San Felipe de Puerto Plata
In 1508, Puerto Plata was a major trade port for the Spanish colonies. However, when more prosperous lands were discovered, it was deserted and merchants were forced into the effective business of smuggling with the Dutch and French. When the Spanish Crown found out about this, they ordered to destroy the city and was abandoned up until the mid-18th century. Due to its beautiful beaches and potential for resort development, the city has made the list of one of the top touristic destinations in the Caribbean.
Places to Sleep
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Tubagua Plantation Eco Village: This true paradise in the outskirts of Puerto Plata is the perfect place to get away from the city. The lodge has a swimming pool, jungle gym and many other amenities. It is only 20 minutes from the Puerto Plata airport.
Prices are from:
Backpacker's Special: $25/night to
a private cottage for 2: $50/night
(other prices in between)

Email: ecolodgetubagua@gmail.com
​Tel: 1 809 696-6932
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​Hotel Victoriano: Located in downtown Puerto Plata, this 25-room hotel is one of the more affordable stays.
Standard room w/o AC: $13/night
With AC: $14/night
Double bed: $16/night
Calle San Felipe esq. Restauración
Tel: (809) 586-9752
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Portofino Guesthouse: Known for its famous pizzeria, this guesthouse is close to everything and has a swimming pool and separate play area for kids.

Standard room w/ AC: $16/night
​Double Room: $21/night
Calle Hermanas Mirabal #12
Tel: (809) 586-2858
Website
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Hotel Montesilva: With El Malecon, the beach, supermarket, and public transportation only minutes away you can not go wrong with this hotel. Plus it has a swimming pool, cable tv, air conditioning and security.
Standard room w/ AC: $18/night
Double room: $22/night
Av. Luis Ginebra y Calle La Estancia
Tel: (809) 320-0205
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Hostel Villa Carolina: Breakfast, internet, linens, cable tv, and kitchen is included in this conveniently located hostel. It is five minutes from Long Beach, where kite-boarding is very popular and a short walk away from the bus stop that takes you to Sosua or Cabarete. It also has a swimming pool and a bar! $20- $30/night
Virginia E. Ortea No.9
Tel: 1-829-908-2200
Things to do
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Cable car to see Christo: Take a cable car ride up to Pico Isabel de Torres to see Christ the Redeemer and the botanical garden.
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Kiteboarding in Long Beach:​ Puerto Plata comes second to kiteboarding next to Cabarete but none the less it is a great place to do so. Lessons in both of these locations are expensive. Maybe renting the equipment and having a friend or local teach you would be ideal. Kite​ Club Puerto Plata offers packages.​
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Walk along El Malecon: El Malecon is quite beautiful and very well maintained. It is long but the scene of the wavy beach is serene. Be careful, though, it can be dangerous there. I was robbed at the end of the boardwalk while riding my scooter.
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Brugal Rum Factory: Brugal has three factories in the Dominican Republic but its bottling plant is in Puerto Plata. You can visit the factory for a free tour and cocktail.
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27 Waterfalls of Damajagua: I just have to say that this is a MUST. Damajagua is truly a gem of the DR. I took a tour from Cabarete, however, if I knew better I would have done it the local way from POP; it's much more adventurous and cheaper. I also recommend doing all 27 waterfalls. I did 12 and it just wasn't enough!
The 27 Charcos website gives excellent directions by guagua both from Puerto Plata and Santiago.
Foreigner prices:
Waterfall 1-7: $7
Waterfall 1-12: $9
Waterfall 1-27: $13
All include helmet, life jacket and guide
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Visit amber mines: The amber mines are located in between Santiago and Puerto Plata in La Cumbre near the coast of Cordillera Septentrional. It would be best to drive there with someone that knows how to get around.
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Swim at Playa Dorada: PD has 11 resorts. It is not exclusive; you can enter and chill on the beach. I personally didn't see the big deal but it is very relaxing since there was no one there. There is a restaurant next to the shops that have delicious Dominican food and play Bachata and Merengue.
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Visit Fortaleza San Felipe: This fort, that was used as a prison during Trujillo's reign, is rather small. There isn't much to see after overlooking the scenery from the top of the stairs.
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Nightlife
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Casetas: For a very real and authentic Dominican experience, "caseta hop" in El Malecon, the most popular one is Big Lee's Beach Bar.
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Lighthouse Lounge & Disco: The most spectacular club in the country located in Ocean World has a 360 degree ocean view, playing rhythms from around the world. This disco has a modern and elegant style, decorated in all white with leather seats. Every Wednesday is karaoke night (which is very popular in the Caribbean) and Thursday to Saturday is tropical night. Playa Cofresi
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Bravissimo Show: A Las Vegas-style show that includes 30 dancers alternately wearing 120 costumes welcoming you to the Dominican Republic with their tropical glamour dancing to Caribbean rhythms. Although taking pictures and filming is not permitted, this is a show you will never forget! Admission: $45/person; Wednesdays and Saturdays, Calle Principal #3, Playa Cofresi​​​

Note: For the full package, you may get the Bravissimo Experience for $75/person which includes dinner with welcome glass of champagne, unlimited rum, beer and wine, souvenir cap and t-shirt of the show, preferential seating, coupons for casino and party at Ocean World Terrace!
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Ocean World Terrace: One of the more popular places for locals and tourists to hang out. A chill atmosphere overlooking the Marina offering great music, food, drinks and prices. Ocean World, Playa Cofresi​
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Ocean World Casino: ​Ocean World has taken over Puerto Plata's nocturnal life! They also have a casino providing some of the most popular table games and slot machines surrounded in luxury, transporting you to Las Vegas, Caribbean style.
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Gamble at The American Casino:​ If you are new to gambling, this casino near Playa Dorada offers free gaming lessons. The casino offers free admission and free drinks and snacks for players. Many games from Black Jack to Texas Poker are played here.
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*Much of the nightlife is located in Sosúa and Cabarete combined.