DK Travel : Dominican Republic : Shopping

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Haitian Art

Though much of it is mass-produced kitsch, you are likely to fall for a resplendent country scene.
Larimar

This cool blue mineral is mined in the country and is sold uncut or as jewelry.
Librería Thesaurus, Santo Domingo

The capital’s modern and attractive bookstore has a great selection of books on the country’s history and culture, as well as a wide range of English titles, including some children’s books. Browsing is welcomed. An added bonus is the pleasant coffee bar selling drinks, snacks, and delicious smoothies.
Mercado Modelo, Santo Domingo

The capital’s biggest and most hectic shopping area is a warren of stalls and booths within a concrete hangar, surrounded by streets crammed with sidewalk vendors. The cornucopia of tourist souvenirs includes Haitian paintings, sculptures, rum, CDs, and exotic items connected with vodu .

Herbs for sale outside Mercado Modelo
Museo Mundo de Ambar, Santo Domingo

Although there are many amber outlets in the Zona Colonial, this is one of the most reputable, selling some beautiful examples of jewelry made from the precious resin. Also on sale are earrings and brooches featuring turquoise larimar. An exhibition explains the process, and there is sometimes a craftsman at work as well.
Playa Dorada Plaza, Playa Dorada

The North Coast’s biggest shopping mall is a Californian-style collection of retail outlets spread over two floors, with the emphasis on the tourist market. Cigars, cosmetics, and clothes feature prominently.
Plaza Central, Santo Domingo

One of a growing number of US-style complexes in uptown Santo Domingo, this cool and spacious center offers a range of clothes stores, leather and jewelry outlets, shoe shops, banks, and a movie theater. There’s also a tempting array of snacking opportunities, including pizza, ice cream, and a karaoke bar.
Rum

White, golden, or añejo (dark and aged), each has its appeal and is much cheaper than at home.
Taino Artifacts

Not the original ones, of course, but well-crafted replicas can be found on sale in museums and gift shops.
Wood Carvings

Bowls and plates made from the hardwood guayacán tree are attractively solid and extremely colorful.