Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Zona Romántica & Old Town
Walkable, historic and the heart of Puerto Vallarta
Zona Romántica and Old Town (Centro) are Puerto Vallarta’s historic, walkable core. Buyers find condos close to Los Muertos beach, the Malecón and hundreds of restaurants, plus hillside homes with bay views. It is the most popular area for car-free living and for vacation rentals.
Market snapshot
- Active listings
- 624
- Median list price
- $505K
- Price range
- $44K – $7.4M
- Lots & land
- 28
Live figures from the local MLS, updated November 12, 2026. List prices in USD.
Old Town (Centro) stretches from the Malecón boardwalk and the Our Lady of Guadalupe church up the cobblestone hills, while Zona Romántica sits just south of the Cuale River around Los Muertos beach and Olas Altas street. Together they concentrate the city’s best-known restaurants, galleries, cafés and nightlife.
Property ranges from classic Mexican homes and small buildings to new condo towers with rooftop pools. Hillside streets offer the widest ocean views; flat streets near the beach offer the easiest walking. Parking and narrow streets are the trade-off of living in the historic center.
Kevin’s take
Zona Romántica is the heart of Puerto Vallarta. If you’re looking for action, beaches, bars, restaurants and a lively, bustling atmosphere with lots of people around, this is where you’ll find it.
Who it’s for
Ideal for buyers who want to live without a car, retirees who enjoy an active social life, and investors looking for a property that rents well to visitors. Less ideal if you want large lots, quiet nights or easy parking.
Latest listings — Zona Romántica & Old Town
See all properties$450,000
111 Calle Libertad 2T1, EL MALECON I, UNIT 2T1 — Puerto Vallarta
2 bd 1 baResidential
$324,000
374 Avila Camacho, Torre Avila — Puerto Vallarta
MultiFamily
$919,000
174 Francisca Rodriguez PIER 57 404, CONDO ROMANTICA — Puerto Vallarta
2 bd 2 baResidential
$625,000
325 Corona 3, Villas Quinta Luna — Puerto Vallarta
2 bd 2 baResidential
$460,000
222 Francisca Rodriguez D23, Loma Del Mar — Puerto Vallarta
1 bd 1.5 baResidential
$362,000
111 Republica Dominicana 3C, Condo Torre 21 — Puerto Vallarta
2 bd 2 baResidential
$1,658,000
506 Rodolfo Gomez, Casa Finca Los Agaves — Puerto Vallarta
7 bd 9 baResidential
$415,000
221 rodolfo gomez A16, Condominio Loma del Mar — Puerto Vallarta
2 bd 2 baResidential
$739,000
1101 ECUADOR 5 DE DICIEMBRER 701, CONCEPT 180 — Puerto Vallarta
2 bd 2 baResidential
Frequently asked questions
Is Zona Romántica a good place to buy a vacation rental?
It is one of the strongest rental areas in Puerto Vallarta because guests can walk to the beach, restaurants and nightlife. Check each building’s rules on short-term rentals before buying, since some condominium associations limit them.
What is the difference between Zona Romántica and Centro?
Centro (Old Town) is north of the Cuale River, around the Malecón and the cathedral. Zona Romántica is south of the river, around Los Muertos beach. Both are walkable; Zona Romántica has more new condo developments.
Can I live in Old Town without a car?
Yes. Most daily needs are within walking distance, and buses and taxis connect to Marina Vallarta, the Hotel Zone and the airport.
Can foreigners buy property here?
Yes. Because this area is within 50 km of the coast, foreigners buy residential property through a fideicomiso (a bank trust) or, for some purposes, a Mexican corporation. The buyer has full use and control of the property and can sell, rent or pass it on. See our buyer’s guide for the step-by-step process.
How much are closing costs?
Buyers usually budget a percentage of the purchase price for acquisition tax, notary fees, appraisal, the fideicomiso setup and registration. The exact amount depends on the price and the municipality (Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco); we provide an estimate for each property.
Thinking about buying here?
Tell us what you are looking for and we will send you matching properties, including off-market options, with an honest view of the area.