Guidebook for Playa del Carmen
Drinks & Nightlife
This beach club is on the north end of Playa and has a little more space and less crowd than other beachclubs if you are looking for something a little more tranquil at the beach.
The vibe is clubby with deep house, funk and chill music. It has full bar and food plus the music is not overly loud and you can sit near or far from the music depending on your preference.
One nice thing about this club being on the north end of town is the availability of more on street parking.
160 locals recommend
Martina Beach Club
AlbatrosThis beach club is on the north end of Playa and has a little more space and less crowd than other beachclubs if you are looking for something a little more tranquil at the beach.
The vibe is clubby with deep house, funk and chill music. It has full bar and food plus the music is not overly loud and you can sit near or far from the music depending on your preference.
One nice thing about this club being on the north end of town is the availability of more on street parking.
You want to party with Style? Palazzo is the perfect way to do it! Glamorous atmosphere, chandeliers, champagne and fancy drinks, and of course the cherry on top: Music!
115 locals recommend
Palazzo Disco
s/n Calle 12 NteYou want to party with Style? Palazzo is the perfect way to do it! Glamorous atmosphere, chandeliers, champagne and fancy drinks, and of course the cherry on top: Music!
Las Vegas in Playa del Carmen! Spectacular show, non stop live performers, DJ’s, the latest in video and audio entertainment and much more. Located on Avenida 10 and Calle 12.
970 locals recommend
Coco Bongo
Las Vegas in Playa del Carmen! Spectacular show, non stop live performers, DJ’s, the latest in video and audio entertainment and much more. Located on Avenida 10 and Calle 12.
Service starts at 10 am each day. Lay and enjoy the beautiful beach and order drinks. Listen to live music, also you can catch sporting events, join in community fundraisers, celebrate holidays here with big parties or use this space for rental or events like wedding.lots of beach chairs available, cheap drinks, live music, Sunday buffet, easy speaking bilingual staff, and menu food served throughout the week. What more could you ask for?
35 locals recommend
Wah Wah Beach Bar
Calle 2 Nte. Mz 1 Lt 1Service starts at 10 am each day. Lay and enjoy the beautiful beach and order drinks. Listen to live music, also you can catch sporting events, join in community fundraisers, celebrate holidays here with big parties or use this space for rental or events like wedding.lots of beach chairs available, cheap drinks, live music, Sunday buffet, easy speaking bilingual staff, and menu food served throughout the week. What more could you ask for?
Coco Maya is one of the best beach club in Playa del Carmen which consists of a bar and a restaurant. It's great to have party there. Being positioned next to blueparrot, it offers a great location. Special feature: Coco maya has a huge flat screen behind the DJs which causes deeper feelings for the music. There is also a VIP area upstairs in this 2-Story beach bar.
41 locals recommend
Coco Maya Beach and Night Club
Calle 12 NorteCoco Maya is one of the best beach club in Playa del Carmen which consists of a bar and a restaurant. It's great to have party there. Being positioned next to blueparrot, it offers a great location. Special feature: Coco maya has a huge flat screen behind the DJs which causes deeper feelings for the music. There is also a VIP area upstairs in this 2-Story beach bar.
Idyllic atmosphere caused from the amazing location directly at the beach. Great bar and restaurant concerning food and service
366 locals recommend
Zenzi
Idyllic atmosphere caused from the amazing location directly at the beach. Great bar and restaurant concerning food and service
The beach club is located at Calle 26 and the beach in downtown, is a great place to have fun, the club is also a good option for brunch since they also serve seafood and mexican food, it has a nice pool and sun beds at the beach, also you can find live music, shows, and very good service.
141 locals recommend
Coralina Daylight Club
S/N Calle 26 NteThe beach club is located at Calle 26 and the beach in downtown, is a great place to have fun, the club is also a good option for brunch since they also serve seafood and mexican food, it has a nice pool and sun beds at the beach, also you can find live music, shows, and very good service.
The worlds most famous cuban restaurant it is in playa too!, there you can find the best mojitos, salsa classes, souvenirs, cigars, cuban culture and cuisine. definitely a must try if you like latin rhythms!
333 locals recommend
LA BODEGUITA DEL MEDIO
The worlds most famous cuban restaurant it is in playa too!, there you can find the best mojitos, salsa classes, souvenirs, cigars, cuban culture and cuisine. definitely a must try if you like latin rhythms!
Canibal royal it is a cozy beach club on the north part of playa, it is located right in the shore, a great option for brunch, drinks, and relaxing during the day but also at night the place gets funky, every month they host a party to celebrate the beauty of the full moon with live performances, you really have to check this one out!
380 locals recommend
Diablito cha cha cha
KM 9.6 Av. Boca PailaCanibal royal it is a cozy beach club on the north part of playa, it is located right in the shore, a great option for brunch, drinks, and relaxing during the day but also at night the place gets funky, every month they host a party to celebrate the beauty of the full moon with live performances, you really have to check this one out!
Food Scene
El fogon is one of the best taquerias in town, it represents how traditional Mexican tacos are made with the best ingredients along with the salsas. This is a popular place for locals and famous too, it is highly recommended for people that would like to try the authentic tacos, the place is open from 1pm to 4am.
406 locals recommend
El Fogon
Avenida ConstituyentesEl fogon is one of the best taquerias in town, it represents how traditional Mexican tacos are made with the best ingredients along with the salsas. This is a popular place for locals and famous too, it is highly recommended for people that would like to try the authentic tacos, the place is open from 1pm to 4am.
This cozy Italian restaurant is first class all the way. Located just off the busy 5th Avenue, it is quaint escape from the hustle and bustle. The cook has successfully managed to carve the Italian niche into the Playa del Carmen dining scene. Located on Avenida 10 and Calle 10.
102 locals recommend
La Famiglia
10 10 Av. SurThis cozy Italian restaurant is first class all the way. Located just off the busy 5th Avenue, it is quaint escape from the hustle and bustle. The cook has successfully managed to carve the Italian niche into the Playa del Carmen dining scene. Located on Avenida 10 and Calle 10.
La Vagabunda is synonymous with tradition and service, since 1996 they have established as one of the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen. The great attitude and service are signs of the passion they have for the work. Located on Calle 26 and La Quinta.
18 locals recommend
La Vagabunda Centro
152 Quinta AvenidaLa Vagabunda is synonymous with tradition and service, since 1996 they have established as one of the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen. The great attitude and service are signs of the passion they have for the work. Located on Calle 26 and La Quinta.
This restaurant is located in a cave/cenote which is just outside of the center of Playa Del Carmen.The restaurant and lounge are open just in the evenings so plan your visit,the menu is inspired by a fusion of cuisines like the Mayan, Mexican and International haute cuisine.
250 locals recommend
Alux Restaurant Bar and Lounge
Mz 217 Lt2 Av Benito JuárezThis restaurant is located in a cave/cenote which is just outside of the center of Playa Del Carmen.The restaurant and lounge are open just in the evenings so plan your visit,the menu is inspired by a fusion of cuisines like the Mayan, Mexican and International haute cuisine.
La atarraya is one of the first restaurants in playa del carmen, it is located in the 2nd street and the beach close to the ferry station that has departures for cozumel island. The place is well known amongst the locals since the dishes they serve are traditional mexican food from the area and affordable prices, they also work together with local fisherman in order to have the freshest fish. This restaurant truly cares about tourists and locals and once a year in “El dia de la virgen” the owner makes a big feast that also includes beer, this is to show gratitude to the virgen for another year more, everyone is invited and not a single penny is charged.
71 locals recommend
Party Playa
2 Calle 2 NteLa atarraya is one of the first restaurants in playa del carmen, it is located in the 2nd street and the beach close to the ferry station that has departures for cozumel island. The place is well known amongst the locals since the dishes they serve are traditional mexican food from the area and affordable prices, they also work together with local fisherman in order to have the freshest fish. This restaurant truly cares about tourists and locals and once a year in “El dia de la virgen” the owner makes a big feast that also includes beer, this is to show gratitude to the virgen for another year more, everyone is invited and not a single penny is charged.
Madre tierra is a really good place in the fifth avenue and 14th street, it is a great option for brunch, lunch or dinner. The menu consists in seafood, mexican and international dishes, the meat is so good that when they are grilling you can smell the flavour from one block away, a must try if you are hungry and close by.
18 locals recommend
Madre Tierra
Calle 14 NorteMadre tierra is a really good place in the fifth avenue and 14th street, it is a great option for brunch, lunch or dinner. The menu consists in seafood, mexican and international dishes, the meat is so good that when they are grilling you can smell the flavour from one block away, a must try if you are hungry and close by.
This restaurant is located at the 10th ave, between the 2nd street and Juarez ave. This is a great and affordable option for traditional Mexican and local cuisine, it is well known amongst the locals due the generous servings and fair prices.
29 locals recommend
La Mission
Calle 2 NorteThis restaurant is located at the 10th ave, between the 2nd street and Juarez ave. This is a great and affordable option for traditional Mexican and local cuisine, it is well known amongst the locals due the generous servings and fair prices.
Diablito cha cha cha is a seafood restaurant/bar located in the 12th street and 1st ave, in the heart of playa nightlife,is covered by a palapa and has a funky vibe, the food and cocktails are really good and the music too, this place opens after 7 pm.
380 locals recommend
Diablito cha cha cha
KM 9.6 Av. Boca PailaDiablito cha cha cha is a seafood restaurant/bar located in the 12th street and 1st ave, in the heart of playa nightlife,is covered by a palapa and has a funky vibe, the food and cocktails are really good and the music too, this place opens after 7 pm.
This is a Mexican restaurant located at the 8th street and 5th avenue, the menu consists in traditional Mexican food, it is open from breakfast to dinner and offers a good variety in drinks too, a good place for dinner or brunch.
31 locals recommend
MI PUEBLO COCINA MEXICANA
Quinta AvenidaThis is a Mexican restaurant located at the 8th street and 5th avenue, the menu consists in traditional Mexican food, it is open from breakfast to dinner and offers a good variety in drinks too, a good place for dinner or brunch.
Parks & Nature
This is the first park that was made in playa del carmen, it is located between the fifth avenue which is the main touristic avenue and the beach, there is a massive statue inspired by the ocean and mayan culture, it also has kids playground, you can enjoy street performances and prehispanic dance shows. next to the park you can also find the ferry station with departures to the cozumel island.
184 locals recommend
Parque Los Fundadores
Avenida Benito JuárezThis is the first park that was made in playa del carmen, it is located between the fifth avenue which is the main touristic avenue and the beach, there is a massive statue inspired by the ocean and mayan culture, it also has kids playground, you can enjoy street performances and prehispanic dance shows. next to the park you can also find the ferry station with departures to the cozumel island.
Arts & Culture
The Museo Frida Kahlo, is located on the Fifth Avenue and 8th street.The colourful, modern museum opened its doors in time for the 110th anniversary of Kahlo’s birth, with a mix of audiovisual interactive installations, exhibits and, of course, a collection of Kahlo’s artwork.
It’s the second location for the museum, whose original location is in Mexico City.
The Mexican painter was a legend of the art world thanks to a remarkable career in the first half of the 20th century.
166 locals recommend
Museo Frida Kahlo
The Museo Frida Kahlo, is located on the Fifth Avenue and 8th street.The colourful, modern museum opened its doors in time for the 110th anniversary of Kahlo’s birth, with a mix of audiovisual interactive installations, exhibits and, of course, a collection of Kahlo’s artwork.
It’s the second location for the museum, whose original location is in Mexico City.
The Mexican painter was a legend of the art world thanks to a remarkable career in the first half of the 20th century.
3D Museum of Wonders is about art illusion. Its incredible pieces create optical illusions that make you look smaller, taller or appear you are falling!
It´s a great experience for all the family not just for kids. Open to the public with accessible prices and special discounts for locals. The museum also features a cinema with artistic projections and cultural films, even documentaries and 3D techniques.
105 locals recommend
3D Museum of Wonders
10 Avenida Norte3D Museum of Wonders is about art illusion. Its incredible pieces create optical illusions that make you look smaller, taller or appear you are falling!
It´s a great experience for all the family not just for kids. Open to the public with accessible prices and special discounts for locals. The museum also features a cinema with artistic projections and cultural films, even documentaries and 3D techniques.
Shopping
Quinta Alegria Shopping Mall is three floors of shopping in downtown Playa de Carmen, right on famous Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue). Quinta Alegria offers a modern shopping experience and in a convenient location.Plenty of trees and plants and sitting areas complete the experience. Underground parking is available
805 locals recommend
Quinta Alegria Shopping Mall
Avenida ConstituyentesQuinta Alegria Shopping Mall is three floors of shopping in downtown Playa de Carmen, right on famous Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue). Quinta Alegria offers a modern shopping experience and in a convenient location.Plenty of trees and plants and sitting areas complete the experience. Underground parking is available
Looking for some cheap stuff for the everyday life? In this case you will love the wallmart, which often offers very good prices.
679 locals recommend
Walmart Playa Del Carmen
30 Avenida NorteLooking for some cheap stuff for the everyday life? In this case you will love the wallmart, which often offers very good prices.
Mega is a great store which is known for getting nearly everything you want there. If you have got a lot of things on your to-buy-list, you probably won't need to look for another supermarket after you have been to Mega.
741 locals recommend
MEGA Soriana
101 30 Avenida Nte.Mega is a great store which is known for getting nearly everything you want there. If you have got a lot of things on your to-buy-list, you probably won't need to look for another supermarket after you have been to Mega.
Centro Maya is located next to playacar on the main highway as you are driving south out of Playa del Carmen. This mall includes the City Club, Soriana (grocery store), a movie theater, there are go-karts located in the parking lot. There are about 20 small shops including a swimwear shop, sports store and a large shoe store. Something to do on a rainy day.
229 locals recommend
Centro Maya Shopping Mall
2100 Carr. Cancún - TulumCentro Maya is located next to playacar on the main highway as you are driving south out of Playa del Carmen. This mall includes the City Club, Soriana (grocery store), a movie theater, there are go-karts located in the parking lot. There are about 20 small shops including a swimwear shop, sports store and a large shoe store. Something to do on a rainy day.
Paseo del Carmen links Playacar Phase 1 with the south end of 5th avenue. You can walk through the open air mall along cobblestoned paths through to the different shops. Stores include: Zara, American Apparel, Diesel, Bershka, Ultrafemme, and a Harley Davidson shop. You can also get a Starbucks fix, ice cream, food and drinks while you are there.
347 locals recommend
PASEO DEL CARMEN
10 C. BoquinetePaseo del Carmen links Playacar Phase 1 with the south end of 5th avenue. You can walk through the open air mall along cobblestoned paths through to the different shops. Stores include: Zara, American Apparel, Diesel, Bershka, Ultrafemme, and a Harley Davidson shop. You can also get a Starbucks fix, ice cream, food and drinks while you are there.
Entertainment & Activities
You can swim in underground rivers, stroll along trails in the middle of the jungle and explore the caves. Discover new colors at Butterfly Pavilion and the mysteries of the ocean in the Coral Reef Aquarium. the fauna that inhabits the park are deer, Jaguars, flamingos and exotic birds.
There are several attractions to visit as the Mayan ruins, the Mexican Folk Art Museum, a traditional Hacienda Henequenera and the Chapel of Guadalupe.
In addition, enjoy Mexican culture and get entertained with pre-Hispanic dances, the equestrian show and the splendid presentation of “Xcaret Mexico Espectacular”, with more than 300 artists on stage.
1712 locals recommend
Xcaret
You can swim in underground rivers, stroll along trails in the middle of the jungle and explore the caves. Discover new colors at Butterfly Pavilion and the mysteries of the ocean in the Coral Reef Aquarium. the fauna that inhabits the park are deer, Jaguars, flamingos and exotic birds.
There are several attractions to visit as the Mayan ruins, the Mexican Folk Art Museum, a traditional Hacienda Henequenera and the Chapel of Guadalupe.
In addition, enjoy Mexican culture and get entertained with pre-Hispanic dances, the equestrian show and the splendid presentation of “Xcaret Mexico Espectacular”, with more than 300 artists on stage.