Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic: The Best Things To Do
Last weekend I visited Puerto Plata, a gorgeous city on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic. As a Dominican, I’m still getting to know many places on my beautiful island just to let you know the best of the best! Today, I wanted to share what to do in Puerto, Dominican Republic.
This city has its airport and a cruise port where 55-60 cruises land there monthly, which makes it one of the most visited cities in the country. And, without a doubt, Puerto Plata has some of the most beautiful beaches, incredible (yet affordable) restaurants and bars, and one of the greatest nightlives.
What to Do in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
In a rush right now? Save this post for later.
Pass by The Umbrella Street
The Umbrella St. is a tourist boulevard in the city’s center, decorated with umbrellas hanging all over the place. You can find restaurants, bars, ice cream shops, and more!
This place is perfect if you also want to meet some Dominicans, cause it’s one of our favorite destinations for the weekend, especially for us who live in the North. And, it’s great if you wish to know more about our culture and traditional activities.
A Coffee in El Rincón del Café
Located on The Umbrella Street, El Rincón del Café is a coffee shop perfect for breakfast or even just to chill with some friends. The owners are such great human beings, I’ve visited the place a couple of times only and they already call me “a local”!
El Rincón del Café is also a great place if you’d love to have a quiet conversation or even just play chess! My favorite place to visit forever.
Go to Paso Melosa
After you have a coffee in El Rincón del Café and spend a while on The Umbrella Street, you can visit Paso Melosa. This boulevard is about 5 minutes away by a walk, from The Umbrella St. You can find beautiful restaurants and have some beers there (you must try our typical beers Presidente and Bohemia!)
Visit San Felipe Fortress
If you’re the type who loves to visit museums and historical places, then this one is for you.
The San Felipe Fortress is about 5 to 10 minutes away by car from The Umbrella St. It’s free to enter if you stay outside, where you can see La Puntilla Amphitheater and some other monuments nearby. But, if you wish to join the museum you would have only USD2 per person! Isn’t it amazing?
The Cable Car
The Cable Car is another tourist attraction in the center of the city. Here, you’ll go into a Cable Car and will cross the Ysabel de Torres Mountain, where you can get a look at our flora and fauna.
Once you cross the mountain you’ll find Puerto Plata Christ the Redeemer, a monument with a Christ very similar to Brazil’s. There you can take many pictures and buy some Dominican art.
Cayo Arena and Beaches
If you’re a beach hopper, just like me, then you’d love this! Cayo Arena is a small island in the north of Puerto Plata, with great marine life like corals. Also, it’s a great spot to take beautiful pictures at the beach thanks to its crystalline waters.
Go to The 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua
If you’re an adrenaline lover then this is for you. The 27 Waterfalls of Damaguaja are also located in Altamira and are an excellent destination for excursions in Puerto Plata. They offer you zip lining, food, visiting the waterfalls, and a lot more!
Eat Chocolate in Chocolala
Chocolala is a Chocolate factory in Altamira, Puerto Plata. They give you a tour of their cocoa farm, tell you about their fruit variety, and give you some fresh cacao to taste.
Then, they give some of their homemade wine and dry cacao seeds to taste too! They are such lovely people, and they sell some of their homemade products at an affordable price.
Eat at Rancho Catalina Restaurant
Rancho Catalina is a beautiful restaurant in Puerto Plata, with a gorgeous view of the mountains and incredible decorations. This is a good option if you want to visit a place where you can get beautiful pictures and delicious food for an affordable price.
Plus, there’s a little park with games for kids, in case you’re traveling with your family.
And this is it! If you were wondering what to do in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, then there you are! Plus, if you’re planning a whole trip to this beautiful island, check out my whole series to have the best trip ever! And don’t forget to save this for later so you can come back to it!
The Dominican Republic Series:
–What to Wear in the Dominican Republic
–The Ultimate Dominican Republic Travel Bucket List
–The Dominican Republic Travel Outfit Ideas
