I am often asked about my favorite spots in Playa del Carmen. It’s one of my favorite questions to answer, so I’ve put together this guide from the perspective of my condo’s location to help you explore the best the area has to offer.
Quick Favorites (near the condo)
- El Patio De La Milanesa Restaurante Argentino: I absolutely love their empanadas and they also service the swim-up bar so you don’t even have to leave the pool.
- Roxy’s Little Fish Shack, aka Roots Jamaican Kitchen: Best fish tacos in town but known for their fried chicken. Just 1 street up on 1st from Calle 28, turn left, just past Reef 28.
Breakfast Spots
- Bistro Playa: Next to Roxy’s, perfect for an acai bowl (only open in the morning).
- Cez Celine: Amazing breakfast and lunch on 5th past Calle 32.
- Labrioche de Plaza: My top breakfast spot, at the corner of 5th and Calle 38.
Willing to Go a Bit Further? (North on 5th Avenue)
- Capitan Sandwich: Some of the best pancakes and waffles anywhere.
- 50 Brunch: Just past Calle 50.
- Somos Crisol: Another favorite, a bit further past Calle 56.
Morning Walks
A favorite activity is to walk the beach to find the perfect spot to watch the sunrise.
- Playa 72 (aka Dog Beach): From 5th Avenue and Calle 72, turn right for beach access. It’s my go-to every morning for sunrises and dog watching.
- Playa Punta Esmeralda: Best local beach, great facilities. It is a good bit further on 5th Ave just past Calle 112 (past Paradisus, then turn right on Esmeralda). You could grab a bike from BiciPlaya on CTM and drop it off by Paradisus, or I just walk the beach from Playa 72.
Great Dining Near the Condo
- Aldea Corazon: Located on 5th near Calle 14. The small front hides a huge interior with a cenote, perfect for photos.
- Ictio Fish House: A Caribbean seafood restaurant, probably the best in Playa del Carmen.
- El Fogon: A local favorite on 30th Ave, with several locations around town.
- Don Mario: On 10th Ave and Calle 8, the best Italian food. A must-visit.
- La Vagabunda: This is a local chain and you will see a few throughout Playa del Carmen, however I am always happy with our meal at any location. They have a large menu selection. The close one is on 5th Ave and Calle 26, and my favorite location is on Calle 38 by the beach.
Essentials
- Super Chedraui: The best grocery store in Playa, with a great liquor selection. North on 10th Ave past Calle 34. Map
- MEGA Soriana: A little further, about an 18-minute walk. Has everything, similar to a Walmart (which is just down the street from there) but better. Map
- Convenience stores: Seems like there is one every 10 steps. OXXO is on the corner of the building to the right of the entrance, and 7-Eleven is on the corner of Calle 28 and Cozumel to the left of the entrance.
- Liquor store: La Europea, for a large selection of spirits, is in Quinta Alegría shopping mall and they deliver.
My Favorite Restaurants on the Famous Calle 38
You really can’t go wrong at any restaurant on that street.
- Amate 38: A great example of Yucatecan cuisine with an artistic flair.
- Papaya Slice: My favorite pizza in the world. NY style that even beat a pizza I had in Long Island, NY.
- Taquería Sánchez: It’s not hard to find a Mexican restaurant in Mexico, but this is a great one. This is more about the art of making great Mexican dishes and amazing drinks.
- Xoila: A brand new restaurant cooking with fire. While the food is great, the drinks are even better.
Evening Activities
- 5th Avenue walks: I love walking the length of 5th Ave every night to enjoy street entertainment and art displays. Make it all the way south to Portal Maya for authentic, cultural entertainment.
- Wildlife viewing: Just past Calle 10 on 5th Ave, there’s a small storefront with tigers and leopards. You can pay to hold and pet them, but I prefer just to watch.
Street Food Adventure
- Municipal Center street food: For the adventurous, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. Take 5th Ave to Calle 10 Nte, turn west, and head to 20th Ave. Street vendors line up with the best food. It’s a fun experience I love.
Food Delivery
- Punta 30: Argentinian food delivered. I love their empanadas, and they are very quick with the delivery as well. To order, send a message through WhatsApp to +52 984 876 6177 and ask for the menu.
- Delivery apps: Rappi is the main food delivery app. You will see motorcycles with large food warmer bags on the back. They are quick and easy. With that said, most restaurants also offer delivery. Just look them up, find their number, and send them a message on WhatsApp.
Thrift Shopping Bonus
- Sunday flea market: Head to 10th Ave around Calle 54. It stretches a few blocks north and all the way to 30th Ave. My daughter introduced me to it, and though I’m not a thrift shopper, I enjoyed it, especially the street food and drinks. I discovered I love horchata.
Extra Activities
- Catamaran rides: Always a favorite. There are sunset cruises, snorkel cruises, and cruises to Isla Mujeres and Cozumel.
- Localbird: For all tours, check out our Localbird page.
- Day trip to Cozumel: Head to the ferry boats at the south end of Playa del Carmen and buy a ticket for a quick island adventure. Ultramar or Winjet.
- Mamita’s or Tata beach clubs: At the end of Calle 28 turn left or right and enjoy the day on the beach with service.
- Day passes to resorts: The Reef Coco Beach, Paradisus and Maroma all provide the option to pay for a day of all-inclusive food and drink. About $100 per person, but prices vary, and times are usually 9am to 5pm. I have had an amazing time at all three. The Reef is just past CTM (not the Reef that is next door), Paradisus is very nice with great food and drink, and I love Maroma for the beautiful beach and excursions.
Rental Services
- Playa Bike Rentals: While they offer bike rentals, what I find handy is that they also rent umbrellas and beach chairs at 200 pesos per day for one chair or umbrella, and 500 pesos per day for two chairs and one umbrella. Delivery is available for rentals of three days or more. Contact them via WhatsApp at +52 984 142 1638.
- BiciPlaya: Sadly no longer available. Playa Bike Rentals above is still going, and still the easiest way to get chairs and umbrellas delivered.
Tours and Experiences
Parks: Offering everything from beachfront strolls and cultural performances to underground rivers, jungle ziplines, snorkeling lagoons, and cave explorations. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or high-adrenaline adventure, these natural and eco-friendly attractions provide an unforgettable way to experience the region’s beauty and heritage. Xel-Há, Xplor Park and Xplor Fuego. More information.
Catamaran: The perfect blend of relaxation and adventure on the Caribbean Sea. Sail along the stunning coastline, snorkel in vibrant coral reefs, swim in crystal-clear waters, or simply lounge on deck with a drink in hand. Many tours include open bars, fresh meals, and music, creating a laid-back, festive vibe ideal for couples, families, or groups. Isla Mujeres versus Cozumel: both are great locations and fun to visit. For Isla Mujeres, most tours take you to MUSA, the underwater museum, and Cozumel trips take you to some of the best locations for sea life, only a ferry ride away. More information.
Ruins: Tours to the nearby ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into the ancient Maya world. Explore iconic sites like Tulum and Chichen Itza, where stone temples rise above jungle canopies and sea cliffs, revealing centuries of rich history, culture, and stunning views. The great part about these tours is that they include a cenote and transportation. For Tulum, you have the added bonus of swimming with turtles. More information.
Bonus ruins: The ruins located in Playacar. The only free Mayan ruin site in Mexico, thought to be one of the first Mayan communities visited by the Spanish. The original community has eight groups of buildings; only three remain and are labeled Groups C, E and F. These ruins can be viewed in Playacar Phase One and Playacar Phase Two. Groups E and F are one mile from the entrance to Playacar Phase Two. Visitors can walk Paseo Xaman Ha to the south. Group C can also be accessed off Paseo Xaman Ha, through a small jungle path; a sign will direct you.