Dominican Republic Favorites

  Wall mural about turtles
by grandmaR
 
  • Wall mural about turtles
      Wall mural about turtles
    by grandmaR
  • another photo of the church
      another photo of the church
    by grandmaR
  • Flowers in the graveyard
      Flowers in the graveyard
    by grandmaR
  • Street in Samaná
      Street in Samaná
    by grandmaR
  •   Favorites
    by henri123
 

Most Viewed Favorites in Dominican Republic

1.

Zona Colonial - Old Town   Santo Domingo

Zona Colonial - Old Town, Santo Domingo

 6 Reviews  Besides comfortable shoes and clothing and a water bottle (or 2), a good map of the Old Town is good to have if you want to know where you walked by or information in general. A good one can be found... 

 See All 42 Favorites in Santo Domingo

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

shiping

by englishman007

I agree - it is wonderful over there - seafood is awesome and all that fruit- and I do have a passion for roadside chiccarones although I have to dio that sparingly - but they are soooooooooooooooo good. I wanted however to bring over food for the poor there- from what I see in their supermarkets, everything is so expensive for them.. here we have great supermarkets, with awesome discounts and deals all the time- they are so por there and no one gives them a break on prices like we get here...

Every year, just a little bit better.

by melosh

Except in Santo Domingo, I would take someone to one of the many seaside "malecons" (ocean front roads) on a Friday Saturday or Sunday afternoon and buy a couple large Presidente beers and watch the Dominican world pass by. Over the last four years, it has seemed to me that the economy and condition of the country has been steadily improving. What has not changed is the liveliness and friendliness of the people that is especially notable away form the beach resorts. I love the Bachata musical style and how almost everywhere you go in the Dominican Republic you can hear the Dominicans enjoying their music.

Distance table between some of our cities

by marielexoteria

The DR is not so big but the farthest road trip, be it by bus or by car, can take 5-6 hours. Depending on when you start it can take up to 8! (like from Punta Cana to Enriquillo lake), so to help you plan your road trip, this table can tell you how many kilometers there are between your point of origin and your destination. Be aware that Dominicans drive like crazy (hehe) and that taking buses is a lot cheaper than renting a car, buying insurance and gasoline. Either way you want to travel, remember to bring water and notice that on Caribe Tours buses food isn't allowed to be brought.

Coconut Drink

by ValbyDK

A coconut drink is sold in many places in the Dominican Republic - for example at local markets where the sales man will open it in front of you and serve it with a straw.Refreshing, but okay - its not one of my favourites… If you try be sure that the coconut is fresh (young and green) and check the coconut for insects holes.

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Seashells and Corals

by ValbyDK

It is very easy to find seashells and corals in the Dominican Republic. If you take a walk along the Dominican beaches you’ll see many beautiful kinds and there are also some locals selling them.But please notice that in many countries it is against the law to bring shells and corals into the country and it might be confiscated at the airport. I’m not sure what will happen if the custom finds endangered species in a suitcase?They are very beautiful, but dead shells and corals are often home and food for other species and is a part of the natural environment, so don’t bring them home.

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Melia tropica Resort

by hux6102

We felt that our resort was fantastic. We are 78+ and had no trouble at all getting around. I really can not understand the reviews that said you would have to wait long periods for transportation. Never more than 5 minutes. If there were not so many places to0 travel, we would go back there all the time. Besides the obvious beauty of the resort and the charm of the staff, it would be the stark contrast of the living conditions of the citizens in the country side. Of course we have that here in the States.

Best time to visit

by marielexoteria

You could visit DR all year round, but I'd suggest to avoid visiting in May because it rains a lot.Our high season goes between mid December to March (more or less) and Easter week if it's in April. Other times where the prices sky rocket are long weekends due to moving any public holiday. The traditional dish called "La Bandera" (the flag). Read about it on my Local Customs page.

Dominican Cuisine

by ValbyDK

If you are interested in Dominican Republic cuisine – or maybe want to try some cooking at home – I can recommend the book: “Aunt Clara's Dominican Cookbook”.Have you for example ever tried “Mondongo”?Read more at: www.dominicancooking.com

Climate

by ValbyDK

The climate at the Dominican Republic is tropical maritime with little seasonal temperature variation. The wet season is from May to November with most rain in the northern and eastern regions.The island lies in the middle of the hurricane belt and is subject to severe storms from June to October/November.The main annual temperature ranges from 21c in the mountainous regions to 25c on the plains and the coast. The average temperature in Santo Domingo in January is 25c and 30c in July.

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Far away from tourist areas...

by venenorojo

My trip to the Dominican Republic was a bit different to a normal tourist trip... I stayed in a friend's appartment in the near of Higuey. It was a small village without streets and shops, just small tienditas. To do a trip as this I really give you the good advice to speak a bit of Spanish. Otherwise it's a bit difficult. Don't drink the water, and try the fresh seafood you can eat in small restaurants in Boca Yuma. There as well you have great posibilities to dance salsa, merengue and bachata in a lovely pavillon next to the sea... Every sunday afternoon... There's not many culture, but if you visit the Dominican Republic with an open heart, you will make a lots of new friends.

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Top 3 Hotels in Dominican Republic

Playa Esmeralda Beach Resort  Dominican Republic

 2 Reviews and 41 Opinions  This all-inslusive resort was fabulous, as all-inclusives go. Kinda like being on a cruise. If lying... 

 Hotels in Dominican Republic

Hotel Atarazana  Santo Domingo

 1 Review and 132 Opinions  I stayed here on a recent business trip in the Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo. This 6 room hotel... 

 Hotels in Santo Domingo

Gran Bahia Principe Punta Cana  Punta Cana

 7 Reviews and 660 Opinions  The only good things about our stay at the Gran Bahia Principe were the beautiful beaches and the... 

 Hotels in Punta Cana

The Place

Reviews and photos of Dominican Republic attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Dominican Republic sightseeing.

Experience Dominican Republic
 

Questions and Answers

fitzy7 profile photo

Q:  Hi everyone, I'm looking for some advice of trip ideas from Punta Cana. I have had a tough time finding appropriate information... 

grandmaR profile photo

A: I don't know what time of year you are talking about - I have been to the DR two or three times in January, but not to Punta Cana. I've been twice by cruise ship to... 

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