The Best of Santo Domingo

[jrzyguy]

not to sound negative...but i'd skip the aquarium. Its kinda far out and not all that impressive if you've seen a good world class aquarium before. Too much time and effort for what its worth.

Most def..Zona Colonial. Fort Ozama (skip the tour...just walk around...the tour isnt bad..i think the guy wanted a 200 peso tip tho) and the Cathederal. If you are doing any cathedrals or museums tho make sure to wear long pants and not shorts!!!!

Looks like they fixed up chinatown! looks nice! last time i was there it was all under construction! Zona colonial will take up one day as I just enjoy walking down all the narrow and winding streets.

OH...and another DONT...is dont eat at the cafe near the big tree at the end of el conde by the cathederal!!! food is TERRIBLE!!!! Do grab a presidente there tho as it is a good people watching spot.

ENJOY!!!!

 

[bigbird]

......Looks like they fixed up chinatown! looks nice! last time i was there it was all under construction!..............

Construction is complete and Avenida Durate is looking good. Click this link for a few more pics.

http://www.dr1.com/forums/polls/76860-avenida-duarte-then-now.html

 

[Chirimoya]

The Aquarium is on Avenida Espa?a past Sans Souci on the way out towards Austopista Las Americas and the airport. The zoo is not easy to find - you have to take Ortega y Gasset Avenue going north and watch for signs (not that reliable) or ask for directions (also iffy - it's not a particularly good area). Best get a trusted taxi or someone who knows the area to take you.
Interesting to hear that the zoo is in good condition and the aquarium is run down - it used to be the other way round when my son was younger and we were frequent visitors, about 4 or 5 years ago.

 

[NALs]

Slight tangent....

Construction is complete and Avenida Durate is looking good. Click this link for a few more pics.

http://www.dr1.com/forums/polls/76860-avenida-duarte-then-now.html

Now it looks even better because the non-fancy light posts and their exposed wires have been removed. Chinatown and the stretch of avenida Duarte in between Paris and M?xico are definitely one of the most visually clean (in terms of there being less garbage on the street and the area has an overall less cluttered look and feel) places in the entire city. The spot that I want for the authorities to clean up are the areas under the overpasses on Paris. The two places are within walking distance, but worlds apart.

-NALs

 

[pyratt]

not to sound negative...but i'd skip the aquarium. Its kinda far out and not all that impressive if you've seen a good world class aquarium before. Too much time and effort for what its worth.

Most def..Zona Colonial. Fort Ozama (skip the tour...just walk around...the tour isnt bad..i think the guy wanted a 200 peso tip tho) and the Cathederal. If you are doing any cathedrals or museums tho make sure to wear long pants and not shorts!!!!

Looks like they fixed up chinatown! looks nice! last time i was there it was all under construction! Zona colonial will take up one day as I just enjoy walking down all the narrow and winding streets.

OH...and another DONT...is dont eat at the cafe near the big tree at the end of el conde by the cathederal!!! food is TERRIBLE!!!! Do grab a presidente there tho as it is a good people watching spot.

ENJOY!!!!

Geeeeez....you been in jrzy too long. I did the aquarium, nice grounds,park like atmosphere, interesting display of treasure hunting with some cool artifacts....you're right, not on the level of USA aquariums, it's not Sea World either...but a nice way to spend some time.

Fort Ozama...first time I was there with 3 pals....did the tour learned a ton of history (we're artifact divers...we know the base history...cannons everywhere!), the guide was cool...tipped him $1000pesos....I've been back with every chica I hang with in the CZ....he remembers me, we joke, and I go on my way....

Zona Colonial...I've logged 31 work related weeks there....see something new everytime...La Casa de Reales, Museums.....did Semana Santa service at the Cathedral. You don't have to speak Spanish to go in, sit down, close your eyes and listen...the spirits in the place will speak to you, if your cityboy soul will SHADUP an listen.

You can walk Conde in a day, but I beg to differ on seeing the entire CZ in one day. The Malecon has many monuments...there are historic buildings, fort gates and churches in a wide area...most are run down, but if you're there for the history, it shouldn't matter.....(I'd never spend the time I've spent in the ZC in JRZY)

Cafeteria de Penalba....you must have caught a bad meal. That's "my office" when I'm in town. The food is fine (GOOD), seafood soup, chicken salads, batidos, sandwiches...I've never had bad anything...and the service is as good as anywhere (but then again, I tip...well) Alfredo is my waiter and a good guy to talk to.

I'd suggest the horse and buggy tour/ride ($20USD is what I give them)...they take you off the beaten path allowing you to find NEW places to troll....Casa de Colon, in the Plaza de Hispania, another "historical haunt" worth seeing....I've done so 4x....they are working to air condition and protect the facility....some good restaurants as well in that immediate area....

 

[tjmurray]

Great post pyratt, thanks for the feedback; but watch out what you say about New Jersey..haha.

 

[pyratt]

Great post pyratt, thanks for the feedback; but watch out what you say about New Jersey..haha.

OK OK, i"ll give youse guys props... you can grow good tomatos....and the Greek owned "diners" are da bomb.....but the way you got to go about, turning about in those round abouts......fagedaboutit...

.......oh and what's with the law on having to have someone else put gas in the car? Not only do they sell us the oil, up there, they watch every drop going in the tank......

 

[tjmurray]

OK OK, i"ll give youse guys props... you can grow good tomatos....and the Greek owned "diners" are da bomb.....but the way you got to go about, turning about in those round abouts......fagedaboutit...

.......oh and what's with the law on having to have someone else put gas in the car? Not only do they sell us the oil, up there, they watch every drop going in the tank......

Oh, so you're a bit cultured in the ways of Jersey, bravo, there's hope for you yet. One thing, they're not "round abouts", they're U-turns or jug handles. If you remember that, your exit, and that Bruce Springsteen is closer to god than Jesus, you'll be just fine..haha. Good comment on the gas, I still get confused when I have to pump it myself.

Let's not get off topic though. I appreciate the post. Please anyone who has more suggestions of "not to miss things" in SD please let us know.

 

[Sanation]

OH...and another DONT...is dont eat at the cafe near the big tree at the end of el conde by the cathederal!!! food is TERRIBLE!!!! Do grab a presidente there tho as it is a good people watching spot.

ENJOY!!!!

I have to agree... food is terrible and the service worse! Try the El Conde Restaurant on the west side of the square for a good, cheap meal and cold Presidente.

 

[holita]

My Suggestions:

I would definately suggest that tourists visit:

Jard?n Bot?nico Nacional
El Conde: Great shopping!
Zona Colonial: Beautiful culture and architecture (Though does not even comapre to French Quarter!!!)
Culture Museum

And for Food

El Conuco is amazing, and there is a great buffet with so many options. Price is reasonable and you get to watch great dancing. It is a lot of fun.

Vesuvios on the Malecon and Adrian Tropical on the Malecon: both have excellent Dominican/Tropical food, with great views of the Ocean!

 

[mountainannie]

take the carriage ride around the Zona from Gazcue.... Don't know why others have not mentioned this but it is a really lovely treat... particularly at dusk... particularly on a weekend. costs about 600 pesos.....usually on the malecon by the melia or jaragua

 

[SANT0]

Nice!

Very good topic.

 

[bienamor]

Please pity the Horses

take the carriage ride around the Zona from Gazcue.... Don't know why others have not mentioned this but it is a really lovely treat... particularly at dusk... particularly on a weekend. costs about 600 pesos.....usually on the malecon by the melia or jaragua

But please use only the ones that look like they are taking halfA$$ care of their animal. Most of these bozo's would be shot where I came from. A horse was a tool, and you take care of your tools. Most of these look like they are on their last leg. They are out in the sun, no water, no food, well maybe some pineapple peels. While the A$$hole is up under the shade eating or taking a nap.

 

[tiguerita]

The Pic posted by SANTO reminded me of the Mei Gui Chinese Restaurant on Duarte. EXCELLENT worth the bit extra it might cost ya.

 

[bigbird]

The Pic posted by SANTO reminded me of the Mei Gui Chinese Restaurant on Duarte. EXCELLENT worth the bit extra it might cost ya.

http://www.dr1.com/forums/polls/76860-avenida-duarte-then-now.html