I have spent so much time in Puerto Vallarta that it feels like my second home.
If you are planning a trip, you really need to listen to me on this one.
Stay in Old Town.
Seriously, it is the only place to be if you want the real experience.
Some people call it Zona Romantica, and some call it Old Town.
It is the exact same place, so do not let the different names confuse you!
It is the heart and soul of the city.
Every time we walk down those cobblestone streets, I just feel so happy.
The energy is AMAZING!!
You have the beach, the food, and the people all right there.
There is nothing quite like waking up and walking a few blocks to get a fresh coffee.
Then you just wander toward the ocean.
It is my favorite way to start any day.
Why Old Town is the Place to Be
When people ask me where to stay, I always tell them to look at the south side of town.
This area has so much character.
You won’t find big, boring hotels here.
Instead, you get beautiful buildings with red-tiled roofs and tons of flowers hanging off the balconies.
It is sooo beautiful at sunset when the light hits the hills.
We LOVE walking along the Malecón and then heading back into the narrow streets of Old Town for dinner.
The food scene here is honestly the best in the world.
You can get fancy meals or the best street tacos you’ve ever had for just a few pesos.
If you are a solo traveler, you will feel right at home because everyone is so friendly.
You will meet people from all over the world just by sitting at a café.
It is a very social and welcoming neighborhood.
The Best Area: Amapas
Now, if you want my real secret, look at Amapas.
Amapas is right next to the main part of Old Town, but it’s just a little bit quieter.
In my opinion, it is the absolute best place to stay.
You are still just a short walk from all the action.
But when you want to sleep, it is much more peaceful.
We stayed in an apartment there recently and it was perfect.
The hills in Amapas give you some of the most incredible views of the bay.
You can watch the boats come in and out while you have breakfast.
It feels a bit more private and tucked away.
Whenever we help friends find a place, we always point them toward Amapas first.
It really is the sweet spot of the whole city.
Finding Your Perfect Spot
If you are looking to rent apartments in puerto vallarta, you have so many cool options.
We always prefer staying in a condo over a hotel.
Having a kitchen is a game changer.
You can go to the local market, buy fresh fruit, and eat on your balcony.
It makes you feel like you actually live there, not just like a tourist.
Plus, the condos in Old Town have so much personality.
Some have huge windows that let in all that bright Mexican sunshine.
I love a place that feels open and airy.
If you are wondering about the process, you should check out our guide on choosing a condo.
It helps a lot when you are trying to decide what features you really need.
We always look for a place with a good view and a comfy couch.
A good kitchen is also a must for those late-night snacks!
What to Expect When You Arrive
The first thing you’ll notice in Old Town is the sound.
You’ll hear music, people laughing, and the occasional bird chirping.
It is a very lively place!
The streets can be a bit bumpy because of the cobblestones, so leave the high heels at home.
I learned that the hard way!
Comfortable sandals are your best friend here.
Walking is the best way to see everything.
You’ll find hidden art galleries and tiny shops that sell handmade jewelry.
We always find something new every time we go out for a stroll.
It is also very safe.
We have walked around at all hours and always felt totally fine.
The locals are very protective of their neighborhood and very kind to visitors.
Living the Local Life
One of the best parts of staying in this area is the convenience.
Everything is within walking distance.
You don’t need a car at all.
If you want to go further away, you can just hop in a quick taxi or an Uber.
But honestly, we rarely leave Old Town.
Why would you?
You have the best beach, Los Muertos, right there.
The pier at night looks like a giant glowing sail and it is SOOO pretty.
We love to sit on the sand and watch the waves come in.
It is the perfect place to relax and forget about all your stress back home.
If you want to know more about the little details that make a trip great, read about our vacation secrets.
There are so many small things that can turn a good trip into an AMAZING one!
Why We Love the Apartments Here
When you rent apartments puerto vallarta, you get so much more value.
The spaces are usually bigger than a standard hotel room.
We love having a separate bedroom and a living area to hang out in.
It is so much more relaxing.
Many of the units have incredible balconies.
I could spend all day just sitting outside and looking at the trees.
The greenery in Puerto Vallarta is so lush and vibrant.
It feels like you are in a tropical paradise every single day.
The interiors are often decorated with local art and bright colors.
It really puts you in the vacation mood immediately.
We stayed in one place that had a giant mural on the wall, and it was so cool!
Our Final Recommendation
If you are even thinking about coming to PV, just do it.
And stay in Old Town or Amapas.
You will not regret it!
The atmosphere is unlike anywhere else in the world.
It is fun, beautiful, and so full of life.
We are so grateful every time we get to spend a week or two in this neighborhood.
The service at the local shops is always top-notch, and the people are genuinely happy to see you.
I highly recommend booking a condo in Amapas for the best experience.
You get the views, the peace, and the proximity to all the fun.
It is truly the best of both worlds.
We can't wait to get back there ourselves!
It is our happy place, and I know it will be yours too.
See you on the cobblestones!
If you want to see more photos of our favorite spots, See more on Facebook!
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