I frequently walk distances of 5-10 kilometers within the city (1-2 miles more or less) round trip, as in 2-3 times a week. I like to have cardio days where I do a good 1 hr walk each direction for a total of 2 hours a day. I have never had *any* problems at all that aren't traffic related. I walk with purpose and like I know exactly where I am going, which I do 90% of the time because I plan out my route before leaving the house. I am careful about taking my phone out when I am near the street because it's easy for someone on a moto to snatch it while driving by.
That said, I have, but make it a point to not, walk in barrios for extended periods of time, I do not walk on any sort of routine that people could follow or become aware of/accustomed to, and I am always dressed without any jewelry and never wear fancy clothes. I do have a phone and headphones that I use in public, and though I must admit it does raise the risk of problems I feel like it's worth it.
I highly recommend NEVER walking around at night, especially in areas you aren't familiar with. I personally only ever walk on large avenues where there is constant foot and vehicular traffic and some public parks. I do not do much walking on small or side streets, and when I do it is in nice neighborhoods -although it only takes a second for someone to ride up on a moto, and you are not safe in these neighborhoods where 9 times out of ten NO ONE is in the street, just you the mugger and their firearm.
A few of my most unsafe moments walking have been almost being hit by a motor (my fault) when not looking and moving from right to left. They get so close to you and basically expect you to remain straight. If you move to one direction or the other on one of those really tight narrow back-alley streets you risk a collision. Some time ago a lady friend of mine and I were accosted by a crazy lady in the street who threw a broken beer bottle at my lady friend's back/neck. It hit her hair/jacket and bounced off.
Cardio is very important. It reduces appetite, burns calories and unless you are covering your skin heavily assists with vitamin D production via the sun. It has been linked with overall well-being, in addition to mental well-being. Being out in the sun is a very powerful mood booster.
I would AVOID AT ALL COSTS walking around in Santo Domingo Este, or near Parque Enriquillo. ANYWHERE north of JFK, West of the Luperon, Anywhere north of 27 de Febrero east of the Maximo Gomez, anywhere north of Avenida Mexico Near Zona Colonial. Also no real reason to be walking around south of Mirador Sur/La Independencia from the Luperon to the Maximo Gomez. Exceptions include the areas DIRECTLY surrounding Agora, Galeria 360, IKEA. I am mostly comfortable walking around in Los Jardines/Jardines Del Norte - the area directly south of Jardín Botanico.
That said, I have, but make it a point to not, walk in barrios for extended periods of time, I do not walk on any sort of routine that people could follow or become aware of/accustomed to, and I am always dressed without any jewelry and never wear fancy clothes. I do have a phone and headphones that I use in public, and though I must admit it does raise the risk of problems I feel like it's worth it.
I highly recommend NEVER walking around at night, especially in areas you aren't familiar with. I personally only ever walk on large avenues where there is constant foot and vehicular traffic and some public parks. I do not do much walking on small or side streets, and when I do it is in nice neighborhoods -although it only takes a second for someone to ride up on a moto, and you are not safe in these neighborhoods where 9 times out of ten NO ONE is in the street, just you the mugger and their firearm.
A few of my most unsafe moments walking have been almost being hit by a motor (my fault) when not looking and moving from right to left. They get so close to you and basically expect you to remain straight. If you move to one direction or the other on one of those really tight narrow back-alley streets you risk a collision. Some time ago a lady friend of mine and I were accosted by a crazy lady in the street who threw a broken beer bottle at my lady friend's back/neck. It hit her hair/jacket and bounced off.
Cardio is very important. It reduces appetite, burns calories and unless you are covering your skin heavily assists with vitamin D production via the sun. It has been linked with overall well-being, in addition to mental well-being. Being out in the sun is a very powerful mood booster.
I would AVOID AT ALL COSTS walking around in Santo Domingo Este, or near Parque Enriquillo. ANYWHERE north of JFK, West of the Luperon, Anywhere north of 27 de Febrero east of the Maximo Gomez, anywhere north of Avenida Mexico Near Zona Colonial. Also no real reason to be walking around south of Mirador Sur/La Independencia from the Luperon to the Maximo Gomez. Exceptions include the areas DIRECTLY surrounding Agora, Galeria 360, IKEA. I am mostly comfortable walking around in Los Jardines/Jardines Del Norte - the area directly south of Jardín Botanico.
