NORTH CENTRO
MALECON, ACTION & NIGHTLIFE
Downtown Puerto Vallarta which is also referred to as Centro is located just south of the Hotel Zone and north of the Rio Cuale. Downtown Puerto Vallarta is the living, beating heart of Puerto Vallarta and this is where much of the city’s action takes place. The entire area is filled with lovely Colonial-era buildings with red-tiled roofs. Many buildings are painted in bright colors with their walls and terraces often punctuated by vines such as bright pink buganvilia and other green foliage. Visitors are encouraged to take long and pleasurable exploratory walks down the narrow cobblestone streets to discover uncountable local treats at every turn. There are an abundance of restaurants, bars, and interesting stores, the style, color and vibe of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Very traditional homes and small apartments dot the hillside of El Centro, offering wonderful views of the town and bay. Along the Malecón, which now stretches from one end of town to the other, there are mostly shops, restaurants, and nightclubs, with few homes or condominiums. Most development now is taking place on the other side of the Cuale River in Emiliano Zapata, but it is only a matter of time before this development spills over into Central Vallarta. Puerto Vallarta Real Estate options are limited to older homes for sale and small boutique condominium buildings. You can't beat the location, as you can walk to most everything, but then most everything can be a little noisy at times as well.
The Malecon
Our favorite place to go for a walk or a run. There is always something happening here. The promenade, or "Malecon" as it is best known, lined with intriguing shops, restaurants, and bars. Wonderful art , street performers and street vendors. This is where the action is, a sensory and cultural feast never to be forgotten. Eclectic and bohemian in feel. Like a festival everyday.
Malecon at night
There's no doubt that living in the heart of downtown is attractive for many who move to Puerto Vallarta specifically for the romantic life suggested by walking along the Malecón in El Centro on a sunny Sunday, surrounded by the friendly faces of Mexico.
Cinco de Diciembre and Centro are a mix of locals and tourists who are, either on the budget, or want to see and feel the true Puerto Vallarta outside of the fancy hotels. Streets are filled with restaurants, street performers, and nonstop parties for no reason at all. Every night around 9:30 pm there is a firework show, for no apparent reason either, just for fun.
Lady of Guadalupe
Puerto Vallarta’s Downtown is shaped by the Kiosk, meeting point for festivities and lots of activities for locals and visitors; the City Hall, located at the northern side; and the Parish of our lady Guadalupe. Whose crown and tower have become an icon of Puerto Vallarta. It is possible to observe this spectacular building from almost every point of the city.
