Are you planning your next vacation in Puerto Vallarta? We’ve gathered top insider information for exclusive Vallarta travel tips. Discover everything from where to eat, where to dance, and the must-sees of this Mexico Pacific Coast paradise.
Puerto Vallarta is a Mexican beach resort for pleasure seekers to enjoy its expansive coastlines, beautiful scenery, upscale restaurants, manicured golf courses, and an abundance of sun-filled activities. With plenty to choose from, we’ve got a few favorites from Puerto Vallarta locals and seasoned veterans who can’t help but return to the Pacific beaches year after year.
Le Kliff: In perhaps one of the most romantic locations in Puerto Vallarta, this cliff side restaurant under a palapa offers some of the most spectacular views in town. Le Kliff is the perfect romantic restaurant for a quiet evening meal or sunset cocktails. Specializing in seafood, Le Kliff serves local favorites with an international twist. Enjoy your seaside meal overlooking Banderas Bay for an unforgettable dining experience. Don’t miss: Le Kliff is the ideal spot for an evening meal as the sun sets over the bay. A favorite restaurant for weddings and local celebrations, it is the perfect restaurant for a romantic evening.
Cafe des Artistes: No trip to Puerto Vallarta would be complete without enjoying a delectable dinner at Cafe des Artistes, one of Vallarta dining cornerstones. The acclaimed restaurant led by chef Thierry Blouet offers an international menu that changes seasonally and is sure to delight your palate. With a romantic terrace and casual elegance, Cafe des Artistes has become one of the hallmarks of Puerto Vallarta restaurants and one of the most celebrated restaurants in Mexico. Don’t miss: Chef Thierry Blouet’s second-floor Cocina de Autor is an exclusive dining experience that adds a new dimension to the appeal of Cafe des Artistes. The Cocina de Autor is a more formal answer to the bistro downstairs.
El Arrayán: Offering traditional Mexican recipes in the center of Vallarta’s Old Town, El Arrayán captures Mexico’s heart in its genuine cuisine and casual environment. El Arryán offers classic favorites like plantain empanadas, cochinita pibil, and duck confit. All made and garnished with local ingredients and flavors. Don’t miss: The Pastel Dionix is made from a family recipe for a truly authentic Vallarta dining experience.
Los Xítomates: For Mexican gourmet in the heart of Puerto Vallarta just off the Malecon, Los Xítomates is an exceptional restaurant with a warm, inviting atmosphere. Owner and chef Luis Fitch, along with Javier Fernandez Somellera, has an imaginative Mexican fusion menu that has won prestigious awards since the restaurant first opened in 2002. Don’t miss a chat with the owner and chef, Luis Fitch, who is almost always on hand to welcome guests to his restaurant.
The best Puerto Vallarta nightlife:
The Santos: A constant favorite among the trendy crowd, The Santos is a stylish lounge that heats up as the sun goes down. Designed in a Mediterranean setting, The Santos is perfect for a fun night out among famous locals dancing to lively music. Decorated in all white, this style lounge is a Puerto Vallarta bar favorite for cocktail-swooning night owls.
La Bodeguita del Medio: Perhaps not as famous as its namesake in Havana, this Cuban restaurant/lounge is said to have the best mojitos in town. Located on Puerto Vallarta’s renowned boulevard Malecon, La Bodeguita is perfect for people watching and dancing to live salsa music. You may be in Mexico, but the seductive spirit of this cocktail bar will instantly transport you to the sultry streets of Havana.
Mandala: Replacing old Malecon favorites Kahlua and Mogambo, Mandala arrived in 2007 to fanfare and was a quick hit among locals and tourists alike. The flashy and modern disco spins Spanish pop and electronic music until the sun rises.
Christine: A seasoned veteran of Puerto Vallarta nightlife, Christine is a dazzling nightclub that tops every clubgoer’s list in Vallarta. It draws a trendy, upscale crowd to its glittering dance floors, with a wide range of music and a midnight light show every night.
Boana Torre Malibu is one of the biggest gay condo-rental building that also welcomes heterosexuals in Puerto Vallarta. We are ideally located near the famous Playa Los Muertos, a gay beach known around the world.
