The Dominican Republic remains a country with a tropical climate. Humidity, heat and lots of sunshine ensure that it averages between 28 and 32 degrees almost all year round. But of course you also have the rainy season and the occasional heavy downpour. It doesn't happen too often, but for when it does we have inspiration for what you can do on a rainy day. Because no matter what: a rainstorm will not ruin your vacation in Santo Domingo!
Do anything, but let it produce joy.
1. Go watch a movie
Going to the movies in Santo Domingo is much more fun than in Belgium for many reasons. And the Caribbean Cinemas theaters are without a doubt an excellent choice. The prices for seeing a movie, is first of all significantly lower; here you pay as an adult 300 pesos (or 4.5 euros) per screening, kids pay 200 pesos. That's a third of the prices we know at home. And if you go on their special days, you both pay only 200 pesos.
Next to the price, we also find the cinema experience better. There are many places where you can go to the movies, so you never have to queue up at a gigantic line. So going to the movies spontaneously is more than possible. The theaters are also smaller with fewer seats, but they are much more comfortable.
In Santo Domingo itself you already have more than 10 theaters, and you can also find others in Punta Cana, Santiago and Puerto Plata.
2. Treat yourself to a shopping moment
Santo Domingo has the most shopping malls I have ever seen in one city. Most are close together in Downtown and you'll find international stores like Inditex chains such as Zara and Bershka, but Yves Rocher, Parfois, Women's Secret and NYX Cosmetics are also present in many shopping malls.
We spend most of our shopping visits in Agora mall and Galeria 360. Both have their advantages and are located next to the biggest IKEA store of the island. So Agora Mall, for example, has a huge selection of restaurants at the top of the fourth floor for a quick lunch. While 360 has less offerings, but you can go there to relax with a delicious Starbucks coffee.
Are you looking for more exclusive stores and collections? Then you must visit Blue Mall. There you will find stores like Louis Vuitton, Rolex, Bulgari and many more.
Extra tip: Be sure to also visit the shoppings during the holidays such as Valentine's Day, Christmas and Easter. Their decoration is always totally enchanting and you will often find special events!
3. Bring out your competitive self
If you like a good game of healthy competition, Sebelén Bowling & Entertainment offers the best rounds of bowling. This place can be busier than most other places in this list, though. So it is recommended of send in advance via Whatsapp (a lot happens through Whatsapp in the DR) and ask when there is space available.
Feel like a bit more excitement? Then you can also hop to the third floor for a go kart race and show who is the fastest. Or who isn’t!
4. VR and Laser Shooting
Video games and laser shooting are wildly popular these days. In Santo Domingo you will find a lot of places where you can play some thrilling games for little money. Our recommendation is the amusement center in Sambil called "Laser Runner".
For less than 1,500 pesos per person, you will have about half an hour of fun: you can go lazer shooting for half an hour, with your friends or with current guests. Afterwards, you can play another half hour of Virtual Reality games, enjoy Arcade games and explore the PS4 Pro. Your day will pass by so fast!
And once you've lost your energy, you can head to one of the many food tents for a break.
Opening hours: every weekday and weekends between 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM
5. Release your energy in the Trampoline Park
Besides the popular video and laser games in Sambil, nearby located SUMMIT is also wildly popular. You will find a wide range of trampolines on which you can try out the craziest tricks. There are also some specials like the challenge pit where you have to try to get your opponent in.
This place is really suitable for kids of all ages. The different zones are perfectly marked so that even the little ones can have fun without being knocked over by the bigger kids.
Opening hours: Every weekday between 11:00 AM and 10:00 PM. And on weekends from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Looking for even more inspiration for your next trip to the Dominican Republic? Then be sure to follow us on Instagram: @keloke.do.