The Romantic Zone, also known as Old Town or Colonia Emiliano Zapata, is the bohemian heart of Puerto Vallarta. Cobblestone streets, murals, cafés with cats, galleries, drag shows, and the city's best concentration of restaurants. If you can only see one neighborhood, make it this one.
A bit of context
Until the 1960s, this was the residential zone of fishing families. With the arrival of tourism and the famous "Night of the Iguana" filming in 1963, artists, expats, and travelers started settling here. Today it's the most diverse neighborhood, with a strong LGBTQ+ community and an art scene that's alive year-round.
Must-see galleries
Vallarta has more than 30 art galleries, and almost half are here. The ones you can't miss:
Galería Corsica
Calle Guadalupe Sánchez 735. One of the most established, with sculpture and painting from renowned Mexican artists.
Galería Pacífico
Aldama 174. Specializing in contemporary Mexican art since 1987.
Galería Colectika
Guerrero 294. Authentic folk and Huichol art. Perfect for taking a unique piece home.
Peyote People
Juárez 222. Huichol (Wixárika) art with intricate beadwork and pieces handmade in the Sierra.
Galería Contempo
Basilio Badillo 252. Emerging names from the Mexican scene.
Vallarta ArtWalk
Every Wednesday from October to May, 6-10 PM, more than 15 galleries open simultaneously with wine, artists present, and occasional performances. Free and self-guided. Start the route at Galería Pacífico and pick up the official map.
Tip: Arrive around 6:30 PM to find parking and snag good wine.
Bars and nightlife
The Romantic Zone is Vallarta's nighttime epicenter:
Cocktail bars
- Bar La Bodeguita del Medio — live Cuban son every night.
- Quimera — chef-driven cocktails with Mexican ingredients.
- El Solar — mixology and live music on a terrace.
LGBTQ+ scene
- Mr. Flamingo — drag shows and dance floor.
- Industry — the main nightclub.
- Reinas Bar — drag on stage, free entry.
Casual
- Cheeky Monkey — rooftop with ocean views.
- La Palapa del Plaza — micheladas and snacks in the central plaza.
Where to eat
The street Basilio Badillo, known as "Restaurant Row," packs more than 30 restaurants into three blocks. Some highlights:
- Joe Jack's Fish Shack — casual seafood, award-winning tacos.
- La Cappella — romantic Italian.
- Café de Olla — traditional Mexican at affordable prices.
- Pancake House — American breakfast.
- Sí Señor — Mexican with a leafy patio.
Cafés with soul
- Dee's Coffee — locals' favorite, pet-friendly.
- Colibrí Garden — hidden garden, breakfast.
- A Page in the Sun — coffee shop & bookstore, ideal for hours of reading.
Olas Altas Market
On Saturday mornings (9 AM - 1 PM), November to May, Lázaro Cárdenas street becomes a producers' market. Crafts, organic food, bakery, kombucha, and live music. Don't miss it.
Getting around the neighborhood
Everything is walkable. The Romantic Zone is roughly a rectangle between the Cuale River (north), Aquiles Serdán street (south), the South Malecón (west), and Insurgentes (east). Four blocks by six. Ideal for getting lost.
The Romantic Zone is Vallarta at its most creative. Save at least one night just to explore it on foot.