The following guide will give you an insight of the historical center of the city. In addition, we have included this link to google maps, to make your life easier, as you enjoy the best self-guided walking tour, without any rush.
Walking tour in Puerto Plata
Distance traveled: 2.3km
Total walking time: 30 min
Featured places:
- La Puntilla de Puerto Plata
- Doña Agustina Sweets
- Puerto Plata Fire Department
- Quipes Bojo
- Gral Gregorio Luperón House Museum
- Museum of Dominican Amber
- Central Park or Plaza Independencia
- El Berganting and La Casita Azul
- Helados Bon, ice cream shop
- Paseo de Doña Blanca
- The Umbrellas’ Street
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Downtown view, city highlights and Taino Bay cruise port. |
There are a few reasons. Walking whenever you can, allows you to better know the places you go and better live the experience.
You can stop to observe beautiful landscapes and interesting places that, although not so famous on the internet or important to others, they are to you.
If you love photography, like I do, going on foot and at your own pace, allows you to better capture those unique moments to remember your trip; you get rid of having to run around in a hurry and if you want to take 1,000 shots in the same place, it doesn’t matter, those are your holidays. Explore, live, enjoy.
Against time
Something that we do to save time, is define in ahead of time, the places we want to visit in the different ports of call that we’ll go to. Cruise stops may not be as long as you'd like, so we're always looking to make the most out of them.
In view of this reality. The following guide will allow you to know interesting things to do in downtown Puerto Plata. Attractions close to each other to go on foot.
Note that these are just ideas, the city has a lot to offer and a few hours will not be enough for you to do everything.
Analyze the options that may not interest you and leave them out. If you see something on the tour that catches your attention and that we did not mention, jump in and find out. You’ll be responsible for how much time you want to spend in each place. Just remember to get back to the port on time. Following next are the suggested places with a brief description.
1. The Puntilla of Puerto Plata
Declared a National Park in 1971, it is the best starting point to learn about the interesting history behind Puerto Plata. In this park you will find:
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| Several Attractions in La Puntilla National Park. |
San Felipe Fortress, the oldest in the New World, built in 1577, to defend the city from pirate attacks and that, over time, even served as a prison for Juan Pablo Duarte, the father of the independence of the Dominican Republic.
We recommend paying the entrance to this National Monument and listening to the guided tour inside. Not only will you be surprised by what you will find there, but you will also be able to enjoy its rich history and the impressive views of the surroundings.
La Puntilla Lighthouse, built in 1879, to guide the ships that docked in the port of the city.
The ruins of a former military hospital, used between 1916 and 1924, now chosen by the locals, as a setting for beautiful photo shoots.
The statue of Gregorio Luperón, one of the famous men of Puerto Plata, built in 1971.
The Puerto Plata amphitheater, inaugurated in 2017, where great events and concerts by national and international artists are presented.
A beautiful walkway, which stretches along the Atlantic Ocean, the famous Malecón. We recommend that you continue walking along it, at least, until you have to carefully cross the avenue, to reach stop number 2.
2. Doña Agustina sweets
Homemade sweets that have become a tradition in Puerto Plata can be found at the home of Doña Agustina, who since 1973 has brought joy through her delicious desserts. Among the favorites flavors you’ll find Dulce de Leche, Coconut with milk and Sweet potato with coconut. No matter which one you choose, you’ll be for sure asking for more.
On the way to stop 3, you will see the Respetable Logía de la Restauración No. 11, the Masonic meeting place in Puerto Plata since 1867. The lodge bears the motto of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.
3. Puerto Plata Fire Department
Gregorio Luperón, the pride of Puerto Plata, created the fire departments of the entire country in 1880 while serving as the temporary president of the nation. The construction of this old fire station was completed in 1930.
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| Puerto Plata's Fire Department, located in the famous Malecón. |
Make sure to capture it in your photos. Right behind it, you’ll find a park and the Sanitary Center, a health center for locals.
4. Quipes Bojo
Another very convenient stop to try the flavors of Puerto Plata is, Quipes Bojo, who for almost 40 years, has offered his Dominican version of the Lebanese kibbeh, which he inherited from his maternal grandparents who were of Arab origin.
5. General Gregorio Luperón House Museum
If the world of museums is your thing, you can visit this stop and learn about the history of Gregorio Luperón and his participation in the War of Restoration.
6. Museum of Dominican Amber
Where you will surely be transported to the Jurassic world, seeing insect fossils, trapped in precious amber stones.
7. Central Park or Plaza Independencia
Most centric part of Puerto Plata, from where you can appreciate the San Felipe Apóstol Cathedral, beautiful Victorian buildings, including the city hall, the Casa de la Cultura and the peculiar park’s gazebo built in 1892.
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| San Felipe Apóstol Cathedral. |
8. El Bergantín Caribbean Grill and La Casita Azul
These are 2 good options to try some delicious Dominican flavors. Next to La Casita Azul you will find Helados Mariposa, ice creams from Puerto Plata, artisanal and Creole.
9. Helados Bon, ice cream shop
It is another very good option, actually the one preferred by many. If you decide to visit them, ask for a Barquito (little boat), ice cream served in a larger cone with added caramel, cherry and jam. Tasty!
10. Paseo de Doña Blanca
Pink lovers will arrive at their dream place. A nice alley, perfect for your Instagram photos. This is a relatively new project, which serves as a pilot for other streets that will carry out the same theme in different colors.
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| 1. Umbrella Street; 2 La Puntilla Lighthouse; 3. Paseo de Doña Blanca. |
11. Umbrellas’ Street
Our last stop full of charm and places for a coffee, buy chocolate or drink a cold “Presidente” beer. You can't leave without making a stop here. Totally recommended.
Souvenirs
You will find those in different places, such as La Puntilla, La Plaza Independencia and stores nearby such as Island Treasures and others.
To return to the port, you can take a taxi around the central park.
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Thank you and see you soon!