What, why, where, how, and thousands of other questions come up when talking about Puerto Vallarta’s famous Romantic Zone.
Puerto Vallarta is one of the top gay destinations in America—and honestly, in the world. And it’s not something new; I’d say since around 1980 it became a mecca for the LGBTQ+ community, whether because of the amazing events held here or simply because it offers a unique showcase of gay life.
What is the Romantic Zone, and where is it exactly?
We can define it like this: also known as Old Town or Viejo Vallarta, it’s located south of the Cuale River, within the Emiliano Zapata neighborhood. According to search engines, it has clear boundaries; however, every day it keeps expanding as the LGBTQ+ community spreads into other neighborhoods like 5 de Diciembre and, more recently, Versalles, which has become one of Puerto Vallarta’s trendiest areas. But let’s go back to the classic Romantic Zone.
What is the Romantic Zone in Puerto Vallarta like, and what does it offer?
It’s about 25 to 30 minutes from Puerto Vallarta International Airport (Gustavo Díaz Ordaz), accessible by public transport for just 10 pesos (about $0.50 USD). Or if you prefer something more comfortable (and I recommend it, especially in summer), you can take an Uber for $12–$18 USD depending on the time and traffic.
The Romantic Zone is a hub for the LGBTQ+ community, and also one of the best places to party in Puerto Vallarta, as well as a hotspot for foodies, art lovers, and culture seekers. We could spend hours listing all the gay bars in Puerto Vallarta, nightclubs, cozy cafés, rooftop restaurants, drag shows, and more experiences that make it the heart of nightlife and daytime fun in the city. Honestly, I think this topic needs several articles, since putting it all in one would take too long—and you might get bored reading! But let me tell you:
Its streets are still cobblestoned, its scents are unique, its sounds are vibrant depending on where you’re walking, and visually, it’s a celebration of the senses. In very Argentine terms, it’s like the tango Cambalache, where as the lyrics say, you’ll find everyone—from the Bible to the water heater.
Everything and everyone meet here.
From the Los Muertos Pier, through Olas Altas Street (which I consider the main artery—or the main runway), Lázaro Cárdenas Park, and the famous Basilio Badillo Street, known for its amazing restaurants and art galleries.
Here you’ll find gay bars in Puerto Vallarta, clubs, saunas, massage parlors, drag shows, discos, strip clubs, men’s lingerie shops (and not-so-masculine ones), and of course, hundreds of pharmacies or dispensaries selling what might be restricted in other countries—especially every kind of “happy pill” and their derivatives. And if that’s not enough, you’ll also find plenty of sex shops in Puerto Vallarta to complete the experience.
You can hang out with your friends in places where people are fully dressed, not so dressed, half-dressed, half-naked, completely naked, and every variation your mind—or upbringing or biases—can accept. Honestly, I’m not the type to fully let go and expose myself in some of these spaces, but I celebrate that there’s room for everyone here.
As I mentioned earlier, the topic is so broad that one article isn’t enough. That’s why I’ll list them out and write individual articles for each part of Puerto Vallarta’s famous Romantic Zone.
Conclusion
No matter how open-minded you are, you simply can’t miss the Romantic Zone in Puerto Vallarta, and I’m almost sure that for a while, you won’t want to leave.
Did this topic catch your interest? Leave me a comment if you’d like to read the next articles about Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone and its hidden gems. Don’t miss out!