Discover Playa del Carmen from an authentic perspective

Discovering the places, the cuisine and the most deep-rooted customs in a certain region can give you much more information about the area where you are travelling. This is a much easier way to discover regions you’ve always wanted to visit. You will love to learn more about the authenticity of the people, how they live, where they shop, what they do and also some hidden treasures that are not in all the guides. Feeling your own cultural heritage is a unique experience.

Enjoy the streets and markets most visited by all the local people in Playa del Carmen. If you want to start the day like them, change the wonderful buffet breakfast in hotels for a day and start the morning with a visit to the Luis Donaldo Colosio neighborhood to discover the Mercadito de la Colosio. This is where the locals enjoy fresh fruit, handmade omelettes and other traditional delicacies. We are talking about delicious tamales or panucho de pork pibil at the stalls around the market.

You can also choose a less touristy market, the Diana Laura Riojas Municipal Public Market. Savor home-made meals and interesting conversations with the shopkeepers. There are also handicrafts products to take home as souvenirs such as Embroidered Textiles or Clay Kitchen Utensils. The aroma of spices will captivate you and take you to another world.

The streets leading to both markets are full of colorful graffiti and family businesses that tell stories about the roots of the city and how it is still one of the biggest attractions in Mexico. Ah Cacao cafeteria is a spectacular place to enjoy Mexican artisan chocolate or explore one of the new coffee shops that merge local culture with international trends.

If you want to discover a different and lesser known cultural scene in Playa del Carmen, you should not miss what comes next. 

One of the highlights is the Artway art gallery. A beautiful and very interesting project which includes exhibitions of visual art by local artists. Pure inspiration for anyone who wants to discover the Riviera Maya from a different perspective and using numerous artistic disciplines.

Another place that locals visit to learn more about local culture is the Cultural Center of Playa del Carmenin Quintana Roo. It is a kind of multifaceted neighborhood cultural center with events related to poetry, children's shows, experiment theater and art exhibitions, among other workshops. Programming is alive and well, and changes every so often. Check out all the activities available during your stay in Playa del Carmen.

If you prefer something more musical, visit one of the small bars like La Perla Pixan Cuisine & Mezcal Store. Enjoy a great mezcal while listening to local bands that merge modern with traditional beats. An amazing show!

One of the greatest pleasures we have in life is food. Discovering new flavors and culinary concepts is also a new experience. The restaurants in Playa del Carmen are full of charm, and you can also find dining rooms and cafeterias different to the typical rooms on Fifth Avenue. 

One suggestion would be to find one of the local bars in Playa del Carmen. I recommend El Fogón, a well-known local restaurant in Playa del Carmen among the locals for having the best tacos with an amazing fresh horchata. If you prefer fresh seafood such as ceviche, La Floresta will leave you speechless.

I would also like to recommend Plaza Punto 115. You will have a great meal in one of the most popular restaurants in the city. Find it in an open-air market in the Misión del Carmen district with a great choice of restaurants. Another that stands out is so-called Pier 115. The menu features seafood: ceviches, fried octopus, oysters, aguachiles and, of course, a choice of seafood tacos.

If you’re thinking of something sweeter and more typical of Playa del Carmen, you really have to visit the street stalls and try the local marquesitas. It is a Yucatan dessert similar to a crepe, but crunchy. You can eat it with Nutella or fruit and also mix it with a ball of cheese the way they do. Fusion is spectacular.

One of the most wonderful things about a visit to the Caribbean are the beautiful beaches, emerald-blue waters and white sand that are also found on this side of the world. Playa del Carmen is a unique place, not only because of the beaches, but also because of the amount of nature that you can explore.

If you want to get to hidden areas more frequented by residents, I would like to suggest the following.
One of the beaches that locals visit in Playa del Carmen and that is less crowded is Xcalacoco. You have to take a few minutes by car to the north, but it’s well worth the experience. You can walk freely along the shore without any crowds, big hotels and nightclubs nearby. Total peace and rest and relaxation. Discover the coral reefs and Caribbean Sea as a backdrop, surrounded by jungle.

And for a fantastic adventure in the most beautiful natural environment, I recommend you visit less touristy cenotes, but equally impressive. The beaches are well known by the locals, but as they are less popular, you should take certain precautions and prepare your visit well. The Cenote Búho and Cenote Minotauro are two options that are only a few kilometers away by car and that you can visit without having to meet large crowds.

Everything recommended to make a different day on your holiday in Playa del Carmen. Of course, to enjoy all the great things about hotels and resorts is an experience that makes you disconnect, but it could also add an even more special touch to your trip to the Caribbean. Experience the essence of local life in Playa del Carmen.

To end the day enjoy the nightlife in local bars in Playa del Carmen. The nightlife in this area is full of beats and it’s great to try the clubs and events on offer at hotels and resorts such as Paradisus La Perla - Adults Only - Riviera Maya and Paradisus Playa del Carmen - Riviera Maya. But for one night, explore the bars in Playa del Carmen where locals meet and be social. One of the areas where the best parties in Playa del Carmen are found is 12th Street.

If you want some live music on your night out, or on a more intimate level, visit La Culpa, a small gastrobar with a surprising choice of Mexican craft beers. Bar Fah is also a local bar in Playa del Carmen with live performances by singer-songwriters and new bands.