Fun and entertainment Santo Domingo & Area

Despite its name, the Casa de Teatro is much more than a theatre, it's a cultural centre where young artists exhibit their work. In the evening, you can have a drink and a bite to eat while listening to the bands and singers who perform there several times a week (starting at 10pm). Exhibitions and debates are also organized regularly. It's a very pleasant way to immerse yourself in the history of the city and to get a better understanding of its culture. The owner, Freddy Ginebra, is very friendly. Check out the programme!

The narrow façade of La Cafetera opens onto a large, long counter. Stand or sit and sip a few drops of a full-bodied cafecito that has nothing to envy its illustrious Italian counterparts. The fan blades stir up the intoxicating smell of the roasting process. A small pleasure, which will only cost you a handful of pesos, among the old regulars of the place. You can also buy coffee in bulk, have a sweet or savoury snack, play chess or admire the temporary exhibitions of local artists. A timeless atmosphere...

Jalao is a restaurant, boutique, bar and concert venue in the capital. Beautifully decorated with all the handicrafts you can find on the island, it hasn't been empty since it opened in 2016. A program of national artists and groups is regularly updated. You can spend the whole evening there, from an aperitif at the bar, to dinner, to the musical and festive atmosphere that continues until closing time. Dominican youth and tourists mingle in a musical fraternity.

Here you can also wear karaoke. A bar with a marine décor that deserves a look. A rather international atmosphere, an appointment to fashion.

One of the connected addresses of the capital.

In this room, whose name is recognized, is the annual Festival of French Film.

This multiplex (7 rooms) offers a good selection of the latest American productions, in excellent conditions of comfort.

Would you like to make a little painting while enjoying the air-conditioning? Why not? While there are several cinemas in the capital, the Palacio del Cine has the advantage of being located in the heart of the famous Blue Mall, Santo Domingo's huge shopping mall. Admittedly, the selection of films on offer is fairly uniform and largely North American, but the atmosphere is rather pleasant. It's also a good way to live a little like a local while you're in the capital. If you're feeling more energetic, you can continue the night at the Blue Mall's exclusive discotheque.

This is the most sophisticated club in the area. Local atmosphere and latino sounds played until the early morning! Here the party is in full swing all night long and the meetings with locals and tourists are pleasant. However, make an effort to dress up, because in the Dominican Republic the appearance counts in nightclubs (especially to be able to enter!). Do not come in shorts and flip-flops, you will be refused for sure. Euphoria also serves delicious cocktails (with or without alcohol) and cold beers. Have a nice evening!

This casino is open almost all hours of the day and night! It was the setting for the film Havana, starring Robert Redford. Of course, you'll be asked for your ID card to get in. Slots, roulette, Black Jack... all the casino classics are on offer here. Drinks are also served. Proper attire is required. As with all gambling, please play in moderation! The place is also recommended for merengue dancing on weekends!

An excellent address for espresso lovers. The service starts in the morning with breakfast and continues throughout the day until late at night. Simple but varied restaurant service. You can have a drink on the terrace at any time or laze around on a sofa inside.Happy Hour is every day from 5pm to 8pm, and until midnight on Mondays. The quality of the service is not always up to scratch, however. On weekends, a DJ comes to mix electronic music.

Located on Máximo Gómez Avenue, the Dominican National Theater is the melting pot of the country's living arts. The building, whose construction was decided by President Joaquín Balaguer in 1970 (it was the architect Teófilo Carbonel who took charge and inaugurated the site three years later), is imposing. Although the majority of the performances offered are local, all the performing arts are represented: dance, music, theater and opera. Ask for the program!

Coolmado is simply the coolest of all colmados: this trendy venue has chosen to take the concept of colmados - traditional grocery stores serving as bars and social venues that you'll find all over the country - and put its own twist on it. The coolmado follows the model, with its relaxed bar atmosphere, but also organizes events and musical evenings that attract a clientele in search of a good atmosphere, meeting people and having fun. We can therefore only recommend that you spend an evening or early evening there during your trip.

The perfect place for breakfast, a gourmet break, brunch or simply a coffee during your stay in the capital. The café offers a variety of crêpes, sweet and savoury tartines, croissants (plain and ham-filled), as well as fresh dishes for lunch (quinoa or pasta salad, but also hamburgers). A fine selection of coffees and cakes is also on offer to boost energy levels. With its bright decor, cosy, relaxed atmosphere and pleasant service, there's nothing lacking at Affogato!

Zambra is a popular party venue located in the Piantini area. More accessible and less stuffy than other clubs in the area, Zambra remains a popular spot where people like to dress smartly and sway under the dim lights. While Thursdays are a particularly popular night at the Zambra, the DJs change regularly, so you'll find Latin, electronic or other music depending on the evening. As the place is all the rage for night owls in the mood to party, you're sure to meet some great people.

Located in the northern part of the colonial zone, the Caciba will delight rock n' roll fans, but not only. The atmosphere is particularly relaxed and you soon feel right at home, which is very pleasant. It's easy to meet locals, expatriates and travellers alike, and the cocktails are simple and made with love! There's also an indoor patio where smoking is permitted. In short, it's a great little night bar where it's always pleasant to stop off for 10 minutes... or a few hours.

Facing the Alcazar de Colón, this discotheque bar bears the name of its address. Inside, we discover a neat and sophisticated decoration, but especially a large bar to order a fresh drink with or without alcohol before launching out on the dance floor. The latter is located in a room upstairs where you will not hesitate to sway to traditional music. Thus, you will hear merengue and bachata again and again, throughout the evening. Relaxed and warm atmosphere. Service at the bar is rather fast.

Onno Bar's slogan is apt: Eat, Drink, Party . The food is good, from tacos to tapas, and the wide choice of cocktails will satisfy every taste. You can watch the matches in a crazy atmosphere, and discover new artists at concerts and themed evenings. On weekends, you can dance to the sound of Dembow, Dominican dancehall, and the electric atmosphere encourages socializing. A great experience that we recommend if you're looking for an unforgettable night out in the capital!

A small Latino bar in the colonial zone, Sartén caters for all salsa, son cubano, merengue and chacha dancers. It's a place where you can dance and learn the steps of these traditional dances until 3am. And to quench your thirst with excellent cocktails and beers. It's all part of a great atmosphere. Be sure to check out the establishment's Instagram page, as they organize many side events, such as mid-week karaoke nights. An address full of Caribbean dynamism.

Popular with young people and reggaeton fans, 75 Grados is famous for its lively Latin rhythms and cheap, exotic cocktails. Crowds flock here at weekends, and sometimes it gets so crowded that it's not easy to dance! Try earlier on weekdays if you want to save room. For a typically Dominican evening, this is one of Santo Domingo's best clubs. Popular with expats, tourists and locals alike, 75 Grados is a great place to meet new people.