Where to go in santo domingo?

Question

Hi there,

i went to dominican republic (punta Cana) last summer and i really enjoyed it... this summer i wanna try something new .. Like going to Santo Domingo but i don't know where to go ... can you guyz suggest some places where there i can go shopping and also nice beaches ?!

Answer 1

www.colonial-zonedr.com

This is a great resource to find out what SD has to offer.  It's been put together by an American so it's set up for English speakers.  There are calendar of events, maps, hotel and restaurant recommendations, and more.  The person that runs the website lives in the country and can be contacted for further questions.

I just came across it the other day and found it to be a useful tool.  From my experience there (I go about once a month)

I would recommend staying close to the colonial zone because of all the restaurants, shopping (gift shops) and things to do.  

The closest beach is Boca Chica.  The terminal to Boca Chica is located on Jose Marti which is two blocks from Parque Enriquillo (between Plaza Marti Department Store and Plaza de los Buhoneros) Express buses run every 30 minutes with the fare being $40 Pesos (DOP). To get to the terminal from Colonial Zone taking a moto concho (public car): Go to the beginning of the Conde in front of Petrus (this is not far from the Pacos Restaurant and the Parque Independencia - on the corner Palo Hincado and Calle las Mercedes). The cost is about $10 pesos (DOP). The car will travel on Ave. Mella, past the fire station, then turn onto Ave. Jose Marti, and pass directly in front of Parque Enriquillo then on to the front of the terminal (refer to express bus above). You can also ask any taxi driver to take you. They know where it is.Here is where you catch the first bus. You will be taken to another terminal, The Andres bus, here you have to change busses and pay for another bus. The bus will then take you to Boca Chica making the final stop at the park in the center of the town of Boca Chica. Monday thru Saturday you may be able to leave from and be dropped off at Parque Independencia, near the gas station, before 6PM, on the way to the terminal. On Sundays the bus only goes to the terminal at Parque Enriquillo. Note- make sure you catch the last bus out of Boca Chica, ask the driver to be sure of the time, or you will be spending the night or taking a taxi (between $700 to $1000 pesos) to return back to the city.

The website has a whole section on using DR transportation.  It's a little out dated for prices, but still cheap.

Remember to barter, use your street smarts, and do your research.

Answer 2

samana is awesome

Answer 3

Hi LeLa !,

First off all, the capital Santo Domingo has no beaches but of course it is a nice place to discover ! If you not the all inclusive fan I would suggest to go to Hotel/ Guest House ESMERALDA, calle Elvira de Mendoza #151 (near the university) and at a few moments from the famous "Zona Colonial" and not far away from everything in this big city

( more than 3.000.000 souls). When tired of city discoveries,

I would suggest to go Puerto Plata where you gone to find your pick! All kind of hotels (all inclusive or B&B) a town at 10 min from the resorts, Ocean World, Isabella de Torre (cable car), and of course the place to visit La Isabella, the place where the new world began, with the first church and house of the america's. Anyway, you see there is much to see and to discover, more than in Punta Cana. If you need more info, just let me know.

Happy Feet