Puerto Plata Spots of Interest

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Esquire

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I have been to Santo Domingo twice, and now I am planning a trip to Puerto Plata and would like to know a couple of things about the city.

1. Is there anyplace in Puerto Plata like Santo Domingo's El Conde?

2. Is there anyplace in Puerto Plata like Santo Domingo's Zona Colonial?

3. What are the best ways to get to and from the other beaches near Puerto Plata? Is there a guagua/bus like in Santo Domingo?

4. What is the best area for nightlife?

5. What is the best area for daylife?

6. Which beach is considered the best in the area? (Cabarete, Sosua, Puerto Plata, etc).
 

NALs

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Esquire said:
I have been to Santo Domingo twice, and now I am planning a trip to Puerto Plata and would like to know a couple of things about the city.

1. Is there anyplace in Puerto Plata like Santo Domingo's El Conde?

2. Is there anyplace in Puerto Plata like Santo Domingo's Zona Colonial?

3. What are the best ways to get to and from the other beaches near Puerto Plata? Is there a guagua/bus like in Santo Domingo?

4. What is the best area for nightlife?

5. What is the best area for daylife?

6. Which beach is considered the best in the area? (Cabarete, Sosua, Puerto Plata, etc).
To answer your questions:

1. No.

2. The "downtown" area is the historic center of Puerto Plata. The city's wealth have gone up and down with the tobacco industry, mostly in the transportation business since PP was the port of entry and exit of the tobacco products/money that was either headed or coming from Europe. There are still many spectacular turn of the century homes and mansions in the historic center, but none are truly open as tourist attractions. These homes are in private hands for the most part. However, the Museo del Ambar is located in a mansion built by a German entrepreneur who made his fortunes in the tobacco industry.

Having said all of this, Puerto Plata is not like Santo Domingo. On the one hand, the predominant architecture of the old structures is late Victorian with a Caribbean twist (also known as Caribbean Gingerbread) and Puerto Plata is more typically Caribbean than most Dominican towns. This means that Puerto Plata fits the image of what a Caribbean town is expected to be, including being sandwiched between the towering Mt. Isabel de Torres and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean.

Some historic sites of interest should the the Glorieta at the central park, the Fortaleza which is the oldest fortress in the hemisphere and the oldest structure along the north coast that is still intact, and the teleferico which is a cablecar ride up the mountain where fabulous views of the northcoast can be observed. Also, the climate on the summit is refreshingly cool and the area has a small but nice garden and a smaller statue of Christ the Redemeer.

There are other areas of interest within the town, including the Brugal Rum factory and the Taino Museum (rather small) among other sites. The city is relatively compact, getting around is not much of a problem.

3. There are buses of all sorts plying their trade along the highway that connects the entire north coast (Carretera Luperon). There are the typical public transportation options and private taxis as well as tours provided by independent and hotel based companies.

4. Nightlife is good in Cabarete with the young crowd and Sosua has a few spots. Puerto Plata itself has a few places, but typical, many are seedy. The "pleasure" industry is also alive, depending on your views of such industry (in my opinion its a disgusting industry, but that's only my opinion) this could either be heaven or a neusance.

Also, Playa Dorada has some nightlife, mostly tourist oriented.

5. "Daylife" is everywhere. The north coast is a mix of old colonial towns, modern tourist strips, and charming tropical countryside, not to mention gated expatriate communities. You will find all sorts of people from all parts of the world in this ever popular tourist destination.

6. In my opinion, the most beautiful and easily accecible is Playa Sosua. Just take one look at that beauty and you will know why in an instant. Other beaches that have a much more subdued beauty includes Playa Dorada (it's not "Caribbean" type, but with the Mt. Isabel the Torres as an enormous backdrop, the half moon shape, and the beach ambiance, this beach is among the most beautiful anywhere. Cabarete beach in my opinion is not as beautiful as the other two, but it's still nice and its the best beach for all sorts of watersports, including kitesurfing and windsurfing, etc. This beach is very popular with young people from all over the world.

There are other nice beaches (such as Cofresi, Playa Ensenata, and Maimon among others), but the most interesting in terms of natural beauty and people are the three previously described.

Anything else you want to know?
 

Esquire

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Nal0whs said:
To answer your questions:

1. No.

2. The "downtown" area is the historic center of Puerto Plata. The city's wealth have gone up and down with the tobacco industry, mostly in the transportation business since PP was the port of entry and exit of the tobacco products/money that was either headed or coming from Europe. There are still many spectacular turn of the century homes and mansions in the historic center, but none are truly open as tourist attractions. These homes are in private hands for the most part. However, the Museo del Ambar is located in a mansion built by a German entrepreneur who made his fortunes in the tobacco industry.

Having said all of this, Puerto Plata is not like Santo Domingo. On the one hand, the predominant architecture of the old structures is late Victorian with a Caribbean twist (also known as Caribbean Gingerbread) and Puerto Plata is more typically Caribbean than most Dominican towns. This means that Puerto Plata fits the image of what a Caribbean town is expected to be, including being sandwiched between the towering Mt. Isabel de Torres and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean.

Some historic sites of interest should the the Glorieta at the central park, the Fortaleza which is the oldest fortress in the hemisphere and the oldest structure along the north coast that is still intact, and the teleferico which is a cablecar ride up the mountain where fabulous views of the northcoast can be observed. Also, the climate on the summit is refreshingly cool and the area has a small but nice garden and a smaller statue of Christ the Redemeer.

There are other areas of interest within the town, including the Brugal Rum factory and the Taino Museum (rather small) among other sites. The city is relatively compact, getting around is not much of a problem.

3. There are buses of all sorts plying their trade along the highway that connects the entire north coast (Carretera Luperon). There are the typical public transportation options and private taxis as well as tours provided by independent and hotel based companies.

4. Nightlife is good in Cabarete with the young crowd and Sosua has a few spots. Puerto Plata itself has a few places, but typical, many are seedy. The "pleasure" industry is also alive, depending on your views of such industry (in my opinion its a disgusting industry, but that's only my opinion) this could either be heaven or a neusance.

Also, Playa Dorada has some nightlife, mostly tourist oriented.

5. "Daylife" is everywhere. The north coast is a mix of old colonial towns, modern tourist strips, and charming tropical countryside, not to mention gated expatriate communities. You will find all sorts of people from all parts of the world in this ever popular tourist destination.

6. In my opinion, the most beautiful and easily accecible is Playa Sosua. Just take one look at that beauty and you will know why in an instant. Other beaches that have a much more subdued beauty includes Playa Dorada (it's not "Caribbean" type, but with the Mt. Isabel the Torres as an enormous backdrop, the half moon shape, and the beach ambiance, this beach is among the most beautiful anywhere. Cabarete beach in my opinion is not as beautiful as the other two, but it's still nice and its the best beach for all sorts of watersports, including kitesurfing and windsurfing, etc. This beach is very popular with young people from all over the world.

There are other nice beaches (such as Cofresi, Playa Ensenata, and Maimon among others), but the most interesting in terms of natural beauty and people are the three previously described.

Anything else you want to know?

First let me say THANKS for your detailed response. Another thing I would like to know is where can I do some shopping in Puerto Plata? Since there is no location like El Conde, are there any good malls in the area?

The nightlife "spots" that you refer to, are these bars, nightclubs, or a mixture of both? I prefer bars to nightclubs, but beggers can't be choosers. I also would like to avoid the "pleasure industry" because it can be a nuiscance. I heard that Sosua (not really Puerto Plata) was known for its "workers", but are their regular non-"pleasure" areas where a single guy can hang?
 

carina

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The Amber Museum is located in the house, built by a German who was in the sugar industry, not tobacco.
I wrote about the history of this family in my blog
http://www.dr1.com/blogs/entry.php?u=carina&e_id=79

As for beaches, I agree with the previous poster, although I would add Bergantine, next beach after Playa Dorada. Less people, nice small restaurants along the playa...a small fishermans village. If you walk from Playa Dorada it is a 20 min beach walk. Have lunch there, fresh fish or chicken... order it when you come.. it will take a few hours before ready..
The restaurant owners will come and tell you when your fish is done, and you can pick your own fish!

As Nal0whs said, the center of Puerto Plata is the historical part of the city, the oldest houses dates back to 1863, when much of what was in the city was destroyed by an earthquake.
Around Central Park you?ll see several of the old buildings, such as the glorieta, the commercial club, the house of culture etc.
Interesting is that the architecht of Central Park, and the glorieta, Artur Roderick, still has a son alive and living in the city. If you go and visit the fort at the end of the Malecon ( the ocean boulevard ) you will find him, over 90 years old, working as a guide at the fort!

Daily life for getting the athosmphere of a Caribbean town is all over the city.
Go to central park, have a snowcone or a juice from any of the vendors, buy a lottery ticket from any of the men sitting on their chairs in the park, or get some work done from the shoeshine boys..
Or have an Italian icecream at the nearby Heladeria, Mariposa...

Go in to Sams, located at Hotel Castilla, the oldest running hotel in town and the first one in Puerto Plata, from 1890, and have a cold one.. before walking down to the Malecon and the fort..
You will pass many old Victorian houses, painted in Caribbean colors, some well maintained, some not...
If you deside to visit Villa Bentz, where the Amber Museum is located today, you are very close to the market. A lively place, a mix of souvenirs, paintings, live chickens, fruit and veggies...

Go for some shopping, clothes and shoes you?ll find at Nemo or Tienda Jimenez, or maybe you?ll visit the only department store in town, Casa Nelson. It operates since the 60th, and is named after Nelson, a son of the owner.

Have an afternoon break and listen to some jazzmusic at restaurant La Eskina, right downtown by the postoffice. Grill and steaks prepared in the open air by a great chef.. or just have another cold one..
All the small kioskos you?ll see on the Malecon are actually small bars, that?s why you?ll see so many people sitting around them... the fresh air, by the ocean and a Presidente... many people relaxes that way, talk and chat..
they even bring chairs and their loved domino ( yes, including the domino tables!!! ) to the sidewalk!

There is a lot to see and do if you keep your eyes and mind open, just go with the flow, don?t be afraid to ask people or look in all the small shops, or craftmen working in their small facilities, making furniture, or fixing something that we would through away and not fix in our countries of orgin..

Playa Dorada is a tourist area consisting of 15 hotels, golf club, plaza...
14 of the hotels are all-inclusive.
Here you?ll also find the hip nightlife at Hemingways, Mangu, Roadway...
also casino..
If you want to stay in the city, there are other hotels, a little or much less fancy, and also cheaper.

In Playa Dorada you can also buy any excursions you might want, from
jeep safaris, catamarans, diving, bustrips to Samana, Playa Grande, Ocean World and more..

Have a great trip!
 

NALs

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Esquire said:
First let me say THANKS for your detailed response. Another thing I would like to know is where can I do some shopping in Puerto Plata? Since there is no location like El Conde, are there any good malls in the area?

The nightlife "spots" that you refer to, are these bars, nightclubs, or a mixture of both? I prefer bars to nightclubs, but beggers can't be choosers. I also would like to avoid the "pleasure industry" because it can be a nuiscance. I heard that Sosua (not really Puerto Plata) was known for its "workers", but are their regular non-"pleasure" areas where a single guy can hang?
No problem!

I think Carina has done an excellent job at addressing your questions, as such, I'll refrain from answering them! ;)

However, towards your last few questions, its a mixture. The northcoast offers pretty much everything when it comes to nightlife, though this is considering the entire "Amber Coast" (From Luperon to Cabarete and everything in between), not necessarily one particular town. Having said that, Cabarete and Sosua have quite a varied nightlife, but Cabarete is more "young" oriented. It's hard to explain this, but you will get exactly what I am saying once you are here. One town seems to be for young people the other seems to be for more mature people, but both are still interesting and fun.

About the "pleasure industry", they are unfornutately everywhere in this country. Yes, Sosua is notorious, but that is simply that they are more numerous and visible there than elsewhere on the coast. This does not imply that they are not visible elsewhere, but to a lesser degree.

As I have stated multiple times, I am completely repulsed by this informal (and sometimes formal) sector of the economy. I just don't understand what is so hard about asking a woman out, spending a nice time, and maybe getting to "second base" FOR FREE. Not to mention that everything is much better when you know that the girl is interested in WHO you are and not in WHAT you are or your POCKET.

I truly don't know why so many men prefer to just pay and get it over with, but I take joy in "the journey" as well as the "destination".

I guess the world is less patient than I am. In either case, it's a disgustin industry.

And yes, there are a few spots where "regular" non-pleasure seeking guys could simply hang and if the time is right, actually act as real men and real women as opposed to masters attending their cash hungry slaves.

It's obvious I hate that industry.

Well, in any case, have fun! The northcoast is filled with fun things to do and see of all sorts.
 
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NALs

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carina said:
The Amber Museum is located in the house, built by a German who was in the sugar industry, not tobacco.
I wrote about the history of this family in my blog
http://www.dr1.com/blogs/entry.php?u=carina&e_id=79
I'm pretty sure he was involved in the tobacco industry, but then again, I have not read your blog and I could be mixing him with another person.

In any case, thanks for the correction!
 

carina

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Nal0whs said:
I'm pretty sure he was involved in the tobacco industry, but then again, I have not read your blog and I could be mixing him with another person.

In any case, thanks for the correction!

Among other, they bought both Amistad and Montellano sugarmills.
Made a fortune.
Everything changed in 1929, when sugar price fell from 25 pesos to 1 peso per quintal (100 kg) in connection with the worldcrisis.
A few years later, one of the brother Bentz, Augusto, passes away and their time of fame and fortune is over...
But Villa Bentz is still there, was abandoned for many years, been a school, been a hotel, abandoned again.. and now the Amber Museum..
 

planner

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I can give you a partial rundown on the nightlife by quoting from a previous thread I responded to... just a minute while I got copy it......

Okay Playa Dorada - 3 minutes from Puerto Plata, these are all targeted to tourists but on weekends will target Dominicans as well. So you will get a mix of thump thump thump , reggaeton, and latin music....

You have the current favourite Mangu, at Jack Tar Village Hotel, beside casino, large and busy most nights. Nice dance floor, entry 150 pesos includes a drink.

Roadway, behind playa dorada plaza - smaller, I"m told good food, a little pricey by local standards. Sometimes local bands play. Very small dance floor.

Hemingways, in playa dorada plaza - decent food, a little expensive, music is a mix, has been a lot of fun lately.

Crazy moon, in Paradise Hotel - larger, less expensive but not too popular since Mangu opened. Just closed but is going to reopen under new management....

?????, at Playa Naco Hotel - can't remember the new name. Not busy most nights. NO one really goes there except guests at the hotel as the alcohol is included for them.

Casa Colonial - lounge type atmosphere with a stunning bar, background music and once in a while live music. Expensive but the atmosphere is worth it.

Outside Playa Dorada

Cafe Cito - is a restaurant, they rarely have live music. NOt a spot for dancing. Good food there, nice music, easy place to be for a good conversation.

Orion, in puerto plata- Only open saturday and sunday nights. Big dance floor on main floor smaller one on second floor. IT can be awesome or not depending on the crowd. Drinks are cheap. all latin music

La Barrica, in puerto Plata - very very very dark. It is where you go to NOT be seen, if you know what I mean. Drinks are cheap. All latin music

Rancho Tipico, just west of Puerto Plata - lots of fun, reasonably well lit, good dance floor, lots of fun, not many tourists, mostly locals, all latin music sometimes live music.

Mountainview, in Puerto Plata - can be a lot of fun, locals almost exclusively. All latin music.

La Canita, in Puerto Plata - This is a very inexpensive place that attracts "simple" people. There is no pretense here. Everything is available, at a cheap price...... if you get my meaning. Dance floor is a good size.

Car washes - there are many. They are all the same, simple people, cheap prices, everything is available including actually getting your car washed!

I have been to all these places. I have my favourites and others I don't really like. BUT any given night I will go to almost any of these places. I know how to act in each place. You will find a huge variety of people in each location but a higher percentage of certain types in each. ALSO, on any given night any of these places can be dangerous, just like back at home!!! You have to use your head if you are going out.

Plaza Mambo: just west of Puerto plata on the road to Costambar. I'm told it is very nice but I have not been yet. Apparently it offers dancers, a dance floor, games room ie pool etc..... I will check it out soon.

Pub Crawl tour - is running two nights a week right now. It goes to the Malecon, a car wash, dinner at cafe cito, to Sosua and then to cabarete. Good value for your money if you are inclined to do a tour. Good thing is you don't worry about drinking and driving or anyone else's driving.....

Sosua: I've been to the voodoo lounge. Last two times the music was loud, the crowd was very young. both times were mid week.

there are two others Iknow of in Sosua, D' Latino and Classico. I haven't been to either in a very long time. Maybe it is time for a road trip...

Cabarete: Haven't been to bars or clubs in Cabarete. Someone else help us out here??? And, again time for me to go on a road trip...


By the way, I"m always available to act as tour guide....

My two cents on beaches: I love Cabarete! There is always so much to watch there and do if you are so inclined. I also like Sosua Bay but not the vendors. If they don't bother you then check out this beach too. Playa dorada is fine but not great. Playa Bergentine is much nicer. I will not swim in the beaches of Costambar or Confresi!
 

rafael

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Esquire said:
I have been to Santo Domingo twice, and now I am planning a trip to Puerto Plata and would like to know a couple of things about the city.

1. Is there anyplace in Puerto Plata like Santo Domingo's El Conde?

2. Is there anyplace in Puerto Plata like Santo Domingo's Zona Colonial?

3. What are the best ways to get to and from the other beaches near Puerto Plata? Is there a guagua/bus like in Santo Domingo?

4. What is the best area for nightlife?

5. What is the best area for daylife?

6. Which beach is considered the best in the area? (Cabarete, Sosua, Puerto Plata, etc).


Others have mentioned the old fort and the teleferico. I would add a rip to cabarete to watch the kite surfing.

For an idea of what these places are like http://www.dr-tourist.tv/pages/northcoast.html

There is video of the teleferico, the old fort and kite beach. . .plus a few odds and ends.
 

DominicanScotty

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Your'e kidding?

They hang out everywhere! Don't worry you will see them. But at night they usually hang out in the car washes and tipico. Mostly everyone is very friendly but you have your exceptions. The strip clubs are the El Bohein and Crystals but be prepared to shell out if you like what you see. Spend the day riding around if you rent a car. So much to do and as I said many people are very friendly. Don't worry, you'll have fun!
 

carina

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planner said:
Exactly, they are polluted.

Why are the beaches in Cofresi & Costambar more polluted than in POP?
Never heard that before.. only heard the other way around, many living in POP prefer those instead of Playa Dorada Public...??
 

Rocky

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carina said:
Why are the beaches in Cofresi & Costambar more polluted than in POP?
Never heard that before.. only heard the other way around, many living in POP prefer those instead of Playa Dorada Public...??
Carina, I'm not an expert on the matter, but I can tell you that Long Beach is already a bit yucky, but by the time you get to the Forteleza, near the port, you can see & smell the crap going into the ocean, as the waters are moving from East to West, by the time it gets to Costambar it's disgusting.
I'm not sure how bad it is when you get as far out as Cofreisi, but as there are so many "clean beach" options to the East, why take the chance.
Playa Dorada seems pretty decent, as best as I can tell. They may be dumping into the ocean as well, along with Iberostar, and if they are, then it might explain why Long Beach is not squeaky clean.
 

planner

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Rocky that is the reasoning I have been given as well. A doctor told me this....
 
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