Streets squares and districts to visit Dominican Republic

In its centre stands the statue of Nicolás de Ovando, architect of the city and third governor after Columbus and Bobadilla. The work is by the Spanish sculptor Juan de Vaquero. The founder of Santo Domingo holds in his hands the compass he used for his work, as well as the governor's baton. From this place you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view, especially of the Colón lighthouse. At night, in the discreet charm of its lighting, the square with the Alcazar Colon and all the bars and restaurants takes on a magical dimension.

The Malecón avenue, which is called Avenida General Gregorio Luperón, runs along the ocean for 4 km. The promenade is pleasant and well-maintained: you can find rollerbladers, bicycles and sports enthusiasts with family or friends, enjoying the beautiful bicycle path. The Malecón comes alive in the evening and on weekends in the part corresponding to the city centre. You will notice it by the smell of the numerous frituras and chimichurris stands that invade it. But the beach is unfortunately not very beautiful, and the sea is polluted.

From the first rays of sunshine, the seaside promenade is frequented by a considerable number of Dominicans who come to walk, run or cycle. In the afternoon, friends and families usually gather to enjoy a quiet moment while waiting for the beautiful sunset. Once night falls, the city dwellers come to take a break and stroll around, enjoying the sound of the waves. You can buy food and drink in the many chimichurris, street stands, to the sound of the last merengues.

The Malecón is called Enriquillo Avenue here. As with all seashores, it is a place for lovers to take a slow stroll at sunset, while inevitably enjoying the many fried foods and drinks available at the small stalls. Work has been done to renovate the eastern part of the Malecón. Further south, still on Avenida Enriquillo, wealthy families watch over their beautiful houses facing the sea. The beach of Barahona gives on a lagoon not very convenient for the bathe, the water being stagnant there.

A Chinatown in the Caribbean? Yes, there are between 30,000 and 50,000 Chinese descendants in the capital, and since 2004, they've had their own neighborhood. A mini Chinatown along Avenue Duarte, just a stone's throw from the colonial center. Here you'll find the usual Chinatown bustle: laundromats, food stores and restaurants. Drop in on Sunday mornings to enjoy the large open-air market where Chinese and Dominican farmers and street vendors sell delicious food and drinks.

This huge artery runs along the Caribbean Sea from the colonial zone to the outskirts of the city for a distance of 15 km. On the plans, it is called Avenida George Washington (and includes the Paseo Presidente Billini south of the colonial zone), but for the Dominicans, it is the Malecón. Two obelisks were erected there during Trujillo's time. The first one called " La Hembra " ("female" because of its two columns) celebrated the repayment of the country's foreign debt; it marks the beginning of the colonial city and the beginning of the walls that once protected the Spanish city. The second obelisk, called " El barón " ("male" because of its single column!), was erected in 1936 and celebrated the first anniversary of the new name of the city, Ciudad Trujillo. It is in the central part of the Malecón, that is to say between the colonial city and Lincoln Avenue, that families and lovers stroll at night. This is the place to go to play kite and enjoy the nightlife of bars, ice cream shops, restaurants, cinemas and discos. Be careful, there are few shady areas, the sun is strong!

It is on the Malecón that the comparsas parade during the carnivals of the capital to the sound of Creole rhythms and African drums in July. Stands are set up all along the sea, orchestras play there every evening, drink counters invade the streets where the crowd never stops dancing and drinking until the early morning.