

You can also attend English-language services on Saturdays.įrom traditional Mexican cuisine to flavors from around the world, La Zona Romantica has restaurants to please just about everyone's taste buds.

If you're in town during the month of December, traditional Aztec and Christian performances surround the church to celebrate the history of the people and the founding of the town. Take a break from sightseeing and enjoy some music or dancing before walking down Indepencia Street to the Lady of Guadalupe Church. Named for the four colonial-style stone arches that anchor it, Los Arcos is an open-air forum where the city hosts concerts and performances by local artists with the bay in background. The Malecon ends at the Los Arcos amphitheater "This indicates a link to an external site that may not meet accessibility guidelines.". Grab some freshly squeezed orange juice from a nearby cart before you head out on the pier to chat with local fishermen and survey their catches of the day. All the activity at Los Muertos beach doesn't really lend itself to relaxing afternoons listening to the sounds of the sea, but it does promise plenty of activity and excellent opportunities for people watching. The focal point of the beach is the pier designed by Jose de Jesus Torres Vega with its easily recognizable sail.ĭuring the day, the pier serves as a dock for water taxis, and at night, it illuminates the shoreline with its brightly colored lights lining the walkway and sculpture. This public shore is anything but boring, attracting locals and tourists who want to enjoy the sand and surf, parasail over the bay, and play games with street vendors. Located at the end of Francisca Rodriguez Street, Los Muertos Beach ( Playa de los Muertos "This indicates a link to an external site that may not meet accessibility guidelines." ) is one of the most popular spots in town. In addition to refreshing aguas frescas, freshly pressed juices, and homemade tamales, you can find an assortment of crafts produced by local artisans along with jewelry and clothing. A newer market, called the Saturday Market Co-op, takes place at the Paradise Community Center.

The original market at Pino Suarez between Basilio Badillo Street and Lazaro Cardenas is the oldest farmers' market in the area. You can sample an array of treats produced by local vendors who live within a few miles of the city, so pick up a crusty bolillo roll to dip in a cup of hot chocolate or coffee, or a breakfast taco made from a freshly made tortilla, scrambled eggs, onions, and peppers.

Strolling musicians provide a bright accompaniment for impromptu street dancing, art viewing, and people watching.Īfter enjoying a late night at the Shuffle, skip the hotel breakfast on Saturday morning and stroll on over to the Old Town Farmers' Market to mingle with locals and nibble food you won't find anywhere else in the city (there are some to-die-for locally made jams and sauces that you'll want to tote home). This weekly street party gives everyone a chance to wander along the roads, visiting the businesses and exploring the art galleries in the area while sampling local food and drinks. The hotels and restaurants may be smaller in La Zona Romantica, but the heart of the city feels much bigger here.Įvery Friday night from November to May, Basilio Badillo and Constitution Street show off their artistic sides for the Southside Shuffle "This indicates a link to an external site that may not meet accessibility guidelines.". Here you can walk the cobblestone streets and mingle with diverse people from around the globe while experiencing the wonders of Mexican culture. Framed by the Rio Cuale to the north and Los Muertos Beach to the west, La Zona Romantica is home to the greatest concentration of shops, restaurants, and bars in Puerto Vallarta. Also known as Old Vallarta, Old Town, or South Side, La Zona Romantica is a lively part of town that's popular with locals and visitors alike.
