Playa del Carmen Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida)

Quinta Avenida, or Fifth Avenue, is the pedestrian-only main street of Playa del Carmen in Quintana Roo, running parallel to the Caribbean beach for around 40 blocks from the ferry terminal area northward. Closed to most traffic, it is lined with restaurants, bars, boutiques, silver and hammock shops, bakeries and beach clubs, with side streets leading to the sand a block or two away. The busiest and most tourist-oriented stretch lies close to Parque Fundadores, the plaza by the ferry to Cozumel. Further north, the avenue becomes quieter and more residential, with independent galleries, small cafes and boutique hotels. Along the way, visitors find street performers, live music, Mexican craft stalls, tequila tasting rooms and international restaurants, and many places keep late hours. A walk along the entire length takes about an hour at a leisurely pace, and most visitors spend two to four hours shopping and eating. The avenue is free to walk, and prices at shops are often negotiable, though restaurants near the main plaza charge higher rates than those several blocks inland. Mornings are calm and best for photographs and shopping, while evenings from about 7:00 PM bring crowds, live music and the highest energy. Cruise ship days increase foot traffic around the ferry end. Visitors should watch for touts, check bills and carry small cash, and be aware that some vendors offer timeshare presentations with free-gift promotions. From the avenue, Cozumel ferry crossings, snorkeling trips, cenotes and the nearby eco-parks are all easy to reach.