advise on my first visit to DR, staying at sun village beach resort

It is very safe to venture out of the AI,but renting a car can be an experience if you have never been there before.
A taxi would be your best bet to get a feel of the area before you rent a car.
The sickness you are referring to I think was limited to 3 spanish hotels.I stay away from tap water and Won't touch the fish until I have been there at least a couple of days.
Sosua is a great place to visit with lots of stuff to do and a great beach.

Hi, this have been covered under the travel section before, use the search function.

Best is to use a taxi of course.
If you chose local alternatives there are buses ( gua guas ) for cheaper prices.

In Puerto Plata you might want to see the Victorian part of the city, meaning the so typical wooden houses, with their patios, in Caribbean colors.
This area is all around Central Park and towards Malecon, the ocean boulevard.
Just by Central Park you?ll see, and can visit, the cathedral as well.

If you are interested in art, the house of Culture, by Central Park has exhibitions constantly. Entrance is FOC.

Close, as well downtown, is the Amber Museum, located in a lovely while building, a former residence of Mr Bentz, a German immigrant who got rich on sugar here about 80 years ago. They also have a shop.

Down on the Malecon you can walk to the "puntilla", the end of Malecon, where you?ll find the old fortress. You can visit the museum there for some 30 pesos. The guide at the fortress, is the son of the architecht of Central Park and many other important buildings in Puerto Plata. He is over 90 years old!

For shopping, there is Casa Nelson, by Central Park. It is our department store. Nothing special at all, but have a look.
There are several smaller shops in and around downtown, as well as vendors.
If you want clothes or sport ware, you may want to visit Jimenez or Neno Sport in town. Most are fake, but prices are fair.

You can take a walk up to the market, to feel the Caribbean atmosphere.
Here you?ll find a mixture of tropical fruits, fresh veggies, live chickens...
all blended with paintings, souvenirs, alcohol, cigars..

For nightlife, take a trip to Sosua, it is only 20-30 min ride.
There are some local places in Puerto Plata, and of course the usual discos in Playa Dorada, the tourist complex.
If you want to eat out, you can try Cafe Cito, by the entrance of Playa Dorada, Papillon in Cofresi, Barcos on the Malecon, Portofino ...

Daytime excursions are many, and depend on what you like to do.
You can spend a day on a catamaran at sea. It is a full day excursion including lunch, all beverages and also snorkeling in Sosua bay.
You might want to see the countryside of the island, and then you may choose a Monster truck safari.

Most of all, enjoy your stay. Arrive with an open mind, and you will love your Caribbean vacation!

chrisdav2003 said:

... just wanted confirmation that its safe to go out. want to go into puerto plata city, first how far away are we and what is the best and safest way to get there and back. any recommendations on places to go there, should we rent a car or is it safer and cheaper to taxi or bus everywhere, ....

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It is as safe as anywhere else. If you don't have Spanish and a lot of patience skip the buses and never drive a rental car. You won't save anything vs. the occasional cab anyway. Settle the price and write it down if you have to BEFORE you set out in a taxi.

chrisdav2003 said:

hi we are visiting DR on aug 22nd for two weeks, staying AI at the sun village beach resort, just looking for some advise, firstly although we are staying AI we dont want to spend our whole holiday on the resort, just wanted confirmation that its safe to go out. want to go into puerto plata city, first how far away are we and what is the best and safest way to get there and back. any recommendations on places to go there, should we rent a car or is it safer and cheaper to taxi or bus everywhere, we are a couple with no kids so would be looking for some nitelife, also have heard rumours about sickness and stuff, any tips on this would be great, also any recommendations on places to eat in puerto plata, have so many questions to ask, and so little time, flying out next monday !!!!. thanks in advance for any replies and hope you wont mind me asking many more
thanks chris and lisa

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Hello Chris & Lisa.
We just got back from Sun Village on Monday. Had a wonderful time. Nobody got sick, the food was good and the people were excellent! (I wonder if those that get sick are using the water? You must be careful and not drink it at all..this includes brushing your teeth. Always use the bottled water)
Anyway, we have a friend there that took us around town. Maybe if you ask him, he will take you as well. His name is Eddy and you can find him at his shop on the beach. When you go to the beach, turn left and walk toward Ocean World. You will come to a small cluster of souvenier shops very close to Sun Villarge (only several yards away). His shop is the first (just behind
the tree house). The sign says "Eddy the Cheap". Hes a truely nice guy. He makes his living selling to the tourists, he has a wife and new baby and I'm sure he will be glad for the opportunity to make some extra cash.
Tell him Chuck and Ann recommended you to him. Have a wonderful time.
Daisy