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Historic street · Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
Quinta Avenida
Playa del Carmen's pedestrian street, parallel to the sea, with shops, galleries, restaurants and bars, from the pier for boats to Cozumel to the north of the town.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Quinta Avenida
Quinta Avenida (Avenida 5) runs parallel to Playa del Carmen's beach, one block from the sea. For kilometers it is closed to cars and serves as the town's main street: it begins at Parque de los Fundadores, next to the pier for boats to Cozumel, and continues north, cut by the numbered streets that descend to the sand.
The southern section, between the park and street 12, is the busiest, with shops selling handicrafts, silver, beachwear and tequila. To the north, the avenue becomes more tree-lined and residential, with cafés, galleries and restaurants offering cuisines from around the world. Cross streets, such as 12 and 38, have bars and restaurants with sidewalk tables.
Walking the avenue helps understand how Playa del Carmen grew: from a fishing village, from which ferries departed to Cozumel, to the largest town in the Riviera Maya. Many low buildings preserve the village scale, with thatched roofs and internal courtyards.
It is a walk for any time of day, but at night the avenue gets busier, with street performers and music in the bars.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From one to three hours, depending on the section and stops.
Best time
In the late afternoon and at night, when the heat drops and the street fills up. Early morning it is empty and good for walking.
How to get there
It starts at Parque de los Fundadores, next to the pier and the Quinta Avenida bus terminal, in central Playa del Carmen.
Tip
Compare handicraft and silver shops before buying, because prices vary greatly from one to another. Paying in the local currency usually works out better than in dollars.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Quinta Avenida
Is Quinta Avenida pedestrian-only?
Yes, for much of its length. Cars only cross the avenue at the cross streets.
Where does Quinta Avenida start?
At Parque de los Fundadores, next to the pier for boats to Cozumel, in the southern part of downtown Playa del Carmen.
Is it worth walking Quinta Avenida at night?
Yes. At night the street becomes livelier, with street performers and music in the bars on the side streets.