17 Best Things To Do In Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic - Karta.com

17 Fun Things To Do In Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Trip Ideas May 2, 2025

If you're dreaming of a Dominican getaway but crave more than endless beach lounging, Puerto Plata deserves a prime spot on your radar. This coastal gem hums with its own unique rhythm—layered in history, alive with culture, and brimming with adventures you’ll be talking about long after your tan fades.

One day you’re riding the only cable car in the Caribbean skyward toward Mount Isabel de Torres. The next, you’re plunging into a series of secret waterfalls, laughing like a kid again. Tempted by rum, chocolate, or cigars? Puerto Plata has the goods—and the insider tours to match.

In Puerto Plata, discovery feels effortless. Whether you're wandering historic forts or lounging on golden beaches, the experiences here don't just check a box—they leave a lasting imprint. By the time you leave, your camera roll will be packed with sunsets, colorful streets, and maybe even a daring waterfall jump (or two).

1. Explore the Coastal History at Fortaleza San Felipe

📍 Location: Calle Avenida General Gregorio Luperón, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

💡 Fun Fact:

This 16th-century fortress is the oldest standing military structure in the Dominican Republic and once guarded the city against pirates.

Visiting Fortaleza San Felipe feels a bit like stepping straight into a pirate novel. Built in the 16th century to fend off pirates and colonial threats, this brooding stone fort whispers stories from its thick, sea-worn walls.

Walk its maze-like corridors and you'll find ancient cannons and weathered prison cells, each holding a fragment of Puerto Plata’s dramatic past. The views from the ramparts—where Caribbean blue meets rugged coastline—are reason enough to linger. I once caught a sunset here that turned the whole ocean molten gold; it’s a memory I’ll never forget.

Fort San Felipe del Morro | Travel Story and Pictures from Puerto Rico

🔎 Important Information:

  • Opening Times: Daily, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Accessibility: Partial—stone paths and steps may be difficult for wheelchairs
  • Parking: Free nearby street parking
  • Amenities: Small museum, ocean views, guided tours
  • Tips: Bring sun protection—there’s little shade around the grounds

2. Ride on the Famed Teleférico (Cable Car) & Mount Isabel de Torres

📍 Location: Calle Manolo Tavárez Justo, Puerto Plata, DR

💡 Fun Fact:

This is the only cable car in the Caribbean, climbing to over 2,600 feet with panoramic views of Puerto Plata and the Atlantic.

In a region famed for beaches, Puerto Plata dares to add a dramatic mountain to the mix. Hop aboard the Teleférico, the Caribbean’s only cable car, and in ten breezy minutes, you’ll glide above patchwork fields, tropical forests, and glittering coastlines.

At the summit, a sprawling botanical garden awaits, lush with native blooms and shaded paths perfect for a meditative stroll. Looming above it all stands a striking Christ the Redeemer statue—Puerto Plata’s own answer to Rio.

Qué emocionante! Subir por el teleférico de Puerto Plata es una experiencia  maravillosa Ensegundos República Dominicana

I remember lingering at the top, just breathing in the crisp mountain air, feeling a whole world away from the buzz below. If you're building your ultimate Puerto Plata itinerary, this stop deserves a starring role.

🔎 Important Information:

  • Opening Times: Mon–Sun, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Accessibility: The cable car is wheelchair accessible; trails at the top are uneven
  • Parking: On-site lot available
  • Amenities: Botanical gardens, Christ the Redeemer statue, café
  • Tips: Go early for clear skies and fewer crowds—afternoons often bring clouds

3. Step Back in Time at the Amber Museum

📍 Location: Calle Duarte 61, Puerto Plata 57000, Dominican Republic

💡 Fun Fact:

This museum holds one of the world’s largest pieces of amber with a prehistoric lizard trapped inside—featured in Jurassic Park.

Set in a restored Victorian mansion, the Amber Museum is part science lesson, part time machine. Inside, ancient pieces of golden fossilized resin—some containing perfectly preserved insects—bring prehistoric epochs back to life.

You'll even spot the world-famous piece of Dominican amber that inspired the opening scene of Jurassic Park. Yes, it’s real. Yes, it’s here.

The magical world of amber at the Great Mill — the new seat of the Amber  Museum - Pomorskie Prestige

Walking through the airy, sunlit rooms of the museum, you can almost feel the weight of millions of years pressing gently against the present. This stop is an easy, enriching break from the usual sun-and-sand routine.

🔎 Important Information:

  • Opening Times: Mon–Sat, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Accessibility: Stairs to upper floors; no elevator
  • Parking: Limited nearby street parking
  • Amenities: Gift shop, guided tours available
  • Tips: Great for kids and geology buffs—combine with a walk through the city center

4. Unwind Together at Playa Dorada

📍 Location: Playa Dorada Complex, Puerto Plata, DR

💡 Fun Fact:

Playa Dorada is a Blue Flag-certified beach, recognized for its clean water and sustainable management.

Sometimes the best memories come from the simplest moments. Playa Dorada—Puerto Plata’s golden, sun-drenched shoreline—offers that classic beach day without the chaos of more crowded spots. The warm, shallow waters make it perfect for floating lazily or wading out with your partner, cocktail in hand.

Playa Dorada Beach - Dominican Republic

I spent an afternoon here once where time felt like it just melted away—walking barefoot along the surf, stopping for an icy Presidente beer at a little beach shack, and watching the horizon swallow the sun in a slow, fiery fade. Bliss.

If you're looking for romantic things to do in Puerto Plata, this is pure magic without the need for reservations, pricey excursions, or planning stress. Horseback rides along the shore add a sweet, spontaneous touch, and if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can rent paddleboards or join a catamaran sunset cruise straight from the beach.

🔎 Important Information:

  • Opening Times: Open daily, sunrise to sunset
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair access through many resort entries
  • Parking: Free or paid parking, depending on entry point
  • Amenities: Beach lounges, restaurants, water sports rentals
  • Tips: Visit early in the day for calm waters and fewer people

5. 27 Charcos de Damajagua

📍 Location: Carretera Turística Gregorio Luperón, Imbert, Puerto Plata Province

💡 Fun Fact:

These natural limestone pools and waterfalls were hidden from the world until local guides began tours in the 1990s.

If your soul craves a little more action, 27 Charcos (or 27 Waterfalls) delivers an adrenaline rush that's pure Dominican magic.

After a guided hike through thick tropical forest—where sunlight flickers through massive ferns—you'll don a helmet and life vest and start the descent: jumping, sliding, and sometimes cannonballing through a series of natural waterfalls and pools. It's messy, exhilarating, and absolutely unforgettable.

I’ll never forget standing at the edge of a 15-foot cascade, heart pounding, debating the leap. (Spoiler: I jumped. And laughed the whole way down.)

Quick Zip and Waterfalls of Damajagua | Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic  (Amber Cove) Shore Excursion | Caribbean Cruise Tours

🔎 Important Information:

  • Opening Times: Daily, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • Accessibility: Not suitable for those with limited mobility; hiking, climbing, and swimming required
  • Parking: Free on-site parking
  • Amenities: Lockers, restrooms, restaurant, guided tours mandatory
  • Tips: Wear water shoes and bring a change of clothes—this is an adrenaline-packed experience

6. Take a Stroll Along the Malecón

📍 Location: Avenida General Gregorio Luperón, Puerto Plata, DR

💡 Fun Fact:

This seaside promenade stretches over 2 miles and is popular with locals for jogging, people-watching, and socializing at sunset.

The Malecón isn’t just a walkway—it’s Puerto Plata’s living room. This vibrant seaside promenade pulses with life, from joggers and food vendors to local families soaking in the evening breeze.

As you stroll, the Atlantic stretches endlessly to one side while statues, murals, and monuments quietly narrate the city’s rich history on the other. Every bench invites you to pause. Every vendor tempts you with crispy empanadas or sweet coconut candy.

Stroll Along El Malecon, Lima's Scenic Cliff Top Walkway

One evening I wandered here just as the sun dipped behind the ocean, and the whole Malecón buzzed with laughter, domino games, and the rhythms of bachata floating on the air. It's these unscripted moments that stitch together the true spirit of a place.

🔎 Important Information:

  • Opening Times: Always open
  • Accessibility: Fully paved and wheelchair accessible
  • Parking: Street parking available
  • Amenities: Benches, food stalls, sculptures, beach access
  • Tips: Visit in the evening for music, local vendors, and cooler temperatures

7. Tour and Taste at the Brugal Rum Factory

📍 Location: Av. Luis Ginebra, Puerto Plata, DR

💡 Fun Fact:

Brugal, founded in 1888, is one of the Caribbean’s most iconic rum producers and a symbol of Dominican pride.

No deep dive into Dominican culture would be complete without a taste of its beloved spirit—rum. And few brands are as woven into the island’s story as Brugal.

A tour of the Brugal Rum Factory pulls back the curtain on a craft honed over generations. You’ll see oak barrels stacked like rows of sleeping giants, smell the sweet, heady scent of fermenting sugarcane, and learn how traditional methods shape the island’s most iconic drink.

Brugal Rum Center - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Tastings are included (and yes, there’s plenty of opportunity to pick up a souvenir bottle or two that never makes it home).

🔎 Important Information:

  • Opening Times: Mon–Fri, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Accessibility: Limited for wheelchairs—steps and industrial layout
  • Parking: On-site parking available
  • Amenities: Tasting room, gift shop
  • Tips: Sampling included in the tour—don’t plan to drive immediately afterward

8. Spend a Wild Day at Ocean World Adventure Park

📍 Location: Calle Principal #3, Cofresi Beach, Puerto Plata, DR

💡 Fun Fact:

Ocean World is one of the only parks in the world where you can swim with dolphins, sea lions, and even sharks.

For travelers with kids—or just an inner kid itching to break free—Ocean World Adventure Park is an all-in-one splash zone of fun.

Where else can you swim with dolphins, snorkel through coral reefs, feed sea lions, and float lazily down a river, all before lunch? The staff here genuinely love what they do, and it shows in the care they take with both visitors and animals.

One standout memory: snorkeling through a manmade reef while rainbow-colored fish zipped by like tiny, curious torpedoes. It felt like stepping into another world.

Ocean World Adventure Park, Puerto Plata - What To Know BEFORE You Go |  Viator

🔎 Important Information:

  • Opening Times: Wed–Sun, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly paths; some activities not accessible
  • Parking: Free on-site parking
  • Amenities: Animal shows, restaurants, private beach, gift shops
  • Tips: Book interactions (dolphin swims, snorkeling) in advance—they fill quickly

9. People-Watch and Unwind at Puerto Plata Central Park

📍 Location: Calle Beller, downtown Puerto Plata

💡 Fun Fact:

The gazebo in the center of the park was built in 1872 and is one of the city’s most iconic architectural features.

In a city packed with energy, Puerto Plata’s Central Park—also known as Parque Independencia—offers a beautiful breather.

Surrounded by charming, pastel-hued Victorian houses and anchored by the towering San Felipe Cathedral, this shaded square buzzes quietly with local life. It’s a place where domino games unfold on worn tables, vendors sell sweet confections from little carts, and time seems to stretch just a bit longer.

Bow Bridge in Central Park

Grab a local coffee (trust me, Dominican coffee is rich and worth savoring) and sit under the old trees, watching life gently pass by. It’s low-key, it’s authentic, and it’s exactly what travel is supposed to feel like sometimes.

🔎 Important Information:

  • Opening Times: Open daily, sunrise to late evening
  • Accessibility: Fully walkable and accessible
  • Parking: Street parking nearby
  • Amenities: Cafés, benches, shops, historic buildings nearby
  • Tips: Perfect place to rest between museum visits or enjoy a cold drink

10. Spend a Day at Lively and Colorful Sosúa Beach

📍 Location: Sosúa, Puerto Plata Province

💡 Fun Fact:

Sosúa became a refuge for Jewish settlers fleeing WWII—some of their influence still remains in the town's culture and food.

If you crave beaches with a little more buzz than blissful silence, head straight for Sosúa Beach.

This stretch of golden sand is framed by casual eateries, souvenir stands bursting with color, and locals offering everything from handwoven jewelry to fresh coconut water hacked open with a machete right in front of you. It’s lively without being overwhelming—a perfect mix of laid-back Caribbean rhythm and Dominican heart.

Top 4 Beaches of Sosua Dominican Republic

The snorkeling here is a hidden gem: shallow reefs just offshore make it easy to spot vibrant schools of fish even if you’re a beginner. Between dips in the sea, you can grab a plate of freshly grilled lobster or a frosty Presidente and melt into a beach chair for hours.

🔎 Important Information:

  • Opening Times: Open daily, sunrise to sunset
  • Accessibility: Some ramps available but beach access may be difficult
  • Parking: Paid and guarded lots available
  • Amenities: Restaurants, bars, souvenir stalls, water sports rentals
  • Tips: Great spot for snorkeling and people-watching—expect crowds on weekends

11. Puerto Plata Cruise Port

📍 Location: Taino Bay: Avenida del Malecón; Amber Cove: Carretera Puerto Plata

💡 Fun Fact:

Taino Bay and Amber Cove are two of the most vibrant and scenic cruise ports in the Caribbean, each offering unique excursions and modern amenities.

For many travelers, Puerto Plata’s gleaming cruise port is either a warm welcome or a fond farewell. Either way, it’s far more than just a gangway to the mainland.

Carnival Corporation’s Taino Bay and Amber Cove complexes offer shops, pools, dining, and local art right on site. It’s like getting a tiny sampler platter of the Dominican Republic without even needing a taxi.

But trust me: the real adventure starts when you step outside the gates.

Guide To Puerto Plata Cruise Port & Taino Bay - Cruising For All

From here, it’s easy to launch into unforgettable excursions, like scaling the 27 Charcos waterfalls or wandering the colorful streets of Puerto Plata’s colonial center. Whether you’ve got four hours or a full day, the city makes it incredibly easy to dive into history, nature, and culture without venturing far from your ship.

🔎 Important Information:

  • Opening Times: Dependent on cruise schedules; typically open when ships are docked
  • Accessibility: Fully accessible with wide paths and ramps
  • Parking: Designated areas for taxis and excursions, not for private vehicles
  • Amenities: Pools, shops, bars, restaurants, excursion booths
  • Tips: Book excursions in advance if you're arriving by cruise—ziplining, waterfall tours, and city explorations are popular and often sell out quickly

12. Explore the Mangroves and Caves of Laguna Gri Gri

📍 Location: Río San Juan, about 1.5 hours east of Puerto Plata

💡 Fun Fact:

The mangrove-fringed Laguna Gri Gri gets its name from the gri gri trees lining the shore, known for their dense, dark wood.

Laguna Gri Gri feels like a portal into another, quieter world. Here, mangrove forests weave intricate green tunnels, herons and egrets glide overhead, and small boats glide silently across glassy waters.

Local guides know these labyrinthine waterways by heart, often pointing out hidden caves like Cueva de las Golondrinas, where swallows dart through the shadows. On many tours, you'll end up at Playa Caletón, a stunning, uncrowded beach that feels like it was placed there just for you.

When I visited, the lagoon was so still it reflected the sky like a mirror, and the only sounds were the splash of oars and the rustle of mangrove leaves. If you need a break from the usual beach day or bar crawl, this serene detour is pure soul food.

🔎 Important Information:

  • Opening Times: Boat tours usually run daily from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible; small boats used for tours
  • Parking: Free street parking in the area
  • Amenities: Tour boats, guides, nearby restaurants
  • Tips: Combine this with a stop at Playa Caleton for a quiet beach experience after your mangrove tour

13. Snorkel and Chill on the Stunning Cayo Arena

📍 Location: Off the coast near Punta Rucia, about 2 hours west of Puerto Plata

💡 Fun Fact:

Cayo Arena, also known as Paradise Island, is a tiny sandbar surrounded by vibrant coral reef—only visible at low tide.

Cayo Arena, nicknamed Paradise Island, is the kind of place that feels too good to be real—but it is.

Imagine a tiny, blindingly white sandbar surrounded by water so clear it’s practically invisible. Colorful coral reefs teem with life, from darting tropical fish to slow-gliding sea turtles.

Getting there is half the fun: a thrilling speedboat ride through the mangroves of Monte Cristi National Park leads you straight into this postcard-perfect scene. There are no resorts, no shops—just sun, sea, and the slow, rhythmic pulse of paradise.

I spent a morning snorkeling here, chasing tiny parrotfish through coral canyons, and it felt like slipping into a forgotten dream. If you're building a list of must-do Puerto Plata excursions, this one should be starred, circled, and underlined.

🔎 Important Information:

  • Opening Times: Tours usually depart between 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  • Accessibility: Not accessible for those with mobility limitations (boat transfer required)
  • Parking: Included with most tour packages departing from Punta Rucia
  • Amenities: Shade huts on the island, snorkeling gear provided with tours
  • Tips: Go early before the sandbar gets crowded, and bring reef-safe sunscreen

14. Hike with a View at Tubagua Eco-Lodge

📍 Location: Km 19, Carretera Turística, Tubagua, Puerto Plata Province

💡 Fun Fact:

This off-the-grid eco-lodge sits 2,000 feet above sea level and offers unmatched panoramic views of the Atlantic coastline.

For a fresh perspective—literally—trade the beach towel for a scenic hike at Tubagua Eco-Lodge.

Set in the hills above Puerto Plata, this sustainable lodge offers guided walks through lush farmland, friendly rural communities, and ridge trails with ocean views that stretch clear to the horizon. The air is cooler up here, and the slower pace lets you truly sink into the landscape.

When I hiked here, we stopped to sip coconut water straight from the shell and watched local kids race homemade kites across open fields. It’s the kind of authentic, grounding experience that doesn’t fit neatly into a travel brochure—but stays etched in your memory.

🔎 Important Information:

  • Opening Times: Day visits and overnight stays by reservation
  • Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchairs; uneven terrain and hilly paths
  • Parking: Free on-site parking
  • Amenities: Hiking trails, jungle huts, eco-lodging, locally prepared meals
  • Tips: Book a guided hike or stay overnight for sunrise views above the clouds

15. Soar Through the Trees at Monkey Jungle Zipline

📍 Location: Between Sosúa and Cabarete, Puerto Plata Province

💡 Fun Fact:

In addition to a thrilling zipline course, this attraction includes a sanctuary for rescued squirrel monkeys that you can feed by hand.

Part adventure park, part social project, Monkey Jungle Zipline hits that rare sweet spot: wild fun that does real good.

Set amid thick jungle canopies between Sosúa and Cabarete, this zipline course includes seven heart-pounding runs, a freefall jump, and sweeping mountain views that’ll have you feeling like Tarzan (or Jane).

Best part? Every dollar spent here helps fund a nonprofit medical and dental clinic for local residents, meaning your adrenaline high actually supports something bigger.

And yes, after soaring through the treetops, you get to hang out with adorable squirrel monkeys in a free-range habitat. (Warning: they're just mischievous enough to steal your heart and your sunglasses.)

🔎 Important Information:

  • Opening Times: Daily, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Accessibility: Not suitable for visitors with limited mobility
  • Parking: Free on-site lot
  • Amenities: Zipline course, monkey interaction zone, guides, restrooms
  • Tips: Wear closed-toe shoes and bring cash—proceeds help fund a nearby dental clinic

16. Ride the Wind at Cabarete Beach

📍 Location: Cabarete, about 40 minutes from Puerto Plata

💡 Fun Fact:

Known as the kiteboarding capital of the Caribbean, Cabarete regularly hosts international windsurfing and kitesurfing competitions.

If your idea of vacation includes action and adventure, Cabarete Beach is where you'll find your tribe.

Known globally for its kiteboarding and windsurfing scene, Cabarete pairs steady trade winds with wide open beaches—perfect for beginners and pros alike. Kite schools line the shore, ready to turn even absolute newbies into airborne adventurers in a few hours.

But Cabarete’s not just about sports. After the sun dips low, beachfront bars and restaurants spring to life with bonfires, live music, and beachy cocktail vibes that last deep into the night.

When I first tried paddleboarding here, I fell off at least five times—and laughed every single time. There’s a joyful, come-as-you-are spirit here that’s impossible to resist.

🔎 Important Information:

  • Opening Times: Open daily, best wind conditions from noon to 5:00 p.m.
  • Accessibility: Beach access varies by location; some ramps available
  • Parking: Paid and free lots available
  • Amenities: Surf schools, beach bars, restaurants, lounges
  • Tips: Beginners can take a lesson—there are dozens of certified kite and surf schools along the beach

17. Snap a Photo at Paseo de Doña Blanca (The Pink Street)

📍 Location: Calle José del Carmen Ariza, downtown Puerto Plata

💡 Fun Fact:

This charming pink-painted alleyway honors Doña Blanca, a beloved local businesswoman known for her candy shop.

No trip to Puerto Plata feels complete without a stop at the famously photogenic Paseo de Doña Blanca, aka The Pink Street.

This narrow alleyway, painted entirely in bubblegum hues—from the cobblestones to the balconies—honors Doña Blanca, a beloved figure in local lore. What started as a small community art project quickly became one of the most shared Instagram spots in the Caribbean.

But beyond the eye-popping color, there’s a tenderness here: a community’s tribute to its past, and a reminder that even small places can make a big emotional impression.

🔎 Important Information:

  • Opening Times: Open 24/7, best visited during daylight hours
  • Accessibility: Paved and walkable
  • Parking: Street parking nearby
  • Amenities: Photo ops, nearby cafes and shops
  • Tips: Visit early in the morning for fewer people and better lighting for photos

Conclusion

Puerto Plata isn’t just another Caribbean beach town—it’s a full sensory adventure wrapped in history, nature, and soul. Whether you're scaling waterfalls, wandering pink streets, or simply sharing a quiet sunset on Playa Dorada, each moment here feels vivid, textured, real.

It’s the kind of place where imperfection adds charm, where conversations with locals linger longer than they need to, and where adventure lives around every corner.

Planning your escape? Karta has some fantastic deals on Puerto Plata vacation rentals, perfect for turning a daydream into reality.

FAQ

1. What is Puerto Plata known for besides beaches?

Puerto Plata is famous for its beaches, but it’s also packed with culture, history, and adventure. The city is home to the only aerial cable car in the Caribbean, offering sweeping views from Mount Isabel de Torres. You’ll find one of the oldest colonial military forts in the Americas—Fortaleza San Felipe—and museums like the Amber Museum, which houses ancient fossils in gemstone form. Outside the city, you can visit 27 Charcos de Damajagua, a series of waterfalls you can hike, slide, and jump through. Puerto Plata is also known for its rum—Brugal is produced here—and for its charming Victorian architecture. So if you’re thinking it’s all about sand and surf, think again. There's plenty to see, do, and taste.

2. How far is Puerto Plata from Santiago and can you visit both in one trip?

Puerto Plata is about 1.5 hours (approximately 70 km or 43 miles) from Santiago de los Caballeros, the Dominican Republic’s second-largest city. The drive is straightforward, and the highway (DR-5 and DR-1) offers scenic views of rolling hills and farmland. Many visitors combine the two cities into one trip since Santiago offers a more urban, cultural contrast to Puerto Plata’s coastal vibe. You can do a day trip to Santiago to explore spots like the Monumento a los Héroes, Centro León, or the bustling markets and cigar factories. Just make sure to leave early so you have enough time to explore and get back before dark if you're not staying overnight. It’s definitely doable—and worth it—if you’re into art, local history, or off-the-beaten-path experiences.

3. When is the best time to visit Puerto Plata for good weather and fewer crowds?

The sweet spot for visiting Puerto Plata is late November through April. This window falls outside the hurricane season and comes with sunny days, lower humidity, and comfortable temps averaging around 77°F to 85°F (25°C to 29°C). It’s also the peak season, so expect more tourists—but the weather is at its best. If you want to dodge the crowds without dealing with rainstorms, try the shoulder months of May and early November. Prices for flights and hotels are usually lower, and you still get decent weather. The summer months (June–August) are hot and humid, and September to October can bring storms. So if weather and fewer people are priorities, aim for late fall or early spring.

4. Are there local markets or non-touristy spots for authentic Puerto Plata shopping?

Absolutely. Beyond the souvenir stands and beach vendors, Puerto Plata has a few authentic spots for local shopping. Check out the Mercado Modelo in the city center—this is where locals buy everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. It's a bit chaotic, but that’s part of the charm. You’ll find handwoven hats, larimar jewelry, spices, and locally made coffee. For more artisan goods, visit the Casa de la Cultura or pop into small galleries near Central Park, where local artists sell paintings and crafts directly. Also, consider picking up a bottle of Brugal rum or Dominican cacao—available in factory shops and smaller markets. These spots aren’t always listed in mainstream guides but are often recommended by locals and seasoned travelers online. It’s one of the best ways to support the community and take home something meaningful.

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Emily Carter

With over 10 years of experience, Emily is a seasoned expert in planning bespoke tours across the United States and Canada, with a specialization in eco-tourism and adventure travel.