DK Travel : Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is a country of surprising contrasts and extraordinary variety. From the chilly peak of the Caribbean’s highest mountain to some of the region’s most delightful beaches, the country boasts lush valleys, spectacular waterfalls, and sun-baked deserts. The past and present also blend in a fascinating mix of colonial buildings and modern hotels, sleepy rural villages and lively tourist resorts. The people, too, reflect a kaleidoscope of influences — Spanish, African, indigenous — creating a culture that emphasizes both creativity and fun in the fields of music, sport, and art.

Neptuno’s Club

Set right by the sea, with its dining area built out over the water. The bar is a replica caravel. Excellent fresh fish and seafood (see Neptuno’s Club, Boca Chica).
Neptuno’s Club, Boca Chica

Seafood restaurant built out over the water with a replica caravel for a bar.
New Year’s Day

Dominicans welcome the New Year with an exuberant open-air concert on the riverside Avenida Francisco Alberto Caamaño Deñó, Santo Domingo, where some of the country’s top bands perform. Other towns and villages hold smaller-scale but equally loud outdoor fiestas.
Nuevo Mundo

The only disco in town, popular with the Dominicans because of its merengue and Latin music. But watch out for the prices, as tourists usually end up paying more.
Ocean World, Puerto Plata

This large new marine theme park offers interactive experiences such as swimming with bottlenose dolphins, exploring an imitation reef, feeding sea lions, and even getting close to sharks. There are many exhibits, a gift shop, and a restaurant too. Environmentalists are critical of the concept of keeping dolphins in captivity.
On the Waterfront, Sosúa

Primarily a restaurant, this bar on the cliff-top overlooking the sea is a great place for a sunset cocktail.
On the Waterfront, Sosúa

Offers glorious views at sunset.
Onno’s

A hot nightspot with great music, and dancing that goes on into the early hours. There is a “Foam Party” on Saturday nights.
Orchid

Hundreds of species of orchid of every color abound in the swamps of the Parque Nacional Monte Cristi, (see Parque Nacional Monte Cristi). Some grow out of trees, the others mysteriously thrive on dry rock faces.
Orchid

Orchids are big business around Jarabacoa and Constanza, where they are grown commercially for the North American market. The beautiful flowers also grow profusely in the wild, especially in the humid climate of the higher reaches of the Parque Nacional Sierra de Baoruco, where there are over 150 species.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal and a beer for one including tax and service.
- under $10
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