Santiago de los Caballeros
Santiago is such a beautiful and colorful city, where the wealth is very evident. It produces most of the nation's profitable commodities such as cigarettes and rum. It is the second largest city in the Dominican Republic next to Santo Domingo and is responsible for the nation's second highest percentage of GDP.
Things to Do
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Sip on a frio-frio and chill in Parque Duarte: There isn't a lot to do in this park but sit on a bench in the shade, sip on a frio-frio (Dominican icee), preferably tamarindo con cherry, and have people come up to you to talk. Dominicans are very friendly.
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Visit the Monument of the Heroes of the Restoration: This monument was built during Rafael Trujillo's dictatorship to represent the Dominican War of Independence. However Trujillo being the narcissist he was named it, "Trujillo's Monument to Peace." Ironic? After his assassination in 1961, it was renamed its current name.
The view from the top of the stairs of the monument is panoramic, enabling to see all of Santiago. It is very romantic.
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Eat Yaroa in Oché: Originally from a barrio in Santiago, Yaroa is a cross between a lasagna and a casserole. This delicious street food is mainly made of mashed plantain or yucca with heavily seasoned chicken, beef or pork (or all three) topped with melted mozzarella cheese.
Food truck: Area Monumental (in front of Expresso Jade)
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Walk around Calle el Sol: There are so many shops here! You can spend the whole day just negotiating with the merchants. It's a perfect way to learn the language.
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Visit el Museo del Tobaco: Before the Cuban Revolution, the Dominican Republic always came second in cigar-making next to Cuba but now the DR has taken over the cigar industry. Visit this museum to learn about the making of one of the DR's most lucrative industries.
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Attend an art event at Casa de Arte: Almost everyday of the week there is a cultural event going on. Check their blog for upcoming activities.
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Visit the Bermúdez Rum Factory: Located in Pueblo Nuevo and not as popular as Brugal, Bermúdez is another of DR's rum. They give free tours and a free cocktail! Calle Domingo O. Bermúdez No. 1, Reparto Bermúdez
Places to Sleep
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Camp David Ranch: Known as one of the most beautiful places in Santiago, Camp David Ranch sits on top of a mountain overlooking a breathtaking view of the Cibao. Starting at $75/night
Carretera Luperon km 7 1/2
Tel: 809-276-6400
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Hotel Monterrey: a cheap hotel in the center of town that offer free internet, hot and cold water and a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Single: $14/night
Double standard: $18/night
Double standard with AC: $27/night
Calle Salvador Cucurullo 92
Email: gagocarmen@hotmail.com
Tel: 809-582-4558
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Hostal del Cibao: Probably the most affordable place in Santiago for $14 for two people!
Calle Benito Monción 40
Email: hostal_del_cibao@hotmail.com
Tel: 809-581-7775
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Hotel Posada Plaza Monumental: Within walking distance from the famous monument, this hotel has a cafeteria, a gym and a pharmacy. There are rooms with 1-5 beds. $18-$32/night
Aut Duarte Km 1
Email: hotelplazamonumental@hotmail.com
Tel: (809) 581-1322
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La Rotonda: This small hotel also has a great price for $20/night for two people.
Avenida 27 de Febrero 32
Email: larotonda@codetel.net.do
Tel: 809-575-1210
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Hotel Colonial: Many people rave about this place because it's located in the center of all the action. It might not be a super chic accomodation but it has the essentials, such as an AC, a fridge, cable TV, laundry, parking and, of course, a bed. $30-$35/night
Salvador Cucurullo 113 y 115
Email: colonialdeluxe@yahoo.com
Tel: 809-247-3122
Nightlife
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Jazz night at Soho Rooftop Lounge: Every Monday at SoHo, different jazz musicians perform at this amazing rooftop in Bella Terra Mall starting at 8:30pm. Admission: 150 pesos, Av Juan Pablo Duarte
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Live music at Monte Bar: If you want to go to a really typical Dominican place, come to Monte Bar. Bachata, merengue and perico ripao artists perform here occasionally. Av. 27 de Febrero
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Tribeca Lounge: A trendy space with chandeliers and silk draping is one of the more popular clubs of Santiago usually hosting live bands and events. 6 Calle Mauricio Álvarez
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Ahi-Bar Dance Club: Party with the elite youth of the city, especially on Friday nights when a live band starts to play at 9pm. They play merengue, salsa and bachata, making it an ideal place to feel the Dominicanness of the town. Calle Tolentino and Restauración (around the corner from the monument)
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La Dolce Lounge: Rub elbows with the youth of Santiago in this cool and contemporary dance club that play everything from merengue to techno. Plaza Zona Rosa, Av. Duarte and Calle La Salle
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Francifol Café: Come here for late partying until the early morning. The action usually starts around midnight or 1am, again, attracting the young crowd of Santiago. 127 Calle del Sol
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Calle Tolentino for the night: Like many other big cities, Santiago has its party strip full of bars and clubs. Tolentino is the place to live it up and club hop all night. Ahi-Bar is located here and is one of the more upscale places to go.
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Have a late-night snack at Marchena after the club: I know after clubbing hard in Santiago's nocturnal life, you might get pretty hungry. Stop by El Carrito de Marchena for great late-night food. Estrella Sadhala