First Time in Santo Domingo

First, Kudos to DR1 for an excellent and insightful bulletin board. I am traveling to Santo Domingo for five nights (July 29, 1999 to August 2) with a troup of 11 guys. Although we will be partying together at night, we will pursue our own individual interests during the day. If you had five nights to play with, what are must dos during the day if this were your first visit to Santo Domingo. Second, I heard about a ferry that can take you from Santo Domingo to Puerto Rico. Does anyone have fare information on this trip? For your information, I enjoy sports, concerts, cultural events, shopping, dining at unusual places, and networking with the international jet set. Thank you in advance for your responses, and hats off to DR1 for a job well done (smile).

Visit Trios Cafe, Friday's, Kokonos, Jubilee (Hotel Jaragua), Jet Set (merengue bands on Monday), Guacara Taina (underground nightclub -- check for folklore night). Also, go for dinner at Pate Palo in the Colonial Zone and La Briciola. Enjoy the ambiance of Plaza de España. Have lunch at Vesuvio Restaurant (Malecon), Pepperoni in Plaza Universitaria. Hire a hotel cab and have him give you a city tour (colonial city, Columbus Lighthouse, lots of options of museums depending on your interest). You will be here for Merengue Festival -- check the Listin Diario (leading newspaper can be bought at hotel gift shop) for schedules of merengue bands. These are announced at last minute. Several should be playing on the Malecon. Regarding the ferry, note that it will leave you far from San Juan and by the time you rent a car it will cost you the same as flying into San Juan.

Go to Guacara Taina on Friday or Saturday, go to Jet Set, go to Café Atlantico, especially on Mondays; Go to the Malecon (George Washington Avenue) During the day, go to El Conde, go to Mercado Modelo (but insist on a good deal for anything you buy) If you like Spanish Reggae, go to El Tunel, go to the new plaza on Ave. 27th de Febrero. It is a park built into the middle of the street with a big video screen at either end. IF you like showgirls, go to Lepsis. If you like casinos, there are a bunch on the Malecon, like in the Jaragua. Definitely go to the beach in Boca Chica. Dont let the seafood vendors rip you off. Go shopping on Ave. Duarte.

I am traveling to the Dominican Republic for the first time for five nights six days. How much in US currency would you recommend that a 34 year old party animal take for such a length of time (food, entertainment, shopping, etc...). By the way, I will take a credit card for booking tours.

6 days - US$1500 plus whatever your room will cost plus gambling money.

Jim Hinsch JimHinsch@CSI.COM

Michael, in my opinion a trip to Puerto Rico should a whole separate visit as there's just too much to do in Santo Domingo. DR1's recommendations are great. Do spend time in Old Sto Dgo (the Colonial Zone), this is truly a unique experience. There, you will be immersed in history! Do take a tour of the Alcazar de Colon, Columbus' son's palace. The tours are well organized and extremely good. You can tour by yourself, but the young guides do such a good job and most speak English. Do take DR1's suggestion for eating at Briciola. This is my favorite restaurant. Have a great trip!

Natasha

Thanks for the great info. Coincidentally I'll be in SD almost the exact same time. I'm getting in on July 28th and staying till august 2.

I'm glad to hear the Merengue festival is going to be happening then!

I've been to most of the places you've mentioned but need to check out Atlantico and Kangueroo. I've also heard of a place called ochos puertos in Zona Colonial.