based on 9 experiences from female travelers
Playa del Carmen is beautiful but do not go in August it’s extremely hot and the beaches smell bad. I got a heat rash and burned my skin tremendously so I would say definitely visits just not in August
Posted: November 1, 2024Monica
United States
I loved PDC and will be returning September 2024. I stayed at the reef 28 and I can't express how great they were! It's an adult's only AI and it's surprisingly inexpensive. It was a 5-minute walk to the beach, one block away from 5th avenue, I didn't feel unsafe walking around at night, lots of music and nightlife. Make sure to check out Xcaret! It's an Eco Park, we were able to float throughout an underground river, saw multiple animal, swam with dolphins, relaxed on the beach, watched native performances, I 100% plan to go back again! I was there for 5 days, not including flight and hotel, I spent about $700 (almost $200 of it was the price of swimming with the dolphins, which I highly suggest, it was a very spiritual experience)
Posted: June 30, 2024Experienced: September, 2023Okarina
Mexico
This is gonna be a long one lol I've been to Playa several times and love it Beautiful and generally quiet town in the middle of the "Costa Maya". The best part is how close everything is: Cancun is around 1 hour away, just like Tulum; Puerto Morelos is around 40 minutes away; if you wanna try snorkeling in Cozumel, just go downtown and head to the port to book a ferry; if you want to swim near sea turtles, Akumal is about 25-30 minutes from the city center, the Xcaret parks are also nearby (around 20 minutes by car from the city). If you want to have a less packed day, the Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue) is bursting with bars and restaurants to try. I'd totally recommend "Taco mx" on 10th Avenue for some real mexican flavor, "Rolandi's" for some italian, "Nikkori" for Japanese, and for an insta-worthy dessert, there are rose shaped gelatos at "Amorino" (there's two of them on 5th av). If you're looking for something more lowkey, there's also a really nice gelato place over 45th Av and 8th street, called chelatto. About accommodations, there's something for every budget and type of traveler: from all-inclusive luxury hotels, like Hilton, Marriot, Xcaret, Velas, and Wyndham, to hostels all over 5th and 10 Av, to airbnbs in the quieter areas (DM if you want more info on this one! I know a few property managers and could try to make finding a place to stay so much easier). Depending on where you stay, renting a car would usually make things easier, but it really depends on your schedule. For budget... eating out at restaurants is usually around 60-70 USD for two people (this includes non alcoholic drinks, entrees and main meals) and going to the grocery stores and buying food for 4-5 days, is usually around 80 USD. Feel free to DM me if you want more tips! I could even help with your schedule if you're having questions about it
Posted: May 2, 2024Second time staying in PDC. Stayed in accommodation on 20th near the Alterna bus station. Feels very safe and quieter than staying between 5th-10th, with great food options that are cheaper than on 5th, while still being close to the beach and shops. Recommend taking the Ado bus to & from the airport it’s inexpensive & convenient.
Posted: April 23, 2024This place is a hub for digital nomad and expats. Plenty of groups and easy to meet people as a solo traveler. This city is also located between Tulum and Isla minutes which makes awesome day trips! Check out the local cenotes!?
Posted: March 5, 2024I stayed in Playa Del Carmen for a week and felt relatively safe walking during the day. At night it gets a bit chaotic on the main street, which I wouldn't go to by myself.
Posted: May 31, 2023I went to Playa del Carmen for my first solo trip. I was 2 blocks away from the beach and about 3 blocks away from La Quinta (5th Avenue). I had a nice time on the Avenue and went on a few excursions.
Posted: April 10, 2023I enjoyed my solo trip to Playa Del Carmen. Lots of excursions and cheap (safe) places on Airbnb to choose from. Quite a lot of places to walk around. Taxis everywhere. Excellent food. Beautiful beaches. Cheap buses that run from town to town and can also take you to the Mayan ruins.
Posted: March 11, 2023I just got back from an all-inclusive trip to Playa del Carmen and it was absolutely beautiful! We stayed at the Royal Haciendas and we liked everything there. It was a rather calm, relaxed vacation, but it was exactly what we were looking for, so it was perfect. And the food was amazing!
Posted: February 25, 2023Based on 3 local experiences
Based on 3 local experiences
Its nice! The main square is super touristy and safe, you will get drugs offer at the bars and nightclubs, even at the streets. You can walk by the 5th street freely but if you walk a few blocks away from the main area or if you are around the beach very late you might get robbed.
Posted: October 4, 2024Catherine
It really depends on the zone that you are in. It is so important to get to know that downtown, generally speaking fifth Avenue and 10th St. area is pretty safe. A lot of foreigners living there, very well lit. Most Mexicans here speak English and most are helpful. Just don’t venture out of the city center to places you do not know by yourself at night, other than that you should be fine! 
Posted: July 31, 2024Penelope
Art, nature and adventure lover,epicurean, artist and designer, spiritually inclined NLP student. Healthy lifestyle. Student of life forever! Canadian living in Mexico!
Marygel
Hi! My name is Maria but all my friends call me Marygel :) I'm from Oaxaca, Mexico and I'm starting the traveling journey. I loooooove dogs and pets in general. Love to learn things and share what I know.
Penelope
Playa del Carmen
3 days
Art, nature and adventure lover,epicurean, artist and designer, spiritually inclined NLP student. Healthy lifestyle. Student of life forever! Canadian living in Mexico!
Leah
Playa del Carmen
2 days
Hi, I am Leah, almost 50, but younger in spirit than my whole life... Things have been a bit low though these past months. I'm in a solo spiritual journey after a long marriage. Trying to find my fun again... Moving around had become challenging... trying to find my place in this world. I spend most of my time alone, I love alone time, but also I need to n be with like minded soul friends! Im.a total people person, love people, animals, mother earth.. I love to have simple joys, dance, sing, make art, get outside, see beautiful things, coffee shops, cafes etc etc... Cold hotels just for a night a place to sleep...alone in a kind size bed... is getting old. So I am putting myself out here, to try something new.. Let the universe help me on this crooked path... find some soul sisters along the way... I am a healer, on the journey of learning to love and care for myself, self-healing path.... and I guess a big part of my next healing journey is beginning to live again, for me, have fun, be more wild and carefree.... Ohhh that just rhymed....im also a poet! It just comes out, I channel...poetry, music, lyrics, and more. Trying to let the universe show me how to use my creativity to make a difference...💜🪻 Look forward to meeting you! XO/Leah Ps-I don't need fancy, just a clean space to sleep and wash up...🙏🪶🌼