Riviera Maya is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Here you will find amazing white sand beaches, turquoise waters, lush tropical forests, magical cenotes, architectural wonders, and a world-class nightlife in a comfortable climate to be enjoyed 365 days a year. Everyone can find something to love about the Riviera Maya - beach lovers, honeymooners, watersport enthusiasts, divers, language students, party animals, foodies as well as the culturally interested.
Popular activities are: People watching on 5th Avenue, Biking, Birdwatching, Boating, Casinos, Cinemas/Movie theaters, Diving (Ocean - Cozumel - Cenote - Cave), Fishing, Fitness Center/Gym, Golf, Horseback Riding, Jet Skiing, Jungle Ziplines & Canopy tours, Kitesurfing, Mayan ruins (Tulum, Chichen Itza, Coba, Ek Balam), Nightclubs/Bars, Parasailing, Pilates, Restaurants, Sailing, Segway, Shelling, Shopping, Sightseeing, Snorkeling, SPA, Spelunking, Swimming, Tennis, Theme Parks, Waterparks, Windsurfing, Wine & Tequila tasting, Yoga, Ziplines and Zoo.
Where to eat, where to go, what to do in Playa Del Carmen…
It’s not always easy to know where to find good quality and value while visiting a tourist destination. Your best option is to ask the locals! Our recommendations are based on our personal experiences and also recommendations by our guests. We obviously cannot guarantee that you will have the same great experience, but we hope that you will. If you feel that we have missed something or would like to recommend a place, feel free to let us know. Enjoy!
Playa Del Carmen Restaurants & Coffee Shops
Ah Cacao ($)
You have not been to Playa if you have not had a cup of coffee at Ah Cacao! Large selection of hot and cold coffee drinks. Don’t miss the homemade brownies that will melt in your mouth! You’ll also find a nice selection of chocolate and coffee souvenirs to bring back home. Two locations: 5th Avenue and Ave Constituyentes, 5th Avenue and Calle 30.
Byblos ($)
Little French bistro serving delicious daily specials at very low prices ($65 pesos for appetizer, entrée and non-alcoholic beverage). One of the best values in Playa! Location: Calle 14 between 5th and 10th Avenue.
Cava Veinte 33 ($)
Small new restaurant serving fantastic hamburgers and sandwiches on homemade bread. Very good and affordable. The focus is however on Mexican wines...offering over 80 labels mostly from small wineries. (Extra bonus: Sommelier on site). Location: Calle 38 and 5th Avenue.
Chez Celine ($)
This authentic French bakery is the new breakfast and lunch place for those craving good croissants, pain au chocolat, omelettes (with fleur de sel) and fresh baguettes with homemade marmelade (blueberry is our favorite). Good selection of sandwiches and salads for lunch (some with organic ingredients). Location: 5th Avenue and Calle 34.
Cueva Del Chango ($)
Artsy breakfast, lunch and dinner restaurant with a cozy tropical garden serving authentic Mexican dishes. It’s a fun place to bring kids as they can watch koi fish swimming in small water features within the restaurant. Open Mondays-Saturdays: 8 AM-10:30 PM and Sundays: 8 AM-2 PM. Location: Calle 38 between 5th Avenue and the beach.
Di Vino by The Glass Bar ($$$)
Italian restaurant offering fine dining and a vast wine selection. Location: Corner of 5th Avenue and Calle 12.
El Asador de Manolo ($$)
Argentine steakhouse serving great steaks well worth the money. Good value! Location: 5th Avenue between Calle 30 and 32.
El Carnic
ero ($$)
Good local steakhouse serving high quality meats and burgers. Location: 5th Avenue between Calle 26 and 28.
El Fogon ($)
Great “cheap eatery” attracting both tourists and locals serving tacos (we recommend trying the “tacos al pastor”), quesadillas and other grilled Mexican dishes. Good value! Location: Ave Constituyentes between 25th and 30th Avenues (in front of Mega Supermarket).
HC Monterrey ($)
Chain restaurant serving the famous Mexican “Arrachera” (skirt steak) so tender it melts in your mouth. The meat is served simply with foil wrapped potatoes, grilled onions and avocado. Locations: Calle 1 Sur between 15th and 20th Avenues. Ave Constituyentes between 25th and 30th Avenues.
John Gray’s ($$)
Great American bistro located on charming Calle Corazon in a lush tropical setting. Ask for the affordable bar menu (you need to ask for it) offering pizzas, fois gras, burgers, tuna tacos and more. One of our favorite dining places in Playa! Location: Calle Corazon and Calle 14.
La Azotea ($$)
Relaxing lounge bar situated on the rooftop of hotel El Punto. It’s a great place to meet up with friends for drinks at sunset and to admire the beautiful ocean view. (No kids allowed). Location: 5th Avenue between Calle 8 and 10 (entrance hotel El Punto).
La Ceiba ($)
Serves delightful Mexican breakfasts and lunches, and offers a large selection of smoothies and healthy drinks. Very affordable! If no tables are available, you can get a similar menu across the street at “Nativo”. Location: Corner of Ave Constituyentes and 30th Avenue (next to the local food market DAC).
La Parilla ($$)
Traditional Mexican Grill serving authentic Mexican dishes. It’s the perfect place for people watching on 5th Avenue while listening to Mariachi music. It’s a little pricy and “touristy”, but still a good value. Location: Corner of 5th Avenue and Calle 8.
La Piola ($$)
Fun pizza chain restaurant (with locations in Miami, NYC, Buenos Aires, etc.) offering a large selection of brick oven made pizzas. One of the best pizzerias in Playa! Location: Calle 34 between 5th Avenue and the beach.
Los Aguas Chiles (same owners as La Santanera) ($)
Great casual seafood restaurant where all the hip locals go for lunch. Offers delicious tostadas and tacos with tuna, shrimp and ceviche topped with tasty home-made sauces. Expect to wait for a table during high-season. It’s worth the wait! Location: Corner of Calle 34 and 25th Avenue.
Playa Del Carmen Beach Clubs
Canibal Royal Restaurant & Beach Club (same owners as La Santanera)
Newest and hippest beach club in Playa Del Carmen located at Coco Beach. It’s a stylish three story restaurant and bar in a retro style design. Location: Calle 48 and the Beach
Hotel Fusion Beach Club
Hotel Fusion offers a cozy setting with a full service restaurant on the beach, while the food is not always consistent; it is a great place to enjoy drinks and live music in the evenings. Location: Calle 6 and the Beach
Kool Beach Club
You’ll find a contemporary décor, great restaurant (try the ceviche) and a large pool. Kool provides everything you need for a full day at the beach. Location: Calle 28 and the Beach
Mamitas Beach Club
This is one of the most popular beach clubs in Playa Del Carmen. With a kid pool, Mamitas Beach Club is a good option for families with small kids. Location: Calle 28 and the Beach
Playa Del Carmen Food Shopping & Gourmet Stores
If you want to make a homemade meal, you can find most ingredients at the big super markets (See location of Mega and WalMart on map). However, we also recommend visiting one of the nearby gourmet food stores.
DAC
At DAC, you’ll find fresh fruits, vegetables, breads, cold cuts, cheeses, spices, and flowers. They also have a good selection of ingredients for Asian dishes, such as noodles, soy sauces, wasabi, etc. as well as some organic products. Location: Corner of Ave Constituyentes and 30th Avenue.
La Europea
La Europea has the best selection of wines and liquors in Playa. However, you’ll also find affordable olives, fruit spreads, spices (good selection), sweets, crackers, cold cuts and cheeses at their small deli (everything you need for hosting a wine tasting by the pool at your condo). Location: Calle Corazon between 5th and 10th Avenues.
Novis
Novis is a wonderful little Italian gourmet store with a great selection of imported pastas, sauces, canned tomatoes, sweets, coffee, cakes, cold cuts and cheeses. Location: Calle 20 between 25th and 30th Avenues.
Recommended Activities & Day Trips
The adventure parks Xcaret, Xel-Ha and Xplor are great attractions for the whole family. Don’t miss the evening show at the Xcaret Park! The annual Day of the Dead Festival at Xcaret is a magnificent event we highly recommend you visit (Oct 30 – Nov 2).
Kids also enjoy trips to the Crococun Zoo and swimming with dolphins in Puerto Aventuras.
We recommend two tour companies: Alltournative and 4Worlds Expeditions. For reservations, visit these companies online at www.alltournative.com and www.4worldsexpeditions.com.
Spending 1/2 day on the catamaran Catamaya leaving out of Puerto Aventuras is also highly recommended and fun for all ages. Good food and great service!
Great day trips worthwhile are: Isla Mujeres, Holbox Island (although you might want to stay the night), Tulum, Sian Kaan, Cenote Azul and Crisallino.
Do not hesitate to ask us for recommendations on more activities in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya as well as assisting you in booking tours or excursions during your stay (or even prior to your arrival).
More information is coming soon...
