Nightlife · Puerto Vallarta · Mexico
Puerto Vallarta nightlife
Where the evenings happen in Puerto Vallarta, from early drinks to late nights.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Another Believer, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Quick answer
Puerto Vallarta has lively nightlife for its size, centred on the Malecón's bars and clubs and the Zona Romántica, which has Mexico's best-known concentration of LGBTQ+ bars. Evenings start with sunset drinks and run late at weekends and in high season. The main areas are Zona Romántica, The Malecón and Marina Vallarta.
Key facts
- Nightlife areas
- 3
- Stay near the action
- Zona Romántica
- Local drink
- Raicilla
Where to go out
Zona Romántica
Cocktail bars, mezcal bars, cabaret shows and LGBTQ+ clubs around Olas Altas and Lázaro Cárdenas.
The Malecón
Large dance clubs and bars facing the bay, busiest after 11pm.
Marina Vallarta
Quieter wine bars and waterside restaurants around the marina boardwalk.
Nightlife tips
- Agree taxi fares before leaving late at night, or use a ride-hailing app.
- Watch drinks and check bills in busy Malecón clubs.
- Many bars in the Zona Romántica host drag and cabaret shows; book popular shows ahead in high season.
Evening sights
Waterfront · Centro
The Malecón
Walk it at sunset, then continue south over the river bridges to dinner in the Zona Romántica.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- Couples
- After dark
- Art
- Kids
Beach · Zona Romántica
Playa Los Muertos and the pier
Buy a drink or meal for a lounger rather than renting one, and catch a water taxi from the pier to Yelapa.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- After dark
- Couples
- Outdoors
Gallery · Zona Romántica
Galleries of the Centro and Zona Romántica
Look for Huichol art from Wixárika communities in the Sierra, and ask galleries about the artists' cooperatives.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Art
- Free
- After dark
- Rainy day
- Shopping
What to drink
- Raicilla — An agave spirit distilled in small batches in the mountains of coastal Jalisco, related to mezcal, with fruity or smoky flavours.
- Tejuino — A cold, tangy drink of fermented corn masa served with lime, salt and a scoop of lime sorbet, sold from street carts.
- Tequila — Jalisco is the home of tequila, made from blue agave in the highlands around the town of Tequila; look for '100% agave' on the label.
Evenings through the year
Sunset and the overnight low decide how long the outdoor part of a night lasts. July has the warmest evenings, with lows around 24°C (75°F).
| Month | Sunset (15th) | Overnight low | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | About 18:40 | 17°C (63°F) | 1 |
| April | About 19:19 | 18°C (64°F) | 0 |
| July | About 19:45 | 24°C (75°F) | 15 |
| October | About 18:37 | 23°C (73°F) | 6 |
Getting home late
- Walking — The Malecón, Isla Río Cuale and the Zona Romántica are all within a 20–30 minute walk, though side streets are steep and cobbled.
- Bus — Carry small change; drivers take cash in pesos.
- Taxi — Agree the fare before you get in, and check it against the zone price list.
- Ride-hailing — Ride-hailing apps operate in the city and are convenient between the Hotel Zone, the marina and the Zona Romántica.
Late-night bites
- Smoked marlin tacos — Seafood taco stands and marisquerías in town, mainly at lunchtime.
- Tortas ahogadas — Torta stands in town, mostly at breakfast and lunch.
- Coconut and fruit cups — Beach vendors and street carts along the Malecón and Los Muertos.
Staying safe at night
Strong surf and undertow affect some open beaches in the Hotel Zone, so follow the flags. Petty theft from beaches, overcharging by taxis and timeshare sellers at the airport are the most common problems, and crocodiles live in the marina and estuaries.
- Emergency number
- 911
Where to stay for nightlife
$$$ · Best for first-timers, nightlife, food lovers and couples
Zona Romántica
South of the Río Cuale, the Zona Romántica (also called the Old Town or Emiliano Zapata) packs boutique hotels, restaurants, galleries and bars around Calle Olas Altas and Basilio Badillo, two blocks from Playa Los Muertos and its sail-shaped pier. It is the centre of Vallarta's LGBTQ+ scene and the most popular base for walkers.
- Good
- Walk to beach, restaurants and nightlife; Water taxis from the pier; Strong neighbourhood character
- Watch out
- Noisy at night near the bars; Steep streets on the hillside; Busy in high season
- Nearby
- Playa Los Muertos, Los Muertos Pier, Isla Río Cuale, Basilio Badillo
Questions travellers ask
+Where is the best nightlife in Puerto Vallarta?
Zona Romántica, The Malecón and Marina Vallarta. Cocktail bars, mezcal bars, cabaret shows and LGBTQ+ clubs around Olas Altas and Lázaro Cárdenas.
+Which area of Puerto Vallarta is best for nightlife?
Zona Romántica: Cobbled streets, Los Muertos beach and the town's liveliest restaurants and bars.