Santo Domingo in a Day?

[pielmorena]

I was planning a day trip to the Capital (1st time ever) and just wanted to know any suggestions as to how I should plan my day. I planning on leaving early Friday (3/2/07) until Saturday afternoon.

I want to make sure to take in as many sites as possible during the day and also go out to a good restaurant & club at night (must play bachata).

Any suggestions of any must-see sites....

[2LeftFeet]

What are you interested in seeing?

The Zona Colonial is a must. One end is the Parque Independencia -- the other Parque Colon. Walk down the Conde to get to either end.

Pizzarelle---good fast food pizza on the Conde.

Parque Colon has the church --- a must.

The side streets are interesing too.

Tres Ojos--- I really enjoyed that. I thought that it was beautiful. The guides outside what to charge an outrageous amount of money. Use the guide inside. He was much cheaper---by a lot.

Faro Colon--interesting.

Botanical Gardens were pretty. Still haven't seen the orchids. If you go--they close the orchids at 4PM. Didn't know that.

Have fun!

[pielmorena]

Originally Posted by 2LeftFeet

What are you interested in seeing?

The Zona Colonial is a must. One end is the Parque Independencia -- the other Parque Colon. Walk down the Conde to get to either end.

Pizzarelle---good fast food pizza on the Conde.

Parque Colon has the church --- a must.

The side streets are interesing too.

Tres Ojos--- I really enjoyed that. I thought that it was beautiful. The guides outside what to charge an outrageous amount of money. Use the guide inside. He was much cheaper---by a lot.

Faro Colon--interesting.

Botanical Gardens were pretty. Still haven't seen the orchids. If you go--they close the orchids at 4PM. Didn't know that.

Have fun!

You read my mind...I was actually thinking of all those spots..just wasn't sure if it's possible to see all of it in a day....
Thanks!

[Kaki]

I'll be interested to see how you spent your day in the end. I did a driving tour of Santo Domingo last year (http://travel.webshots.com/album/551238328VGVkXt) which whetted my appetite for 2 days I'll be spending there in March. I'll have a bit of "work" in the city so don't know how much time will be left for touring, but I will have an evening and some extra time.

Please report?

Kaki

[2LeftFeet]

I really enjoyed Tres Ojos-- Don't miss it-- I hope I'm not building it up too much. You have to take taxis!! Call apolo. They won't rip you off. Or if you know Spanish-- negociate. Nothing should cost more than I can't remember now ---The Botanical Gardens are far out.

[pielmorena]

Unfortunatley I'm back in NY again..:-(

But I did get to see a few sites...I got to Santo Domingo on Thursday, March 1st and headed straight for the Faro. Did the whole tour thing inside...interesting but a bit long. Took some nice pictures though.

Then I headed off to Aquarium, visited the Puerta del Conde, El Alcazar de Colon & Puerta de La Misericordia. Snapped a nice picture of the Obelisco to the Hermanas Mirabal. Strolled down the Malecon that night with my husband.

I also visited La Catedral and had lunch in Hard Rock Cafe.

I regret that I missed the Tres Ojos though...maybe next time.

Next day, we left the city and headed to Boca Chica for a couple of hours. Enjoyed it very much!

[2LeftFeet]

What did you think of the aquarium!!??? When I went you had to squint to see the fish! Unfortunately, the tanks were covered with algae.

[pielmorena]

Originally Posted by 2LeftFeet

What did you think of the aquarium!!??? When I went you had to squint to see the fish! Unfortunately, the tanks were covered with algae.

To be honest, I was very disappointed with the Aquarium. Not at all what I thought it would be. Several empty tanks. And speaking of alage, they really need take better care of the manatee (I believe that's the name - looks like a sea lion), he's covered in it!

[Chirimoya]

It used to be very good, but it's underfunded and neglected now. The zoo is another case - great concept, but poor upkeep.