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Letter from the Team
Our Cover
“Two Dominicans
Dancing”. Photo by
Esperanza Rodríguez
Editorial Director
Dolores Vicioso
Technical Director
Robert Woolford
Project Managers
Thomas J. Murray
Lu Olivero
Design & Layout
Baldomero Quezada
Photography
Ken Harrington
Esperanza Rodríguez
Copy Editor
Ilana Benady
Comments & Suggestions
Phone: 809.565.6510
Fax: +1.805.715.3418
Email: info@dr1guide.com
Advertising & Sales
Thomas J. Murray
Phone: 809.565.6510
advertising@dr1guide.com
Publisher
Pro RD S. A.
Gustavo Mejía Ricart 119B-408
Santo Domingo, Dominican
Republic.
Though every effort has
been made to present the
information accurately,
content and pricing
contained in this guide are
subject to change.
The #1 tourist-related website in the Dominican Republic, dr1.com is proud to present the dr1guide to Santo Domingo: a compact tourist guide focused on where
to go and what to do in our great city.
The launch of the guide
follows the announcement that Santo Domingo
has been named American Capital of Culture
for 2010. Santo Domingo
is the first Caribbean or
Central American city to
receive the distinction that
is comparative to hosting a World Expo or the Olympic Games. This year the city begins the whirlwind of
preparations to showcase the city. The dr1guide to Santo
Domingo is part of this effort.
The following pages highlight the aspects that make
the city’s sights and culture so memorable. The dr1guide
to Santo Domingo begins with our Top Ten list of mustsee attractions. It then goes on to list the major sightseeing highlights, theaters and museums, shopping and
services, dining and nightlife. Also featured are walking
and transport maps, info on the capital’s closest beach
& golf destinations Boca Chica, Guayacanes and Juan
Dolio, along with useful information and phone numbers that may come in handy.
Best of all, our guide is part of an interactive website,
dr1guide.com, featuring an events calendar, expanded
content, downloadable versions of the guide, photo galleries and much more.
We hope our guide acts as an indispensable reference
as you explore Santo Domingo by visiting our historical
sites, tasting our incredible food, relaxing on our tropical beaches and experiencing the pulse of our nightlife.
Remember, this is the guide “that treats you like a local.” Have it handy wherever you go and please visit our
advertisers, the people who make this guide possible,
and let them know you saw their ad in the dr1guide to
Santo Domingo. Enjoy!
Sincerely,
The dr1guide Team
The Sights
The National Zoo
More than you imagined
A
ccording to new zoo director Patricia Toribio, the
drink water from a bottle for
National Zoo has made a comeback. She and her
his medicine. People go crazy
team are now in charge of continuing government
when they see him opening the
and community-support programs that have once again
bottled water himself.”
Another star of the zoo is
put the zoo on the must-see attraction list of Santo DoTito, a small monkey roaming
mingo.
on square meters
a
free in the trees above
the
Covering an area over one million
gest in the Cachildren’s zoo
zoo. Tito has
in size, the National Zoo is the largest
ast. While it
t
been taught
to
ribbean and impressive to say the least.
hrough
ho his belhold
is a zoo, it is also a wondrous walk through
ly whenlush tropical landscapes, making it well
en
ever he
worth a visit with or without children
feels
in tow.
Animals one would never exh u n g and to
pect to find in Santo Domingo
gry,
roam free in the park’s expansive
milk this talent, he
mu of the
grounds, and in many cases only
spends much
a fenceless, narrow trench separates
day pleading with
Chimps are very zoo employees for
you from lions, rhinos, hippos, tigers, zebras,
popular for kids
chimpanzees, antelopes, buffalos, hyenas and
his two guilty pleamany more. Recent improvements under way
that visit the zoo sures - watermelon
are updating the 33-year old infrastructure to
and corn flakes.
the 21st century.
The park’s exhibObviously, it’s the animals that enjoy the improvements
its of birds, reptiles and mamthat have come with new sources of funding. “They eat
mals might give visitors the
better than I do,” says Toribio with a smile. Anyone visiting
impression they are strolling
at feeding time will note that many of the animals are bethrough an African safari park.
ing given fresh fruit.
One would be hard pressed to
The Zoo feels a lot like a refuge from the busy streets of
find a zoo where onlookers can
Santo Domingo. Besides its many animal exhibits, the park
get this close to some of the
features natural clear water lagoons, endemic fauna, a momost exotic animals on earth.
torized train if you get tired of walking, a picnic area and
a brand new children’s zoo where kids and adults can get
Open Tues-Sun 9am-5pm. Closed
Mondays. Foreign Adults RD$175;
up close and personal with farm animals, parrots, ponies,
foreign children RD$105. Children’s
monkeys and turtles. According to Toribio, of all the animal
zoo, RD$25. Ave. La Vega Real, Arroyo
exhibits, Toby the chimpanzee is the most popular.
Hondo, 809.378.2149; zoodom.gov.do.
“He’s funny,” says Toribio. “We taught him how to
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The Sights
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Zona Colonial
Declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1991, the Colonial City of
Santo Domingo (La Zona Colonial) is 16 square
blocks laid out in a grid system between forts. The
first and largest European urban settlement in the
Americas, La Zona (as it is commonly known) has
many firsts of the New World with the first cathedral, hospital, palace, paved street, university and
more. The two most visited monuments are the
Cathedral and the Columbus Palace (Alcázar). As
well as the neighborhood’s history, which dates
back to the turn of the 15th century, the Zona
Colonial boasts a variety of shopping, dining and
nightlife options, all within walking distance of
one another.
to motorized traffic. This pedestrian mall, with
its decadent aura, is nevertheless popular with
locals and visitors for its bustling bohemian atmosphere. Many shops now cater to tourists,
including those arriving on the cruise ships that
dock nearby.
Numbered monuments are listed in the order of a walking tour
(see Zona Colonial Map, pages 14-15).
Calle El Conde
1
Puerta del Conde
3 Iglesia de Nuestra Señora
de las Mercedes
The Count’s Gate. A national monument marking
where the founders of the Republic proclaimed
independence from Haiti on 27 February 1844. It
earned its name when the Count of Peñalva, governor of the island in 1655, succeeded in defending the settlement from Oliver Cromwell’s powerful invading army with 56 ships and 9,000 men
under the command of Admiral William Penn
(who later went on to found Pennsylvania). The
gate marks the entrance to Independence Park.
Ave. Independencia & Calle Palo Hincado.
Constructed between 1549 and 1555, the church
was dedicated to the Lady of Mercedes, named
patron of the city in 1617. Note the remarkable
façade of the building on its western exterior,
the Baroque style main altar and an impressive
bell tower, the biggest in the city, dating back
to 1673. Visits daily 4pm-5:30pm. Mass daily
5:30pm-6:30pm. Calle Las Mercedes & Jose Reyes,
809.682.3744.
Puerta del Conde
Parque Duarte, next to the Convento de los Dominicos
2
El Conde
Considered Santo Domingo’s prime shopping
strip until the 1980s, El Conde shops run from
east to west along eight city blocks closed off
8
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4
Iglesia Regina Angelorum
An imposing late Gothic structure with gargoyles,
demons and buttresses, the church houses the
remains of Padre Billini, a 17th century priest fa-
The Sights
g
mous for his work with the poor and for having
discovered Columbus’ bones. Church only open
during mass Sun 6pm-6:30pm. Calle Padre Billini
& José Reyes, 809.682.2783.
5
Convento de los Dominicos
Built in 1510, the convent is one of the oldest
churches in the Americas. This is also the site of
the New World’s first university, Santo Tomás de
Aquino (1538), before it evolved into its present
incarnation as the Autonomous University of
Santo Domingo (UASD). From its pulpit, Fray Anton de Montesinos became the first to denounce
the violation of human rights in the Americas,
when he spoke out against the treatment of the
native Indians. Open daily only during Mass MonSat 7am-7:30am. Free admission. Calle Padre
Billini & Ave. Duarte, 809.682.3780.
6
8
Parque Colón
Located beside the Cathedral, this square is surrounded by interesting architecture (colonial,
republican and modern) with plenty of shady
trees, pigeons, sidewalk cafes and a great peoplewatching mix of tourists and locals, especially
in the late afternoon. The central brass and cement monument with statues of Christopher
Columbus and Taino Indian heroine Anacaona,
by French sculptor Ernesto Guilbert, dates back
to 1887, giving the space its new name.
Casa de Tostado
House of Tostado. Built around 1520 for scribe
Francisco Tostado who arrived with appointed
governor Nicolás de Ovando in 1502. It is distinguished by the Gothic stone decorations atop
twin windows, unique in the Americas. The house
is now a museum showcasing the way wealthy
Dominicans lived in the 19th century. Mon-Sat
9am-4pm. Foreign Adults RD$40; foreign children
from 2-7 yrs. RD$20. Calle Arzobispo Meriño & Padre Billini, 809.689.5000.
7
ny. Visits Mon-Sat 9am-4pm, Mass Mon-Sat 5pm,
Sun 12pm & 5pm. No Mass Tuesday. Calle Arzobispo Meriño & Arzobispo Nouel, 809.682.3848.
View of the Parque Colón
Hard Rock Cafe
Catedral Primada de América
The oldest cathedral in the Americas, it was
planned by Alonso Rodríguez, the architect who
would go on to design the cathedral of Mexico.
Construction began in 1514 and it was consecrated a cathedral in 1540. The Cathedral’s modern stained glass windows, by Dominican artist
Jose Rincón Mora, were a donation by Cardinal
Friedrich Wetter, Archbishop of Munich, GermaCatedral Primada de América
The world famous rock museum/restaurant has
a home in Santo Domingo. Walk in to check out
two floors of rock memorabilia from famous national and international musicians. Calle El Conde
#103, 809.686.7771; hardrock.com.
Calle Las Damas
The oldest paved street in the New World. It was
constructed in 1502 and acquired its present
name with the arrival in 1509 of Diego Columbus and his noble wife María de Toledo, niece of
King Ferdinand of Spain. With them came a large
retinue of family members and courtesans who
adopted the custom of strolling up and down
the street.
9
Fortaleza Ozama
The oldest military plaza in the Americas, used as
a garrison and prison well into the 1960s. It contains structures dating from as far back as 1503
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The Sights
g
to the 1800’s. At the center is the five-floor high
Torre del Homenaje with its six-foot thick walls,
and a lookout platform with a 360 degree view
of the river, city and countryside. Daily 9am-6pm.
Adults RD$30, children between 10-15 yrs. RD$10.
Calle Las Damas, 809.333.8672.
here Spain ruled over the New World Empire. It
was the administrative center of the West Indies,
housing the Royal Court, Treasury, Governor’s Office and law courts. Tues-Sun 9am-5pm. Adults
RD$50, children between 10-15 yrs. RD$20. Calle
de Las Damas, 809.682.4202.
Capilla de Nuestra Señora
de los Remedios
Originally a private chapel for the early 16th century Dávila mansion next door, today cultural
exhibitions and concerts are held there. Calle Las
Damas.
Sundial
This timepiece still tells the time. It was built in
1753 to keep the royal audiences held in the Casas Reales on time. Calle Las Damas off from the
Museo de las Casas Reales.
13
Inside the Fortaleza Ozama
Plaza María de Toledo
Small plaza named in honor of Diego Columbus’
noble wife, niece of King Ferdinand of Spain.
9am-6pm. Calle Las Damas opposite Hostal Nicolás de Ovando.
10
Panteón Nacional
Built from 1714-1745, as a Jesuit convent and
church before the Jesuits were expelled from
Spanish colonies, the building was used as warehouse and cultural center. In 1956 it was converted to the National Pantheon and now serves
as a mausoleum for some of the Dominican Republic’s most influential figures behind its stone
walls. Daily 8am-9pm. Free admission. Calle Las
Damas, 809.689.6010.
11
Casa del Cordón
Completed in 1504, this is the oldest stone house
in the Americas, originally owned by Francisco de
Garay, who came to Hispaniola with Columbus.
Its portal features an impressive stone carving of
the characteristic cord of the Franciscan order.
Banco Popular offices are located there. Mon-Fri
8am-3pm. Free admission. Calle Isabel La Católica & Emiliano Tejera, 809.544.8915.
14
Plaza de España
What was once the center of colonial power and
trade with a mix of merchants, sailors and Spanish high officials, is today a large romantic plaza
replete dotted with restaurants, bars and steps
overlooking the Ozama River.
Hostal Nicolás de Ovando
Overlooking the Ozama River, this manor was
once the home of Nicolás de Ovando, first governor of Santo Domingo and court official Francisco Dávila. The building has since been restored
into a luxury hotel. Calle Las Damas.
12
Museo de las Casas Reales
Built between 1503 and 1520, this museum now
displays the DR’s history from 1492-1821. From
10
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Inside the Museo de la Casas Reales
The Sights
g
19
Museo del Ámbar
Visitors can see a range of samples of amber, the
semi-precious gemstone the Dominican Republic is famous for. Some pieces include trapped
insects, leaves and even lizards. Mon-Sat 8:30am6pm, Sun 9am-1pm. Calle Arzobispo Meriño &
Restauración #452, 809.682.3309.
20
Arches of the Alcázar de Colón
15
Alcázar de Colón
The Columbus Palace was built (1510-1512) by
Christopher Columbus’ son Diego, appointed
Viceroy of the Indies to house the stately court
he held with his wife María de Toledo, niece of
the King of Spain. Today the Alcázar showcases
Medieval and Renaissance furniture and objects
depicting domestic life of 16th century Spanish
nobility in the Americas. (Check page 33 for more
information). Tues-Sat 9am-5pm. Sun 9am-4pm.
Closed Monday. Adults RD$60, children under 9
free. Plaza de España, 809.682.4750.
16
Puerta de San Diego
Down the steps from the Alcázar de Colón are
the ruins of the San Diego Gate built in Renaissance style in 1540. For a time, this was the main
gate to the city.
17
Iglesia de Santa Bárbara
Built during the late 16th century in honor of the
military’s patron saint is this handsome whitewashed church, behind which are the ruins of
the Fort Santa Bárbara it was once attached to.
Visits daily 8am-12pm. Mass Mon-Sat 6pm6:45pm. Sun 7:30am-8:30am, 9am-10am. Isabel
La Católica & Puello, 809.682.3307.
18
Ruinas de San Francisco
With its lovely Plateresque gate, with St. Francis’
cord carved in stone still intact, this became the
first monastery in the Americas when Franciscan monks arrived with first governor Nicolás
de Ovando in 1502. The present stone structure
was built from 1543-1664. Daily 9am-5pm. Free
admission. Calle Hostos between Calle Emiliano
Tejera & Restauración, 809.686.8657.
Museo Casa de Duarte
Once the house of Juan Pablo Duarte, the country’s founding father. He led the independence
movement from Haiti that culminated successfully in 1844. On display are various objects and
documents related to his life. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm,
Sat-Sun 9am-4pm. Calle Isabel La Católica #308,
809.687.1436.
Calle Hostos
Calle Hostos
Calle Hostos is best known by movie buffs as
part of the 1974 Hollywood hit “The Godfather
II.” The scene depicts Michael Corleon witnessing a suicide bombing in 1958 Cuba, making him
reconsider family business there. Walk down the
cobble stone streets after you finish visiting the
Ruinas de San Francisco.
21
Hospital San Nicolás de Barí
The ruins of the first hospital in the New World,
constructed in 1503 by order of Santo Domingo’s
first governor, Nicolás de Ovando. Calle Hostos &
General Luperón.
Monumento de Fray Antón de
Montesinos
The 30-meter high statue was donated by the
government of Mexico, and is dedicated to this
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The Sights
g
16th century priest who preached against the
atrocities being committed against the Taino
Indians. His rage is depicted by the flames in his
hair. Located at the westernmost entrance to the
Port of Santo Domingo, off the Malecón.
Beyond the Zona
Palacio Nacional
The Presidential Palace was inaugurated by Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo in 1947. The imposing neoclassical structure houses executive
and administrative offices, but is not the President’s actual residence. Tours are free but must
be requested 10 days in advance via telephone.
You will be e-mailed a form with information
and requirements. Ave. Mexico & Dr. Delgado,
809.695-8299.
Hospital San Nicolás de Barí ruins
22
Fuerte de San Gil
On the waterfront, just a token remains of this
south-westernmost fort, part of the city’s protective fortifications built between 1540 and 1668 to
defend the city from pirates and corsairs. From
this site, there is a fine view of the harbor, the
lighthouse and arriving and departing ships. Today it houses an open-air restaurant. Malecón &
Calle Palo Hincado.
23
Puerta de la Misericordia
Gate of Mercy. Built in Renaissance style in 1543.
This was the original gate of the city’s western
wall and was named following an 1842 earthquake when local priests set up tents to help the
sick and injured. Ramon Matías Mella fired the
first shot here prior to marching on to the Puerta
del Conde to proclaim independence from Haiti
on 27 February 1844. Calle Palo Hincado & Arzobispo Portes.
24
Chinatown
Note the traditional arch donated by the People’s
Republic of China on the Av. Mexico entrance and
that from Taiwan on the Av. Mella exit to Santo
Domingo’s Chinatown district. Its main street, Jacinto de la Concha, is lined with life-sized oriental
bronze statues. Bargain prices are the draw at the
neighborhood’s shops and restaurants owned by
Chinese immigrants. This is the place for dim sum
and Peking Duck. It is also the site of the annual
Chinese New Year celebration in January.
El Faro a Colón
Parque Independencia
Home to the Altar de la Patria, a marble mausoleum containing the remains of the Dominican
Republic’s founding fathers: Juan Pablo Duarte,
Ramón Matías Mella and Francisco Rosario Sánchez. The compass in the park’s center is Kilometer 0, from which all distances in the country are
measured. It is also an important venue for public
art exhibits. Mausoleum open daily 7:30am-6pm.
Free admission.
12
Street statue in Chinatown
dr1guide.com
Completed in 1992 for the 500th anniversary of
Christopher Columbus’ “discovery” of the Americas, the monumental lighthouse houses the
remains of the famous explorer and historic exhibits donated by other nations. Tues-Sun 9am5:30pm. Closed Mondays. Adults RD$100, children from 8-11 yrs. RD$20. Ave. Mirador del Este,
809.592.5217.
The Sights
g
Acuario Nacional
The National Aquarium features a large plexiglass
tunnel where visitors can walk through a tank full
of sharks, stingrays, turtles and many other sea
creatures. Walkable distance to the Columbus
Lighthouse. Tues-Sun 9:30am-5:30pm. Closed
Mondays. Foreign adults & children RD$50. Ave.
España #77, 809.766.1709.
RD$50; children RD$30. Along Ave. Mirador del
Este, 809.472.4204 exts. 285, 237, 228.
Jardín Botánico
A sprawling display of aquatic plants, orchids,
bromeliads, ferns and endemic plants along with
an impressive Japanese garden and more are all
housed within this expansive green sanctuary.
Daily 9am-5pm. Foreign adults RD$175, foreign
children from 3-12 yrs. RD$70. Av. República de
Colombia, 809.385.2611; jbn-sdq.org.
Los Tres Ojos (The Three Eyes)
Although named “The Three Eyes”, this attraction
boasts four clear water lagoons in limestone sinkholes. A deep staircase leads visitors to the underground caverns once used by the Taino Indians in
religious ceremonies. Daily 8am-5:30pm. Adults
Japanese Garden at the Jardín Botánico
Parque Mirador del Sur
A six kilometer long park popular with Dominicans for running, biking, rollerblading and walking
in the early mornings and late afternoons, when
the park’s main avenue is closed off to motorized
traffic and the sun is less intense. The park is great
for kids as it boasts numerous jungle gyms and
vendors of sweets. Ave. Mirador del Sur.
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14
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The Arts
Roots, Rock, Batey
Cultural fusion on a new level
E
l Batey is one of the many fusion bands on the Sanshow is in full swing. The sweat
to Domingo underground music scene. With their
drips, legs become tired, throats
distinctive sound they have set themselves the chalturn dry, but the audience is
lenge of looking to the future of the city’s musical movepowerless against it all. They
ment without forgetting its cultural past. Their distinctive
keep dancing. This is Batey.
To add fuel to the fire, Cigua,
sound mixes Afro-Dominican grooves with political comwith his face covered by
mentary rarely found in Dominican music.
h
his trademark locks,
As Cigua, Batey’s energetic lead singer, steps
brings out a large
to the stage, the raucous applause from a dedihorn
typically
cated fan base rings out. The audience squeezused in gaga mues into Encuentro Artesanal, one of the many
sical festivals. He
small theater houses located within the Coblows. The crowd
lonial Zone. The spot is cramped, smoke fills
responds. Cigua rethe air, and the energy is palpable. The lights
cites poetic versdim slowly and spectators prepare for the
es into his microshow. After moments of waiting the crowd
Batey’s music
phone as the music
turns from calm to anxious. They’ve come for
pays tribute to
of old mixed with
a show. Batey will give them one.
new wails in the
After the first 10 seconds on stage the auAfrican sounds
background.
dience realizes this isn’t their parent’s merenJust as the mugue band, blowing out danceable tunes about
sic reaches a frenetic climax
sunny days on the Malecón. This is the newest generation
the band slows the pace to an
of Dominican artists, redefining the concept of what Doalmost even crawl. The crowd
minican music is, what it isn’t and what it could be.
reflects on the jams they’ve
The music that Batey plays is a mix of African beats,
heard. Jose Carlos beats away
with Haitian rara, Dominican gaga, American rock and
on the drums and Fernando
Palos, all in one blend that Cigua compares to a “sancocho”
lets the guitar cry. The crowd
(a popular Dominican stew - see page 31). Their music is a
is at ease with tonight’s show.
dash of merengue star Johnny Ventura and bachata’s Frank
Cigua explains, “This is music.
Reyes, mixed with some Jimi Hendrix, a taste of Bob MarThis is also Dominican music.
ley, topped off with a little bit of Dominican mambo. This
We young people are speaking
is the new generation of Dominican music: you just have
through the music.”
to know where to find it.
As the energy picks up, the dancing starts. The drums
speed up. The guitar riffs are strange, harsh, loud and melodCheck dr1guide.com to download
ic. They speak. The horns blare to a fever pitch and a once
music by El Batey.
calm Saturday night is now a raucous cage of energy. The
dr1guide.com
17
The Arts
Plaza de la Cultura
Museo del Hombre Dominicano
Henríquez Ureña, 809.688.6952. Under renovation. Opening date not known at time of publication.
Wide collection of Taino artifacts with sections
dedicated to the post-Columbus era and the
country’s African heritage. Religious practices,
Dominican fiestas and the roots of Dominican
music are also on display. Tues-Sun 10am-5pm.
Closed Monday. Foreign adults & children RD$75.
Ave. Pedro Henríquez Ureña, 809.687.3622; museodelhombredominicano.org.do.
The Cinemateca is Santo Domingo’s art house
cinema, screening local and international independent films, as well as sponsoring workshops
and annual film festivals. Ave. Máximo Gómez &
Pedro Henríquez Ureña, 809.689.6102; cinematecadominicana.org.
Museo de Arte Moderno
Museo Numismático y Filatélico
Four floors of the museum are dedicated to 20th
century Dominican art. The first and fourth floors
are reserved for temporary exhibits while the second and third floors feature permanent collections. Tues-Sun 9am-5pm. Closed Monday. Adults
RD$50; children from 8-12 yrs. RD$20. Ave. Pedro
Henríquez Ureña, 809.685.2153 ext. 0.
Coin and Stamp Museum. On the north side of
the street, up from Plaza de la Cultura, this Central
Bank museum takes visitors on a tour of the history of currency and stamps in the DR. The stamp
collection goes as far back as 1865. A selection
of coins salvaged from shipwrecked Spanish galleons is also on display. Mon-Fri 9am-3pm. Free
admission. Ave. Pedro Henríquez Ureña & Leopoldo Navarro, 809.221.9111 ext. 3662/3712;
bancentral.gov.do/museo.asp.
Cinemateca Dominicana
The Zona Colonial
Centro Cultural de España
The Spanish Cultural Center, managed by the
Spanish Embassy, is known for sponsoring events
highlighting local and international art, artists and
culture. Daily 8am-9pm. Calle Arzobispo Meriño
& Arzobispo Portes, 809.686.8212; ccesd.org.
Museo de Arte Moderno
Casa de Francia
Museo de Historia Natural
The museum includes exhibits of animals endemic to the island as well as animals from around the
world. There are also exhibits of the DR’s famous
amber gemstones. Tues-Sun 10am-5pm. Closed
Monday. Foreign adults & children RD$100, Planetarium RD$30. Ave. Pedro Henríquez Ureña,
809.689.0106.
Museo Nacional de Historia
y Geografía
On display are personal belongings of former Dominican dictator Rafael Leónidas Trujillo. The car
Trujillo was riding in when he was assassinated
in 1961 can be seen at the museum. Ave. Pedro
18
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Built by Santo Domingo’s first governor Nicolás
de Ovando in the early 16th century, the building
was once home to Mexico’s Spanish conqueror
Hernán Cortés. The building now houses the
French Embassy. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Calle Las
Damas & El Conde, 809.695.4300.
Casa de Italia
With the support of the Italian community and
Embassy, Casa de Italia is home to the Italian
Chamber of Commerce and Italian language
center and hosts events promoting italian culture
and heritage in the DR. Mon-Fri 8:30am-6pm, Sat
8:30am-5pm. Closed Sunday. Calle Hostos & Luperón, 809.688.1497.
The Arts
Centro Domínico-Alemán
The Germans also have a center in the Colonial
City, running a library, a monthly schedule of film
screenings, cultural events and culinary events all
year round. Site of the German Chamber of Commerce. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Calle Isabel la Catolica
#212 opposite the former Telecommunications
Palace, 809.221.8475.
cane production in the Dominican Republic. On
the premises is a shop selling several brands of
rum and a bar. Mon-Wed 9am-5pm, Thurs 9am12am, Fri-Sat 9am-2am. Closed Sunday. Free admission. Calle Isabel La Católica & Restauración,
809.685.5111.
Museo de Porcelana
The major attraction in this museum is artwork
made entirely of porcelain. Mon-Fri 10am-5pm,
Rum barrels at the Museo del Ron y la Caña
Museo del Ron y la Caña
Present and past rum producers have come together to exhibit a collection of memorabilia of
the industry that tells the story of rum and sugar
Museo de Porcelana
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The Arts
Sat 11am-4pm. Closed Sunday. Foreign adults
RD$100; foreign children from 5-12 yrs. RD$50.
Calle José Reyes #6, 809.688.4759.
Museo de Larimar
A museum and store dedicated to Larimar, a rare
pale-blue colored semi-precious stone found
only in the DR. Mon-Sat 8:30am-6pm, Sun 9am1pm. Free admission. Isabel La Católica #54,
809.689.6605; larimarmuseum.com.
Museo Trampolín
Today, a children’s museum, this edifice was built
at Casa Rodrigo de Bastidas, a colonial building
that dates back to the 17th century. Its exhibits
take children on a tour of the universe, planet
Earth, the National Parks in the DR and the human body. Tues-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat-Sun 10am6pm. Adults RD$100; children from 2-12 yrs.
RD$50. Calle Las Damas, 809.685.5551.
PreHispanic Art Hall
Sala de Arte Prehispánico. Fundación García
Arévalo exhibits a well-preserved collection of
aboriginal art and artifacts. Mon-Fri 9am-12pm
and 2pm-5pm. Free admission. Av. J. F. Kennedy
at the Pepsi Cola offices (Embotelladora Dominicana), 809.620.7777 ext. 234, 235. Call prior to
visiting.
Theaters
The Zona Colonial
Casa de Teatro
Casa de Teatro started out as an independent
theater in 1974 and has become a haven for
emerging Dominican artists. Beyond theater, the
Teatro hosts a variety of cultural events including
music shows and art exhibitions. Calle Arzobispo
Meriño #110, 809.689.3430; casadeteatro.com.
Quinta Dominica
Small cultural space without a permanent collection, with Dominican art and culture as its main
focus. Exhibitions are constantly changing. MonSat 9:30am-6pm. Closed Sunday. Free admission.
Padre Billini #202, 809.687.5944.
Beyond the Zona
Museo Bellapart
Museum dedicated to well-known Dominican artists with works by Jaime Colson, Luis
(Sisito) Desangles, Leopoldo Navarro, Abelardo
Rodríguez Urdaneta, Abelardo Piñeyro, Adolfo
García Obregón, Enrique García Godoy, Celeste
Woss y Gil and Fernando (Tuto) Báez. Mon-Fri
9am-6pm, Sat 9am-12pm. Closed Sunday. Free
admission. Av. John F. Kennedy, Edificio Honda, 5th
Floor, 809.541.7721 ext. 296; museobellapart.com.
Teatro las Máscaras
Casa de Teatro
Teatro Guloya
Small theatrical venue featuring local and international theater performances. Calle Arzobispo
Portes #205, 809.685.4856; teatroguloya.org.
Teatro las Máscaras
Small intimate playhouse with informal underground performances. Calle Arzobispo Portes
#56, 809.687.9788; teatrolasmascaras.net.do.
Beyond the Zona
Teatro Nacional
The theater’s main hall seats 1,589 spectators in
its Sala Eduardo Brito and is home to international plays and performers as well as local productions. Formal dress code. Ave. Máximo Gómez
#35, Plaza de la Cultura, 809.687.3191.
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The Arts
Palacio de Bellas Artes
Sunday Nights with Bonyé
Each Sunday, on the steps of the
San Francisco Ruins, in the Zona
Colonial (see walking tour page 15)
the love of music fills the hot Santo Domingo nights with bluesy son
and merengue sounds when Bonyé
and talented friends take the stage.
The horns blare out, the drums beat
tightly, the sounds of cold Presidente beers being opened create a
lively chorus that complement the
show on stage.
Palacio de Bellas Artes
The Palace of the Arts is the recently renovated
home to the National School of Visual Arts, National Dance School, National Ballet, National
Symphony Orchestra, Fine Arts Theater, National
Folklore Dance Troupe and National Drama
School. Ave. Máximo Gómez & Independencia,
809.682.1325.
Conservatorio Nacional de Música
The National Music Conservatory’s Sala Juan
Francisco García is used for the National Dance
Festival, musical recitals and drama performances. Ave. César Nicolás Pensón & Alma Mater,
809.682.1325.
Cinemas
Cinemas are great value in the DR with weekday
shows under RD$150 for recent releases and
hovering around RD$250 for weekend showings.
The better cinemas are located at the Bella Vista,
Diamond, Acropolis, Coral, Megacentro malls and
Malecón Center.
Teatro Nacional
Bonyé in concert
It is a sight to enjoy and the hundreds of smiles, joyful laughter and
dancing feet are a testament to that.
This group of talented friends, led
by Felix Báez, aren’t getting rich by
moonlighting as musicians. Actually, they are plenty rich, but never
that type of wealth that is measured
by monthly bank statements. It’s the
wealth that one gets from enjoying
the simple things in life.
The show begins promptly at 6pm
“Dominican time”, which means
things won’t get started until around
7pm.
Much of what makes Bonyé an enjoyable experience is the meet and
greet with locals who come every
Sunday to sit and people watch.
The ruins of San Francisco provide an amazing background to enjoy
the show and the warmth shared by
locals, who at a moments notice become long time friends, to reflect the
ongoing spirit of Santo Domingo.
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Stay tuned for the Fall 2009 edition
Dominican Republic Fashion Week was held at
Santo Domingo’s Sansouci Port in June 2009
Shopping & Services
The Mercado Modelo
Haggling tips from behind enemy lines
A
mainstay since 1942, the Mercado Modelo holds
claim to the city’s largest selection of Dominican
souvenirs. Here, visitors and vendors pull and tug
for the best price. To assist visitors, dr1guide collected tips
from two unlikely sources. Veteran Mercado Modelo vendors Virgilio González and Silvia Molina were bold enough
to give us some advice on how to get the best prices.
González. So, don’t feel foolish
looking for the same item in
several shops or even returning
to a shop you’ve already visited;
it’s all expected.
Offer 50%. According to
Molina, visitors should offer
50% of the cost of an item right
Haggling is expected. According to González,
z, venaway to start the bargaining
dors at the Mercado Modelo expect you to bargain,,
game
gam as this puts both
so much so that they would be a bit surprised if a
parties
on an even
p
client didn’t ask for a lower price. “Tourists seem
playing field. The
to know they can haggle, maybe they’re told at
buyer is offering what
the airport,” González says with a smile. “I have
they consider a fair
no problem lowering until we reach a price thatt
price, and the seller
is comfortable for me and for the client.”
(although they may
Amber is a
try to increase the
Be nice. Some visitors can be aggressive
price) will make a
when trying to lower the price, and accordpopular item at
profit. Molina ading to González, this is the wrong way to go
the mercado
vises that visitors
about things. One must remember there’s
should try and hold
something to be gained by both parties. “We
strong around the 50% mark escan keep lowering the price to an amount where I can’t go
pecially on the larger merchanany lower. If the client cannot pay my lowest price, there’s
dise like wooden sculptures,
no reason to get upset,” says González. He explains that
paintings, drums, etc. She menhe also wants to reach an agreement but obviously has to
tions that the vendor will try to
make some money on the deal as well.
get the buyer more around 30%
for smaller merchandise like
Not every shop has the same price. A common
magnets, knick-knacks, pens or
misconception at the Mercado Modelo is that since each
penholders, etc. According to
shop within the warehouse is basically selling the same
Molina, haggling is just part of
thing, the prices should be more or less the same. Not so,
the game.
explains González. According to him, each shop buys from
different artisans and prices can vary a great deal in the
market. González suggests you shop around because alOpen Mon-Sat 8am-6pm. Sun 8amthough the same item may be sold in various shops, pric12pm. Av. Mella #55, 809.685.1600.
es can vary considerably. “There’s never a fixed price,” says
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Shoppingg & Services
Spas: Not just for ladies
Once a hidden pleasure for even the manliest
of men, a day at the spa has become a standard
of health and wellness for men in Santo Domingo.
In a city where looks and youth are worth their
weight in gold, Dominican men have opened
up to the benefits of spa treatments, making it a
must for healthy looking and living.
Replacing the steamy sweat rooms of bland
bath houses, the spa has also taken shape as
the new boardroom, where many of Santo Domingo’s top executives go to make important
decisions, while they indulge in the delights of
scented aromas, flavored waters and much needed rest and relaxation.
No longer are men in Santo Domingo subjected to hang nails, in grown hairs and rough
cowboy skin, instead the new man of Santo Domingo easily indulges himself in the comforts of
full body massages.
Dominican males have become so accustomed to the pampering at wellness centers that
many of the city’s spas have begun offering male
specific spa treatments and exclusive packages.
Male travelers to Santo Domingo, looking to
relax and enjoy as many other Dominicans would,
should drop the khaki shorts and sandals and
replace them with soft linen towels and cotton
moccasins. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.
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Beauty Salons
Dominican women of all economic
status like to look good.
Dominican salons keep up to date
on the new hair cuts and deep conditioning treatments. Dominican stylists are known the world over for their
mastery of the art of blow drying,
working from root to tips and painstakingly drying hair in sections, twirling the brush at the ends to give hair
tons of body, and getting the shine out
of hair. A Dominican salon is probably the only place where if you are in
a rush, you can get two stylists to go
at your hair.
The beauty salon experience is just
as much about looking good as getting a psychological uplift. It is a time
women dedicate to themselves. Everyone seems to be on a first-name basis, and stylists know how to keep a
conversation going.
To immerse yourself into local culture, visit a salon in Santo Domingo.
The weekly visit to the neighborhood
salon is part of Dominican female
culture. Little girls start going to the
salon from 4 years old or even earlier. It’s a mom and daughter bonding routine.
Dining
Barra Payán
Half a century of sandwiches
O
n 10 August 1956, Juan Frias Payán borrowed the
mous batida de zapote (sapote
equivalent of about US$22 from a friend to open
milkshake).
a of
o the
t e
a sandwich shop at Calle 30 de Marzo. Half
“I love the fact that I can
money went towards the first payment of the storefront
come here at any hour,” says
ti
and the other half was spent on stocking his new small
long time
client Freddie Per“T
business. More than half a century later, Barra Payán is a
alta. “These
sandwiches have a
Santo Domingo mainstay.
special taste.”
Open 24 hours, its large menu of addictivee
For the first 30 years,
sandwiches and sweet tropical juices and shakess
Payán personally helped
prepa the sandwiches that
have attracted famous musicians, major leaguee
prepare
m
baseball players, politicians, late night food seek-have made
his establishment
famous Since then, he has
ers and ordinary Dominicans for over 50 years.
famous.
bee content to simply
“We’ve had Presidents to people from all
been
w
social classes. [Barra Payán] is special, just as
watch
as the fruits of a
there is a politician or professional, sitting
business he started
right next to them is a shoeshine boy...with
from scratch conno judgment between them,” says Payán,
tinue to flourish.
who is now 85.
He can usually be
Barra Payán’s
Despite his business’s enduring success,
found in his small
Payán has never opened another location. He
completo sand- office above the
believes that opening more locations nega(watching
wich and sapote kitchen
tively affects the personal service Barra Payán
the security cammilkshake
has always given its clients. In any case, after
era, of course) or
more than 50 years in business, people know
sitting in the corwhere to find him.
ner by the takeout
Clients can eat their order at the bar, take the food
entrance. Nowadays, he sees
to go, or even park their car alongside the shop and
the grandchildren of his first
have their order served right to the window. Waiters at
clients on the stools where they
Barra Payán are trained to use their memory, as orders
once sat.
are not written down, they’re simply remembered and
“We’re an institution now,”
then shouted through to the kitchen. No need to worry
says Payán. “If you haven’t
though, there is a method to the madness. All you need
been by Barra Payán, you
to fret about is what to choose on the menu. To help you
haven’t been to the capital.”
decide, Payán highlights the shop’s two most popular
orders, the derretido de queso (grilled cheese) and the
Open 24 hours. Calle 30 de Marzo
#140 (almost corner 27 de Febrero),
completo (ham, cheese, chicken or pork, lettuce and to809.689.6654.
mato). This can be washed down with Barra Payán’s fadr1guide.com
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Mediterranean Italian Wood oven pizza
Atarazana #21, Zona
Colonial • 809.686.3586
Diningg
The Alcázar de Colón
Royalty in the Americas
The Alcázar at night
The Alcázar de Colón was the monumental
the 18th centuries from royal palaces in Spain,
home of the first viceroy of the Americas and is
recreating the Alcázar’s original beauty and amthe “icon of colonization,” according to Museum
bience.
Director Eva Camilo. “This is
Today, visitors who enter the
where the New World met royalty
Alcázar can experience how the
for the first time.”
first royal family lived in the New
Construction began in 1510
World. The palace boasts numerfor the grand palace to house
ous pieces of Renaissance furniChristopher Columbus’ son,
ture, musical instruments, ceramnewly appointed Santo Domingo
ics, tapestries and paintings all set
Governor, Diego Columbus, his
out as if the royal family still lived
wife María de Toledo, their family Plate with Columbus
within the palace.
family emblem
and royal court.
The Columbus family moved into their new
home in 1512 and would inhabit the Alcázar until
1577. During this time as the center of the Spanish court in the Americas, the palace hosted the
legendary Spanish explorers Hernán Cortés, Francisco Pizarro and Ponce de León.
Ransacked by English Buccaneer Sir Francis
Drake during his 1586 invasion of the city and
damaged by subsequent earthquakes, the Alcázar fell into disrepair for over 300 years. Restoration began in 1955 and was concluded in 1958.
During this renovation, the Dominican government acquired priceless pieces from the 16th to
Actress dressed as María de Toledo
Painting of Christopher Columbus and his son Diego
Now, thanks to a new museum initiative, the
royal family will walk the corridors of the Alcázar
once again after more than 400 years. Starting on
19 September 2009, visitors will find individual
actors in full costume playing the roles of Diego,
María de Toledo, their seven children and members of the court on weekdays and on Saturday
nights. Much planning has gone into this unique
initiative that will definitely be on the “must see”
list of Santo Domingo come September.
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Diningg
How it’s prepared
Barbecued
Al carbón
Boiled
Sancochado
Fried
Frito
Grilled
A la parilla
Oven roasted
Horneado
Steamed
Al vapor
Stewed
Guisado
Basic words to know
International cuisine in the
romantic Plaza de España
Calle Atarazana #27, Zona Colonial
809-688-9400. Sun-Thurs 10:30am-1am.
Fri-Sat 10:30am-3am.
Dominican Restaurant Lingo
Many restaurants in Santo Domingo
list their menu options in both Spanish and English so there should be no
problem understanding what to order.
In any case, the following terms are
good to have handy when dining out.
Meats
Rare
Vuelta y vuelta
Medium
Término medio
Medium well
Tres cuarto
Well done
Bien cocido
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Breakfast
Desayuno
Lunch
Almuerzo
Dinner
Cena
Change
Menudo
Credit card
Tarjeta de crédito
Hot or spicy
Picante
Menu
El Menú
Napkin
Servilleta
Salt
Sal
Pepper
Pimienta
Spoon
Cuchara
Fork
Tenedor
Knife
Cuchillo
The bill
La cuenta
The waiter/waitress
El/la Camarero/a
Toothpick
Palillo
Ashtray
Cenicero
Tip
Propina
Bon Apetit
Buen Provecho
Cheers!
¡Salud!
Nightlife
Avenida Venezuela
Santo Domingo’s real party strip
D
evoid of the nouveau chic vibe found in the center
as a “mega-colmadón”. Cheap
of Santo Domingo, “Aquel Lado,” as it is referred
drinks, great music and a great
to by Capitaleños, has a completely different feel.
atmosphere make these some
Gone are the European designers and the thumping techof Santo Domingo’s best people
no music. Gone are the high-priced sushi joints and cafe
watching nightspots.
bars. Forget about Moet and Martinis. This part of town,
And on certain nights you
across the Ozama River, some 15 minutes east of Santo
won’t even have to go inside
Domingo city center, is where real dancers go to dance and
a nightclub as the p
party spills
ightlife can be found.
str
where a vibrant Dominican nightlife
onto the streets.
These
avenues b
According to Jeurys Pérez, who lives on the east
become party strips where cars
side of the Ozama, “people from Aquel
sl
Lado like to meet more and more
parade slowly
down
d
stree grabbing
people and make more and
the street,
atten
more friends so they can
the attention
of onkeep the party going until
lookers. “A
“Aquel Lado
whenever.”
is 100 ttimes better
César Pérez, who also frethan anyquents the dance clubs, says,,
where
“the vibe on the other side is
in Santo
very different from the center of Santo
D o fferent, the
Domingo. The music is different,
mingo,”
people are different. It’s more down to earth.”
says GiThough Aquel Lado coverss a large area, in
ancarlo Pimenans two streets –
terms of nightlife it only spans
tel. “It’s not about
Av. Venezuela and Av. San Vicente de Paul.
image or the car
The party spills
These two bustling city streets are lined with
you drive. People
onto the street
some of Santo Domingo’s hottest Latin dance
won’t judge you
clubs. And for those who bring their danchere; they just
on Venezuela
ing shoes, this is the place for you. The party
want to have fun.
can be found any night of the week with the
It doesn’t get any
ever-popular Makumba playing today’s hottest salsa and
better than that. If you want
merengue jams, with a mix of bachata and American
to have fun, then you have to
pop songs. As the weekend nears, the dancers get their
cross the river!”.
shoes ready for Eclipse, where the party goes strong all
weekend long.
Check dr1guide.com for nightlife events
For those who would rather watch than be watched,
in Santo Domingo.
take a ride to House Drink or La Barrica, better known
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39
This photo, of Carnival 2009, was submitted by photographer Charlies Rodríguez, runner-up in our dr1guide Cover Contest. To submit
your art/photograph for future editions please visit dr1guide.com
40
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The Beaches
Santo Domingo’s Beaches
Boca Chica, Guayacanes, Juan Dolio
Boca Chica Beach
L
ocated 20 miles (30 kms) east of Santo Domingo and
2 miles (a bit over 3 kms) east of Las Americas International Airport, Boca Chica has reserved the right
of being the capital’s “city beach”. As with any city beach,
expect large crowds on weekends and many vendors selling everything from massages to seafood to necklaces.
The beach is quiet during the week as
well as in the late afternoon after the
crowds head back to the city.
Boca Chica Beach is famous for its
powdery white sand. It also has some
of the Dominican Republic’s calmest waters, thanks to a coral reef that
protects the beach from big breakers.
It creates a large natural lagoon that is Juan Dolio Beach
perfect for wading and making it safe
for children and non swimmers. People are also drawn
to the beach for its famous fried fish (see article page 43).
But there are also many sea-front restaurants that promise delicious seafood served with a touch of sea salt spray
and views that make for excellent photo souvenirs.
Guayacanes Beach
About 8 miles (13 kms) east of Boca Chica is the small
town of Guayacanes. The town’s beach can also get pretty
crowded on the weekends with a mix mainly of locals and
some tourists, but its calm inviting waters and the absence
of large resorts only adds to its small village appeal. Much
like Boca Chica, the beach is less crowded on weekdays. A
spattering of good restaurants is also a big draw, bringing
in capital city dwellers for a day outing.
as present. The beach is also
more spacious, thanks in part
to a government beach regeneration project completed in
2007. In relation to Boca Chica
though, Juan Dolio’s waters
are rougher and the underwater sand less
smooth due
to some seaweed
and
dead coral
scattered
about
in
some parts.
Nevertheless,
its large expanse of shoreline allows for a
relaxing day at the beach with
plenty of space to stretch out
under the sun. Juan Dolio is
undergoing a major real estate
boom, with luxury high-rise
buildings under construction,
as promoters seek to sell the
wonderful views to snowbirds
and locals who want their own
place on the beach. Its many
good restaurants keep visitors
coming back to the area.
Fishing boat in Guayacanes
Juan Dolio Beach
About 2 miles (3 kms) east of Guayacanes, Juan Dolio
Beach is much more laid back and hassle-free compared
to Boca Chica as the large crowds and vendors are not
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41
The Beaches
Transport to the Beach
Santo Domingo to the beach
Taking a private taxi is one option to get to the
beach. Prices aren’t cheap, but are always negotiable. You can also negotiate the cab to wait for
you and also discuss return fees to the city. Look
at our directory section for private taxi options.
There is alternate transport for an attractive price.
Parque Enriquillo (see transport map, page 60) is
the main bus hub for guaguas (buses) going to
Boca Chica, Guayacanes and Juan Dolio. Remember that public buses make stops wherever you
wish, so, if you are traveling to Boca Chica you can
be let off anywhere along Duarte Avenue and
anywhere along the Autovía del Este in Guayacanes and Juan Dolio.
Tee off in Juan Dolio
Great golf is not far from Santo Domingo. Juan Dolio features two challenging 18 hole par 72 courses at Metro Country Club’s Los Marlins Golf
Course and at the Guavaberry Golf &
Country Club’s Gary Player designed
course. Remember that reservations
are required for weekend play.
Metro Country Club
Metro Country Club
Boulevar de Juan Dolio & Autovía del
Este, Juan Dolio. 809.685.7949
$80 green fee (includes cart)
Caddie for 9 holes: US$10
From the beach to Santo Domingo
Caddie for 18 holes: US$15
Buses traveling back to the capital are found
along the Autovía del Este in Juan Dolio and
Guayacanes and along Duarte Avenue in Boca
Chica. It is good to note that these buses feed
into the Boca Chica Bus Terminal (see beach map,
page 44) where you must transfer to another bus
to reach the capital. You will be charged once.
Note: Express buses cost a bit more and are air
conditioned and go directly to their destination
letting people off along the way but they do not
take on new passengers. Local buses are not airconditioned and make numerous stops to let
people on and off. Express buses are commonly
referred to as guaguas frias (cold buses) and local
buses as guaguas calientes (hot buses).
US$45 to rent clubs
Beach
Time
Cold Bus
Hot Bus
Boca Chica
45 min
60 pesos
45 pesos
Guayacanes
1 hour
100 pesos
80 pesos
Juan Dolio
1 hour
100 pesos
80 pesos
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7am-6pm.
Guavaberry Golf & Country Club
Km 55 Autovía del Este, Juan Dolio.
809.333.4653
US$105 green fee (includes cart)
US$25 to rent clubs
Caddie for 9 holes: US$10
Caddie for 18 holes: US$15
7am-7pm
Guavaberry Golf & Country Club
The Beaches
Fried Fish, Boca Chica Style
Boca Chica is famous for its fried fish. According to fish vendor Rosanna Bautista, it’s the love
they add to the recipe that separates fried fish in
Boca Chica from that which is served anywhere
else on the island. Bautista owns a small stall on
the western section of Santo Domingo’s closest
beach.
Just as in all the stalls, Bautista has her fish on
display and ready to go, seasoned with a mix of
salt, garlic and oregano. Once a client asks for a
specific fish, she coats it with flour and fries the
fish twice so it “takes up a good flavor,” as she explains. Most of the fish sold in Boca Chica is either
Loro (Parrot Fish), Mero (Grouper) or Chillo (Red
Snapper). According to Bautista, the price of the
fish has nothing to do with the type but rather
the size. Prices range from RD$150 to RD$390.
Remember that fried fish never arrives on
your plate alone. Every fish comes as a “servicio”
or combo that is accompanied by tostones (fried
plantains) and aguacate (avocado). Patrons can
also add on batata frita (fried sweet potato), bollito de yuca (cheese filled cassava), longaniza (pork
sausage) or yaniqueque (Johnny cake).
Seasoned fish
Boca Chica fried fish and its side dishes
Boca Chica fried fish stands
809
877
4332
BOCA CHICA
SANTO DOMINGO
JUAN DOLIO
d o m i n i c a n c h a r t e r fi s h i n g. c o m
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44
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Business Directory
LAWYERS
Guzmán Ariza, Attorneys at Law
Your legal partner in Santo Domingo and the entire Dominican Republic. Multilingual attorneys
servicing the business
and personal needs of international corporations
and individuals. Calle Ernesto de la Maza. MonFri 8:30am – 6:00 pm.
Tel: 809.255.0980 - Fax
809.255.0940.
MUSEUMS
Amber World Museum
We are the amber authority in the Dominican Republic. Visitors can enjoy our many displays and
learn about the origins of
this semi-precious stone,
appreciate the work of an
expert craftsman in our
workshop and even take
home a piece of this beautiful gem from our museum store. Mon-Sat 8:30
am-6pm. Sun 9am-1pm,
Arz. Meriño & Restauración #452, 809.682.3309;
amberworldmuseum.com
RESTAURANTS
Hard Rock Cafe
Come see time fly and lose
yourself in our extensive
46
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memorabilia collection. Be
sure to enjoy some great
live music and try our
famous cocktails. Hungry? Satisfy your appetite
with our delightful dishes, or just pull up a stool
at the bar and enjoy the
atmosphere. Sun-Thurs
11am-1am, Fri-Sat 11am3am. Calle El Conde #103,
809.686.7771.
Pat’e Palo European
Brasserie
Pat’e Palo is the first tavern of the Americas and
our best asset is our location in front of the elegant arches of the Alcazar
de Colón. We have a wide
menu of succulent dishes that are best enjoyed
with a good cup of wine.
Don’t miss our live music sessions every Sunday
beginning at 7pm. SunThurs 9am-1am, Fri-Sat
9am-3am. Calle Atarazana #25, 809.687.8089;
patepalo.com.
Ristorante Angelo
Come enjoy a unique dining experience at our three
level restaurant in the
beautiful Zona Colonial.
We offer a wide range of
Mediterranean and Italian dishes, all capable of
satisfying the most demanding of tastes; not to
mention, our unforgettable wood oven pizza. SunThurs 12pm-1am, Fri-Sat
12pm-3am. Calle Atarazana #21, 809.686.3586.
Rita’s Café
We welcome you to share
this charming atmosphere
where you may relax and
enjoy a unique dining experience. Be our guest,
meet new friends, renew
old acquaintances and enjoy the total ambience of
Rita’s Café. Sun-Thurs
10:30am-1am.
Fri-Sat
10:30am-3am. Atarazana
#27, 809.688.9400.
SHOPPING & SERVICES
Acropolis Center
The DR’s top shopping
mall features more than
40 name-brand stores like
Mango, Kenneth Cole,
Benetton,
Swarovski,
Zara, and Tommy Hilfiger.
We also have full-service
restaurants like TGI Friday’s and Fry & Grill,
with Caribbean Cinemas
and a play ground for the
little ones. Mon-Sat 10am9pm, Sun 11am-6pm. Av.
W. Churchill & Rafael A.
Sánchez, 809.955.2020.
Aunt Clara’s Dominican
Cookbook
Get your copy of Aunt
Clara’s Dominican Cookbook! The only book of Dominican recipes currently available in English. It
contains 100 classic recipes for favorite Dominican starters, main dishes,
buffet food, hot and cold
beverages, desserts and
cakes, including the legendary bizcocho dominicano! Visit dr1guide.com/
cooking to bring Dominican flavor home to your
kitchen.
Boutique del Fumador
Our store is the best place
in Santo Domingo to purchase handmade cigars.
Enjoy the experience of
a cigar factory tour. Find
a variety of local brands
such as Caoba and Criollo,
as well as our own Cohiba
brand of cigars. Shoppers
can find all smoking accessories such as humidifiers
and cigar cutters. Mon-Sat
9am-7pm, Sun 10am-3pm.
Calle El Conde #109, Zona
Colonial, 809.685.6425;
caoba-cigars.com.
Ola
Time Saving and one of
a kind in the Dominican
Republic! Buy the Premium Dominican Republic Map with the plan of
your preference from 3, 6
to 12 months. Payments
from RD$125 monthly.
809.420.1012; ola.com.do
Reefer Services, S.A.
We are the industry leader in refrigerated transport with services that include equipment rental,
sales, installation, monitoring, electricity, cleaning and repair. We feature a team of specialized
technicians in the brands
we represent: Tempstar,
Thermoguard and Scout.
Carretera Sánchez km.
12½, Haina Oriental.
809.539.6122;
reeferservices.com.
TOURS
Captain Rob’s Fishing
Charters
Boca Chica fishing charters and excursions just
15 minutes from Santo Domingo! Half and full day
rates at reasonable prices with bait and tackle included. U.S. Coast Guard
captain with 30+ years
experience and an expert
fisherman. Call Captain
Rob at 809.877.4332 or
visit our website
dominicancharterfishing.
com.
tion management company with services that include: group and private
airport transfers, hotel
check in assistance with
representatives available
to help with any questions, tours in the Punta
Cana region, wedding reception assistance, conferences and event planning.
809.552.1286;
caribbeandreamto.net.
Ocean World Adventure
Park, Casino & Marina
Get ready for a once in
a lifetime experience!
Swim with dolphins in the
world’s largest dolphin lagoon created by a group of
marine animal experts. In
addition to playful Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins,
Ocean World is also home
to
stingrays,
tropical
fish, sharks, exotic birds,
reptiles and fun loving
sea lions. Reservations:
809.291.1000.Groups:
809.291.1111; oceanworld.
net.
Caribbean Dream TO
Let us help you plan your
trip. We are a destina-
dr1guide.com
47
Santo Domingo Restaurants
RESTAURANT
ADDRESS
LOCATION/ZONE
CUISINE
MEALS
PHONE
Scherezade
Av. R. Pastoriza #226
Piantini/1
Arabic
L, D
809.227.2323
El Rey del Falafel
Calle Padre Billini
Zona Colonial/3
Arabic
D
809.688.9714
Chino de Mariscos
Av. Sarasota #38A
Bella Vista
Chinese
L, D
809 532.8350
Dragon House
Av. Duarte & Ave. México
Chinatown
Chinese
L, D
809.687.0230
Adrian Tropical
Ave. G. Washington #2
Gazcue/4
B, L, D
809.221.1764
El Conuco
Casimiro de Moya #152
Gazcue/4
Dom.
L, D
809.686.0129
Meson di Bari
Calle Hostos #302
Zona Colonial/3
Dom.
L, D
809.687.4091
La Residence
Calle Las Damas
Zona Colonial/3
Dom.
B, L, D
809.685.9955
La Cave del Rey
Abelardo R. Urdaneta
Gazcue/4
French
L, D
809.412.7918
Dom.
Mitre
Av. A. Lincoln #1001
Piantini/1
Intl.
L, D
809.472.1787
Marocha
Av. G. Mejía Ricart #124
Piantini 1
Intl.
B, L, D
809.473.4191
Meson de la Cava
Av. Mirador del Sur #1
Mirador
Intl.
L, D
809.533.2818
Peperoni
Av. Sarasota #14A
La Julia
Intl.
L, D
809.508.1330
Cafeteria El Conde
Calle Arz. Meriño #111
Zona Colonial/3
Intl.
B, L, D
809.688.9400
Hard Rock Cafe
Calle El Conde #103
Zona Colonial/3
Intl.
L, D
809.686.7771
Pat’e Palo
Calle La Atarazana #25
Zona Colonial/3
Intl.
L, D
809.687.8089
Rita’s Café
Calle La Atarazana #27
Zona Colonial/3
Intl.
L, D
809.688.9400
Il Capuccino
Av. Máximo Gómez #60
Gazcue/4
Italian
B, L, D
809.689.8600
Fellini
Av. R. Pastoriza #504
Evaristo Morales
Italian
L, D
809.540.5330
Vesuvio
Ave. G. Washington #521
C. Universitaria
Italian
L, D
809.221.1954
La Briciola
Calle Arz. Meriño #152
Zona Colonial/3
Italian
L, D
809.688.5055
Ristorante Angelo
Calle Atarazana #21
Zona Colonial/3
Italian
L, D
809.686.3586
Samurai
Calle Seminario #57
Piantini/1
Japanese
L, D
809.565.1621
Coreano Magna
Calle 12 de Junio
Bella Vista
Korean
L, D
809.535.3355
Cane
Av. A. Lincoln #1059
Piantini/1
Latin
L, D
809.368.2200
Porter House
Av. A. Lincoln #918
Piantini/1
Meats/Grills
L, D
809.542.6000
David Crockett
Av. Gustavo M. Ricart #34
Piantini/1
Meats/Grills
L, D
809.565.8898
Madera Steak
Gardenias
Galá
Meats/Grills
L, D
809.544.2416
Red Grill
M. Henríquez Ureña # 50
Piantini/1
Meats/Grills
L, D
809.476.6067
El Agave
Av. Lope de Vega #104
Naco/1
Mexican
L, D
809.732.3232
Spicy’s
Av. W. Churchill #802
Evaristo Morales
Mexican
L, D
809.338 0404
Casa Portuguesa
J. del Embajador #10B
Bella Vista
Portuguese
L, D
809.508.2063
Sully
Av. Charles Summer #19
Fernández
Seafood
L, D
809.562.3389
Boga Boga
Av. Bolívar #203
Esperilla
Spanish
L, D
809.472.0849
Cantábrico
Av. Independencia #54
Gazcue/4
Spanish
L, D
809.687.5102
Don Pepe
Manuel Troncoso #5
Piantini/1
Spanish
L, D
809.368.1047
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Santo Domingo Bars & Clubs
BAR/CLUB
LOCATION
LOCATION/ZONE
PHONE
Cafe/Bar /Lounge
Cinnamon
Av Winston Churchill #1550
Fernández/1
809.732.8048
Sunset Bar & Lounge
Av. Winston Churchill & José A. Soler
Fernández/1
829.921.4002
Ferro Cafe
Virgilio Díaz Ordóñez #201
Julieta
809.540.5718
Bali Cafe
Av. Bolivar #1002
La Julia
809.476.6282
Chao Lounge
Av. Tiradentes #7
Naco/1
829.202.0099
Mix
Gustavo Mejia Ricart #69
Naco/1
809.685.1592
Tangerine
Ave. Abraham Lincoln #1059
Paraíso/1
809.368.2121
Dock’s
Ave. Winston Churchill, Acropolis Center
Piantini/1
829.719.0368
La Suite
Calle Manuel Troncoso, Plaza Don Alfonso
Piantini/1
809.621.8070
Mi Taverna
Av. Abraham Lincoln, Plaza Castilla #21A
Piantini/1
809.476.0373
Nubar
Ave. R. Pastoriza, Plaza Dorada #463
Piantini/1
809.563.0641
Ristorante Angelo
Calle Atarazana #21
Zona Colonial/3
809.686.3586
Bio Bar
Calle Sánchez #125
Zona Colonial/3
809.686.0147
Cao’s
Calle Hostos #157
Zona Colonial/3
809.689.1183
Click
Calle Atarazana #11
Zona Colonial/3
809.665.7151
Doubles
Arzobispo Meriño #154-A
Zona Colonial/3
809.333.5918
Encuentro Artesanal
Calle Arzobispo Meriño #407
Zona Colonial/3
809.687.1135
Hard Rock Cafe
Calle El Conde #103
Zona Colonial/3
809.686.7771
La Espiral
Calle Jose Reyes & Salome Ureña #107
Zona Colonial/3
829.733.7305
Le Studio
Calle Las Mercedes #352
Zona Colonial/3
809.686.3332
Parada 77
Isabel la Catolica #255
Zona Colonial/3
809.221.7880
Pat’e Palo
Calle Atarazana #25
Zona Colonial/3
809.687.8089
Quintana Bar & Lounge
Calle Atarazana #13
Zona Colonial/3
809.687.2646
Rita’s Café
Calle Atarazana #27
Zona Colonial/3
809.688.9400
Alta Copa
Pedro A. Bobea #6
Bella Vista
809.532.6405
Maunaloa
Calle Heroes del Luperón #29
La Feria
809.533.2151
Coyote Club
Paseo de Los Locutores #58
Evaristo Morales/1
809.683.4474
Coppa Bar
Hotel Melia, Ave. G. Washington #365
Gazcue/4
809.682.2102
La Guacara Taina
Ave. Parque Mirador del Sur
Mirador Sur
809.533.1051
Beat Lounge & Dance
Ave. Lope de Vega #13
Naco/1
809.565.9030
Praia
Gustavo Mejía Ricart #78
Naco/1
809.732.0230
Amika
Ave. Abraham Lincoln, Plaza Andalucia
Piantini/1
809.563.2003
Montecristo Café
Jose Amado Soler & Ave. A. Lincoln
Piantini/1
809.542.5000
Club
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49
Beach Bars & Restaurants
BAR & RESTAURANT
ADDRESS
CUISINE
MEALS
NIGHTLIFE
PHONE
Boca Chica
D’Cris y Adriano
Abraham Nuñez #27
Int.
B, L
Pequeña Suiza
Duarte #56
Intl.
B, L, D
✓
809.523.4619
Boca Marina
Duarte #12-A
Intl.
L, D
✓
809.523.6702
809.424.7907
Caribe Beach Club
Duarte #30
Intl.
L, D
809.523.4686
Chez Maríus
Duarte #28
Intl.
B, L, D
809.523.6869
El Tula
20 de Diciembre #1
Intl.
L, D
Neptuno’s Club
Duarte #12
Intl.
L, D
✓
809.523.6055
809.523.4703
809.523.6500
El Pelícano
Hotel Hamaca
Intl.
L, D
✓
The Boat House
Calle Duarte #34
Intl.
B, L, D
✓
809.523.6986
Italy & Italy
Calle Duarte #101
Italian
B, L, D
✓
809.523.4001
Costalunga
Avenida del Sur #3
Italian
D
809.523.6883
Da’ Nancy Trattoria
Abraham Nuñez #52
Italian
B, L, D
809.523.9399
Beach Club Isla Bonita
Duarte #46
Seafood
B, L, D
✓
809.523.4027
El Tucano
Duarte #25
Seafood
B, L, D
✓
809.532.3647
La Terraza de Pilar
Juan B. Vicini #12
Spanish
B, L, D
Playa Guayacanes
Seafood
809.496.3818
Guayacanes
Deli Swiss
L, D
809.526.1226
Restaurant El Pescador
Playa Guayacanes
Seafood
B, L, D
809.526.2613
Salitre Restaurante
Playa Guayacanes
Seafood
B, L, D
809.526.1969
Juan Dolio
Bar Cacique
Calle Principal
La Brissa Plaza Express
Calle Boulevar #1
Appetizers
Dom.
B, L, D
✓
809.810.9829
✓
809.526.1053
✓
809.526.1108
Aura Beach House
Calle Principal
Intl.
L, D
Mandalay Restaurant
Calle Boulevar
Intl.
B, L, D
Bistro Marianna
Calle Boulevar
Italian
B, L, D
El Sueño
Calle Principal
Italian
L, D
809.526.3903
La Cucina de la Mama
Calle Boulevar
Italian
L, D
809.526.1523
La Grotta Azzura
Calle Principal
Italian
L, D
809.526.2031
Lucas Ristorante
Calle Principal
Italian
L, D
809.526.1311
Pizzería Venezia
Calle Boulevar
Italian
L, D
Guilia’s Cafe Sports Bar
Calle Principal
Meats/Grills
B, L, D
✓
809.526.1492
JD Bar & Grill
Calle Boulevar
Meats/Grills
B, L, D
✓
809.545.6697
Bar Restaurant Popeye
Calle Principal
Seafood
B, L, D
✓
809.526.1890
Bar “El Bambú”
Calle Principal
Seafood
B, L, D
✓
809.526.1901
El Mesón
Calle Boulevar
Spanish
L, D
50
dr1guide.com
809.526.2319
809.526.1392
809.526.1815
809.526.2666
Free Gift with
your purchase at
our Rock Shop
Calle El Conde #103
809.686.7771.
Sun-Thurs 11am-1am
Fri-Sat 11am-3am.
Free House Cocktail
with the purchase
of any appetizer
One coupon per person. Offer valid until July 2010. Some restrictions may apply
Free Mixed Appetizer
with the purchase of
any bottle of wine
Calle Atarazana #27,
809.688.9400
Sun-Thurs 10:30am-1am.
Fri-Sat 10:30am-3am.
One coupon per bill. Offer valid until July 2010. Some restrictions may apply
Free Appetizer
Coupons
Calle Atarazana #25,
809.687.8089, patepalo.com
Sun-Thurs 9am-1am, Fri-Sat
9am-3am.
Free Cocktail
One coupon per person. Offer valid until July 2010. Some restrictions may apply
Calle El Conde #103
809.686.7771.
Sun-Thurs 11am-1am
Fri-Sat 11am-3am.
Free Gift
Free Gift with
your purchase at
our Rock Shop
Free House Cocktail
with the purchase
of any appetizer
Calle Atarazana #25,
809.687.8089, patepalo.com
Sun-Thurs 9am-1am, Fri-Sat
9am-3am.
Free Cocktail
One coupon per person. Offer valid until July 2010. Some restrictions may apply
Calle Atarazana #27,
809.688.9400
Sun-Thurs 10:30am-1am.
Fri-Sat 10:30am-3am.
One coupon per bill. Offer valid until July 2010. Some restrictions may apply
Free Appetizer
Free Mixed Appetizer
with the purchase of
any bottle of wine
Coupons
One coupon per person. Offer valid until July 2010. Some restrictions may apply
Calle Atarazana #21, 809.686.3586
Sun-Thurs 12pm-1am, Fri-Sat 12pm-3am.
10% Discount
10% Discount on your
bill with this coupon
Free Gift with your
purchase at the Amber
World Museum Gift Shop
One coupon per person. Offer valid until January 2010. Some restrictions may apply
10% Discount on any
fishing charter lasting
eight hours or more
Santo Domingo, Boca Chica, Juan Dolio
809.877.4332
dominicancharterfishing.com
One coupon per charter. Offer valid until July 2010. Some restrictions may apply
10% Discount
Coupons
Arz. Meriño & Restauración #452,
809.682.3309
Mon-Sat 8:30am-6pm. Sun 9am-1pm.
Free Gift
One coupon per bill. Offer valid until July 2010. Some restrictions may apply
Calle Atarazana #21, 809.686.3586
Sun-Thurs 12pm-1am, Fri-Sat 12pm-3am.
10% Discount
10% Discount on your
bill with this coupon
Free Gift with your
purchase at the Amber
World Museum Gift Shop
Arz. Meriño & Restauración #452,
809.682.3309
Mon-Sat 8:30am-6pm. Sun 9am-1pm.
Free Gift
One coupon per bill. Offer valid until July 2010. Some restrictions may apply
Santo Domingo, Boca Chica, Juan Dolio
809.877.4332
dominicancharterfishing.com
One coupon per charter. Offer valid until July 2010. Some restrictions may apply
10% Discount
10% Discount on any
fishing charter lasting
eight hours or more
Coupons
One coupon per person. Offer valid until January 2010. Some restrictions may apply
The Basics
Brief History
W
hen Christopher Columbus arrived in 1492, the
island he named Hispaniola was inhabited by
some 400,000 Taino Indians. Old World diseases, slavery and abysmal treatment by the Spaniards all
but erased this population. To replace the manual labor,
the first African slaves were brought to the island in 1520.
The country gained its first independence from Spain
in 1821, but the following year, the Haitians invaded, inspired by the ideal of “one indivisible island” set by their
liberator Toussaint L’Ouverture. The Dominican Republic
remained under Haitian control until 27 February 1844
when the founding fathers of Dominican independence
Juan Pablo Duarte, Ramón Matías Mella and Francisco
del Rosario Sánchez led a successful revolt and declared
independence.
Geography
The second largest country in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic occupies the eastern two-thirds of the
island of Hispaniola in the Greater Antilles, with Haiti occupying the western portion. Situated in the heart of the
region between North and South America, the country is
bathed by the Caribbean Sea on the south coast and the
Atlantic Ocean to the north and its contrasting landscape
ranges from towering mountains, to cacti-studded deserts, to rainforest along with 400+ kilometers of soft sand
beaches. The DR is big by Caribbean standards at 48,198
square kilometers (29,948 square miles).
Population
city and province of Santo
Domingo their home.
Government
A Representative Democracy, the Dominican government
is made up of three branches:
the Executive, Legislative
and Judicial. The President is
elected by popular vote every
four years. President Leonel
Fernández was elected to office
through August 2012.
Climate & Weather
The country is a tropical,
maritime nation. The main annual temperature ranges from
a cool 17C (62F) to hot 33C
(92F) primarily in low-lying
areas and along the coast, with
most temperatures in Santo
Domingo ranging from 25C
(77F) to 30C (86F) all year
round. Although known as a
tropical island, temperatures
in some mountainous regions
can dip below the freezing
mark in the winter months.
See dr1guide.com for weather
updates.
The country’s population is approximately nine
million with three million people calling the capital
dr1guide.com
55
The Basics
Religion
Money
About 95% of the country is Christian,
mainly Roman Catholic, however, many denominations (Anglican, Baptist, Evangelical,
Seventh Day Adventist, Mormon, Jehovah’s
Witness) are practiced and tolerated. There
are also Jewish, Muslim and Bahai places of
worship. Visit dr1guide.com for a list of houses of worship.
Conversion Box
Weights & Measurements
1 pound = 0.45359 kilo
1 kilo = 2.204 pounds
The official currency is the Dominican peso
(RD$). Most ATMs operate on the Cirrus Networks (Mastercard) or Plus networks (Visa).
Remember that money withdrawn from ATMs
in the DR will dispense Dominican pesos and
not your home currency. Dominican pesos are
available in RD$2,000, RD$1,000, RD$500,
RD$100, RD$50 bills of different colors. There
are coins for RD$25, RD$10 and RD$5. Visa,
Mastercard and American Express credit
cards are widely accepted. American Express
Travelers checks can be replaced at branches
of the Banco Popular.
Speed: Kilometers/MPH:
1 mph = 1.60934 kph
1 kph = 0.62137 mph
Fahrenheit to Celsius
Temperature in the DR is recorded in Celsius.
18C = 65F
27C = 80F
21C = 70F
30C = 85F
24C = 75F
32C = 90F
Time
The DR’s time zone is Eastern Standard, although the country does not follow Daylight
Saving. Because of this, the DR is one hour
ahead of Eastern Standard Time from April to
October.
Lost or Stolen Credit Cards and Traveler’s Checks
Visa
410.581.9994
Mastercard
800.307.7309
American Express
800.327.1267
Tax & Tipping
Goods and services in the Dominican Republic are subject to a 16% government valueadded tax, or ITBIS Tax. At restaurants, for
example, your bill includes the 16% ITBIS plus
a 10% service charge. An additional tip is optional.
Beverage limitations
Safety
Be alert to your surroundings and take
the same safety precautions recommended
worldwide for traveling in any major foreign
city, such as using the hotel safe and keeping
money and valuables out of sight. Do not leave
luggage in sight in a vehicle.
Electricity
Electrical current in the Dominican Republic is 110 volts AC, 60 Hz. US-style twopin plugs are standard, so European visitors
should bring suitable adaptors.
Water
Drink bottled or treated water. Locals do
not drink the tap water so you will be served
bottled water at restaurants.
56
dr1guide.com
Discos, restaurants and casinos inside hotels
are exempt from the present liquor-vending
schedule that affects establishments throughout the country. Note that many restaurants,
clubs and bars must close at midnight from
Sun-Thurs and at 2am on Fri, Sat and holidays.
Numerous establishments have been given an
extension allowing them to close at 1am SunThurs and at 3am Fri, Sat. Bring and ID. Patrons under the age of 18 won’t be admitted.
Mail
For sending important parcels, consider
using DHL, UPS or FEDEX. There are local postal office stamp vending and drop off
points for letters or postcards at La Sirena
(Winston Churchill), Hotel Embajador and
Centro de los Héroes main post.
The Basics
Postal Information
Holidays 2009
Fedex
809.565.3636
Thursday, 1 Jan.
New Year’s Day.
DHL
809.534.7888
Monday, 5 Jan.
Three Kings Day (6 Jan).
Wed., 21 Jan.
Our Lady of Altagracia Day.
Monday, 26 Jan.
Duarte Day.
Friday, 27 Feb.
Independence Day.
Embassies & Consulates
Please visit dr1guide.com for a complete list
of embassies and consulates.
Communications
Friday, 10 April
Good Friday.
Monday, 4 May
Labor Day (1 May).
Mobile Phones
Thursday, 1 June
Corpus Christi Day.
There are several options for visitors who
want to use their mobile phone. One would
be using your personal cell phone and paying
your provider’s roaming charges. Another is
taking your phone to a local provider to unlock the phone for local use. This can be done
if your mobile uses GSM or CDMA frequency.
Orange and Claro offer the service of activating most open European and North American
based cell phones. For GSM phones, they will
provide you with a SIM card, which is the removable information card all phones have,
Sunday, 16 Aug.
Restoration Day.
Thursday, 24 Sept.
Our Lady of Mercedes Day.
Monday, 9 Nov.
Constitution Day (6 Nov).
Friday, 25 Dec.
Christmas Day.
*For more on long weekends and holiday events,
see dr1guide.com
and a local phone number. You can remove the
chip once you leave and re-insert your original SIM. Visitors can purchase a local prepaid
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dr1guide.com
57
The Basics
phone along with prepaid phone cards. This
is a great option if you are a frequent visitor
to the DR.
Calling Cards
Upon arrival in the Dominican Republic, it is
a good practice to purchase a calling card from
Codetel, Orange or Tricom. The cards, which are
available in several denominations, will make it
easy for you to use a public phone (otherwise
you need coins) for national or international calls
from almost any LAN or cell phone in the Dominican Republic. You will have to dial 1+area
code+phone number to dial to the US. To dial
Canada dial 011+1+the number. To call European countries you must dial 011+the country
code+ area code+the number.
* For a complete list of country codes log
onto dr1guide.com
Internet Access
If you require Internet access, cyber cafes
are located throughout Santo Domingo and
nearby beach towns. Wi-fi hot spots are also
readily available with many universities, hotels
and eateries now providing the service.
Transportation
A variety of transportation options exist for
getting around Santo Domingo and nearby
beaches. Public transport is the most readily
available. This includes carros públicos, buses
and motorcycle taxis. Also, the 14.5 km long
Santo Domingo Metro line provides transport
from Villa Mella in the north of Santo Domingo to south-central Centro de los Héroes.
Types of Public Transport Box
Guaguas - Small buses
Carros Públicos - Small public taxis
phone. The phone operator will tell you what
the rate should be to your destination. It’s also
good to ask for the taxi number and color
when calling. This way, you can be sure you are
getting into the taxi you asked for. Dominican
taxis do not use fare meters. Instead, there are
flat rates for each destination. Remember, the
farther you go outside the city center, the more
expensive the ride. Always confirm the rate
with the driver prior to departing; you may get
him to put it into writing if there is a language
problem, to avoid any misunderstanding.
Intercity Buses
Metro and Caribe Tours provide coach
transportation service between Santo Domingo and major cities. Expreso Bávaro travels to
the East Coast destinations. Other cities may
be served by express regional bus lines that
can be boarded at the Enriquillo Park environs near Duarte Avenue or Kilómetro Nueve
(a bus hub on John F. Kennedy Ave.)
Travel Time Box
Domestic travel times by car
Santo Domingo-Puerto Plata 3½ hour
Santo Domingo-Santiago 2 hours
Santo Domingo-Jarabacoa 1½ hours
Santo Domingo-Constanza 2 hours
Santo Domingo-Boca Chica ½ hour
Santo Domingo-Juan Dolio 40 minutes
Santo Domingo-Bayahibe 2 hours
Santo Domingo-La Romana 1½ hours
Santo Domingo-Punta Cana 3½ hours
Santo Domingo-Samana 2 hours on toll road
Santo Domingo-Barahona 3 hours
OMSA - Government run buses
Motoconchos- Motorcycle taxi
Santo Domingo Metro
* See Transport Map on page 60 for descriptions
of types of public transport.
Private taxis
Private taxis are available 24 hours a day in
Santo Domingo and can be contracted by tele-
58
dr1guide.com
Car Rentals
Major car rental companies have branches
at airports, hotels and city locations. Do not
cut corners when choosing your rental car
service. Also take out the extra insurance plan
that is available. If you suffer an accident that
dents your car, for instance, the insurance will
prevent delays or hassles. You must be at least
21 years old.
The Basics
Important Phone Numbers
Telephone numbers
All Dominican telephone numbers must be dialed
with the 809 or 829 area code. To dial a cell phone
from a land line, dial 1 plus the 10 digit number.
Calling the US Toll Free
With few exceptions, toll free numbers in the US are
not free of charge in the Dominican Republic and
you will be charged at international dialing rates.
International Airlines
Serving SD
US Contact
Local Contact
American Airlines
800.433.7300
809.542.5151
aa.com
Continental Airlines
800.525.0280
809.262.1060
continental.com
Spirit Airlines
800.772.7117
809.549.2046
U.S. Airways
800.428.4322
-
Delta Airlines
800.221.1212
809.200.9191
Website
spiritair.com
usairways.com
delta.com
Air Europa
212.921.2381
809.683.8020
air-europa.com
Air France
800.237.2747
809.686.8432
airfrance.com
Copa
800.359.2672
809.472.2672
copaair.com
Jet Blue
800.538.2583
809.200.9898
jetblue.com
USA 3000
877.872.3000
-
usa3000.com
Air Canada
800.247.2262
-
Iberia
800.772.4642
809.262.3400
Air Caraibes
aircanada.com
iberia.com
-
809.621.8888
aircaraibes.com
Avianca
800.284.2622
809.563.2209
avianca.com
Cubana
-
809.227.2040
cubana.cu
Dutch Antilles Express
Insel Air
-
809.541.5151
flydae.com
877.546.7352
809.621.7777
fly-inselair.com
Liat
-
809.621.7777
liatairline.com
PAWA
-
809.227.0331
pawadominicana.com
800.400.8222
809.200.8662
taca.com
Taca Airlines
Hospitals
Address
Hospiten Santo Domingo
Ave. Alma Mater & Bolívar
809.541.3000
Phone
Centro Abel González
Av. Abraham Lincoln #953
809.227.2235
Corazones Unidos
Calle Fantino Falco #21
809.567.4421
Clínica Abreu
Calle Beller #52
809.688.4411
Cedimat
Av. Ortega y Gassett #10
809.565.9989
Universidad Central del Este
Pedro Henríquez Ureña corner Máximo
Gómez
809.221.0171
Emergency Number
Ambulance, police, fire, hospitals
911
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