Looking for the best things to do after dinner in Puerto Vallarta? We’ve got you covered with this guide. The stunning seaside resort is the jewel of Mexico’s West Coast, famed for its sun-drenched beaches and gorgeous colonial-era architecture. And there are plenty of ways to stay entertained once the sun sinks into the Pacific (a highlight in and of itself).

From glamorous theatrical shows to boozy bar crawls and pedestrian-friendly promenades to bustling souvenir stalls, the list below covers the town’s top after-dark activities. Check out these exciting suggestions on where to go in Puerto Vallarta at night and when you don’t fancy heading back to your hotel once dinner is done.

  • 1

    Malecón Puerto Vallarta

    A lively promenade for a pleasant evening stroll

    Malecón Puerto Vallarta
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    Puerto Vallarta’s lively Malecón is the top spot to walk off those excess post-dinner carbs. The bustling waterfront promenade officially runs 750 metres from Hotel Rosita to The Arches. However, you can follow a second footpath, Malecón 2, right down to Los Muertos Pier if you wish.

    Keep an eye out for whimsical sculptures and majestic sandcastles en route. Impromptu street performers such as the delightful Papantla Flying Men give cause to pause on the path, and there are plenty of friendly street vendors if you need a sweet treat. The Malecón also serves as the city’s main nightlife strip, with pumping bars and clubs pouring tequila well into the early hours.

    Locatie: Malecón, Centro, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

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    Mercado Municipal Rio Cuale

    The place to go for downtown souvenir shopping

    Mercado Municipal Rio Cuale
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    Mercado Municipal Rio Cuale is your 1-stop-shop for post-dinner souvenirs. This colourful 2-storey market sits opposite the Cuale River and sells a broad selection of exotic trinkets and handcrafted knickknacks. You’ll also find a hilarious range of kitsch touristic wares – think crude T-shirts and breast-shaped coffee mugs.

    Most artisanal goodies hail from the Jalisco region, making it a top spot for authentic local handicrafts. Bargaining is obligatory to snag a decent deal – just remember to be polite, patient, and haggle with a smile.

    Locatie: Agustín Rodríguez, Centro, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

    Openingstijden: Monday–Friday from 7 am to 8 pm, Sunday from 7 am to 5.30 pm

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    foto door David Stanley (CC BY 2.0) bewerkt

  • 3

    Muelle de Playa Los Muertos

    A picturesque pier for photos and sunset views

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    The iconic Los Muertos Pier (Muelle de Playa Los Muertos) is a picturesque place to visit at night in Puerto Vallarta. Stretching some 100 metres from Los Muertos Beach in the heart of Old Vallarta (Zona Romantica), this recently renovated pier is famous for its sleek, sail-shaped design. The structure shines brightly at night thanks to its non-stop illuminated light show – the perfect post-dinner photo op.

    If you’ve had an early dinner, the Muelle is a spectacular spot for Pacific sunset views. Plus, there’s a row of rowdy (and refined) bars and clubs straddling the shoreline if you fancy a fiesta.

    Locatie: Francisca Rodríguez 121, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

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  • 4

    Sunset cruise

    Watch the sun go down from a sailboat with a drink in hand

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    A sunset cruise in Puerto Vallarta is the ultimate way to savour the seaside resort’s world-famous end-of-day displays. While there are several scenic spots to watch the sun sink over the horizon, none is as romantic as sailing the glistening waters of Banderas Bay.

    From your seafaring vessel, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the ocean and coastline. Some cruises include champagne and canapés to sweeten the deal. Several local travel agents offer jaunts around the bay, with Puerto Vallarta Tours among the more reputable options in town. Try their signature Pirates of the Bay tour for a swashbuckling-themed evening.

    Locatie: Manuel M. Dieguez 404, Alta Vista, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

    Openingstijden: Monday–Friday from 8 am to 7 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm

    Telefoonnummer: +1 877 545 3284

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  • 5

    Mex-ology Tequila Tour

    Learn about local liquor through this fun, hands-on tour

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    The Mex-ology Tequila Tour lets you drink your way around downtown Puerto Vallarta in style. This fun-filled, 4-hour excursion has a passionate guide chaperone you between the Old Town’s best bars and distilleries to sample top-shelf local liquor. To keep things civilised, you’ll line the stomach with authentic street stall tacos along the way.

    But it’s not just about slamming down pre-salted shots – you’ll learn the history and production process behind Mexico’s 3 most famous spirits: tequila, mezcal, and agave. Exquisite locally sourced cocktails add a gourmet touch. Ask your master mixologists for creative cocktails like jalapeño-infused margaritas or mezcal with lime and cucumber.

    Locatie: Av México 1193-A, 5 de Diciembre, 48350 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

    Openingstijden: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm

    Telefoonnummer: +52 322 222 6117

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    Day Off Beach Bar

    Great food, music, and happy hours by the water

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    Day Off Beach Bar is the liveliest oceanfront watering hole on the buzzing Malecón of Puerto Vallarta. This bustling local institution sits on the edge of the promenade, making it a fantastic place to people-watch with an ice-cold beer in hand.

    The venue remains relatively low-key in the early evening, when patrons come to devour tasty tacos and slowly sip happy-hour micheladas. Things get a bit rowdier as the clock creeps towards midnight – it’s a sociable spot to make new friends.

    Locatie: Malecón, Estacionamiento Benito Juarez, Local 7, Centro, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

    Openingstijden: Daily from 9 am to 2 am

    Telefoonnummer: +52 322 222 1483

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    foto door Andrew Milligan sumo (CC BY 2.0) bewerkt

  • 7

    Bar Morelos Mezcaleria

    An upscale place to party in central Puerto Vallarta

    Bar Morelos Mezcaleria
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    Bar Morelos Mezcaleria is a swanky spot to quaff mezcal cocktails and dance the night away in Puerto Vallarta. Its sophisticated lounge area features Las Vegas-style sofa booths and sparkling chandeliers, while the bopping dance floor boasts booming tunes and bedazzling light shows.

    While it might not be the cheapest place to drink on the Malecón, its flashy decor and glamorous clientele make for a memorable night out. Dress to impress and get ready to splurge if you want VIP bottle service or hookah. Budget-orientated partygoers can opt for local beers then mingle on the dance floor.

    Locatie: Morelos 589, Centro, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

    Openingstijden: Daily from 8 pm to 5 am

    Telefoonnummer: +52 322 222 2550

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  • 8

    Rhythms of the Night

    A spectacular dinner and show in a stunning, far-flung cove

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    Rhythms of the Night is Puerto Vallarta’s most celebrated dinner and evening show. Written and directed by Gilles Ste-Croix of Cirque du Soleil fame, this action-packed extravaganza blends acrobatics, music, and dance in a secluded Las Caletas cove.

    The evening begins with a scenic sunset boat cruise to a private jungle-fringed beach. Guests then enjoy a candlelit alfresco dinner (and drinks) before heading to an open-air amphitheatre to watch the 1-hour show. A crumbling old pyramid sets the stage for this dazzling rendition of a traditional Aztec creation story.

    Locatie: Mástil 13, Marina Vallarta, 48335 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

    Openingstijden: Monday–Friday from 8 am to 2 pm and 4 pm to 8.30 pm, Saturdays from 8 am to 4 pm, Sunday from 8 am to 2 pm

    Telefoonnummer: +52 322 226 8413

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  • 9

    Act2PV

    Musicals and cabaret in a popular downtown performance space

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    Act2PV is a must-do for cabaret lovers in Puerto Vallarta. The longstanding venue runs a rotating roster of family-friendly musicals at 6 pm each night - think Mamma Mia! or The Best of Broadway. Later in the evening, its Starlight Cabaret theatre puts on boisterous burlesque shows.

    With 3 separate stages, a classy in-house bar, and state-of-the-art audio-visual gear, the venue is on par with its North American counterparts. Of course, as this is Mexico, it won’t hit your pocket as hard – come here for a low-cost evening of theatre and fun.

    Locatie: Basilio Badillo 330 Basilio Badillo & Insurgentes, Zona Romántica, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

    Openingstijden: Daily from 4 pm to 10 pm

    Telefoonnummer: +52 322 222 1512

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  • 10

    Mandala Puerto Vallarta

    The liveliest club in Puerto Vallarta

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    Mandala is your go-to Puerto Vallarta venue for a booming, laser-infused club night out. Straddling the Malecón, this loud local favourite puts on a wild fiesta every night of the week. Top-notch service (including VIP packages), world-class DJs, and tasty drinks (try the silky mango martini) keep patrons enthused.  

    It’s a thrilling, hedonistic scene – expect exotic Southeast Asian statues, pulsating illuminated dance floors, and vibrant neon-lit pillars. If you need a break from the pumping hip hop and electronic tunes, head upstairs to the relatively subdued Sky Bar for peaceful Banderas Bay views. The venue is a tad on the pricey side but worth it for true clubbing aficionados.

    Locatie: Paseo Díaz Ordaz 633, Centro, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

    Openingstijden: Daily from 6 pm to 2 am

    Telefoonnummer: +52 998 883 3333

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Harry Stewart | Schrijver