Puerto Vallarta preserves a neighborhood where cobblestone streets, traditional architecture, and a vibrant culinary and cultural scene coexist naturally: the Romantic Zone (Zona Romántica). Located south of the Cuale River, this part of the city invites you to discover another facet of the destination, amidst small boutiques, traditional markets, historic restaurants, and a nightlife that extends into the early morning hours.

Also known as Old Town (Viejo Vallarta), the area offers experiences for all types of travelers, with every walk revealing details that form part of the personality of this corner of the Mexican Pacific.

ROMANTIC ZONE: WHY IS IT CALLED THAT?
Although frequently associated with the romance between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, the name Zona Romántica stems more from the neighborhood’s tourism evolution than a specific event.

The relationship between both movie stars helped solidify Puerto Vallarta’s romantic image during the 1960s, when the filming of The Night of the Iguana put the destination on the international map. However, the properties linked to the actors were actually located in Gringo Gulch and the El Cerro neighborhood, in the heart of Downtown (El Centro).

The name Zona Romántica gained popularity as a way to identify a district with a distinct atmosphere: cobblestone streets, traditional architecture, restaurants, cafés, art galleries, boutique hotels, and proximity to Los Muertos Beach. Over time, it also embraced an identity closely tied to the LGBTQ+ community—especially since the 1980s—establishing itself as one of the most diverse and lively areas in the destination.

WHAT AREA DOES THE ROMANTIC ZONE COVER?
The Romantic Zone primarily encompasses the Emiliano Zapata neighborhood and extends toward sectors like Alta Vista and Amapas. As a tourism designation, its boundaries do not correspond to an official administrative division and can vary depending on context.

The Cuale River marks its northern boundary, while to the south it approaches the Amapas and Conchas Chinas areas. To the east, streets like Aguacate and Camichín serve as reference points for the neighborhood; to the west, the Pacific Ocean and Los Muertos Beach define its connection with the coastline.

This location makes it easy to explore much of the neighborhood on foot, effortlessly pairing urban strolls with an afternoon by the sea.

WALK THE STREETS OF OLD TOWN
One of the best ways to get to know the Romantic Zone is to start south of the Malecón boardwalk and wander through its streets. White facades, red tile roofs, and colorful buildings create an urban landscape that maintains references to Puerto Vallarta’s traditional architecture while coexisting with new businesses and creative concepts.

Olas Altas and Basilio Badillo are two of its most representative thoroughfares. Between both and the surrounding streets, you’ll find small boutiques, art galleries, independent shops, sidewalk cafés, and inviting restaurants that encourage you to stop without adhering to a strict itinerary.

The appeal lies as much in well-known spots as in the details discovered while walking: a piece of street art, a specialty shop, or a terrace that invites you to linger. The neighborhood’s scale makes it easy to combine shopping, dining, and culture in a single outing, with the freedom to change plans on the fly.

CROSS TO CUALE RIVER ISLAND
The Cuale River is one of Puerto Vallarta’s most important geographical landmarks. In addition to dividing Downtown from the Romantic Zone, its riverbed houses a naturally formed small island that serves as a meeting place for lush greenery, culture, and local commerce.

Its shaded walkways offer a pleasant break from the bustle of the streets. Along the path, you can visit the cultural center, explore handicraft stalls, and find restaurants with river views.

Three bridges connect the island to both sides of the city. Notable among them is the La Iguana Bridge, which connects its eastern tip with Gringo Gulch—the neighborhood associated with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton’s residence during their stay in Puerto Vallarta.

A visit also allows you to connect with the destination’s artisanal heritage and browse for souvenirs crafted by local artists and vendors around the Río Cuale Municipal Market. It is an ideal stop to add a cultural dimension to your stroll before continuing into the heart of the Romantic Zone.

LOCAL FLAVORS AT THE EMILIANO ZAPATA MARKET
To experience a more everyday side of the neighborhood, the Emiliano Zapata Municipal Market is well worth a visit, located on Lázaro Cárdenas Street, just steps from Cuale River Island.

Unlike the restaurants that have turned the area into a culinary benchmark, this market maintains the pace of daily neighborhood shopping. Its stalls feature fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, and prepared foods, offering an up-close look at the ingredients and customs that form local cuisine.

Morning is a great time to browse its aisles, when commercial activity lets you observe the bustle of vendors and buyers. It is also an occasion to sample freshly prepared Mexican antojitos—such as tacos, enchiladas, and gorditas—and watch how they are made.

RESTAURANTS ALONG BASILIO BADILLO STREET
Gastronomy is one of the Romantic Zone’s main draws, and Basilio Badillo Street holds a prominent place in that story. In the mid-1990s, this street was home to about a dozen restaurants. Since then, its culinary scene has diversified with offerings ranging from casual spots to refined dining experiences.

This variety makes it easy to enjoy the street at different times of day: having breakfast, stopping for coffee, sampling Mexican or international cuisine, and returning in the evening for an unhurried dinner. More than just a concentration of restaurants, Basilio Badillo reflects the culinary evolution of a neighborhood that has preserved its character while welcoming new concepts.

A NEIGHBORHOOD TO DISCOVER AT YOUR OWN PACE
The Romantic Zone gathers much of Puerto Vallarta’s diversity across a few blocks. Here, a walk through Old Town can turn into a visit to Cuale River Island, a food exploration at the Emiliano Zapata Market, or a meal on Basilio Badillo.

Its charm also lies in the possibility of improvising. An eye-catching store, a terrace inviting you to stay a little longer, or a newly discovered restaurant can turn an ordinary walk into one of the best memories of your trip.