Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen, commonly referred to as "La Quinta" by locals, is a lively pedestrian street that runs parallel to the beach.
This bustling area, stretching several kilometers through the city's heart, is well-known for its dining and entertainment options. It seamlessly combines shopping with cultural experiences.
The best time to visit this tourist attraction is late afternoon and evening. During the day, there is little shade, and the sun can be intense.
Whether you are looking for high-end fashion, unique accessories, or one-of-a-kind souvenirs, there is something for everyone to enjoy at the top shopping destination in Playa del Carmen.
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Parque Los Fundadores: Home to the Iconic Portal Maya Statue
We can't discuss Quinta Avenida without mentioning Parque Los Fundadores, between Avenida Juárez and Paseo del Carmen.
This is the first place you should visit when arriving in the city—literally—because the ADO bus station, which brings you from the airport to Playa del Carmen, makes a stop here.
This park is renowned for its impressive sculpture, El Portal Maya, which has become a significant city symbol.
During the day, this park hosts events with great cultural significance, such as the Voladores de Papantla. In the evenings, you can also enjoy traditional Mayan dance performances.
Visiting this park is one of the top things to do in Playa del Carmen. It also features an adorable church, Capilla de Nuestra Señora del Carmen.
It is the only church along the famous Avenue and one of the most picturesque in Playa del Carmen. It is located in the heart of the tourist zone and offers stunning ocean views.
Another highlight of this park is the set of vibrant city letters, where visitors patiently wait their turn to snap a memorable photo to take home.
Check out the location here: Parque Los Fundadores.
What Shops Are at 5th Avenue Playa del Carmen?
Playa del Carmen's 5th Avenue features a lively shopping scene with various options for every taste.
Unique finds await you everywhere, ranging from upscale malls to trendy boutiques. Here are three of the top shopping destinations along this main strip:
Paseo del Carmen: The Perfect Starting Point
Paseo del Carmen marks the beginning of Fifth Avenue. It is one of the city's most popular destinations and holds a special place in visitors' hearts.
Some top tourist stores include Zara, Bershka, Pull and Bear, and Tommy Hilfiger. Additionally, there are plenty of dining options, whether you're in the mood for a delicious burger at Carl's Jr. or a sweet treat from Krispy Kreme.
I particularly enjoy seeing a charismatic character dressed as a Mayan warrior, often accompanied by a sidekick. Taking photos with them is free and a great souvenir, but don't forget to leave a tip!
Check out the location here: Paseo del Carmen.
Calle Corazón: Chic and Luxurious
Calle Corazón is a well-known spot in the city. After its renovation, it became modern and luxurious, featuring stores like H&M, Sephora (a favorite for women), Steve Madden, and a cozy Starbucks.
It also has some of the best restaurants in town, like Harry's and Ilios. It includes one of the city's favorite sushi places, Sushiroll.
The area comes alive at night and is next to Calle 12, where Playa del Carmen's nightlife thrives, alongside well-known restaurants like Sonora Prime and Porfirios.
It is also just two blocks away from the famous Coco Bongo.
Check out the location here: Calle Corazon.
Quinta AlegrÃa: A Place to Shop, Unwind, and Enjoy
Quinta AlegrÃa Shopping Mall in Playa del Carmen is becoming a popular spot. It's the perfect place to find shade, enjoy a coffee, and take a break from the sun.
You can shop at American Eagle, Levi's, and Crocs stores. The mall also has La Europea, one of the best liquor stores in the city.
Additionally, it features the Italia Racing Driving Simulator, which offers a fun Formula 1 experience for everyone.
Recently, World Gym, an international chain, opened here, providing a fitness option. It's also an excellent spot for photos, especially with the famous "LOVE" letters that many enjoy sharing on social media.
Check out the location here: Quinta Alegria.
Gastón Charó Gallery: Art Beyond the Ordinary
This art gallery offers fresh, updated art exhibitions for sale. It is an important cultural space for art lovers.
Playa del Carmen may not be known for its cultural and artistic spaces. Still, the Gastón Charó Gallery offers a unique experience right on Quinta Avenida.
This gallery provides a break from the busy surroundings and takes you into a world of creativity.
Located in JardÃn de Marieta, between Calle 6 and Calle 8, the gallery invites everyone to explore its artistic treasures.
Admission is free, and visitors are encouraged to take photos. However, one rule applies: people must take pictures of the artwork as a group, not individually.
Inside, you will find beautiful art, with prices starting at just 400 pesos. For years, this gallery has quietly enhanced the charm of this tourist destination.
Check out the location here: Gaston Charo Art Gallery.
Think Twice About Photos with Exotic Animals
Visitors to Fifth Avenue may encounter people offering photos with lion, jaguar, and leopard cubs. While it seems like a unique experience, it's essential to recognize the suffering these animals endure.
Often drugged to stay manageable, these cubs are taken from their natural habitats and subjected to cruel conditions for tourist photos.
Many have their claws and teeth removed, enduring painful procedures that leave them defenseless.
Paying for these photos contributes to a cycle of abuse and mistreatment. I urge you to think twice before participating in this practice. Instead, educate and raise awareness about the realities of their exploitation.
Is 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen Safe for Tourists?
This destination is exceptionally safe and enjoyable for tourists from around the globe. Security personnel, including dedicated tourist police and the National Guard, monitor the well-maintained area.
Specialized units with trained dogs actively conduct searches for illegal substances, enhancing the overall safety of the environment.
While visitors may occasionally encounter individuals attempting to sell drugs, this is a minor concern that does not detract from the area's overall safety.
Tourists can explore and relish this renowned location with complete confidence alongside their loved ones.
How to Avoid Silver Scams and Fake Tequila Offers
When buying silver jewelry, it's essential to be cautious. The market is filled with counterfeit items, so always purchase from a reputable store to avoid scams.
Additionally, reading the store's reviews beforehand is a good idea to ensure its credibility.
Similarly, be wary of overpriced tequila scams. A seller may offer you a sample of quality tequila to entice you to purchase.
However, once you open the bottle at home, you might discover that it's not the same tequila or of the same quality as the sample you tried.
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If you plan to buy tequila, it's best to shop at a reputable store like La Europea in Quinta AlegrÃa. Not only do they offer authentic products, but their prices are often much better.
Playa del Carmen Restaurants on 5th Avenue
La Quinta Avenida is a fantastic destination for food lovers, boasting many excellent restaurants.
If you're in the mood for delicious Argentine grilled steaks, visit El Diez. For an enjoyable Italian meal, L'Italiano Restaurant serves mouthwatering pasta and pizza.
For a classy dining experience with premium cuts of meat, check out Sonora Prime or Harry's. If you prefer a casual setting, try Karen's, which offers a diverse menu of international dishes.
Chez Céline is ideal for tasty breakfasts and desserts, while Starbucks provides quick coffee options. Head to Aldo's or Amorino for delicious gelato for a sweet treat.
If you're interested in live music in a relaxed atmosphere, consider visiting Fah Bar & Restaurant. It offers a great happy hour and a fun vibe for your evening.
For the best mojitos and lively Cuban music, don't miss La Bodeguita del Medio. It's a fantastic place for a night out filled with dancing.
We couldn't end a section about the best restaurants without mentioning a delicious slice of blue cheese at Pizza Renzo, one of Fifth Avenue's oldest and most iconic spots.
What Time Do the Shops Open on 5th Avenue Playa del Carmen?
Most businesses open between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., but specific hours vary. The Street is open to the public all day, every day.
However, many businesses close at midnight, which makes the area quieter. By around 4 a.m., it might feel quite empty, resembling a "ghost town."
If you plan to walk along the Street early in the morning, be aware that the atmosphere can change significantly compared to the daytime. While exploring can be enjoyable, visiting during the day provides a livelier and safer experience.
Snap a Pic with the Bronze Statue at Hacienda Tequila
The experience wouldn't be complete without taking a photo of the famous bronze statue at Hacienda Tequila.
This bench and its curious character have captured the attention of everyone who visits 5th Avenue. Just as taking a photo at the Portal Maya has become a must, so has snapping one with the bronze statue.
Many think it depicts a mariachi or a gunslinger. Still, it's a sculpture honoring Emiliano Zapata, one of the great heroes of the Mexican Revolution.
Hacienda Tequila is a worthwhile stop, offering a rather extensive tequila tasting. The store is filled with souvenirs and an astonishing variety of tequilas. However, it is pretty touristy, and the prices are higher than in other liquor stores in the city.
Check out the location here: Hacienda Tequila.
Celebrate Frida Kahlo at Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen
The museum is not located on Quinta Avenida; it's just off to the side. It was previously situated on the main strip, but now a Señor Frog occupies that space.
This cultural attraction, dedicated to a well-known artist, has drawn visitors for years with its exhibitions.
While the works on display are not the originals, this is understandable given the proximity to the beach, which could cause damage due to humidity.
Instead, you'll find high-quality reproductions that faithfully capture the essence of the originals.
Every visitor leaves with a small souvenir and a sense of awe from the experience.
The price is USD 17.35 per adult and USD 4.46 for children.
Check out the location here: Frida Kahlo Museum.
Meet Your Heroes at Louis Tussauds Wax Museum (Now Closed)
Do you want to take photos with your favorite movie or sports star? If so, this museum is perfect for you.
This wax museum offers a fun and family-friendly outing. The admission fee is about $12, which is a great value.
While some figures might not look real, the museum is comfortably air-conditioned, making it a pleasant visit no matter the weather outside.
You will see life-sized figures of robots and Marvel characters that are striking and captivating.
There's also a remarkably crafted figure of Bruce Willis at the entrance, which shows impressive attention to detail and captures his likeness, enhancing the museum's overall appeal.
Update:Â The museum closed at the beginning of 2025 because many wax figures were of low quality. Seeing a business close on Quinta Avenida is always sad, but many of us saw this coming.
Check out the location here: Louis Tussauds Wax Museum.
The 'I Am Your Waiter' Scam on Quinta Avenida
The street vendors are sharp and know how to spot the unique bracelet that shows you are staying at the hotel. This recognition gives them a chance to approach you with a friendly attitude, pretending to be a server from your hotel.
Be careful and alert; it's essential to avoid these traps. Many of these vendors will start a conversation, claiming to work at your hotel, but their real goal is to sell you products. You should watch out for this common tactic during your stay.
Avoid Street ATMs on Playa del Carmen's Fifth Avenue
Do not use ATMs on Fifth Avenue. All of them have been altered to steal your information and money.
Use ATMs only in department stores, banks, or places with security cameras. Organized crime has used these machines to steal money from tourists.
While the situation is better than a few years ago, when the Romanian mafia controlled the ATMs with local authorities' help, it is still a concern.
If an ATM charges you but doesn't give you your money, stay there and call 911. The tourist police will come to help you. They know how to find these machines and recover your money.
What Is the 5th Ave in Playa del Carmen?
This area in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico, is a busy pedestrian walkway filled with shops, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. It is just one block from some of the best beaches in the Riviera Maya, making it popular with tourists and locals.
Shopping here offers a mix of local culture and international styles. Many enjoy the wide variety, but some find the prices high and the selection repetitive.
Visitors often complain about high prices and similar items sold in different shops. Some also say that shopkeepers can be pushy when trying to get them to enter stores, which can be frustrating.
This area provides a lively experience, especially for those who like tourist spots with many shopping and dining options.
However, if you prefer more authentic and less commercial experiences, you might find it overwhelming and too focused on tourists.
Check out the location here: La Quinta Avenida.