Heading to SD, any pointers?

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Markstang

New member
Apr 20, 2009
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Hello all,

I will be traveling to Santo Domingo over memorial day weekend (May 23rd to May 27th.) I understand there are many residents on this forum and frequent travelers, so I am hoping to get some inside information on anything good going on during this period of time. Any notable shows or seasonal attractions that should not be missed? I enjoy hanging with the locals, so I am not restricted to the touristy activities.

I am heading there with my girlfriend and staying at the jaragua. Her family lives right off of George Washington Ave, so it is a perfect location. I have only been to SD once before, so I still do not know a lot of the more interesting locations there. Last time I was there, I stayed at the hilton and basically stayed on George washington Ave (I dared not to attempt to drive my rental further than that...) I am looking to explore a little further this go around.

Any recommendations of places to see or things to do is appreciated. One specific question I have is whether there are actually any GOOD casinos in or near SD. By good casinos, I mean casinos that do not have run-down machines and you do not have to feed the slots one peso at a time?
 
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Expat13

Silver
Jun 7, 2008
3,255
50
48
Markstang said:
Hello all,

I will be traveling to Santo Domingo over memorial day weekend (May 23rd to May 27th.) I understand there are many residents on this forum and frequent travelers, so I am hoping to get some inside information on anything good going on during this period of time. Any notable shows or seasonal attractions that should not be missed? I enjoy hanging with the locals, so I am not restricted to the touristy activities.

I am heading there with my girlfriend and staying at the jaragua. Her family lives right off of George Washington Ave, so it is a perfect location. I have only been to SD once before, so I still do not know a lot of the more interesting locations there. Last time I was there, I stayed at the hilton and basically stayed on George washington Ave (I dared not to attempt to drive my rental further than that...) I am looking to explore a little further this go around.

Any recommendations of places to see or things to do is appreciated. One specific question I have is whether there are actually any GOOD casinos in or near SD. By good casinos, I mean casinos that do not have run-down machines and you do not have to feed the slots one peso at a time?
Click to expand...

Your off to a good start as the Jaragua has a very decent casino and a raised area in the front where they usually have live music. As with most casinos there will be single flirtatious ladies that are looking for the obvious rather than just friendly conversation. The Malecon stretch has a few decent casinos so you are within walking distance of the best,( I believe) SD offers in casinos. I am sure you already know to be very careful with the friendly english speaking local tourist guide/taxi guys. They can be expensive and annoying.
 
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Markstang

New member
Apr 20, 2009
4
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0
I will have a dominicana with me so I don't expect too many problems from the gringo hunters. Sometimes I wonder if that is a good or bad thing :tired:

I hung out at the jaragua last time I was in SD and I definitely enjoyed the live entertainment. There was a woman with an extremely powerful voice singing a song that still sticks in my head despite not being able to recall the words. I am definitely interested in any other businesses with good live entertainment.
 
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amparocorp

Bronze
Aug 11, 2002
900
86
0
jaragua is by far the best casino on the island. only my opinion, if your gambling drinks are free, to sit in the bar your going to pay, expensive. if you go in the casino alone you may get hit upon by one of the ladies, if you are polite, smile, tell them you like their hair, and explain that your dominican wife is also staying at the hotel, then they will tell all of the other ladies, they're all friends, that you're not available and leave you alone. there are not that many of them and not a nuisance. in fact i think they add a little "ambience" to the place. the cheap blackjack tables are closest to the bar, better to listen to the music. you can play 100 pesos minimum blackjack and if you are careful, and play well, you can sit there for hours having a good time cheap just watching the crowd. there's some great clubs/discos in SD, depends on what kind of music you want to hear, night of the week etc.
 
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