Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo, considerably larger and more cosmopolitan than most Caribbean destination cities, offers its visitors the same sun and surf as other islands plus sophisticated nightlife and world-class sports facilities. Extensive rain forest and mountain regions lie close to the city, ideal for the eco-adventurer.

Beaches

Visitors flock to the Caribbean for the beaches, and Santo Domingo, located in the south of the Dominican Republic is no exception. The city lies close to over 400 kilometers of the island's most beautiful stretches of sand. The best nearby beaches include Boca Chica, Juan Dolio, La Romana and Bayahibe. Visitors not only have access to white and golden sand beaches and sparkling sea, but can also participate in innumerable water sports. The many coral reefs, wide varieties of fish, crustaceans and dolphins combine to present an underwater wonderland, perfect for both snorkelers and scuba divers. To the north is the Bay of Samaná, where if luck is on your side, specially at Cayo Levantado, you might just catch a glimpse of the humpback whales that mate in the bay in the winter months. Visitors can rent boats for deep-sea fishing, as well as Jet Skis, Wave Runners, other small boats and other water sports equipment.

Outdoor Activities

The Dominican Republic has lots to offer in the growing areas of eco-tourism and adventure travel. You can trek and hike in protected areas such as the parks José Armando Bermúdez and José del Carmen Ramírez, both sharing the highest mountain in the Caribbean, the Pico Duarte. Also, you can opt to explore caves located amidst the country's mountainous regions and tropical rain forests, such as such as the Cabarete Caves. The adventurous can enjoy as well canoeing, rafting, tubing, mountain biking, camping and paragliding, no place is better for these activities than Jarabacoa, in the north part of the island. If you do not wish to leave the city there are some options for the outdoors lovers within the confines of Santo Domingo. The Mirador Sur park is one of the largest green areas of the city. Also, you will be able to admire the endemic fauna at the interesting Botannical Garden, while the National Zoo is one of the largest in Latin America.

Casinos

Santo Domingo's large resorts offer Las Vegas-style casinos, featuring games of chance such as blackjack, craps, roulette, slot machines, poker and baccarat. (Note: you must be at least 18 years old to play.) Generally casinos open at 4p and stay open until 4am on weekdays and until 6a on weekends. Most casinos are located in the hotels.

The local bingo halls are also a popular choice, as the jackpots can sometimes get quite high. Others choose to go to the track and bet on horse racing. Not for the squeamish is the local pastime of cockfighting. Rings are scattered all over the city, so if you wish to take a look or try your luck, just ask your friendly cab driver to take you.

Nightlife

Most cafés and discos come into and go out of fashion frequently as people decide what is the place of the moment, and generally go out of business after the excitement is gone. Other remain as a traditional part of the Dominican nightlife. Nowadays, the most popular and frequented places include Montecristo Café, Trío Café and Beer House Café as well as Pat´e Palo European Brasserie, among others. Other places, worth visiting are Hollywood Café, Bizarro Café & Grill and Café Concierto Bachata Rosa. There are several establishments directed toward gay audiences, these include Aire, located in the Colonial Zone and The Bachelor´s Club, a members only club.

Traditional Events

Held every year in the month of February (and sometimes extending until early March) the traditional Carnival is well worth attending if you are in town. In the this celebration having El Malecón as its primary scenario, people wearing colorful and unique costumes flood the streets, while dancing to the contagious rhythm of merengue. Another event is the Festival del Merengue, celebrated in late July. Also celebrated at El Malecón, this event dedicated to Merengue, the typical local music, attracts a large crowd, including both tourists and locals.

Santo Domingo has no shortage of dining options. Formal and casual restaurants, as well as international fast-food franchises share space with open-air cafes and eateries serving a wide spectrum of culinary choices.

Colonial Zone

The Spanish left their influence not only on the architecture of the Colonial Zone, but also on the local palate. The Restaurant Boga Boga is a fashionable place to sample Spanish cuisine at its best. Be sure to try the Entremeses Bora (appetizers) and the selection of Serrano ham, chorizo (Spanish sausage), chicken and ham croquettes, and Manchego cheese. Another original specialty is the Paella de Carne (meat paella). For fresh pastas and other Italian specialties, Ristorante La Briciola, with its several different areas. Visitors could also dine at the ever popular Hard Rock Cafe Santo Domingo When it comes to drinking, your best bet is to make your way to the Colonial Zone area called La Atarazana, a cluster of restored 16th-century buildings now filled with stores, bars and restaurants. Here you can indulge in a wide variety of beverages. At Pat´e Palo the party and the drinks never stop and Il Grappolo Enoteca Bar is a great option for wine devotees

Gazcue

In Gazcue, visitors to this delightful Caribbean city can enjoy a wide variety of cuisine. El Conuco is an unusual, fun-filled place that resembles a Dominican farm, serving up Dominican and other Caribbean dishes. Home-style cuisine is the order of the day, and the servings could feed a small army. Another good choice for the local specialties is the casual Restaurant La Parrilla, facing the Caribbean Sea. Italian restaurants abound in Santo Domingo. Restaurante Fellini is known for its creative contemporary Italian nouvelle cuisine in a high-class setting. For Spanish cuisine, options include the restaurants Reina de España, where the Grilled Seafood is one of the house specialties and Mesón de Castilla, praised for its delicious paellas. And for a taste of the Argentinean Pampa, stop in at Asadero Los Argentinos. For an upscale, exotic dining experience, Palacio de Jade cooks up all the flavors of China.

Naco

The Naco area of Santo Domingo offers everything from five star restaurants to quick and easy eateries. One award-winning restaurants that offer native cuisine is the Restaurante Buen Provecho, a modern cafeteria, popular with the breakfast and lunch crowds for its buffet brimming with native delicacies. Restaurante Melí Meló, at Plaza Naco is one example of quality dining in the many shopping centers of the city. Dominicans love their Italian food, and Vesuvio II is an upscale restaurant traditionally favored as a meeting place by Santo Domingo's elite. One recommended option for meat-lovers is the western-style Restaurant David Crockett. For those following a healthier lifestyle, Santo Domingo offers some vegetarian choices. These include Restaurante Vegetariano Lotos the only restaurant a la carte within this category, includes a menu with the largest variety of vegetarian/strict vegetarian dishes. Mexican food is also very popular in Santo Domingo. If you crave this kind of fare you should definitely consider visiting Don Nacho Taquería, famous for their delicious and gigantic burritos.

Piantini

The exclusive Piantini area hosts many diverse and quality dining options. Over the years, El Chef, with a casual ambiance has won numerous awards. Locals and visitors cherish this place for its abundance of freshly prepared local fare. Best of all, the food is made from the highest quality ingredients and is low in fat. Diverse Chinese food restaurants are available in Santo Domingo, like the casual Fai Chan Oriental and Expreso Jade. And for Mexican food there are also many options, such as the popular Tacos del Sol.