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.

Handicrafts And Folk Art, Huichol Art In Puerto Vallarta

Local handicrafts and folk art of the region include sandals and huaraches, made with leather and the “Vallarta” style shoes, that are similar to moccasins. Manta (natural cotton cloth) dresses with hand-embroidered Mexican motifs that have in time been influenced a bit by Hawaiian Muu-muu and the African Kaftan.

You’ll find frames, windows, and chandeliers of artistic wrought iron, colonial-style furniture, all kinds of jewelry in silver and other materials, plus decorative pieces in mother of pearl.

Huichol art

As Vallarta is a popular tourist destination you can also find all kinds of pieces from every part of México, ceramic and pottery from Tlaquepaque, Tonalá and Oaxaca, jewelry from Taxco, blown glass, onyx and obsidian figures, paper maché and the ubiquitous T-shirts with “smart” messages.

Alfarería Tlaquepaque
Downtown. Since 1953, this shop has offered wonderfully painted pottery, dishware, baskets, Talavera and earthenware and other hand-crafted items.
Av. Mexico, 1100, Downtown Puerto Vallarta. Phone: 223-2121.
Arte Mágico Huichol (Galería Alpacora)
Downtown. A beautiful collection of masks, clothing and yarn “paintings” created by the Huichol Indians of the state of Nayarit. These items are sold throughout Puerto Vallarta and help support the Huichol Indians.
Corona 179, Downtown Puerto Vallarta, Phone: 222-3077
Arte Oaxaca
Rugs, bedspreads, and tablecloths to order, also handbags. All dyes are natural, from plants, animals, and minerals as is traditional.
Av. Mexico 17-A, Bucerías. Closed from June to mid-September.
Arte Popular Mexicano
Great Masters Gallery, features internationally recognized Mexican artists, paintings, unique handcrafted pieces such as sculptures, paper maché, ceramic, and wood.
Address: Libertad 285, Puerto Vallarta, email: ahiesta@prodigy.net.mx, Phone: 222 6960. Mon-Sat.: 10AM-9PM.
Artesanías La Reja
Excellent selection of blown glass, lamps, ceramics, paper-maché, piñatas, tin and clay items, hand-cut paper designs and stained glass.
Address: Calle Juarez 501, Downtown Puerto Vallarta.
Casa del Artesano
Folk art shop in Bucerías, in the south part of town near the restaurant and gallery district. The modern and traditional ceramic from Tonalá, pottery from Michoacán, woodwork from San Luis Potosí and other gifts.
Address: Av. Lázaro Cárdenas 29, Bucerías. Phone: (329) 298-0232
Galería Corazón
High-end arts and crafts from all over Mexico. Unique Huichol designs. Owners visit states around Mexico to purchase works directly from artisans. Open from 11 AM to 6 PM. Closed Mondays and from May to October.
Address: Calle Cuba corner of Av. Tercer Mundo, San Francisco.
Galería Indígena
A wide assortment of handicrafts, Huichol works, Talavera from Puebla, woodwork and more.
Address: Av. Juárez 628, Downtown Puerto Vallarta. Phone: 223-0800
Galería Tanana
Genuine crafts, the main part of the sales go to a non-profit organization that promotes Huichol cultural sustainability.
Address: Av. del Palmar 8, Sayulita. Phone: (329) 291-3889.
Instituto de la Artesanía Jaliscience
The shop promotes handicrafts made in all the state of Jalisco, ceramic, blown-glass, dishware from Tonalá. Ceramic and works from around the state, glassware.
Address: Juárez 284, Downtown Puerto Vallarta, by the main plaza. Phone: 222-1301.
Huichol Collection
Here you’ll find Huichol natives working on crafts with their colorful clothing. An impressive collection of work, though the artwork is genuine and for sale, the store is mostly a front for timeshare sales, though not they are not into hard-selling, so you can get in and out without problems.
Address: Paseo Díaz Ordaz 732, Downtown Puerto Vallarta. Phone: 223-0661
Another location at Morelos 490, Downtown Puerto Vallarta, phone: 223-2141
La Colección
High quality, hand-crafted furniture, and decorative accessories. Specialized in custom-made furniture, antique reproductions, and quality rustic designs. All products are made entirely by hand by some of Mexico’s most accomplished artisans.
Fco. I Madero 272, Romantic Zone, Puerto Vallarta
Phone: 223-4236 www.la-coleccion.com
La Hamaca
Unique folk art and handicrafts, masks, pottery, woodwork and hammocks from around Mexico, shawls and clothes from Guatemala. Open from 9 AM – 9 PM daily.
Calle Revolución 110, Sayulita. Phone: (329) 291-3039
Lucy’s Cucu Cabana
Mexican arts and crafts from around Mexico, a good selection of truly authentic Mexican folk and other arts and crafts. Address: Basilio Badillo 295, Romantic Zone, Puerto Vallarta. Phone: 222-1220. Closed at lunchtime, Closed Sundays and from September to Mid-October.
Mundo de Cristal
Glassware from Jalisco and Guanajuato, sold in sets or separately. Talavera is also available.
Address: Av. Insurgentes 333, Romantic Zone, Puerto Vallarta. Phone: 222-1426. Open Monday to Saturday, Saturdays closed in the afternoon.
Mundo de Azulejos
A family business established by Don Benigno Ibarra more than 20 years ago. After the Talavera providers from Hidalgo could not meet up with the demand, the tiles started being produced locally.
Address: Venustiano Carranza 374, Emiliano Zapata, Downtown Puerto Vallarta. Phone: (322) 222-2675 & 222-5402 Fax: (322) 222-3292. E-mail: sales@talaveratile.mx
www.talavera-tile.com
Olinala Gallery
Downtown. A museum-like gallery with authentic ritual masks, beaded art, lapidary work and many one-of-a-kind pieces. Free crating and airport delivery.
Lazaro Cardenas 274, Romantic Zone, Puerto Vallarta. Phone: 222-4995 or 228-0659
Talavera, Etc.
Downtown, three blocks south of the river. Wide selection of famous Talavera ceramics from the state of Puebla, hand-made jewelry by Mexico’s top designers, and home decorating items. They pack and ship.
Phone. 222-4100. Av. Ignacio Vallarta 266, Puerto Vallarta. http://www.talaveraetc.com

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.