Playa del Carmen is a vibrant coastal town located on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. It is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and bustling nightlife. Playa del Carmen offers something for everyone, from quiet beachfront lounging to lively nightclubs and bars.
Playa del Carmen is generally safe at night, however, it is important to take the same precautions as you would in any other city. It is best to stay in well-lit, populated areas and avoid walking alone at night. It is also recommended to avoid carrying large amounts of cash and to keep your valuables out of sight.
Poised along the glitzy Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen is no doubt one of the most expensive parts of Mexico, but even shoestring travelers will rejoice at the legion of well-priced apartments, cheap local eats and affordable day-trip options available in Playa del Carmen.
Nightlife in Cancun and Playa del Carmen: The VerdictIf you're looking for a wild party scene with mega-clubs and international DJs, then Cancun is the destination for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more relaxed and intimate vibe, then you'll love the nightlife in Playa del Carmen.
Winter nights can be cool in the evenings so a light jacket is a must, especially if you plan to dance the night away at rooftop hotel bars such as the Thompson or Be Playa. You can also shop for cute clothes in Playa, the local malls have high street favorites, such as H&M, Zara, Bershka, and Forever 21.
The rainy season lasts from May to October and traveling to Playa Del Carmen early in the rainy season can be a good way to avoid crowds. The high season typically lasts from December to April. Expect to run into large crowds during the BPM Festival in January.
The Yucatan peninsula is quite close to Florida. Just like Florida can have 'colder' weeks, during our winter months, we can have colder temperatures. The coldest months in Playa del Carmen are January and February – but like anywhere else, it is warmer during the day and colder at night.
Your best bet for meeting people on the beach in Playa is to spend your days close to Mamitas Beach Club / Initi Beach Club / and the Grand Coral. Although you will find people here every day of the week the beach here quickly fills up over the weekend. There's music, dancing, beer, and lots of fun!
Be careful of where and when you withdraw cashAlthough credit cards are accepted at more and more small businesses, Playa del Carmen still runs on cash, and you'll need small bills to enjoy its local taco joints, neighborhood bars and side-street shops.
Cost. In choosing Playa del Carmen or Tulum for your vacation, cost will be a big factor. While both destinations offer a range of cost options, Tulum's price point is roughly 20-30% higher than Playa del Carmen when you factor in accommodation, restaurants, and travel.
Waves will not get to big, this is a not a surfers paradise so swimming can be done every day! Playa del Carmen and the bays are protected by natural reef systems or in the case of Playa, the island of Cozumel so high waves just don't happen very often.
Is tap water ok to brush my teeth in Playa del Carmen? Although there will be some bacteria in the water from the tap it is fine to brush your teeth with, even if you are at a place where you can't drink the tap water.
Smoking in Public Areas in Playa del Carmen and TulumHere, the enforcement of the smoking ban is less rigid. Many outdoor areas, such as beaches and parks, still permit smoking, but it's always considerate to keep a distance from non-smokers.
Ley Seca / Dry Law: On election days, Playa del Carmen stores (and sometimes bars and nightclubs as well) have to adhere to what's called “Ley Seca” (Dry Law) where for 24 – 48 hours during the election period, alcohol sales are strictly prohibited.
Can I drink local water? We recommend not to drink faucet/tap water, the resort will provide filtered and bottled water at all time. Water and ice cubes served at all resort venues are always filtered and safe to drink.