Leisure Tourism in Dominican Republic
SHOPPING
The Dominican Republic is the shopping giant of the Caribbean. Browse designer stores in Santo Domingo’s shopping malls, notably the Blue Mall and Ágora, or shop at a handful of Dominican and international boutiques in Punta Cana, and La Romana. Local arts and crafts are ubiquitous, but you will find the best selections near city centers such as in the Colonial City’s galleries, near Parque Central in Puerto Plata, among others. Resorts and marinas offer even more options for those with limited time. Along the way, meander in colorful produce markets, present in every town and brimming with abundant fruits and vegetables. Pick up amber or larimar jewelry, cigars, chocolate, coffee, or a flask of mamajuana.
Stores are generally open Monday through Saturday, with shopping malls also opening on Sunday with limited hours.
RECREATION PARKS
Locals and visitors enjoy a number of recreational parks around the country, designed to fit around natural surroundings. Punta Cana’s selection is the vastest, ranging from one-stop hiking, ziplining, and sinkhole swimming at Scape Park, to bungee jumping and Segway tours at Bávaro Adventure Park. In Puerto Plata, Ocean World Adventure Park is a hit with the children, who love getting up close with dolphins and seals or splash from the pool slide, while Fun City is for go-kart fun. In Santo Domingo, the waterfront Plaza Juan Barón offers go-karts for kids, and a full children’s playground at Playa Güibia.
Recreation parks are open year round, and are ideal to keep the family entertained in one spot.
URBAN PARKS
Dominican Republic’s cities have one thing in common: urban parks are the hub of social life, a central gathering point where locals take a break from their day to chat, meet with their loved ones, get a cold drink, a fresh coconut or ice cream from the mobile vendors, or throw down in a game of dominoes. Santo Domingo’s urban parks are among the most historic and scenic, from Parque Colón, surrounded in colonial architecture, to Parque Duarte, and Parque Independencia. Puerto Plata’s central square is worth a stroll, as is Santiago’s, and La Romana’s, filled with life-sized baseball statues.
Frequented at all times of the day, including at night in the Colonial City, city parks are a great way to experience the local culture.
MUSIC + NIGHTLIFE
Music and dancing are an integral part of everyday life in the DR. Whether you find yourself in Santo Domingo, the hub of nightlife and live performances, or in a small village in the center of the country, Dominican beats will echo from corner stores to local clubs, while people dance indoors or even outdoors in parks and public spaces. Experience folkloric music every Friday and Saturday night in Santo Domingo on Plaza de España, or dance the night away to a live son and merengue band on Sundays by the ruins of San Francisco. Bar hop and party in Santiago’s downtown, or discover the “drink” lounges of Puerto Plata, where merengue and bachata dominate. Beach nightlife takes on new meaning in Cabarete, where you can party the night away at a range of bars along the waterfront. Punta Cana’s glitzy nightclubs and marinas are equally popular, pumping house music or offering sophisticated wine bars.
It’s always a good season for live music and dancing in the DR.
CASINOS
If you love to bet or just soak in the casino atmosphere, head to Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, Santiago, or Puerto Plata—the three best casino hubs of the DR. Lining the capital’s Malecón seafront boulevard, most of Santo Domingo’s brand hotels offer full service casinos. Try your hand at roulette, blackjack, or poker, among other options, while the drinks flow, often to live merengue music. In Puerto Plata, Ocean World’s casino doubles as a nighttime bar with cabaret-style shows. Punta Cana’s world-class resorts each offer casino entertainment on site, and remain open throughout the night. In Santiago, the city center lights up at night with casino signs.
Rolling the dice is a year round possibility in the DR. Place your bets!
MARINAS
Sailors aren’t the only ones who can enjoy the Dominican Republic’s multiple, full-service marinas. World-class facilities in Punta Cana and Cap Cana present a world of entertainment—from waterfront fine dining to shopping, fishing and diving excursions, movie theaters, and bars. The most prestigious Casa de Campo Marina offers an incredible view along the mouth of the Chavón River where it meets the Caribbean Sea, for its dockside restaurants and shopping plazas. Puerto Plata’s Ocean World Marina livens up with a casino and weekly dance show, while Puerto Blanco Marina in Luperón is popular for its Dominican-themed food and dancing nights. Samaná’s Puerto Bahía Marina is conveniently close to popular attractions, such as Cayo Levantado and Los Haitises National Park.
The DR’s marinas are a wonderful added perk for year-round entertainment.
