Zona Romantica (Romantic Zone).
Zona Romántica, also known as Old Town, is Puerto Vallarta’s historic southern core, where narrow cobblestone streets and low-rise buildings offer a distinct contrast to the northern resort strip. Bordered by the Río Cuale and the popular Los Muertos Beach, this highly walkable neighborhood functions as the city’s vibrant LGBTQ+ epicenter, packed with gay-friendly resorts, beach clubs, and energetic nightlife. By day, the area is a hub for wandering, featuring the mosaic-clad Lázaro Cárdenas Park, Cuale Island's flea market, and Basilio Badillo’s dense stretch of cafés and galleries. Combining the charm of a former fishing village with a dense concentration of restaurants and bars, it allows travelers to transition seamlessly from a beachside sunset to dinner without ever needing a taxi.