Dominican Republic - Shopping

A constant hustle and bustle defines this market in the center of town, where one can purchase jewelry,... ceramics, amber, cigars, goat hide-covered drums and much more from early morning on. Fast-food stands amid the crowds are a good spot for regaining one’s strength with a stew or coffee and cake. more

This flea market, located on one of the most important thoroughfares of the capital, is a treasure chest... for bargain hunters. Alongside kitsch and junk, antiques and pieces of art are also offered. more

One of the best shopping malls on the island, with boutiques, a movie theater, restaurants, banks, bookshops... and stores selling jewelry, shoes, leather goods and souvenirs on several floors. more

Lovers of modern and contemporary paintings and sculptures will definitely find what they are looking... for at Nader, since the gallery shows internationally acclaimed as well as unknown talented young artists from the local area and abroad. more

At Centro Plaza International, one of the largest shopping malls in the country, the bookstore Thesaurus... makes its mark with an unusually wide selection of fiction and non-fiction. Aside from Spanish language books, there are many in English. The store is also an excellent source of Latin American literature in general. more

A paradise for bookworms: history, art, nature and fiction are but a few of the focal points in this... well-assorted bookstore. more

Merengue, son, salsa, cumbia, reggae, tango, calypso – the entire world of Latin American rhythms is... represented here with countless CDs. A branch store is located in Calle El Conde in the old town. more

The shop carries the best selection of Dominican and Cuban cigars in the entire old town. They are stored... in their own perfectly tempered room and are always very fresh. more

The country’s largest supermarket for souvenirs and craftwork is located a stone’s throw away from... Alcazar de Colón. In this three-story building, both bargain hunters and people looking for jewelry made of amber, larimar, gold and silver get their money’s worth. more

The main store of the arts and crafts village above La Romana carries arts and crafts from all galleries... and craft workshops of Altos de Chavón. Especially popular as souvenirs are high-quality silk batiks and posters, but also beautiful ceramics. more

This charming arts and crafts store between Calle Duarte and Calle Hostos carries hundreds of artfully... worked and hand-painted “faceless” dolls from La Vega Real. They are dressed in long, classic 19th century-style gowns and elegant hats. Smaller dolls start at the equivalent of 10 euros, while the largest and most beautiful ones can cost up to 300 euros. more

One of the best art galleries in town, which makes fewer concessions to the taste of tourists than others... do. Next to established, up-and-coming Dominican artists they also carry exquisite, so-called “naïve” paintings from Haiti. more

This elegant shop, which is managed by a knowledgeable Swiss woman, has exceptionally exquisite jewelry... of azure larimar and amber, among it rare pieces the color of green smoke. The shop also serves as a small gallery for Dominican artists. more

The shop located on the ground floor sells very beautiful larimar jewelry set in gold or silver, while... on the 1st floor exceptionally beautiful pieces of this sky-blue grained volcanic rock, which can only be found in the Barahona province, are presented. Larimar was not discovered until 1974. more

Finding one’s way here without a taxi is impossible, but the trip is worth it. This shop carries a... great selection of colorful shoes and handbags, loved fanatically by female Dominicans. more

Near the Barceló hotel complex one can find arguably the most unique souvenir shop on the Coconut Coast.... It sells bottles of rum decorated by Haitian artists – all one of a kind. Among the “recipes of love” covering the bottles are mixtures “guaranteed” to increase virility! more

Don Lucas de Meesters, a Belgian, sells his high-quality homegrown cigars here. He is also the owner... of the large luxurious souvenir shop Mundo Auténtico next door. more

Vis-à-vis of the modern shopping center Paseo de la Costanera, this gallery features cutting-edge artwork... form Haiti. Keep an eye out for painters such as Prosper Pierre Louis, Prefete Duffaut, Calix Henry and Dabady. The gallery owner Claude Lachamp is a specialist for Haitian art. more

A wide range of amber in different color variations, some including insects or plant pieces, as well... as larimar polished by the island’s mountain rivers characterizes Ambar Nacional near Monasterio de San Francisco. more

The best assorted department store in the capital caters to the needs of locals, its prices being accordingly... affordable. But tourists can also find well-priced craftwork as well as chic, expensive fashion here. more