PDC PARTIER'S GUIDE
For first timers:
If you are coming to Playa del Carmen for the first time here is some useful information that hopefully will help you have a better and more joyful trip.
​
The most iconic area in downtown Playa del Carmen is Quinta Avenida or 5th Avnue, this is a waking-only street that goes for about 1.25 miles full of stores, restaurants, bars, hotels, condos and many more attractions, 5th Avenue runs parallel to the beach just one block away from it. Best time to go to 5th Avenue is after sun is down, when sun is not so harsh, you will find thousands of people along that street strolling around. If you want to go little of the beaten path take 10th street which is not as affluent. Walk for a while, have dinner in one of more than 100 restaurants on and after dinner, sip on a drink at a local bar and dance to one of the many options offered by Playa del Carmen's nightlife.
​
Low season is consider from October to the first half of December this might be it because is considered rainy season although rain may come and go in 10 minutes or it might last for a few days its also when you will find the best prices from hotel rooms to flights and places not so crowded. Peak dates are considered New Years eve, "Semana Santa" (the Mexican spring break) also usually the firsts weeks of April.
Playa del Carmen has great weather all year long the hottest months are the summer months and the colder months (if you can even call them that) are December and January where the lowest will be around 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Playa del Carmen is know for its beautiful beaches and turquoise waters and of course it amazing world famous parties and nightlife.
.
The nearest airport is Cancun airport and is around a 45 minute drive from downtown Playa del Carmen there are hotels located all the way along the coast from the airport to Playa del Carmen.
​
Legal age to drink in Mexico is 18 years and be sure to bring your ID with you to clubs as they do ask for ID's specially if you look young.
Drugs are illegal in Mexico including weed (unlike other countries where weed is legal) even as recreational use.
​
Nightlife
Playa’s most popular nightclubs are located on 12th street and most lounges and bars are on 5th Avenue.
Nightlife in the clubs normally starts late in Playa del Carmen (around 11PM), so you can have some predrinks on many of its bars along 5th Avenue and after go to one of its many Nightclubs .Travelers visiting Playa del Carmen can stay out until 4 or 5am.
People from all over the world come here. Europeans love Playa del Carmen's nightlife, so be prepared to meet people from Spain, Italy, Portugal, France, Germany, Britain as you tour the club circuit.
Unlike Cancun Playa del Carmen is a bit more European, with smaller nightclubs and many more small bars, you won't find the spring mentality that you find in Cancun as nightlife is a bit more sophisticated in Playa del Carmen. Lounges and fun bars on 5th Av offer a broad range of atmospheres and special activities, and many Salsa clubs can be found throughout the city for those looking to experience traditional Latin culture, music, and dance more personally and directly.
​
Beach
The beach is the main attraction in Playa during the day the day, parasols and bali beds situated along its length stretching down to the water’s edge belonging to mostly to the hotels and beach clubs.
The hotels and beach clubs which adorn its length are on hand to serve you drinks and food all day long so you can relax by the water’s edge with relaxed tuneful beats from the DJ’s drifting on the breeze. Places to check out to party during the day are Mamitas, Kool, Coralina if you are looking for ambiance and beach clubs or check out Deck 5, Thompson hotel pool for beautiful rooftops.
​
Water sports are a natural pastime here stand up paddle boarding and jet skis as well as the fun of the banana boats and diving excursions which are readily available.
​
Restaurants
Playa del Carmen is a world travel destination and Playa's restaurants feature excellent cuisine from all over the world. In addition to traditional Mexican food, travelers can enjoy dining at their choice of seafood, Italian, French, American, and Japanese restaurants.
Many restaurants feature live music, fantastic window seating overlooking 5th ave or the beach,
​
Regardless of whether or not you are looking for traditional cuisine from your favorite corner of the world, elegant settings and ambience for quiet conversation, or a romantic setting overlooking Playa’s beautiful Caribbean shoreline, Playa's restaurants begin the nightlife on a special note that makes memories last a lifetime.
The service is exquisite and intended as well to accommodate an International crowd. Menus are usually available in English, and wait staff is always willing to help a traveler find their favorite dish on the menu and accommodate him or her with exceptional service.
​
​
Shopping
You will find all kind of shops and Malls along 5th Avenues, if you are looking for cheaper prices or more local stores head out of 5th Ave.
​
Accommodation
From the ultra upscale boutique hotels and 5 star resorts to the more economic ones you will find them all either in Dowtown Playa del Carmen to all along the coast from the airport, it all depends on your budget. If saving money for clubbing rather than sleeping is important, there’s also a great choice of economically priced options like hostels.
​
​
click to enlarge
Partier's guide to Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen attracts an international crowd from all walks of life with hotels and venues catering for the uber rich to the more modest budgets and everything in between.
Situated only 45 minutes from the Cancun airport the The "Club Zone" is located mainly on 12th street, if you are stying in on eof the many hotels or Condos located in downtown Playa del Carmen you can easily walk there or take a short taxi drive, there are taxis around at all times outside of the club zone. If you are staying in one of the hotels along the Riviera just check with your hotel concierge, prices are already preset so make sure you ask your concierge.
​
NIGHTCLUBS
Nightclubs in the Club Zone charge US$40-75 admission with open bar (all you can drink) included. Clubs open every day, from around 10pm until 4am or later. Special events, like ladies night or bikini parties, vary by the day, club, and season; check our website for the latest info and deals.
​
BARS AND LIVE MUSIC
Several of the major nightclubs in the 5th Ave and 12th street feature live rock music and even big-name concerts, most notably Mandala and Palazzo , while the lounges and bars tend toward local DJs or recorded music. Along 5th Ave, you’ll find smaller venues featuring more intimate live music, whether jazz, solo guitarists, or trios.
​
THE PROMOTERS AND PARTIES
There is not such a thing as "promoters" as know in the USA, in Playa del Carmen you will find PRs that sell tickets all over 5th Ave and the beaches during the day, they are working for a commission so think twice when buying tickets on the street as they can play you with the price. Our best advice is to prebook so you don't have to deal with street sellers trying to hustle you or buying at the door and finding out the venue is sold out. Parties are usually advertised with a few weeks in advance you can check out our party calendar to be up to date on events.
​
BOAT PARTIES
If you are looking to party during the day definitely have to try one of the boat parties offered, nothing can beat partying in the middle of the Caribbean waters.
​
CLUB TICKETS
You can get tickets for practically all club nights and boat parties on the island in our webpage.
Buying tickets beforehand ensures you get the best price and guaranteed entry. Also keep in mind there are parties that sell out, so getting your tickets in advance is always the safest bet. Apart from that, once you're on holiday you don't have to bring as much money with you, nor waste precious time running after tickets. And fear not, should your plans change midway through your Playa del Carmen trip, you can cancel the vast majority of our tickets up until 24hrs prior to the event and still get a full refund.
​
FLYING SOLO
If your friends are all too busy counting pennies and can't get their bums into gear, don't be afraid of heading to Playa del Carmen on your own! You'll not only find a welcoming, warm embrace, you'll also certainly not be alone. Tons of people make the solo trip to Playa del Carmen each year and they usually go home with a truckload of unforgettable memories as a result. There are party services like the Playacrawl which makes sure you party with others and we assure you by the end of the night you would have met great people from all over the world.
​
SAFETY
As with anywhere in the world, it pays to stay informed and practice sensible precautions when traveling here. Tourism authorities in Mexico have pointed out the rarity of violent events and the low numbers of victims of crime compared to the 28 million American tourists who travel to Mexico each year, and this is worth bearing in mind when planning your travel. This said Playa del Carmen is VERY safe for tourists.
Some simple tips to ensure a safe visit to Playa:​
-
Try to remain within the popular tourist zones.
-
Consume alcohol in moderation.
-
Do not do any drugs or ask around for any drugs to anyone, and ignore people who offer them.
-
Do not do anything you would not do back home.
​
DRINKS AND DRUGS
The legal age limit to buy alcohol and tobacco is18. Officially you have to be 18 to get into the clubs. It is illegal to drink alcohol walking on the streets.
In regards to the possession of drugs, the situation is simple, THEY ARE ILEGAL! In Mexico, personal possession of any drug is a criminal offense.
Needless to say it is not only very stupid but also ILLEGAL TO DRINK AND DRIVE. And of course, this is the case for driving under the influence of drugs, too. The penalties are severe, and accidents will get you into jail.
As a result, traffic controls and searches by the police are becoming increasingly more common, and they test for alcohol as well as drug usage while driving.
BE SENSIBLE AND BE CAREFUL