo is known as restaurant row and this is the ideal location to start if you want to browse through the restaurant selections. After you enjoy a meal (or two!), you can take a stroll around and visit some of the shops, markets, and bookstores. This is an excellent opportunity to grab some souvenirs to take back home.
As Puerto Vallarta is a coastal city, one of the attractions of Old Town Vallarta is actually a beach – Playa Los Muertos. Though the name translates to “Deadmans Beach”, it is actually the complete opposite. Because Old Vallarta is such a popular attraction, this beach is almost always sure to be crowded. It might even be one of the most visited beaches in the entire area. There is plenty to do at this beach and aside from tourists, locals and expats also frequently flock to this beach. If you are interested in crowd-free beaches in Puerto Vallarta, you may want to search elsewhere.
There is so much to see and do in Old Town Vallarta. It is definitely recommended that you make some time during your trip to Puerto Vallarta to visit the Old Town neighborhood. If you would like more information about the history or what to see and do in Old Town Vallarta, contact us at Casa Bay Villas so our attentive team can assist you in planning your trip and making it memorable!
Article Written By Arielle Sanchez
Photo credit: Nick Kenrick
