Guidebook for Playa del Carmen
Food Scene
I usually get the tacos al pastor or tacos arrancheros, but all of their food is really good though. It's inexpensive, casual, and authentically Mexican. Favored by locals and also tourists.
406 locals recommend
El Fogon
Avenida ConstituyentesI usually get the tacos al pastor or tacos arrancheros, but all of their food is really good though. It's inexpensive, casual, and authentically Mexican. Favored by locals and also tourists.
I usually get the tacos al pastor or tacos arrancheros, but all of their food is really good though. It's inexpensive, casual, and authentically Mexican. Favored by locals and also tourists.
406 locals recommend
El Fogon
Avenida ConstituyentesI usually get the tacos al pastor or tacos arrancheros, but all of their food is really good though. It's inexpensive, casual, and authentically Mexican. Favored by locals and also tourists.
Nom nom nom, this place is so good. The ceviche is my favorite thing here.
47 locals recommend
EL Oasis Seafood
Mza. 7 Calle 22 NteNom nom nom, this place is so good. The ceviche is my favorite thing here.
Recommended to me by other expats living in Playa. I had the seafood platter. It was so good my eyes rolled back into my head and said "wow! this is sooooo good" out loud. Will routinely return.
18 locals recommend
El Muelle
Calle 32 NorteRecommended to me by other expats living in Playa. I had the seafood platter. It was so good my eyes rolled back into my head and said "wow! this is sooooo good" out loud. Will routinely return.
My favorite restaurant on the water. The softshell crab tacos are to die for, and I also like the lobster tail, too. Only open for lunch, not dinner. Not the cheapest, but worth it.
89 locals recommend
Blue Parrot
My favorite restaurant on the water. The softshell crab tacos are to die for, and I also like the lobster tail, too. Only open for lunch, not dinner. Not the cheapest, but worth it.
Always packed, lively, and delicious pizza. I also love the Mexican place across the street from here Cueva del Chango, but AirBnB doesn't have it available as a listing option.
253 locals recommend
Piola
lt 2 Calle 38 Nte.Always packed, lively, and delicious pizza. I also love the Mexican place across the street from here Cueva del Chango, but AirBnB doesn't have it available as a listing option.
My fav place to hit happy hour or the daily cocktail. Good prices, right on the beach with beach chairs, or I like to swing on the swings by the bar.
79 locals recommend
Lido Bar Restaurant
My fav place to hit happy hour or the daily cocktail. Good prices, right on the beach with beach chairs, or I like to swing on the swings by the bar.
My fav place for coffee & wifi. The chocolate and chocolate/coffee drinks are to die for. I love Starbucks, and this is way better (and slightly cheaper) than Starbucks.
416 locals recommend
Ah Cacao Chocolate Café
Calle 30 NorteMy fav place for coffee & wifi. The chocolate and chocolate/coffee drinks are to die for. I love Starbucks, and this is way better (and slightly cheaper) than Starbucks.
My fav place for coffee & wifi. The chocolate and chocolate/coffee drinks are to die for. I love Starbucks, and this is way better (and slightly cheaper) than Starbucks.
416 locals recommend
Ah Cacao Chocolate Café
Calle 30 NorteMy fav place for coffee & wifi. The chocolate and chocolate/coffee drinks are to die for. I love Starbucks, and this is way better (and slightly cheaper) than Starbucks.
My fav place for coffee & wifi. The chocolate and chocolate/coffee drinks are to die for. I love Starbucks, and this is way better (and slightly cheaper) than Starbucks. This is my fav location.
416 locals recommend
Ah Cacao Chocolate Café
Calle 30 NorteMy fav place for coffee & wifi. The chocolate and chocolate/coffee drinks are to die for. I love Starbucks, and this is way better (and slightly cheaper) than Starbucks. This is my fav location.
This restaurants second location, the tostados are delicious and great value. I love the tuna tartar ones.
281 locals recommend
Las Hijas de la tostadas
y Calle 2 NteThis restaurants second location, the tostados are delicious and great value. I love the tuna tartar ones.
Teatro Vidanta "Cirque du Soleil JOYÀ"
Km 48 Cancun - ChetumalA highly-rated show!
Nuestra Señora del Carmen
A pretty local church right by 5th Avenue on the beach.
Oh lala
147 C. 14 Nte. BisRated the #1 restaurant in Playa del Carmen by TripAdvisor.
Kaxapa Factory
Ranked the #2 best restaurant in Playa del Carmen by TripAdvisor.
La Brocherie
Ranked the #3 best restaurant in Playa del Carmen by TripAdvisor.
La Senda
Calle 10 NorteRanked the #5 best restaurant in Playa del Carmen by TripAdvisor.
Imprevist
1 Avenida NorteRanked the #6 best restaurant in Playa del Carmen by TripAdvisor.
Don Chendo
& C. 24 NteRanked the #7 best restaurant in Playa del Carmen by TripAdvisor.
Ranked the #9 best restaurant in Playa del Carmen by TripAdvisor, known for their pizza delivery.
102 locals recommend
La Famiglia
10 10 Av. SurRanked the #9 best restaurant in Playa del Carmen by TripAdvisor, known for their pizza delivery.
Ranked the #11 best restaurant in Playa del Carmen by TripAdvisor, famous for the middle eastern and vegetarian food.
7 locals recommend
Falafel Nessya
Ranked the #11 best restaurant in Playa del Carmen by TripAdvisor, famous for the middle eastern and vegetarian food.
Sushi Ken
L- 8 10 Avenida Nte.A popular sushi restaurant in downtown Playa del Carmen.
Very popular restaurant with a great location, recommended #18 in Playa del Carmen by TripAdvisor.
77 locals recommend
La Casa del Agua
Quinta AvenidaVery popular restaurant with a great location, recommended #18 in Playa del Carmen by TripAdvisor.
Carboncitos
S/N Calle 4 NteYum! Tasty authentic Mexican, recommended #23 by TripAdvisor.
Pavo Real by the Sea
Beautiful seaside view at Punta Maroma.
Domino´s Pizza
PapagayosAmerican pizza delivery
Everything Else
In Plaza Pakal in Playacar, the plaza you walk past on the way to the beach or town. The BEST gelato I've had in Playa, I only get my gelato here now. Bonus: it's half the price of 5th Avenue gelato.
16 locals recommend
Amo Gelato Caffe
In Plaza Pakal in Playacar, the plaza you walk past on the way to the beach or town. The BEST gelato I've had in Playa, I only get my gelato here now. Bonus: it's half the price of 5th Avenue gelato.
Yoga right on the beach. Stop by to pick up a schedule. I also get massages here sometimes.
7 locals recommend
Yoga By The Sea
Yoga right on the beach. Stop by to pick up a schedule. I also get massages here sometimes.
My stand up paddle board club meets here, you can find them online or Facebook at Aloha Paddle Club, message them for times. This is my favorite activity in Playa and the prices are very reasonable.
934 locals recommend
Mamita's Beach Club
8 Calle 28 Nte.My stand up paddle board club meets here, you can find them online or Facebook at Aloha Paddle Club, message them for times. This is my favorite activity in Playa and the prices are very reasonable.
Xcaret
The most popular eco themepark.
Scuba Club
Scuba diving in Cozumel if you choose to take the ferry over
The Snorkel Tour
Popular snorkeling tour in Playa.
The Snorkel Shop
15 Privada Xel-HaA popular place to go for snorkeling rentals and tours in Playa
Head office of a popular tour company. Juan my tour guy can help you with all your tours.
7 locals recommend
AVENTURAS MAYAS
Head office of a popular tour company. Juan my tour guy can help you with all your tours.
Xplor Park by Xcaret
Km 282 Puerto JuarezGreat for families, very popular tourist destination.
Cenote Chaak Tun
7 Avenida Benito JuarezVery popular tour.
Calle Quinta Avenida
5 Avenida NorteThe main tourist "strip", to to be missed!
Cenote Chikin Ha
A popular location for tours.
Dolphin Discovery Riviera Maya
Mz 23 Bahía XcacelEveryone loves the dolphin tours!
Cenote Cristalino
Km. 269 Carr. Cancún - TulumA popular cenote to visit.
Parque Los Fundadores
Avenida Benito JuárezPublic square with access to a nice beach.
Playa Del Carmen
One of the popular local beaches.
A very popular nature destination, historic Maya port with ruins and pools.
686 locals recommend
Xel-Ha
Carretera Chetumal Puerto Juárez Km 240, locales 1 & 2, módulo BA very popular nature destination, historic Maya port with ruins and pools.
Muyil
Mayan ruin, lagoons, birdwatching, ecotourism, archaeological site.
Rio Secreto
Popular site for caving near Playa del Carmen.
Playacar
Our neighborhood! Beaches, golf, snorkeling, scuba diving.
Hard Rock Campo de Golf
S/N P.º Xaman - HaPlaya's best golf course (I'm biased :) ).
Cozumel
Just a short ferry ride away, you can go for the day.
Isla Holbox
Unspoiled vacation island.
Isla Mujeres
A wonderful island for snorkeling and local culture.
Take the ADO bus for a day trip, beautiful beaches and a little slower paced than even Playa!
999 locals recommend
Tulum
Take the ADO bus for a day trip, beautiful beaches and a little slower paced than even Playa!
Mayan ruins, fewer tourists visit these ruins because they are a little bit farther away.
232 locals recommend
Cobá Archaeological Zone
307 Carretera Federal TulumMayan ruins, fewer tourists visit these ruins because they are a little bit farther away.
Drinks & Nightlife
My favorite classic beach bar. Have a drink or a light meal and watch the sunset. Gorgeous, and live music every night.
23 locals recommend
Fusion Beach Hotel
My favorite classic beach bar. Have a drink or a light meal and watch the sunset. Gorgeous, and live music every night.
Coco Bongo
THE night club and dance party experience
Ranked the #8 best restaurant in Playa del Carmen by TripAdvisor, known for their burgers.
Mr Dog del Caribe
2 10 Avenida Nte.Ranked the #8 best restaurant in Playa del Carmen by TripAdvisor, known for their burgers.
Ranked the #10 best restaurant in Playa del Carmen by TripAdvisor, known for the beer!
98 locals recommend
Club de la Cerveza
Ranked the #10 best restaurant in Playa del Carmen by TripAdvisor, known for the beer!
Sr. Dan's
Calle 1 SurWhen you need a good sports bar!
Señor Frog's Playa del Carmen
It's a happening place on the beach!
Essentials
I usually grocery shop here. There's a good and consistent supply of foreign products as well as all the Mexican staples.
679 locals recommend
Walmart Playa Del Carmen
30 Avenida NorteI usually grocery shop here. There's a good and consistent supply of foreign products as well as all the Mexican staples.
Shopping
KITEMEX Kiteboarding School Riviera Maya
The best kitesurfing lessons and rentals in Playa.
Parks & Nature
Playacar Beach
It's right there!
See incredible tropical and exotic birds right in your backyard in Playacar!
20 locals recommend
Xaman Ha Aviary
Paseo Xaman - HaSee incredible tropical and exotic birds right in your backyard in Playacar!
Getting Around
Hertz
y C. 3 Sur