Feed yourself
Though the newbies in town arrive looking for sun and beaches, those that have been coming back to the place know it for the great food and variety of restaurants available to tempt and pamper their tongues. You can find European style restaurants as elegant as they come with gourmet offerings, but you can just as well get fresh fish grilled on a stick on the beach or the good ol’ tacos on the street stand. So, you can be sure you’ll find it all here mostly very relaxed and well priced.
Local food & drinks
- Agua de coco: fresh coconut juice, they’ll cut open a fresh green coconut, and put the refreshing juice in a plastic bag (common Mexican method for juices). They then normally ask if you want the meat too, if so they cut it open, scrape the soft meat and cut into pieces, the norm in Mexico is to add lime juice and some chile powder, if not, tell them to just give it to you unseasoned.
- Agua de Jamaica: a very refreshing and healthy juice made from red hibiscus flowers, great to cool down and with that color (as long as it’s natural) you can imagine it’s healthily full of antioxidants and stuff 😉
- Aguachile: the most traditional variation, which is similar to ceviche, includes fresh, raw shrimp, cucumber, red onion, lime juice, and chiles (usually serrano or jalapeño) that have been ground with some water, hence the name. It is typically served with tostadas, and avocado.
- Ceviche: raw seafood “cooked” by in lime juice. Can be mixed with tomato, coriander, avocado, onion, salt, and green chile. The fish used is normally: mackerel, tuna, shrimp, octopus, and squid. can be served on tostadas. The recipe from Puerto Vallarta differs slightly from those found in other places. Carrots, cucumber, cilantro, and other ingredients are frequently added to the mixture in the Banderas Bay region.
- Chilaquiles: a Mexican breakfast favorite, it’s made different ways around the country, but in essence, it’s salted totopos (what people might normally know as nachos) with a tomato-based sauce on top and then grated cheese that can be melted too. You can add chicken and eggs too and they can be red or green, depending on the tomato used, the red you already know, the green tomato is a Mexican specialty (tomatillo), very tasty, do ask for them without chili “sin picante” if you are not used to the strong spices used in Mexico.
- Chiles en nogada
- Coctel de camarones
- Mezcal
- Pescado embarazado (en-vara-asado)
- Pescado zarandeado
- Pozole
- Tuba
- Tejuino
- Raicilla: moonshine Mezcal, due to the production process is quite smokey and some say it’s made with agaves that have hallucinogenic substances…
- Tacos al pastor: tasty tacos made with pork meat cut from a spit shawarma style, add all the sauces you like, some parsley, onion and you can top it off with a piece of pineapple too, that they have there for the occasion.
- Tequila
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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