Hello we are a family (me 23, mom 44 brother 17) traveling to Santo Domingo via Metro Tours from Puerto Plata and we wanted to see if anyone could provide the location of the bus station/hub in Santo Domingo. Also we looked at staying two nights in the Melia Santo Domingo Hotel (good price and good location) and we were wondering whether it is possible to visit the zona colonial, mercados, plaza de la cultura, barra payan, faro a colon, los tres ojos by walking (obviously not all in the same day). I've looked up the distances with google earth (not the most reliable method) but wanted to ask from people who actually knew whether or not it is feasible for a family that doesn't mind walking a couple miles a day.
Thanks in advance
Metro have a hub at the back of Plaza Central, on Churchill. Type "Metro Bus Station, Santo Domingo" into maps.google.com and will show you.
Regarding walking, you'd be brave to do it. The weather outside is punishing, even for just a short walk, and Faro a Colon and Los Tres Ojos are quite some walk, most people here would never dream of it. Also, walking between these areas can be dangerous, especially if you don't know where you're going.
Given the fact there's 3 of you, taxis CAN be cheap, but beware, Gringo Tax can apply... A short journey shouldn't be running you more than a few hundred pesos at most. Think last time I paid about 150 but I don't use taxis a lot, only when the car is in the shop.
When my Parents were here for my wedding last year they stayed at the Jaragua on the Malecon, and walked to the colonial zone once. They walk a lot, and said they'd never do it again. Partly because it burned them out, and partly because they couldn't take two footsteps without being surrounded by children begging.
Enjoy your time here in SD ;-)
Steve