No matter if you preparing for a breakfast or wanting to have a light lunch, bread can be, without any doubt, the first choice for the majority of the people, this very common mixture of wheat and flour need to be part of every meal. You can find them in so many places around, however if you want to be delight for a well-prepared ones, here you can find a list of some spots where talented bakers make their magic giving you the best bread to have in Playa de Carmen.

1) Das Brot

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This bakery, as its name means “The bread”, they cannot offer something that is not the best bread. This cute bakery is run by a German-born high talented baker who brings all the traditions of the German Bakery to create wholesome breads and divine pastries. Besides the great multigrain bread, you can find here pastries full of yumminess such as cinnamon rolls, apple strudel, and even they offer a vegan bread version.

They are located on 40th Avenue between 8th and 10th Street. If you fancy really good German bread, this is place you should go.

2) The Grumpy Bakers

They are a couple of bakers that create delightful types of bread, pastries, cakes, cookies among other delicious creations. They called themselves grumpy, but whether they are grumpy or not, they find a way to craft so tasty treats. They do not have a fixed place, but normally they can be found in the Kava Kasa market on Thursday afternoon. If you see them, do miss the opportunity to try their heavily made bread.

3) Chez Celine

If we are talking about good bakeries, we need to include Chez Celine, there you can find a wide menu with French inspiration of pastries full of deliciousness and sophistication. The bread here is just amazing, if you pop in the restaurant and feel the incredible smells of the hot bread fresh out of the oven, you won’t resist trying it.

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They offer a wide menu to have breakfast or ideal for brunch time, but no matters what you choose, give a try to their delightful bread.

4) La Brioche

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This spot on the 5th Avenue, it’s more than bakery/coffee shop, they offer different type of homemade food with great taste and reasonable prices. They have a great bread and pastries selection.

No matter if you preparing for a breakfast or wanting to have a light lunch, bread can be, without any doubt, the first choice for the majority of the people, this very common mixture of wheat and flour need to be part of every meal. You can find them in so many places around, however if you want to be delight for a well-prepared ones, here you can find a list of some spots where talented bakers make their magic giving you the best bread to have in Playa de Carmen.

1) Das Brot

[pinPicBlogInclusion id="100"]

This bakery, as its name means “The bread”, they cannot offer something that is not the best bread. This cute bakery is run by a German-born high talented baker who brings all the traditions of the German Bakery to create wholesome breads and divine pastries. Besides the great multigrain bread, you can find here pastries full of yumminess such as cinnamon rolls, apple strudel, and even they offer a vegan bread version.

They are located on 40th Avenue between 8th and 10th Street. If you fancy really good German bread, this is place you should go.

2) The Grumpy Bakers

They are a couple of bakers that create delightful types of bread, pastries, cakes, cookies among other delicious creations. They called themselves grumpy, but whether they are grumpy or not, they find a way to craft so tasty treats. They do not have a fixed place, but normally they can be found in the Kava Kasa market on Thursday afternoon. If you see them, do miss the opportunity to try their heavily made bread.

3) Chez Celine

If we are talking about good bakeries, we need to include Chez Celine, there you can find a wide menu with French inspiration of pastries full of deliciousness and sophistication. The bread here is just amazing, if you pop in the restaurant and feel the incredible smells of the hot bread fresh out of the oven, you won’t resist trying it.

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They offer a wide menu to have breakfast or ideal for brunch time, but no matters what you choose, give a try to their delightful bread.

4) La Brioche

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This spot on the 5th Avenue, it’s more than bakery/coffee shop, they offer different type of homemade food with great taste and reasonable prices. They have a great bread and pastries selection.

No matter if you preparing for a breakfast or wanting to have a light lunch, bread can be, without any doubt, the first choice for the majority of the people, this very common mixture of wheat and flour need to be part of every meal. You can find them in so many places around, however if you want to be delight for a well-prepared ones, here you can find a list of some spots where talented bakers make their magic giving you the best bread to have in Playa de Carmen.

1) Das Brot

[pinPicBlogInclusion id="100"]

This bakery, as its name means “The bread”, they cannot offer something that is not the best bread. This cute bakery is run by a German-born high talented baker who brings all the traditions of the German Bakery to create wholesome breads and divine pastries. Besides the great multigrain bread, you can find here pastries full of yumminess such as cinnamon rolls, apple strudel, and even they offer a vegan bread version.

They are located on 40th Avenue between 8th and 10th Street. If you fancy really good German bread, this is place you should go.

2) The Grumpy Bakers

They are a couple of bakers that create delightful types of bread, pastries, cakes, cookies among other delicious creations. They called themselves grumpy, but whether they are grumpy or not, they find a way to craft so tasty treats. They do not have a fixed place, but normally they can be found in the Kava Kasa market on Thursday afternoon. If you see them, do miss the opportunity to try their heavily made bread.

3) Chez Celine

If we are talking about good bakeries, we need to include Chez Celine, there you can find a wide menu with French inspiration of pastries full of deliciousness and sophistication. The bread here is just amazing, if you pop in the restaurant and feel the incredible smells of the hot bread fresh out of the oven, you won’t resist trying it.

[pinPicBlogInclusion id="101"]

They offer a wide menu to have breakfast or ideal for brunch time, but no matters what you choose, give a try to their delightful bread.

4) La Brioche

[pinPicBlogInclusion id="102"]

This spot on the 5th Avenue, it’s more than bakery/coffee shop, they offer different type of homemade food with great taste and reasonable prices. They have a great bread and pastries selection.

Due to Playa de Carmen has become more and more popular in the recent years, it’s normal that the number of souvenirs stores has increased in order to satisfy the demanding necessity of the tourist for taking a little piece that remember them, those glorious days in Playa. However, the majority of these stores just offer china-made stuffs which do not really represent the Mexican culture, it can be good treat for almost everybody, though.

In this post I decide to make a list for those who want an authentic handmade piece that represents Mexico. I'll mentioned some great options and where to find them.

Textile Crafts

Mexico is well known for the incredible long history of their textiles existed since pre-hispanic times, and it has been changing and enriching until nowadays. Mexican textiles are famous for their high quality and their really unique combination of colours.

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The handcraft that you can find is so varied it ranges from very popular huipiles (traditional garment similar to a poncho) to purses, passing through houseware. In Playa del Carmen there a few spots where you can find this treasures and be completely sure you’re buying really authentic handmade pieces. Some of them are El Jaguar Dorado and Sol Jaguar.

Pottery and Sculptures

When talking about handmade crafts from Mexico, we can’t left out the beautiful art pieces made from ceramics, pewter and glass. The beauty of the Mexican crafts is a result of mixture of the autochthonous design with the craftsmanship techniques about how to treat the ceramics and the glazing obtained from the Spanish colonization. This way was born that we know today as Talavera Ceramics, a truly Mexican pottery.

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If we talk about Talavera Pottery and Mexican Pewter in Playa del Carmen, we have to mention the shop on the 1st Avenue, “Siete Detalles”. When you go into this little shop you’ll find stacks from floor to ceiling of gorgeous Talavera pottery, ceramics, glassware, pewter and variety of home goods. They sell beautiful handmade crafts that use Mexican pewter. Every piece is unique, as it is the result of metal craftsman work, that give it a real artisanal aspect.

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Another material that Mexican artisans work really well is Ambar, they obtained this material from fossil bearing rocks in the southern region of Chiapas. There is a spot in Playa de Carmen with a large collection of this type of folk arts, including jewelry and sculpture, its name is Ambarte. You can find them on Constituyente Avenue at the corner of 5th Avenue. They also sell crafts made from bee wax and really coloured yarn created by hand for the Huichol artisans. The prices are not low in this shop, but you can buy a really beautiful piece of art that worth every penny.

“Street” Art

Mexico is a country with a strong artistic culture, evolving since the prehistoric times. This ability to express in an artistic manner, it gets evident when we see the great quality and quite big artistic expressions of local people, who find on the street a place to show their talent. Considering there are not enough art galleries in Playa de Carmen, there is a local art scene that happens every Thursday night on the 5th Avenue, where pedestrians can admire and buy a wide variety of local artist and photographers work.

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This is called Caminarte, is junction of the words walking and art, in Spanish. If you want an original piece of art, this is the place you can get it.

Mexican people definitely know how to work different materials to create gorgeous and really unique pieces of arts that resembles the authenticity of local culture. And Playa offers you the opportunity to have a part of that.

Probably burger is one of the first options for many when they want to eat out after a relaxing beach day. And of course that Playa del Carmen, receiving thousands of tourist every year, has really good spots where you can satisfy your cravings for this delicious dish. In this list, I left out the seafood alternative very popular around the town, and I just focused in the American-style burger.

1) Carboncitos Restaurant

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Carboncitos Restaurant has been opened for a long time in Playa del Carmen. They have an extensive menu that includes soups, seafood dishes, and inclusive an American Style hamburger, that you can make especially to suit your taste. It’s totally worth a try. You can find them on 4th Street between 5th Avenue and 10th Avenue.

2) Mu. Burgerhouse

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This restaurant is a-must if you want to try authentic american burger in Playa. You can enjoy a youthful atmosphere in either of the two ambiences; indoor garden and outdoors. They offer a selection of artisanal beer to accompany your meal.

This a great place to get real American style burger, great beer or cocktails, very nice music and outstanding services at affordable prices. They are located into the back of the downtown on 40th Avenue between 4th and 6th Street.

3) 3XL Burger

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If you’re looking for hamburgers in Playa de Carmen, there is a name that always stands out, 3XL burger. They are exclusively dedicated to make delicious hamburgers. In this place you can select the type of meat do you want, they’ll cook for you, and then you can add any toppings you want from the bar toppings. You can find them on 8th Street and 25th Avenue.

4) Mr. Dog del Caribe

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This shy restaurant, located on 2th Street and 75th Street, offers a wide menu of fast food. And because of its increasingly popularity they have included burgers in its menu, becoming in one the favourite spot to get a tasty hamburger among the locals. They claim to use only Angus Certified beef, so definitely you’ll get the real American flavor here.

5) Zitla

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It's one of the most recognized restaurants in Playa del Carmen, offering a wide culinary selection with incredible taste, great music, cozy atmosphere and really friendly staff. You can find different type of food here, but you should try their scrumptious burgers. They have several branches in different parts of Mexico and in Playa del Carmen they are located 12th Street Between 15th and 20th Avenue.


You’ll definitely satisfy your cravings for an authentic American burger in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is really worth visiting, there not only you will be delighted with stunning crystal clear water beaches with incredible white sand, there also you will be exposed to a wide variety of delicious delicacies including both, local Mexican flavors or international options. When we talk about breakfast there are some spots you can’t miss, here is the list, in no particular order, with all of them.

1) Chez Celine

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This a very popular restaurant in Playa del Carmen located in the crowded 5th Avenue. But do not let this holds you back; this restaurant is far away from those pricey and simple food offering places that you probably think you will find around there. Chez Celine offers a delightful French menu that includes delicate pastries and wide variety of sandwiches.

Any plate you choose you can’t go wrong, but maybe you want to try the almond croissant, it’s just delicious. They also offer great beverages options to accompany your breakfast.

It can be really crowded, especially in morning, so be prepared.

2) La Cueva del Chango

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If you’re looking for a more Mexican traditional breakfast, this is the place for you. They have an extensive menu including chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, tuna toast or lighter option like fresh fruit salad with yogurt.

A plus in this restaurant, besides the great food, is the cozy atmosphere in the lovely garden, making a perfect place to have a relaxing and really authentic Mexican breakfast. You can find them in 38th Street.

3) Lara & Luca

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Unlike the first two on the list, Lara & Luca is a small restaurant off the beaten track, and according to locals one of the best places to have a delicious breakfast in Playa del Carmen. They offer a wide menu with classic breakfast options flavored with local touch at reasonable prices.

It’s a cozy place with a really friendly staff that makes you want to come back. They are located in Aviacion Avenue.

4) Madrez! Café

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This is a tiny café shop with delicious breakfast selection. You can have there from benedict eggs to waffles with varied toppings. They also offer great beverages options and the coffee really stands out, that smooth cappuccino definitely worth a try. It’s a great spot if you looking for vegetarian selection. You can find them in 8th Street, between the beach an 5th Avenue.

5) Choux Choux Café

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This Café Shop not only has one of the best coffees in Playa del Carmen, they also offer a delicious French menu for breakfast time. The interior design with modern artwork and chic decoration makes the experience of eating here a totally worthy experience. It's a-must in Playa del Carmen. You can find this restaurant in 20th Avenue and 24th Street.

Well, No matter if you’re looking for a French breakfast or a more Mexican alternative, Playa de Carmen gives you delicious options.

If you're one of those that need a caffeine buzz or just like to enjoy a delicious warm beverage as part of your daily routine, you know that when you’re travelling, finding a great place to satisfy can be tricky. If we don’t have enough time to explore all the options, we can get quite frustrated.

I love coffee, and for that reason, I’m continuously seeking the best spots around. Here it is my list of the best places to find delicious coffee here in Playa del Carmen.

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You probably know that cacao/chocolate drinks originate in Mexico and no one puts that on display better than Ah Cacao. The local chain proudly uses coffee grains and cacao from the Mexican fields. It’s one of favourite for the locals (or local expats), and becoming more and more popular among tourists, because the great quality of their products for a reasonable price.

There you can find a wide menu that includes: chocolate beverages, different styles of coffee, varied chocolate treats and desserts. Additionally, they have a non-edible selection of products for skincare made from cacao such as: shampoo, massage oils, soaps.

When you visit them, give the Mayan Chocolate a try. This unique drink resembles the Mayan Traditional drink made from chocolate with cayenne spice.

They have three branches around the city. One on 5th Avenue and Constituyentes Intersection, another on 5th Avenue and 30th Street and the last on 5th Avenue between 38th Street and 40th Street. All of them offer great quality and excellent service. However, if you’re looking for a more spacious area, head to that last one.

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If you're a black coffee connoisseur like me (and you can't live without your aeropress or french press), this one's for you. They have (objectively) the best coffee in Playa as well as some amazing breakfasts you won't find in other parts of the Mayan Riviera.

The restaurant is French owned, and it's immediately apaprent from the incredible food selection (the eggs benedict and El Barco are literally to die for). They have an inspiring design with an environmentally friendly decoration that gives it a delightful ambiance. It’s a great place to chat, meet with friend or even work since they offer a very fast internet connection.

They are all in one, offering great menu, delicious coffee, reasonable prices, pleasant atmosphere and a responsible commitment with the environment. They are (a little bit) out of the way. You can find them on the corner of 20th Avenue and 24th Street.

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This café not only offers a delicious variety of coffee they also have a wonderful menu with pastries, bagels to go along with it. This spot is away from the tourist strip, so if you’re looking for a calm place, this is perfect for you.

They have affordable prices, really friendly baristas and one of the best Expresso in Playa del Carmen. You can find them in 25th Avenue.

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This coffee shop has a great design with laid back feel, making an ideal place to relax. Its owner is Bob Marley’s son, Rohan, where its name comes from.

They have a philosophy of environment consciousness and sustainability farming behind their products. Their menu includes not only delicious coffee they have pastries as well. You can find them in 10th Avenue and 2nd Street.

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The best–THE BEST–desserts in Playa del Carmen. I can't rave enough about how great all the food they make it. The Alice in Wonderland theme really brings the whole thing together and shows you that the owners take pride in the little details.

The spot is a little hidden if you mostly stick to the most touristy parts of Fifth Avenue, but the entire 38th street is worth checking out down to the beach.

Do you have any other coffee spots to share? I'm always looking for a delicious coffee.

After amazing days in Playa del Carmen, you’ll want to get something that remember you this incredible experience, or give a unique gift to a relative or friend. In any case, you need to look for authentic pieces that represent the Mexican culture avoiding the kitschy knick-knacks shops. Here, I come up with a list with the souvenirs and where can you get them.

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Mexican Textile and Handcrafts items

The high quality of the Mexican textile is well-recognized, there are a wide variety of things you can find, its range from elegant well-crafted woven blouses to colorful implements for our houses. The 5th Avenue is full of shops of all kinds; you can see sellers with a blanket spread out showing different types of vibrant colored crafts coming from different parts of Mexico. Normally, they do not show the prices, you need to ask and considering you’re in the beaten path, the prices would a little higher.

There’s a small gift shop that worth to visit on lower 5th Avenue named Sol Jaguar, you’ll enjoy the fine craftsmanship of traditional folk art. Here, you can find ceramics, textiles, wood carving, figures among others. The prices are not low but you can see why in the high quality of theirs products.

As I mentioned in a previous post Where to buy traditional Mexican Outfits? one of my favorite shops to buy off the 5th Avenue, is El Jaguar Dorado located on 8th Street. You find so many creative pieces of arts here, that it’s difficult to decide what to buy.

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Chocolate and Traditional Sweets

How people say Chocolate always the answer, no matter the question. The Mexican Chocolate is famous for its great quality. One spot that stands out among the others is the coffee shop Ah Cacao, right in the center of Playa del Carmen. Additionally of the refreshing and delicious chocolate beverages they offer, they have a selection of cacao souvenir including bars, drink mix, cookies. Also have a variety of no-edible products made of cacao like: body oil, moisturizer, soaps. It’s a perfect souvenir for that chocoholic friend.

You must not forget the full of flavors candies that Mexico is famous for, they can go from mild sweetness to spiciness, passing for a mixture of fantastic gamut of flavors. Along 5th Avenue you can find numerous sellers that offer them and they are budget-friendly. You can include: cocada (heaven sweet made by coconut and condesated milk), palanqueta, alegrias, ate or if you have bold taste you may try the tamarindo with chile sweets. Definitely it’s a conversation starter in any meal when you back home.

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Xtabentun Liquors and Tequila

The Tequila is for sure the most worldwide famous Mexican liquor, so it’s totally make sense you’d like to bring your authentic sample of this spirit in your way back. You can get it from The Tequila Museum on 5th Avenue, they have a fair selection where you can choose. However, if you're looking for more options, there is a little tequileria on 1st Avenue that offer great variety at different prices. They even have some free samples.

In Playa del Carmen you can find massive liquors store that have a wide selection, the most popular among the locals is La Europea located on 5th Avenue and Constituyentes Avenue. Here you can find the Mezcal (It’s a traditional alcohol made from the maguey plant) that is becoming more and more popular, not just in Mexico. Finally, you can’t forget the local liquor of the Riviera Maya, Xtabentún. It’s a drink made from fermented honey and herbs that give it an anise flavor.

Handmade Hammocks

If you still have enough space in your luggage and you can get out of your mind those calm days lay down in the hammocks on the beach. So, you’d considered to buy an authentic handmade hammocks for your house. There are some shops arounf the 5th Avenue that sell them, but if you're looking for great quality at affordable price you should go to the 30 Avenue between 52 Street and 54 Street where is a shop exclusively dedicated to Hammocks called La Casa de las Hamacas (Hammocks House).

Do not forget to get your souvenirs, Playa de Carmen offers a lot of great options. You not only would be bringing colours and vibrant energy to your place, you’ll be helping the locals and conserving Playa as the paradise it is.

The Mexican culture is so rich and vibrant. It’s the result of the mixture of its ancient civilizations with Spanish influences. Mexican culture has undergone an incredible transformation during the last centuries, creating an identity that is recognizable all over the world. How to see a Charro or a poncho and not to think in Mexico.

If you’re in Playa del Carmen there are some places where you can find some traditional garments to wear. It’s a perfect souvenir or a great complement to your photos. Here is my top three shops when I’m looking for great quality, low prices and authenticity.

1) Kin Mayab

Kin Mayab which is located in the 5th Avenue, offers to its clients a variety of stylish traditional outfits with high quality of fabric and confection. The options span from guayaberas and huipiles (traditional light-clothes blouses) to accessories like sombrero (traditional hats) and handbags. All of them made of colorful fabrics that resemble the Mexican culture.

2) El Jaguar Dorado

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It’s a small boutique and workshop at 8th street just into 10th avenue and 15th avenue, where you can find handmade garments with traditional colours including ponchos and shoulder bags. You’ll not find china-made customs here, all their textiles are hand dyed and sewn.

3) Rosalia Textiles Maya

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This is a great spot to find gorgeous embroidered aboriginal garments. The textile pieces are made by Chiapas native and its range from wool-animal suits like serapes and huipils to lovely blankets. This workshop is located on 5t Avenue, between 12th Street and 14th Street.

When you buy in any of these shops you’ll buy an authentic piece of the Mexican customs and you'll also support the locals. It can be a great souvenir or try it on to give your wardrobe a bohemian vibe.

Playa de Carmen has incredible natural beaches and a laid-back atmosphere that offers a more realistic experience than other popular spots in Riviera Maya. However, this is attracting more and more visitors every year. As a local, I really enjoy the diversity and mixture of cultures that the touristy influence is bringing, but I also have my own list of more unknown places avoiding the crowded 5th Avenue’s shops and much-frequented restaurants. I’ll spill the beans here.

1) Visit a Cenote

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Going to a Cenote is great option to spend a day. There you can practice snorkelling or scuba diving, or just swimming in incredible clear water. Near to Playa del Carmen are cenotes like: Cristalino, El Jardin del Eden and Cenote Azul that worth a visit. If you arrived early you can have these magnificent places all to yourself.

2) Eating out as a local

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When you live in a tourist destination and want to eat out, you’re going to have one priority: get great-taste food with a good price. So, getaway from the famed restaurants on Quinta Avenida and go to the downtown area.
Obviously the first option here, is the seafood. There are unpretentious restaurants offering fresh dishes with a superior taste. Some of the favourites are El Oasis Mariscos and Los Aguachiles. You can enjoy varied menus including the worldwide famous Tacos (They offer the seafood version). When we talk about tacos, the residents enjoy going to Tacos De Barba-Birria or Don Sirloin, if the willing to enjoy the most traditional versions.

3) Bust a groove at the beach

One of the most popular places with great music to dance with involving atmosphere on the beach at night is the Zenzi. On weekends, this place offers on live music, where you can show your best moves on the dance floor.

4) Fancy a coffee

There are a lot of option to get a warm drink here in Playa, one of the local’s favourite is the Bakery Chez Cheline. They have a superb coffee and delicious fresh bread.

5) Let’s go to the beach

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According to the playenses (Locals of Playa del Carmen) the best beach to go is Playacar, it’s ideal for a relaxing experience. It’s quiet and it’s far away from the noisy areas. Another great option is Punta Esmeralda Beach, it’s a beautiful beach with clear water surrounded by palm trees. Also there is a cenote with shallow water, great to rising off after a bath on the beach.