For our first visit to Playa del Carmen, we had 5th Avenue as a 'must-do' based on the fact it's Tripadvisors #2 thing to do. Well, let me tell you fellow travellers, if you've experienced walking down a street with no nice views, shops lined up on each side, all selling the same crap, and about 100 hungry vendors all shouting at you BS stories just to get you into their stores, than do yourself a favour and pass on this experience! That said, we carried on our day-time journey until we reached the end at 'The Central Square' (reviewed separately, spoiler alert it sucks too!) And then we stripped-off, went for a wonderful swim in the ocean, and walked back up along the beach with nobody bothering us, and a cold cervesas from Oxxo in our hand. Enjoy the journey. Paul

We were staying at a nearby resort & decided to go into downtown Playa dle Carmen to check it out. It is definitely a bustling area with every imaginable store & restaurant. The public beach area was okay but does not compare with the areas occupied by the resorts to the south in Playacar. After about an hour or so we decided to head back to the resort. Shopping & or bar hopping is not really our scene so we can only recommend it if it is yours...

Reminded me of a Mexican Niagara Falls. It was really cheesy, and not true Mexico, we prefer old traditional Mexico. I collect and love tequila, however they will make every attempt to rip you off here. Real tequila from Jalisco is labled "tequila" do not get fooled into buying $5 agava spirt for $200 as they will try to sell it to you, it's usually lower end mixo crap. You won't be able to wheel and deal with vendors here like other markets in Mexico. All in all an experience, however this is not traditional Mexico that we enjoy, others may find it amazing so go and make your own decision. When there be sure to find El Fogon for the best food around.

5th avenue is a lovely walk as there is enough shade for comfort. Shop keepers calling out to you and getting in your face made it very annoying. 5 different men said they were my waiter at my resort and I should come to their store. Lots of nice restaurants and during the day the music is not loud. The side roads go down to the waterside. Repetitive pharmacy’s and souvenir stores.

It is a must do of course . The wide variety of restaurants, local shops , international shops . All you can have . Wax museums etc It was an amazing experience to walk through the streets and alley ways , beautiful decorative, arts , seeing the performers on the streets. You can spend hours and the feel like minutes . Loved every minute of the time we walked . Day or night . We went a few times as you can’t get enough .

A LONG walk. A lot of the stores offer the same thing, tequila and the various souvenirs. Be wary of some of the stores trying to hock overpriced tequila. They can be kind as can be while they think you are buying something, then turn nasty when you don't.

Went during the day and it was great. A ton of souvenir shops and restaurants. Also walked through Paseo del Carmen Shopping Mall which also a very nice walk with great shops. Do shop owners ask you to come in yes but a simple No Thank You or No Gracias and they move on. Was a nice little trip to town to get off the beach for a day. Ate lunch at Las Hijas de la Tostada 5ta Av. y Calle 2 and it was absolutely fantastic. No one offered us drugs like others said but I can see night time being a different story. The beach vendors usually were the ones to offer but also a simple No Gracias and they move on no one pushed you. Would recommend during day time.

Great vibrant place with lots of live entertainment. Be careful of two for one drink offers (watered down) and hidden inclusive tips on your bill. It’s very touristy with endless street vendors trying to sell all sorts. There are some excellent restaurants like Harry’s. it’s a fun location to kick back and relax.