Activities in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Shopping, Amber, and the Home of Diego Columbus!
Oct 7, 2008
Every year, millions of people head to the Dominican Republic to kick back and relax on its famous beaches. Most visitors head to Punta Cana, home to fancy hotels, golf courses and pristine beaches. Unfortunately, some never leave Punta Cana to explore the Dominican Republic. A great place to go, even if only for a day trip, is the historic capital of the nation, Santo Domingo. Here are just a few of the many things to see and do while in town.
The Diego Columbus House (Alcázar de Colón/Casa de Diego Colón)
Christopher Columbus’ son Diego served as governor of the Island of Hispaniola from 1509 to 1518. At the time, Santo Domingo – which had been founded by Christopher Columbus and his brothers only a few years before – was the most important Spanish city in the New World. From here, Diego approved voyages of exploration, managed the colony, dispensed justice and communicated with the Spanish crown. One of Diego’s achievements was this building, which served as his personal home and governor’s palace.
After decades of neglect after the Dominican Republic became independent, the house was in danger of falling into ruin. It was saved, however, and it is now a museum, open to the public. The galleries and rooms are impressive, built of a thick coralline rock. All of Diego’s things are long gone, of course, but the rooms have been decorated with colonial art and artifacts, including weapons and books. All in all, it’s a great way to spend an hour or so. It's a good idea to sign up for the guided tour as it is very informative.
Diego Columbus House: Open 9-5 daily. Admission: about one US dollar. Easy to find right in the old town on the water, or just ask any local.
The Amber Museum in Downtown Santo Domingo
The Dominican Republic is one of the world’s largest producers of jewelry-grade amber. The Amber Museum, conveniently located downtown not too far from the Diego Columbus House, might seem at first like a simple excuse to get tourists to buy amber (if they haven’t already). Somewhat surprisingly, the museum is very interesting and informative. The displays are quite good, and cover how amber was formed ages ago, how insects got caught, how to tell real amber from fake amber, etc. One highlight is their display on what the life of a Dominican amber miner is like (it’s very unpleasant). Naturally, there is a gift shop.
Amber Museum: Arz. Meriño #452 in the old town. Open daily.
Shopping in Santo Domingo
The old town of Santo Domingo is great for shopping. There is any number of touristy stores along the main old town streets, and there is an interesting variety of items for sale. Most of it is typical tourist junk, like t-shirts, coconuts carved into little monkey heads, cutesy sea lions carved out of driftwood, etc. Savvy Dominican Republic travelers, however, will want to stock up on some locally produced cigars, coffee, rum and cocoa.
Dominican cigars are considered by some experts to be almost as good as those produced in Cuba. Coffee and cacao are grown locally and are quite good. Rum has been made on the island for centuries: some of the distillers have been in business for more than one hundred years. Prices are relatively low on all of these fine goods. They make great gifts!
Beware when shopping in certain areas, however: Dominican street vendors are aggressive to the point of extreme rudeness. Shop only where it is safe, and take a city tour if possible, as the guide will chase off obnoxious vendors.
There is much more to the Dominican Republic than the beach! Santo Domingo features hundreds of years of history, plus some great shopping.
 |
 |
 |
