My Favorite Places
Playa del Carmen Insider Tips
My Favorite Places in
Playa del Carmen
A local’s guide to the best restaurants, beaches, and hidden gems—from the perspective of our condo’s location. Discover where to eat, play, and explore like a local.
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
Labrioche de Plaza — My Top Pick!
My top breakfast spot at the corner of 5th and Calle 38. The perfect place to start your day with fresh pastries and great coffee.
Willing to Go a Bit Further? (North on 5th Avenue, Calle 50)
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 & Beaches
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!
It is a good bit further on 5th Av just past Calle 112th. (Past Paradisus and 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, 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 Av 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.
MEGA Soriana
A little further, about an 18 min walk, has everything, similar to a Walmart (which is just down the street from there) but better.
Convenience Stores
Seems like there is one every 10 steps!
- •OXXO is on the corner of the building to the right of the entrance
- •7-Eleven is on the corner of Calle 28 and Cozumel to the left of the entrance
La Europea — Liquor Store
For a large selection of spirits, located in Quinta Alegría Shopping Mall and they deliver!
My Favorites on Calle 38
You really can’t go wrong at any restaurant on this 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.
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!
Food Delivery
Punta 30
Argentinian food delivered! I love love love their empanadas! They are very quick with the delivery as well.
Rappi — Food Delivery App
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.
Extra Activities
Catamaran Rides
Always a favorite—there are sunset cruises, snorkel cruises, and cruises to Isla Mujeres and Cozumel.
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.
Mamita's or Coralina 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 Beach all provide the option to pay for the day of All Inclusive Food and drink. About $100 per person but prices vary, times are usually 9am to 5pm. I have had an amazing time at all 3; 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 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.
Biciplaya
For convenient bike rentals, Biciplaya is a public bike-sharing system offering various rental plans, including a one-day pass with unlimited 30-minute rides. Ideal for short trips around the city. There is a handy station at Calle 38th and 5th Ave as well as CTM and 5th Ave. You can ride it to many destinations, drop off the bike, and pick up another. Download the app for Apple or Android.
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-Ha, Xplor Park, Xplor Fuego.
Catamaran Tours
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 vs Cozumel: Both are great locations and fun to visit. For Isla Mujeres, most tours take you to MUSA (the underwater museum). Cozumel trips take you to some of the best locations for sea life and are closer with only a ferry ride away.
Ruins Tours
Tours to the nearby ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into the ancient Maya world. Explore iconic sites like Tulum and Chichén Itzá, 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 they include a cenote and transportation. For Tulum, you have the added bonus of swimming with turtles.
Bonus: Free Ruins in Playacar!
The ruins located in Playacar are the only free Mayan ruin site in Mexico, thought to be one of the first Mayan communities visited by the Spanish. The original community had 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. Group E and F is one mile from the entrance to Playacar Phase Two. Visitors can walk Paseo Xaman Ha to the south. The ruins can be viewed from the roadway but do allow visitors to walk through the ancient grounds. Group C can also be accessed off Paseo Xaman Ha (a sign will direct you) through a small jungle path.
Ready to Experience Playa del Carmen?
Book your stay with SolVista Retreats and enjoy all these amazing spots just steps from your door. Our condos offer the perfect home base for your Riviera Maya adventure.
