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Your #1 Guide to Playa del Carmen – Where to Eat, What to See, and Where to Stay
Playa del Carmen is one of the most popular tourist cities in Mexico. The coastal town is filled with laid-back restaurants, shops, and bars. The bright blue turquoise waters line the coast with palm trees and coral reefs. This tourist city is one of my favorite places to visit because there are numerous things to do with a relaxing authentic feel.
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When To Visit Playa del Carmen
The best months to visit Playa del Carmen are December through April. The temperatures are mild and there is very limited seaweed on the shore. Playa del Carmen has had a large seaweed problem. Large amounts of seaweed wash up on the shore and it is an endless occurrence through the months of May – October.
Getting to Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Fly to Cancun
From Cancun, you can either rent a car and drive or take the popular Ado Bus. We chose to drive to Playa del Carmen as we were traveling to five other Yucatan cities. The drive to Playa del Carmen is on a highway that is well maintained and easy to navigate.
Since we came into a hefty Mexico insurance charge with our rental car we returned our car first thing when arriving in Playa del Carmen because we knew we wouldn’t need it. To get back to the Cancun International Airport we took an Ado Bus. I highly encourage taking the Ado buses, they are efficient, quick, comfortable, and cheap. Playa del Carmen to Cancun was about $12USD per person and a quick one-hour ride.
Driving Distances
Cancun to Playa del Carmen: 1 Hour Drive
Tulum to Playa del Carmen: 45 Minute Drive
Valladolid to Playa del Carmen: 2 Hour Drive
Merida to Playa del Carmen: 3 Hour Drive
Playa del Carmen Packing List
Documents
- Passport + Passport Cover
- Itinerary
- Tickets
- Travel Wallet
- Driver’s License
- Credit Cards + Cash
- Document Folder
Personal
- Book
- Travel Journal & Pen
- Pencil Pouch
- Snacks – Think! High Protein Bars
- Water Bottle
- Sunglasses
- Small Jacket, Scarf
- Travel Lotion & Hand Sanitizer
Electronics
Getting Around Playa del Carmen
Walk: We chose to walk during our time in Tulum. The streets are easy to navigate with two main streets getting you from restaurants and shops to the beach. I always prefer to walk in most cities because you get to see so much more and it is great exercise. Make sure to get good walking shoes because this is a large town.
*I wore Chacos every day I was here because they are comfortable walking shoes, stylish, can get wet, and easy to clean.
Drive: We did not drive at all in Playa del Carmen, we actually dropped off our rental car first thing when we arrived because we knew we would be walking everywhere. If you do choose to drive here, make sure you are parking your vehicle in either free parking or you pay to park. Do not overlook the pay-to-park signs. You may have to walk around to see where the signs are located. The parking police will boot your car and you will have to contact them to get it off and pay a fine.
Taxi: Taxis are a popular form of transportation in many Mexican cities because it is cheap. Taxis will honk their horn to alert people they are available. I highly encourage anyone using taxis to learn navigational Spanish terms because most cab drivers do not speak English.
Bike Rental: You can find many bike rentals throughout Playa del Carmen. Check with your resort, they may have a bike rental option or it may already be included with your stay.
Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen
Budget Friendly ($)
- Boutique Hotel
- 7-Minute Walk to the Beach
- Free Wi-Fi
- Roof Terrace with Swimming Pool
- Airport Shuttle
Upscale ($$$)
- Condo Style Resort
- Beachfront
- Full Kitchen
- Air-Conditioning
- Fitness Center
- On-site Bar
- Airport Shuttle
Moderate Price ($$)
Villas Sacbe Condo Hotel and Beach Club
- Condo Style with Full Kitchen
- Welcoming Décor & Furniture
- Access to a Full Gym, Beach Club, Outdoor Pool, and Spa
- Concierge Services
- Free High-Speed Internet
- Free Parking
We absolutely loved our stay at Villas Sacbe. Check-in was easy and the service was amazing. Our condo was in a gated area with a small pool and just a handful of other condos. The condo was clean, welcoming, and ginormous. We adventured over to the sister beach club every day, as well as the full gym. The only bad thing I have to say is that it can be very loud at night with nearby clubs blaring music.
Where to Eat in Playa del Carmen
Breakfast
This trendy bakery and breakfast spot serves up some of the best desserts and coffee in Playa del Carmen. They also offer healthy breakfast dishes with vegan and vegetarian options. Check out their gorgeous Instagram!
Chez Celine is a French restaurant located right on 5th Avenue. Their breakfast dishes are clean and authentic with French techniques and flavors. This adorable restaurant offers great food and a fun ambiance at a great price.
Lunch
Fah is a fabulous restaurant to visit right on 5th Avenue. They offer regional cuisine with an outstanding venue. There is live music every night from local bands and singers. A must-order is their gigantic margarita that comes with two beers.
Dinner
This is more than just a restaurant, this is a unique unforgettable dining experience. Alux is an upscale restaurant built into a naturally formed underground cave/cenote. This unique restaurant is located 4 miles from the popular 5th Avenue and beach because the restaurant is built into a natural underground cave. Alux Restaurant offers an impressive menu that matches the stunning restaurant. The menu is a mix of Mexican and International cuisines.
Read my Full Alux Restaurant Review
A great moderately priced Italian restaurant to visit if you are wanting to change up your dinner cuisine. Don Mario is a fun classic Italian restaurant located a block off 5th Avenue. There are many pizza combinations to chose from, all are unique and delicious in their own way. Order a sweet and fruity sangria to pair with you hot pizza.
Late Night Snacks & Bars
This is a must-visit bar because EVERYTHING is just $23pesos. There are many Cerveceria Chapultepec’s located throughout Playa del Carmen as well as Tulum. The bars are always packed with people because the food and drinks are so cheap. I ordered a taco for a late night snack and it was delicious! There is a topping bar with unlimited salsas and slaws.
Things To Do in Playa del Carmen
Shop
Playa del Carmen offers a large shopping selection from upscale department stores to homemade souvenirs you will find it all. There is a large mall located along 5th Avenue. If you are looking for souvenirs to bring home to friends and family, walk just a few blocks from the touristy 5th avenue and they will be much cheaper.
Stroll Down 5th Avenue
5th Avenue is one of the top tourist attractions in Playa del Carmen. This is a long road only open to walkers and bikes, no cars allowed. There are many restaurants, shops, and hotels lining this busy path.
Akumal Beach
Akumal is just a short drive from Tulum. This beach is known to be one of the prettiest beaches in the Yucatan Peninsula. Grab your snorkeling gear and enjoy the gorgeous blue waters. You can also swim with sea turtles!
Swim in the Nearby Cenotes
Cenotes are all over the Yucatan Peninsula, with multiple located right next to Playa del Carmen. Cenote Cristalino is the most popular with gorgeous blue water, snorkeling areas, and close proximity to the city. One of my favorite cenotes is a short drive away near Valladolid. Cenote Syutum is very well known with large man-made peninsula and large enclosed cave structure.
Cigars
There are tons of cigar shops lining 5th avenue. If you would like to enjoy a nice Cuban cigar, visit one of the many shops. There are a wide variety of affordable cigars to very expensive ones depending on your tastes and budget.
Visit the Playa del Carmen Sign
The iconic and colorful Playa del Carmen sign is located right next to the Cozumel ferry port.
Taste authentic Mexican Chocolate at Aha Cocoa Chocolate
Aha Cocoa offers some of the best chocolate I have ever tasted! We were greeted by a gentleman when we walked in that explained their chocolates and gave us some free samples. I ended up purchasing the dark chocolate bar with almonds.
Grab a drink at one of the many Beach Clubs
Beach clubs line the shore with fun drinks and food. Beach clubs can get a little expensive but if you pay for food and drinks you can enjoy being right on the beach in a soft day bed. Some of the beach clubs offer a 2 for 1 drink deal during happy hour times.
Street Food
All throughout the city, you will find small food carts that serve a range of dishes. In Playa del Carmen, we found many Marquestias, fruit cups, churros, tacos, and sausage stands. They cook the dishes right in front of you. This is a great option for a late-night treat. I absolutely loved the Marquesitas! A Marquesita is a common Yucatan dessert similar to a crepe but more crunchy. You can customize it to your liking with a wide range of fillings and toppings.
Get a Fresh Hot Churro at Los Pinches Churros
More sweets to order! This churro stand is located right in the middle of 5th Avenue. Los Pinches is a small stand that makes fresh hot churros right in front of you. It does take some time to get your churro because they are freshly made but it is well worth the wait and a cheap treat.
Day Trips from Playa del Carmen
Tulum
Tulum has become a popular tourist destination in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. Their unique boho design and healthy lifestyle have attracted many people from around the world. Tulum is known for its ancient ruins, coastal beach, and rocky cliffs. While Tulum is not one of my favorite places in the Yucatan Peninsula, it is still a great place to visit at least once in your lifetime.
Get your Tulum Travel Guide Here
Day Trip to the Mayan Ruins
There are two major Mayan Ruins in the Yucatan Penisula, Chicken Itza, and Ek Balam. Chicken Itza is one of the &-Wonders of the world and has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. Ek Balam is also a tourist attraction that is far less busy but offers the same Mayan Ruin experience. These are both great day trips from Tulum.
Get Tips on visiting the Ek Balam Mayan Ruins
Valladolid
Valladolid is located deep in the jungle of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. This is becoming a tourist city with nearby Mayan ruins, cenotes, and colorful buildings. It still holds its authentic roots with its traditional foods, colonial style, and vibrant culture. It is a wonderful city to visit because it is situated a short drive to many larger cities. Valladolid is a great place to try traditional Yucatan food at a cheap price.
Get your Valladolid Travel Guide Here
Cozumel
Cozumel is a well-known island located in the Caribbean. This island is a popular cruise ship port and can be very touristy. If you are interested in scuba diving or snorkeling, Cozumel is the perfect place to visit. There are tons of scuba diving companies throughout the Island as well as snorkeling boat tours. Most of the island is undeveloped but near El Centro and the ferry port, it is bustling with tourists. Take the ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel for a fun adventurous day trip. Rent a scooter and explore the island!
Visit the charming beach Island of Holbox Yucatan, Mexico
