Culture

Teeming with restaurants, boutiques, nightclubs and other amenities typical of a vacation destination, downtown Puerto Vallarta is undoubtedly the hive of social activity.

However, downtown Puerto Vallarta isn't just a haven for party animals and shopaholics! With beautiful colonial architecture, surprisingly interesting museums and all sorts of venues, culture-vultures will be delighted to find that they have plenty to explore.

The oldest part, the area surrounding the Calle Hidalgo and cathedral, is like a snapshot of another era. White-washed buildings accented by cobblestone streets, potted flowers and quaint shops speak volumes about Puerto Vallarta's days as a colonial port town... that is, before Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor's glamourous affair launched the city into the spotlight.

Just nearby is the Plaza Principal, Puerto Vallarta's main square, where you can enjoy the atmosphere or get up and dance as the municipal band plays its weekly concert. For more entertainment, you can cross the street to the city's emblematic Los Arcos, an outdoor amphitheater that hosts seaside performances practically every night, or hit up Tequila's for a taste of the local Mariachi music.

For art buffs, the options are endless and unique. Enjoy a fascinating and one-of-a-kind collection of pre-Hispanic and Huichol artwork at the Museo Arqueológico del Cuale (Cuale Archaeological Museum), peruse the countless art galleries or stroll along the malecón, where bronze sculptures have turned a simple seaside boardwalk into an open-air sculpture exhibit.

To learn more about the cultural sights and venues of downtown Puerto Vallarta, check out the links below!