Fun and entertainment Dominican Republic

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!

The Raquel Sunset Bar is an unpretentious bar where one comes, as its name suggests, to enjoy the sunset. Good atmosphere here: we sip piña colada and mojito with our feet in the sand, under the coconut trees, while playing a game of petanque. It is indeed the advantage of the place: it has two grounds of balls... And it plays! A place that you will appreciate for its simplicity and where you will have the opportunity to meet people! Petanque lovers (or not), you are welcome, from noon to midnight!

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.

The establishment is run by an Italian and a Quebecer, and the latter, a singer by trade, does not hesitate to take the microphone to cover Aznavour's greatest hits. Known by the whole village for his karaoke, he offers a relaxed and good-natured atmosphere. If, every day, you can enjoy nachos to soak up the caipirinha and delicious shrimp pasta, on Thursday evenings, customers gather around a good barbecue to swallow meat parilladas . A really nice address.

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.

It's the hippest nightclub in the Caribbean! Sprawling over two levels, it regularly plays host to the world's most sought-after DJs, including Erick Morillo, Bob Sinclar, Lil John, DJ from Mars, Steve Angello... singers, bands and regular events. The club is located in the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Every Wednesday from 11 p.m. to midnight, admission is free for women, and every Thursday there are "Cool Beats" evenings, for dancing the night away to international tropical-electric rhythms.

Get ready to enter a place where the atmosphere never stops. At Vamo Al Drink (VMAD, as the sign on one of the wooden walls indicates), you can drink cocktails and local beers on the terrace, and dance in the cool of the night to deafening music, most of which is played by a DJ. Dynamic and smiling service, lively atmosphere until the middle of the night. On match days, the VMAD is packed with fans cheering for their favourite team. A must-see

The nights of La Vega, during the week, are relatively quiet. But when the weekend comes, a gentle madness takes over the city, like the imminent need and in perfect timing to have fun. The Cacique Bar is a perfect demonstration of this. On Fridays, it transforms into a disco and becomes one of the city's temples to bachata, merengue and salsa. Let yourself be carried away by the music and the dance steps that follow one another in perfect sync, without even realizing it. Good cocktails and service.

In the north of the city, near Las Colinas, here is a bar where the atmosphere rises gradually as the day goes on. Great atmosphere at Tipico which is both a disco and a showroom, as the merengue and bachata dancers who go there are really excellent. Many good musical groups perform here. Some shows are free and others are quite expensive. Taxi or car required to get there. Good service. An original address that should please many of you.

Another atmosphere and another kind of music. The city's young and enthusiastic reggaeton and techno fans flock to this disco, where the DJs are kings and the live bands gods. The atmosphere here only really starts at midnight. You can drink good cold beers or cocktails prepared before your eyes. Dynamic service, just like the atmosphere of the Dubai Club. For fans of non-stop parties and to meet the local youth.

Ahi-Bar is divided into two parts. The first, the Ahi-Bar Café and Grill, is a sort of starter bar, with karaoke on Thursdays and Sundays to warm up the atmosphere. The most shy among you will quickly gain confidence. The alcohol flows freely here and the first approaches to get to know each other start here. Just next door is the Ahi-Bar Dance, a small disco with a caliente atmosphere where the youth of Santiago rush to dance salsa, bachata and merengue. Warm and joyful atmosphere, quality service.

Inaugurated in April 2017 by former Dominican President Danilo Medina and the Minister of Tourism, this open-air Greek amphitheater facing the sea hosts numerous shows and concerts by national and international artists throughout the year. It is surrounded by the Fortaleza fort and La Puntilla Park. Its design and capacity of 7,000 people (5,000 in the stands and 2,000 in the surrounding green spaces) makes it one of the largest and most modern in the Caribbean.

In this small garden facing the sea, the Kite Club Café offers breakfasts and simple snack food during the day (burgers, wraps, tacos) and Indonesian food in the evening. Indeed, Wulan, Indonesian, is at the stove and prepares exquisite dishes. Sitting by the beach, enjoying a homemade brownie with a fresh smoothie, it's a relaxing moment. For those who like to party, don't miss the full moon parties where a big fire is lit on the beach. A warm atmosphere is guaranteed.

This chain of bars, which can be found all over the country, opened its Cortecito establishment in 2013. In just ten years, it has become one of Bávaro's main party spots. Happy hourevery day and theme nights throughout the year (singles, Halloween, etc.). The dance floor is especially lively from Thursday to Sunday, with local DJs playing until the wee hours! There's also a good selection of snacks, from burgers and pizzas to Mexican tapas.

A place you'd expect to find in a trendy Madrid neighborhood rather than in the middle of the Dominican mountains! This little chalet facing the church boasts a dark beer brewed on the premises: Ferringer. People flock to the central counter to taste it and share a few tapas with friends. On the walls, painted portraits of great rock figures announce the musical trend of the place. In fact, every Wednesday there's a concert, much to the delight of regulars. Wide choice of international beers.

Welcome to the pirate's den of the Jolly Roger! This bar-restaurant has a tasteful decoration and offers cocktails and a typical pub menu(nachos, hamburgers, sandwiches, etc.). Excellent cold beers too. The week is punctuated by the many events organised by the Canadian owners, Patty and Kelly: darts competition, bingo, flea market, quiz... Part of the funds collected during these evenings is donated to local charities. Here, the atmosphere never stops.

Welcome to Voyvoy Bar where the atmosphere comes alive every day at the end of the day. All week long, we offer themed evenings: karaoke on Mondays, live music on Sundays between 5 and 10 pm, or even reggae or women's nights. All this with your feet in the sand where you can enjoy very good tacos and burritos. Possibility of having a breakfast until 3 pm. Happy hour from 5pm to 7pm. Young and dynamic atmosphere. Smiling service. The Voyvoy Bar will make you spend very good evenings, until the middle of the night.

Impossible for who passes by Las Terrenas to miss the Mosquito Art Bar: at nightfall, it is simply the busiest bar of the fishing village. It is necessary to say that Véronique, the French owner, has more than one trick in her bag to make live the nights of the small village: quality DJ, exotic decoration and subdued lights, pleasant team of service, cocktails of pro elaborated from finely chosen liquors, temporary exhibition of art, numerous events... An in-con-tour-nable ! Come by the roof-top: it's a blast!

Punta Cava is at the back of Punta Cana Village (a small collection of boutiques and restaurants), just opposite the Four Points Sheraton. It'sthe place to be at night in Punta Cana! The restaurant serves pretty good international cuisine, from sushi to octopus taquitos. At night, champagnes, international wines and cocktails are served, to be enjoyed by couples or friends to good music on comfortable sofas. The service is particularly attentive. Very popular on weekends.

Run by a young and friendly Dominican couple, this cosy literary café is located in a small pedestrian street in downtown Santiago. You can eat healthy and cheap, and you can easily meet people around a craft beer at the end of the day. On the menu, coffees, cappuccinos, iced coffee, teas, fresh and sweet smoothies, tapas, bagel, panini, pizza... Also a brunch service and vegetarian dishes. A great address.

La Piña ta' Dulce is a nocturnal and alternative place where many cultural events are held: concerts, artistic performances, poetry readings... there is something for every taste and style. Check the Facebook page of the place to know the upcoming program and the different opening hours according to the periods of the year. Here, the atmosphere is friendly and warm. Good cocktails and drinks to make the most of the evening. Do not hesitate to stop by

The Etno has a beach-style lounge bar atmosphere, with deckchairs right next to the bridge over the town's river. At weekends, it's a different story: the place transforms into a spot for electronic music-based parties. Etno is the perfect place for lunch, an aperitif/dinner or a late-drink with your feet in the sand. Various menus and à la carte dishes. Thursday evenings feature live music, while Fridays and Saturdays a DJ takes over the atmosphere from 9pm. The new darling of clubbers!

It is well known that in Punta Cana everything is possible when it comes to partying. This cave would be a first in the world in terms of troglodyte discotheque. This underground labyrinth is composed of several sectors accessible according to the package bought before. Several atmospheres (latina, electro, disco) are proposed for the greatest pleasure of the night owls who never disturb the neighbours above. Not recommended for claustrophobic people.

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!

One of the city's hottest new clubs, it's one of the chicest spots for the local wealthy youth. Once through the door, you'll enter a tunnel into a (man-made) grotto decorated with Taïnos motifs and exotic plants. You then discover a small artificial lagoon, the terrace and the bar overlooked by the DJ. Latina music in general and electro once a month (see their web page). If you play along and come dressed in the evening's theme, admission is free. Come by cab if you're planning to party.

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.

Located in the hotel of the same name, on the heights of Las Terrenas, the Casino Niza has everything that a respectable casino must offer to its customers in search of amusement... The establishment was built recently and if the first vocation of the place is that to be a casino (some slot machines), it is today a place of night meeting, not to say a nightclub! Being open 24 hours a day, the place tends to attract the most untiring thirsty people. Beware of pickpockets on your way out, especially if you've had a few drinks!

The Espiral 313 is a creative and trendy venue where events popular with the city's artistic and LGBTQ+ community are organized. The program includes concerts, workshops of all kinds, designer markets, aperitifs, temporary exhibitions, poetry nights and performances, among others. All accompanied by a friendly bar and restaurant serving an original and tasty menu. Check out the Facebook page or Instagram to see what's going on during your visit to the capital and make sure you don't miss out!

Microteatro Santo Domingo is a unique theatrical concept: 15-minute plays written by Dominican actors about Dominican life, culture, love and local relationships. The plays are performed in an intimate and sometimes interactive space, often with just you and a dozen other spectators. In the courtyard of the beautiful colonial building, in the open air, you can also eat and drink: what a great way to spend an evening with friends.

This restaurant-bar-club specializes, as its name indicates, in mojitos, at the unbeatable price of 100 pesos in happy hours. Here, place to a caliente atmosphere every evening where Dominicans and tourists mix to the rhythms of salsa, bachata and electro. TheHappy Hour extends from 4pm to 8pm. On the food side, the menu is mainly composed of picadas and sandwiches, including a list of gluten-free choices. The portions are generous enough to satisfy every hunger, in a splendid setting. Warm welcome and top service!

Just before arriving at the Balcones del Atlantico hotel, you will find this very trendy bar-resto, with its feet in the water, which is reminiscent of the Tropezian fashion of beach bars in the old days. You can slump on the elegant beach furniture in the shade of the coconut palms while sipping a finely prepared cocktail, pick up a few tapas fresh from the kitchen, while enjoying the sunset. On weekends and sometimes during the week, DJ parties are organised, raising the temperature a few degrees!

The idea of Joann, the owner, was to make an open space different from the others. And he succeeded. In fact, it feels more like East Berlin than the Caribbean. It is all the local bohemian, artists and musicians who meet there every evening. Several rooms in a row with pop art illustrations on all the walls. On weekends, DJs and singers set up on the covered terrace until late at night. Finger food, pizzas, pasta and Dominican dishes served all night long. A very nice address.

Welcome to Parada 77, a bar with a green front and an open terrace outside. Inside, the walls are covered with graffiti. The atmosphere here is rather bohemian and lasts until late at night on weekends, mainly on Saturdays. There is a lot of merengue music playing and people are chatting with friends and new acquaintances. All this with a glass of sangria in hand, a beer or a cocktail. Affordable prices. No dress code required, but it is better to make an effort. Dynamic and smiling service. Great!

There's no better place to have a drink and listen to music at the same time. This lively bar, named after the famous Spanish folk singer and poet Joaquin Sabina, features jazz, South American sounds and, of course, merengue and bachata. Live concerts are also held here, and it's not uncommon for customers to get up and dance to the music. The bartender, Freddy, is very friendly and will be delighted to serve you. A warm, popular atmosphere that makes you want the night to never end.

This is a small tropical paradise 3 km from La Isabella. To get there, you have to go to Luperón, and turn immediately to the right at the archaeological park of La Isabela. The white wall and the seahorse mark the arrival to Fricolandia. The entrance fee includes access to the beach and showers as well as the use of the barbecue. Facing the Atlantic Ocean, visitors can sit in or around the open bungalows, enjoying the bars, a buffet lunch, and swimming in this idyllic setting. Possibility of jet-skiing. In July, it is a party place.

Just around the corner, a block from the waterfront, La Resistencia is the colonial zone's longest closing bar, attracting party-goers who aren't tired! But you don't have to go in the middle of the night: as soon as night falls, the place comes alive. The eclectic, bric-a-brac decor is well worth the detour, at least as much as the sometimes zany local atmosphere. La Resistencia is also one of the capital's LGBTQ+ hot spots! In short, a place that feels like an authentic speakeasy, complete with dance floor, bar and patio!

Take a seat on the rooftop terrace of this bar, which offers a splendid view of the cathedral, and sip the cocktail of your choice. Casa del Ron has a large menu of cocktails made with sugar cane or rum, the house specialty. The excellent mojitos, caipirinhas, sangrias or Dominican rums by the glass are yours. And if rum doesn't tempt you, opt for wine, a cocktail without rum or a coffee. Also good tapas to share or a cheese platter. An excellent address for a tasty start to the evening.

It is in the north of the colonial zone that we find this excellent urban and rather trendy coffee shop. Lovers of freshly ground coffee, the Orfebre Café is your next stop! Indeed, it is with the hands of a goldsmith that we prepare solo coffee, latte and cappuccino, not to mention the many possible variations. Beautiful, bright service room and an expert and pleasant service team. Finally, it is worth noting that some snack dishes can be prepared here. A good stopover to get your strength back on the way to the center!

Casa 40 is a restaurant located in Puerto Plata's Centro Histórico. It offers international, French and Mediterranean cuisine and original cocktails. The restaurant offers a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, with original decor and a spacious garden. Guests particularly appreciate the tapas and drinks, including the pina colada and margarita. Service is professional and pleasant. The restaurant also offers a takeaway service. Vegetarians are welcome and vegan options are available. Casa 40 is a must in Puerto Plata to enjoy a good meal in a warm and eclectic atmosphere.