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The Dominican Republic is a country with excellent raw materials. You shouldn’t miss out on visiting a traditional market where, on top of numerous items, you will discover the joy and hospitality of the Dominican people. On Mellá avenue, north of the colonial area, is Modelo Market, a point of reference on the island with colorful stands where you can buy fruit, vegetables, coffee and spirits, as well as craft pieces.
The capital, a place of contrasts, is also a leader in luxury and international brands. Santo Domingo has become a magnet for large brands, most of all in the fashion sector. At its shopping centers you will find the best boutiques, as well as a large selection of restaurants with flavors to suit every taste, from international dishes to the popular creole food.
El Conde street, in the center of the colonial neighborhood, is a pedestrian avenue that starts at the well-known kilometer zero of the Dominican Republic and includes a large number of stores for every taste, restaurants, bars, cafes and stands with traditional crafts, like jewelry made with amber and larimar. On its packed sidewalks you will find, on top of souvenirs, a fascinating cultural offering, with concerts any time of the day of joyful son cubano, merengue and salsa.
A few meters away, in the northern part of the Colonial Area, stands this imposing art deco building on Mella avenue, dating back to 1942. If you want to see a true Dominican bazaar, this is the place you must visit. After going up some bright yellow steps, among the noise of sellers and visitors you will find an inner labyrinth of picturesque stands of tropical fruits, vegetables, seafood, and true gems of local craftwork, like the faceless dolls, the exquisite jewelry made with amber and larimar, the coloristic paintings of African influence, and Taino ceramics.
Sundays are for the La Pulga (flea) market. At this large outdoor market, located on the grounds of Merca Santo Domingo, you can find any item imaginable: clothing, home appliances, secondhand products, toys, bicycles, fruits and vegetables. There are also street vendors announcing their products over loudspeakers, traditional food stands… Ultimately, it is an authentic local environment a short distance from the city center. To get there, you can take the city buses that leave from the Colonial Area between five in the morning and three in the afternoon.
If you want to have an authentic Dominican experience, you must visit the Arturo Fuente Cigar Club, an exclusive cigar store that is also a bar and restaurant. At this emblematic venue, on top of tasting and purchasing cigars from the top brands (Arturo Fuente, Opus X and don Carlos), you can enjoy jazz concerts and workshops introducing you to the world of tobacco. The only thing you should know is that the venue has a dress code that does not allow shorts or sandals.
In the center of the Colonial Area, next to Plaza de la Hispanidad, is Columbus Plaza. At this spectacular and innovative building you will find the best traditional souvenirs: Taino ceramics, smooth and aromatic coffee, Dominican cacao and rum, and mamajuana. It also has stores from every brand and bars and restaurants to spend an entire day shopping.
Among the palm trees on the seashore, Taino boxes and art figurines, handmade bracelets and beach clothing are sold. When you travel to Isla Saona, stop by this idyllic beachfront market.
This spectacular 120,000 square meter building with more than 180 business establishments has become a true urban icon of the city of Santo Domingo. On top of stores from the main brands, the venue has 3D movie theaters, attractions for the littlest ones and a wide variety of restaurants. On the weekends, it usually organizes family-friendly events. It is open Monday to Sunday, although it is always a good idea to check the hours of the establishments on their social media.
Santo Domingo, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC