I will be in the Dominican Republic for exactly 2 weeks. This trip is solely being made so that I can spend time with my father. Still 2 weeks is a long time if one has no other goals to entertain other than spending time with pops. I've been to this country about 6 times in my life (at least twice as an adult). I'm interested in swimming lessons, a possible side-trip or two (I'll be based in Santo Domingo), and maybe some dance lessons. Any tips or suggestions and what there will be to do during the first 2 weeks of the month of September?
- Thread starter InterestedSugoya
- Start date
Suggestions for Spending Time in Santo Domingo for Non-First Timer
Swimming lessons at Stono in Club Paraiso (Av. Winston Churchill, http://clubparaiso.com.do), or at Body Shop on Calle Fantino Falco, Naco (http://www.clubbodyshop.com). Would think that Stono is cheaper and more flexible with the scheduling. To learn to swim, suggest you book at least 10 classes -- best one every day. I used to teach people to swim.
For learning to dance, there are many places. Choose depending on where you will be. On Av. Winston Churchill I have seen signs near Club Paraiso. Drive slowly and check the signs in the shopping centers to the side of the avenue. If you only have two weeks suggest you either choose to learn merengue, bachata or salsa. My recommendation would be to start with merengue.
Pasos Academia de Baile.
Av. Winston Churchill 105, Plaza Fernandez II, local 15A, Ensanche Paraiso. Tel 809 541-2137, 809 223-5544
This one is close to Club Paraiso.
Aprenda a Bailar en 21 horas
They promise to teach you in less than 24 hours.
http://www.aprendaabailaren21horas.blogspot.com/
Av. 27 de Febrero 35, Miraflores, Tel 809 622-2020
Academia de Chicha (the most famous)
Calle Padre Pina #103 Zona UASD.
Telefono: 809-689-9062
Think their courses are more structured and last longer.
Be sure to set aside an early morning visit to the Botanical Gardens.
Also see http://dr1.com/travel/santodomingoguide.pdf
For learning to dance, there are many places. Choose depending on where you will be. On Av. Winston Churchill I have seen signs near Club Paraiso. Drive slowly and check the signs in the shopping centers to the side of the avenue. If you only have two weeks suggest you either choose to learn merengue, bachata or salsa. My recommendation would be to start with merengue.
Pasos Academia de Baile.
Av. Winston Churchill 105, Plaza Fernandez II, local 15A, Ensanche Paraiso. Tel 809 541-2137, 809 223-5544
This one is close to Club Paraiso.
Aprenda a Bailar en 21 horas
They promise to teach you in less than 24 hours.
http://www.aprendaabailaren21horas.blogspot.com/
Av. 27 de Febrero 35, Miraflores, Tel 809 622-2020
Academia de Chicha (the most famous)
Calle Padre Pina #103 Zona UASD.
Telefono: 809-689-9062
Think their courses are more structured and last longer.
Be sure to set aside an early morning visit to the Botanical Gardens.
Also see http://dr1.com/travel/santodomingoguide.pdf
Santo Domingo is such a disfunctional place ..and it is hard to find what you are looking for. Even after almost two decades living there I do not know where to find many things no whom to ask . So in two weeks you need to have your racing shoes on . The Botanical gardens are reat but at time of writing are horribly dry Otherwise Dolores has given fantastic advice .
great advice Dolores..however I would say Chichas classes are not recommendable to foreigners as she has no patience and doesnt speak english. Her male teachers do a little bit and are nicer. Most of the students are teenagers..I quit after 2 hours because I didnt like beeing treated like a 15 years old..lol
I travel to the capital a lot and I am faced with the same questions about day trips. You might consider:
Spend a day at Playa Palenque, in the Cocolandia section. It is a nice tranquil beach about an hour west of the capital. There are nice shaded tables on the beach at the waters edge and very good food and service. The music is kept at a tolerable level so it is easy to have a conversation. It is a safe and pleasant way to spend a day. Najayo beach is closer, but is louder and not as nice.
Spend a half day at Tres Ojos Park in Santo Domingo Este. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Tres_Ojos) It is a series of scenic, sunlit caves with an easily walkable trail and clear pools at the bottom. There is actually a small ferry boat that is operated inside the caves. It is a beautiful spot just 10-15 minutes from the city center. It is amazing how quiet it is even though it is in the city. There is parking and snacks but no restaurant when I was there.
Spend a day at Playa Palenque, in the Cocolandia section. It is a nice tranquil beach about an hour west of the capital. There are nice shaded tables on the beach at the waters edge and very good food and service. The music is kept at a tolerable level so it is easy to have a conversation. It is a safe and pleasant way to spend a day. Najayo beach is closer, but is louder and not as nice.
Spend a half day at Tres Ojos Park in Santo Domingo Este. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Tres_Ojos) It is a series of scenic, sunlit caves with an easily walkable trail and clear pools at the bottom. There is actually a small ferry boat that is operated inside the caves. It is a beautiful spot just 10-15 minutes from the city center. It is amazing how quiet it is even though it is in the city. There is parking and snacks but no restaurant when I was there.
Dolores, thank you a lot. The Swimming lessons are more important than the dance lessons so I will for sure look into it seriously.
As for the dancing, though I am fluent in Spanish, I'm not going to be rushed so I guess I can't deal with this Chicha lady.
Tres Ojos park sounds interesting. I'll be staying in La Zona Colonial. My father isn't too much into "nature walks", but I may be able to check it out.
BPL888, I like how you say that Playa Palanque is "a safe and pleasant way to spend a day". One would assume that in a paradise everywhere should be "safe and pleasant". What else would you recommend in Santo Domingo as "safe and pleasant"?
Dolores, if you don't mind me asking, how should I prep myself to learn to swim? I'm assuming it would be difficult since I have bad rhythm and a fear of the water. Still, I'd like to learn or at least give it a good effort.
JDJones, I don't smoke.
Salsafan, Las Terrenas seems like a good spot to walk with my father. I'll look into it and see if I can convince him to come along.
As for the dancing, though I am fluent in Spanish, I'm not going to be rushed so I guess I can't deal with this Chicha lady.
Tres Ojos park sounds interesting. I'll be staying in La Zona Colonial. My father isn't too much into "nature walks", but I may be able to check it out.
BPL888, I like how you say that Playa Palanque is "a safe and pleasant way to spend a day". One would assume that in a paradise everywhere should be "safe and pleasant". What else would you recommend in Santo Domingo as "safe and pleasant"?
Dolores, if you don't mind me asking, how should I prep myself to learn to swim? I'm assuming it would be difficult since I have bad rhythm and a fear of the water. Still, I'd like to learn or at least give it a good effort.
JDJones, I don't smoke.
Salsafan, Las Terrenas seems like a good spot to walk with my father. I'll look into it and see if I can convince him to come along.
Don't assume you are in "a paradise". You are not. The DR is still a third world country with all the issues and challenges that come along with that. Everywhere is not safe. And if it is not safe, then it is not pleasant.
Take some time and read the Santo Domingo forum posts here on DR1. You will get an idea for the flavor of the city, the good and the bad. Keep your head up and keep your stick on the ice.
Not knowing your tastes or what you would be looking for, I can try to make a few more suggestions for safe and pleasant excusions.
The museums at the Plaza De Cultura. There are several of them ranging from natural history to art. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...anto_Domingo_Province_Dominican_Republic.html
The Museum of Resistance in the Zona Colonial is very interesting. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...mingo_Santo_Domingo_Province_Dominican_R.html
The Folklore shows on the Plaza Espana in the Zona Colonial on Saturday night. It is a great place to people watch and have a cold drink in one of the outdoor cafes or restaurants. http://www.fodors.com/world/caribbe...s-to-do/sights/reviews/plaza-de-espana-451689
The music at the San Francisco Ruins in the Zona Colonial on Sunday night.
A very good guide to the Zona Colonia. http://www.colonialzone-dr.com/
At the other end of the city there is good jazz at the Dominican Fiesta Hotel on Friday nights.
As mentioned the Botanical Gardens are beautiful and pleasant, though they are very dry right now. http://www.jbn.gob.do/
And there is bowling!! What Fun!! http://sebelenbowling.com/
Outside the city you might consider:
A boat ride to Isla Catalina from La Romana.
Another cave park outside San Pedro. Very nice with guides, an easy walk and Elevators! https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parque_nacional_Cueva_de_las_Maravillas
If you have more time you might consider a trip to see the terrace farming and stunning scenery in Constanza and Jarabacoa. The new road that connects them is absolutely beautiful. It is a 2.5-3 hour ride from the capital.
Most of all, enjoy the time with your dad. Enjoy and give us a trip report when you return
Take some time and read the Santo Domingo forum posts here on DR1. You will get an idea for the flavor of the city, the good and the bad. Keep your head up and keep your stick on the ice.
Not knowing your tastes or what you would be looking for, I can try to make a few more suggestions for safe and pleasant excusions.
The museums at the Plaza De Cultura. There are several of them ranging from natural history to art. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...anto_Domingo_Province_Dominican_Republic.html
The Museum of Resistance in the Zona Colonial is very interesting. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...mingo_Santo_Domingo_Province_Dominican_R.html
The Folklore shows on the Plaza Espana in the Zona Colonial on Saturday night. It is a great place to people watch and have a cold drink in one of the outdoor cafes or restaurants. http://www.fodors.com/world/caribbe...s-to-do/sights/reviews/plaza-de-espana-451689
The music at the San Francisco Ruins in the Zona Colonial on Sunday night.
A very good guide to the Zona Colonia. http://www.colonialzone-dr.com/
At the other end of the city there is good jazz at the Dominican Fiesta Hotel on Friday nights.
As mentioned the Botanical Gardens are beautiful and pleasant, though they are very dry right now. http://www.jbn.gob.do/
And there is bowling!! What Fun!! http://sebelenbowling.com/
Outside the city you might consider:
A boat ride to Isla Catalina from La Romana.
Another cave park outside San Pedro. Very nice with guides, an easy walk and Elevators! https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parque_nacional_Cueva_de_las_Maravillas
If you have more time you might consider a trip to see the terrace farming and stunning scenery in Constanza and Jarabacoa. The new road that connects them is absolutely beautiful. It is a 2.5-3 hour ride from the capital.
Most of all, enjoy the time with your dad. Enjoy and give us a trip report when you return
I love SD but I would never use any 3 of those words to describe it!!
I love the Colonial Zone, Lulu's Tasting bar is a cool place to hang at. Mondays is jazz/blues live music if you are into that.
BPL888, I will give a trip report upon my return, but for now I had to reschedule my trip for a 9/24 arrival so the report will have to wait a bit. I'll keep checking the forums till then and I appreciate all of the advice.