Puerto Vallarta Travel Guide (Puerto Vallarta, Mexico)

The malecón is the obvious centre of night-time activity, lined with places that specialize in creating a high energy party-time atmosphere. Old favourites like the Hard Rock Café and Carlos O'Brian's are here, along with local contenders Zoo and No Name Café . None has a cover charge and most are at ground level, making it easy to wander along and take your pick of the happy hours . South of the river also has its share of clubs, more down-to-earth and maybe more varied. Worth a visit is Club Roxy , Vallarta 217 at Madero, a popular bar-club with an excellent resident band playing blues, reggae and rock and a great atmosphere that attracts locals and tourists alike (no cover). The Jazz House , Rodríguez at Olas Altas, hosts first-class jazz in a tastefully decorated venue that should be more popular; it also serves good if slightly pricey food. The gay scene is thriving and clubs include Paco Ranch and Paco Paco , both on Vallarta.

More formal nightclubs charge up to US$15 for entry, though by asking around you'll come across free nights early in the week, should find half-price coupons (try the timeshare touts), and can always try talking your way in. Christine's , at the Hotel Krystal way up in the hotel zone, is lively, expensive and pretentious.

There are two cinemas : Cine Bahía is south of the river at Insurgentes 189; and Cine Luz Maria is north of the river at Avenida México 227. Both show predominantly Hollywood films in English with Spanish subtitles. Look for listings in Vallarta Today and other free handouts.

Sunday tends to be quiet - some places close - except on the zócalo where, from around 6pm, huge crowds gather around the dozens of taco and cake stands and listen to the brass band. And there's always the pool hall , at Madero 279.