Hola mi gente!
I'm going to be here for the next two weeks with family for the first time in years and I'd like to discover some new places on the island. I've been all around in the past but I would like to hear from those who've been on the ground lately. Here's some of what I'm looking for:
-Good places to hang out/socialize in Santiago these days? Somewhere to chill during the day, preferably with a pool would be great as well. Cafes with a good atmosphere are welcome. I know there used to be a hotel with a rooftop pool you could visit but I can't remember the name or if it still exists.
-Any new or lesser known attractions around worth checking out? I love Centro Leon, looking for more cultural institutions like that. Anything with art, history, or just culturally significant I'd be interested in. Would also love to know about thrift shops, bookstores, record shops, any quirky or alternative locales other than the typical touristic shop you'd find on Calle de Sol.
-Where can I catch some live music? I appreciate everything from dembow to salsa to afro beats. Any venues or social media groups where they promote local artists? I've been to a rave here once but no clue how to find something like this now. Also heard there was a small metal/hardcore scene on the island, anybody tapped in to that?
-Any of the smaller towns/cities worth a visit? I would love to do some hiking so somewhere with access to trails would be amazing, even better if it leads to a river or cascada to cool off. I've stopped by Constanza and Jarabacoa but seems like you need your own vehicle to get to the national parks from there. Anyone can recommend Loma Quita Espuela? And on that subject if anyone has a homestay or bnb that they love I would be interested in that as well.
Thanks a lot everyone, appreciate all your input. I apologize if this was a lengthy post or in the wrong place.
I'm going to be here for the next two weeks with family for the first time in years and I'd like to discover some new places on the island. I've been all around in the past but I would like to hear from those who've been on the ground lately. Here's some of what I'm looking for:
-Good places to hang out/socialize in Santiago these days? Somewhere to chill during the day, preferably with a pool would be great as well. Cafes with a good atmosphere are welcome. I know there used to be a hotel with a rooftop pool you could visit but I can't remember the name or if it still exists.
-Any new or lesser known attractions around worth checking out? I love Centro Leon, looking for more cultural institutions like that. Anything with art, history, or just culturally significant I'd be interested in. Would also love to know about thrift shops, bookstores, record shops, any quirky or alternative locales other than the typical touristic shop you'd find on Calle de Sol.
-Where can I catch some live music? I appreciate everything from dembow to salsa to afro beats. Any venues or social media groups where they promote local artists? I've been to a rave here once but no clue how to find something like this now. Also heard there was a small metal/hardcore scene on the island, anybody tapped in to that?
-Any of the smaller towns/cities worth a visit? I would love to do some hiking so somewhere with access to trails would be amazing, even better if it leads to a river or cascada to cool off. I've stopped by Constanza and Jarabacoa but seems like you need your own vehicle to get to the national parks from there. Anyone can recommend Loma Quita Espuela? And on that subject if anyone has a homestay or bnb that they love I would be interested in that as well.
Thanks a lot everyone, appreciate all your input. I apologize if this was a lengthy post or in the wrong place.
