As in much of the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic is teeming with great nightlife, as locals and tourists alike are constantly hunting for a good night out. No need to look too far in Santo Domingo - there are traditional places for those looking for some local flavor (bachata and merengue are the country’s popular dance forms), or trendy clubs that feature popular music from around the world.
While there isn’t much clubbing in the Colonial Zone, its La Atarazana Street has some great bars. Most of these places offer outdoor seating, perfect for grabbing a drink in the cool summer evenings. (In many cases, there are better seating options outdoors than indoors, so be sure to enjoy your cocktails in style.) Try to get to La Atarazana Street during happy hour for cheap drinks and a lively young crowd.
For a traditional Dominican dancing experience, go to La Sarten, located close to the shopping district of El Conde. The bar is not frequented by tourists, so it is a great place to see and interact with locals and get a first hand glimpse of Dominican culture away from the usual tourist destinations. The bar is small and intimate, and there is live salsa music, which allows for plenty of dancing and enjoyment.
There are also many casinos for those hungry for gambling. Most of the major casinos are located along El Marecon, in big hotels like the Marriott Renaissance Jaragua or the Intercontinental V Centenario. For those who can’t wrench themselves away from the craps tables, most casinos are open until 4am, while the Casino Diamante in the Melia Hotel is open until six in the morning.
Santo Domingo’s trendiest clubs are La Guacara Taina, located in Parque Mirador del Sur, and Fantasy Disco, located near El Malecon. Both attract hordes of locals and tourists alike, and are modestly priced. Energetic partygoers will be pleased to know that both clubs are open until 4am daily.
Calle Palo Hincado No. 51
Bar and Lounge...
Arzobispo Merino 110
Theater and Culture House...
Plaza Cultura Juan Pablo Duarte
Great Theater...
Las Mercedes 255
Chic Cafe...
Boca Chica, Dominican Republic
Juan Bautista Viccini, S/n, Boca Chica, República Dominicana
El Conde, República Dominicana
Expresso 27 de Febrero
Centro Olimpico
Sports Palace...
Estadio Olímpico Félix Sánchez
Centro Olimpico Juan Pablo Duarte
Important & Large Stadium...
Zona Colonial, El Conde
Hip, alternative bar...
Arzobispo Meriño
If you want drinks and dance in the colonial zone, this is the place...
Boca Chica, Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Zona Colonial, Dominican Republic
Calle Duarte, Esquina Caracol
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic