Day or night the malacon is a must see in Puerto Vallarta! It is a seaside promenade featuring vibrant sculptures, lively street performances, and stunning views of the ocean (especially at sunset). Strolling along this stretch you get to fully immerse yourself in the culture of the city, explore local shops and enjoy PV's vibrant energy!
The Zona Romántica, also known as Old Town, is Puerto Vallarta’s most vibrant and charming neighborhood. Known for its cobblestone streets, lively nightlife, and excellent restaurants, it’s a hub for culture, entertainment, and LGBTQ+ friendliness. Visitors can explore boutique shops, relax on Los Muertos Beach, and enjoy stunning sunsets from the Malecón. ( restaurants recommended by our wedding planner in the area- Mar&Vino, La Palapa, Eldorado)
We recommend for the fishbowl sized margs, the fajitas and the fun fast paced ambiance! Book a reservation in advance as it becomes very busy at dinner time. We will be having our welcome party here as it is one of our favourite spots in PV!
If you are staying for a week or more and want to take advantage of all the Nayarit region has to offer, Sayulita is a beautiful day trip ~50 min away from PV. Sayulita is a small bohemian town known for it's surf culture, colourful streets, and relaxed atmosphere. Complete with short hikes to private beaches! *** Please be advised we recently received news that the water/ food washed with water often makes people sick, please be careful!
Municipal Market - Located in downtown at Lazaro Cardenas at Camichin, Col. Emiliano Zapata, 15299 Emiliano Zapata, Jalisco. Open from 6 -3 365 days a year! Olas Atlas Market - This Saturday market is open from 9-2 at Lázaro Cárdenas Park, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Art & Market Marina Puerto Vallarta - Runs Thursdays 6-10pm a great way to spend an evening - Calle popa S/N Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
OXXO is similar to 7-Eleven but offers alcohol, snacks, and phone SIM cards. If you're looking to save money during your stay, we recommend purchasing a local SIM card, as Canadian phone plans can be expensive. To avoid high costs at the pool, consider bringing your own snacks. ( This location is closest to the wedding block hotel).
The Vallarta Botanical Gardens, located about 30 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta, is a lush tropical oasis showcasing Mexico’s diverse flora. Visitors can explore vibrant orchid collections, hike scenic jungle trails, and swim in the crystal-clear river. The on-site restaurant offers delicious Mexican cuisine with breathtaking mountain views, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and relaxation.
OBVIOUSLY, we are big fans of El panorama restaurant with having our wedding there and all. We highly recommend taking a visit there for dinner one the nights outside of the wedding day, to fully get to experience the menu with all the table side services they have to offer (including the best Ceasar salad ever!!). Make sure to book a reservation in advance and head up to the terrace for the best view of the city at sunset.
As recommended by our wedding planner: Bar Morelos Mandala Night Club La Santa La Bodeguita Del Medio Senor Frogs
Delicious reasonable tacos! No frills just good food and a rustic Mexican ambiance
Bucerias is a charming costal town ~30 min outside of Puerto Vallarta. It offers a picturesque backdrop for a day trip. If you choose to make the trip, we recommend Karen's place for unbeatable fish tacos and taco salad right on the beach!
Gaby's Restaurant Bar, located a few streets off the Malecon, offers authentic Mexican cuisine in a charming setting. The menu features a variety of dishes, with reasonable prices. It's an ideal spot to experience traditional flavors in the heart of Puerto Vallarta.
The Red Cabbage Café, located above the Zona romantica (old town), offers authentic Mexican cuisine with dishes from various regions. The menu features items such as mole poblano, chili, and Chiles Rellenos (one of Shaye's favourite Mexican dishes). Prices are reasonable, with a fixed-price menu available. Please note that the restaurant is closed on Sundays and accepts cash only.
If you are looking for a beautiful dinner spot La Cappella Restaurante is the place you are looking for, situated behind the beautiful Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (PVs central church), La Cappella offers Italian and international cuisine in a sophisticated setting. Guests can enjoy spectacular sunsets, live music, and a wide selection of wines and cocktails at the bar. Main dishes are around ~MX$350.00. Reservations are required.
Barcelona Tapas, in the hills of PV, offers Spanish-inspired cuisine (Kyle and Shaye thoroughly enjoyed tapas and sangria on in barcelona on their euro trip when they were engaged) with stunning ocean views. The menu features a variety of tapas, paellas, and desserts, with prices between 300-500pesos for main dishes. The restaurant operates daily from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM.
Le Kliff Restaurant, location ~30 min south of The Grand Miramar Resort, offers exquisite international fine dining cuisine. Perched on a cliff, it provides a unique romantic atmosphere amid tropical gardens, nestled in one of the world's largest palapas. The menu features gourmet specialties, with prices ranging from $20 to $45 USD, making it one of the more expensive dining options in the area.