Planning your next vacation in Puerto Vallarta? We have gathered top insider information for exclusive Vallarta travel tips. Discover everything from where to eat, where to dance and the must-sees of this Mexico Pacific Coast paradise.

Puerto Vallarta is a Mexican seaside haven for pleasure seekers to indulge in the extensive coastlines, gorgeous landscape, chic restaurants, manicured golf courses and abundance of sun-filled activities. With a lot to choose from, we've narrowed down some favorites of Puerto Vallarta locals and seasoned veterans who can't help but return to the Pacific beaches year after year.

Le Kliff: In arguably one of the most romantic locations in PuertoVallarta, this cliffside restaurant under a palapa offers up some of the most spectacular views in the city. Le Kliff is the perfect romantic restaurant for a quiet evening meal or sunset cocktails. Specializing in seafood, Le Kliff serves local favorites with an international twist. Enjoy your meal seaside overlooking the Banderas Bay for an absolutely unforgettable dining experience. Not-to-be-missed: Le Kliff is the ideal spot for an evening meal as the sun sets over the bay. A favorite for destination weddings and local celebrations alike, it's the prime restaurant for a romantic evening.

Cafe des Artistes: No trip to Puerto Vallarta would be complete without enjoying a delectable dinner at Cafe des Artistes, one of the cornerstones of Vallarta dining. The renowned restaurant led by head chef Thierry Blouet offers an international menu that changes seasonally and will undoubtedly surprise your palate. With a romantic terrace and casual elegance, Cafe des Artistes has become not only one of the hallmarks of Puerto Vallarta restaurants, but one of the most celebrated restaurants in Mexico. Not-to-be-missed: Head Chef Thierry Blouet's second-floor Cocina de Autor is an exclusive dining experience that adds a new dimension to Cafe des Artistes' appeal. Cocina de Autor is a more formal answer to the downstairs bistro.

El Arrayán: Offering traditional Mexico recipes in the center of Vallarta's Old Town, El Arrayán captures the heart of Mexico in its genuine cuisine and casual environment. El Arryán offers classic favorites like plantain empanadas, cochinita pibil and duck confit, all created and garnished with local ingredients and flavors. Not-to-be-missed: The Pastel Dionix made from a family recipe for a truly authentic Vallarta dining experience.

Los Xítomates: For Mexican gourmet in the heart of Puerto Vallarta just off the Malecon, Los Xítomates is an exceptional restaurant with a warm, inviting atmosphere. Owner and Head Chef Luis Fitch, together with Javier Fernandez Somellera, has created a fanciful menu of Mexican fusion that has garnered prestigious awards since the restaurant first opened in 2002. Not-to-be-missed: A chat with the owner and chef, Luis Fitch, who is almost always on-hand to welcome guests in his restaurant.

The Best Puerto Vallarta Nightlife:

De Santos: A consistent favorite among the trendy crowd, De Santos is a stylish lounge that heats up as the sun goes down. Designed in a distinct Mediterranean setting, De Santos is perfect for a fun night out among in-the-know locals dancing to lively music. Decorated in all white, this style lounge is a Puerto Vallarta bar favorite for the cocktail-swilling night owls.

La Bodeguita del Medio: Perhaps not as famous as its namesake in Havana, this Cuban restaurant/lounge is said to have the best mojitos in town. Located on Puerto Vallarta's famed boulevard Malecon, La Bodeguita is perfect for people-watching and dancing to live salsa music. You may be in Mexico, but the tantalizing spirit of this cocktail bar will take you right into the sultry streets of Havana.

Mandala: Replacing old Malecon favorites Kahlua and Mogambo, Mandala arrived in 2007 to fanfare and was a quick hit among locals and tourists alike. The flashy and modern disco spins Spanish pop and electronic music until the sun comes up.

Christine: A seasoned veteran for Puerto Vallarta nightlife, Christine is a dazzling nightclub that tops every clubgoers list in Vallarta. It draws a trendy, upscale crowd to its glittery dance floors, featuring a wide range of music and a midnight light show every night.
Ollivier Jacq is the founder of www.Paradizo.com, a new online resource for luxury travel in Puerto Vallarta. Its main objective is to provide discerning travelers with the tools necessary to create memorable and personalized luxury vacation experiences, as for example book Puerto Vallarta Villas.