Within the Playa Dorada resort complex is a nightclub (for both resort guests and outside visitors) called Mangú, as well as a competitor called “Crazy Moon” (adjacent to the lobby of Paradise Hotel). Both locations play a mix of Merengue, Bachata and “Top 40” American pop music. Aficionados of the House and Trance music scene […]
The tourist presence in the Puerto Plata area has kept in business a string of decent restaurants, such as La Parrillada Steak House (Av. Manolo Taveres Justo, Puerto Plata) – well reviewed by International carnivores; Le Papillon (Villas Cofresí, Puerto Plata) – a charming restaurant set on a hillside in a residential neighborhood about […]
The other thing that Puerto Plata is known for is rum. The city is home to the major Dominican rum label “Brugal” (started there by Catalonian Spanish immigrant Andrés Brugal in 1888). Even though the Brugal label was bought by the Scottish distilling firm, The Edrington Group, in 2008, the rum is still produced in […]
Aside from the Spanish colonial fortress and nearby beach resorts, Puerto Plata was known for two distinct things: one was the “Teleférico”. This Italian-made tram car, built in 1975 and carries 17 passengers, offering them a panoramic view of the Puerto Plata region. The Teleférico climbs over 2,500 feet to the top of a mountain […]
During the 1980s, Puerto Plata, which had its own airport, used it to attract budget tourists from Canada and Western Europe who stayed at the all-inclusive resorts in that area. Puerto Plata Airport also served the provincial city of Santiago, which was a one-hour drive away (but didn’t have its own large international airport at […]
The gateway to the northern coast of the Dominican Republic is the provincial town of Puerto Plata, whose population is less than 300,000 residents. One tourist-friendly site in that town is the Spanish colonial Fortaleza San Felipe, which was built in the 16th century and was used as a prison under Rafael Trujillo’s dictatorship during […]
Carrasco Polo Club (Cno. Brig. Gral. Servando Gómez 2749 e/Camino Carrasco, Carrasco) – located just east of the capital, this is a great place for visitors to get familiar with the sport of polo and the culture behind it. Competitive events are often held here. Other activities are conducted here – from hockey to rugby, […]
Bikini Beach (La Barra, Punta del Este) — this beach, located within the La Barra section of Punta del Este, is famed for the well-heeled sunbathers that go there, ranging from high rollers to fashion model types. There are also some eateries and bars that cater to this set.
Shopping Tres Cruces (Bvar. Gral. Artigas 1, Montevideo) — located by the Tres Cruces bus station and within walking distance of the Centenario Stadium, this shopping center has 171 (mostly regional) retailers and stands.
Punta Shopping (Playa Mansa, Av. Roosevelt, Punta del Este) — designed by renowned architect Carlos Ott, this sleek three-level mall has 100 retailers, along with a 12-screen movie house. Located close to the beach, it even has a casino parlor with slot machines, as well as various amenities (restaurants, ATMS, etc.) normally found at other […]