Shopaholics from all over the world flock to Puerto Vallarta year on year for their vacations because this is a city where you can really go to town (so to speak). We have some hints and tips to make sure that you get the best bargains while you are enjoying your home away from home in Puerto Vallarta.
Puerto Vallarta is one of those few places which literally caters to all shopping needs. There are huge super-malls and open air flea markets which sell everything from high fashion to traditional Mexican fashion. You can get spices, jewellery, candy, fresh produce, skin care and makeup, scents and scented home-products… even piñatas. If all else fails and you want something a bit closer to home you could visit the Walmart and Costco!
Basilio Badillo has changed dramatically over the years, and is now one of the best streets in the city on which to shop. The new restaurants, theatres, and businesses have really put this street on the map, and its proximity to the Garza Blanca Preserve means that it’s easy to get to! Some local owners have even joined forces to make the place prettier and more inviting by planting Bugambilia and hosting a weekly South Shore Shuffle event on Fridays right through High Season (October to April) which includes live music and some free drinks.
If you want to talk to some of the owners on Basilio Badillo you should start with the friendly and vibrant Shaw sisters who own Cassandra Shaw Jewellery. Candace and Cassandra are lively and generally happy to introduce anyone to other locals, including the many foster dogs who come through their store. The wide variety here makes Basilio Badillo one of the best places to shop in the city, and when you or your spouse are sick of shopping you can always stop at one of the great restaurants or bars around here.
The city of Puerto Vallarta is privileged to have some of the most stunning views and places in the country; the Malecon (Puerto Vallarta’s famed boardwalk), which runs along the shoreline is one of those places. Better yet it’s somewhere that you can meet all your vacation shopping needs. In fact, not only can you get great designer clothing at Myskova Resortwear, but you can get some of the finest diamonds in North America at Diamonds International. There are also some lovely, small, handicraft stores where you can find a plethora of trinkets and gifts for people back home. There are plenty of little ice-cream stores, bars, and eateries to chill out in when the heat of the day overcomes you.
There are also some specialty tequila shops, and leather shops along the boardwalk that warrant your attention. Make sure you stick around for the sunset, though, because it’s absolutely stunning; it’s warm, the breeze is gentle, and there are plenty of nice food stand from which you can get some snacks.
The Isla Rio Cuale is one of the most quaint and traditional shopping locations on this list, but the flea market here is truly amazing. The area can be reached via two hanging bridges or by walking down the stairs at the River Café or at Oscars. While you’re here you can see pelicans and the enormous iguanas that call the island home, but you can also shop for trinkets, handicrafts, and other specialty artisan items.
If you love a good mall with air conditioning and a Starbucks, then Galerias Vallarta will hit all the right buttons for you. You can find a casino, movie theatre, food fair, kids area, and a Liverpool luxury department store here, so the variety is truly amazing. You should beware, however, as you are very unlikely to leave Galerias Vallarta empty handed.
Popular with locals and tourists alike, Plaza Caracol has been running for decades and can be found in the very heart of Puerto Vallarta’s Hotel Zone. There is a Soriana superstore here, too, so you can count on having a great base from which to get all your basics: suntan lotion, beach wear, clothing, and even shoes. The rest of the mall, too, offers everything from cell phone accessories to perfume. This mall is by no means luxurious, but is worth a browse.
The Puerto Vallarta Art Walk is held every Wednesday and is a great way to see the city as well as experience the art scene. The business owner is very generous, too, and provides wine so it makes for a really good night out. If you see something you want to buy the gallery will ship it for you, if you wish. Of course you can always ask your airline about their in-flight art guidelines, too. To print an art walk map, click here.
The La Isla shopping mall is set to open in Puerto Vallartas Hotel Zone some time in 2017. It’s set to be a real open air shopping haven, too, so stay tuned.
The market scene in Puerto Vallarta has gone from strength to strength for the last three years, and there are now weekly farmers markets across the city. You can find markets in:
Old Town
Marina Vallarta
Bucerias
Nuevo Vallarta
Sayulita
Marina La Cruz.
Add your own shopping tips to the comments box and help our community of new homeowners at Garza Blanca Signature Residences access the best shopping in Puerto Vallarta.
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