The Dominican Republic captivates visitors with pristine Caribbean beaches, vibrant culture, and rich colonial history. From the UNESCO World Heritage colonial zone of Santo Domingo to the luxurious resorts of Punta Cana, this tropical paradise offers unforgettable experiences for every traveler.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Larimar Jewelry
Larimar is a rare blue semi-precious stone found only in the Dominican Republic. Rings, necklaces, and bracelets are carved and polished in Santo Domingo workshops.
Price: $20-200
Where: Larimar Museum shop on Calle Isabel la Católica, Zona Colonial
Amber Jewelry and Figures
The DR is one of the world's top amber producers, with specimens sometimes containing prehistoric insects. The Puerto Plata Amber Museum has an excellent affiliated shop.
Price: $15-300
Where: Amber Museum gift shop, Puerto Plata; Calle El Conde vendors, Santo Domingo
Mamajuana
A traditional Dominican herbal liqueur made by soaking tree bark, herbs, and spices in rum, red wine, and honey. Pre-made kits or bottles are sold across the country.
Price: $10-30
Where: Mercado Modelo, Santo Domingo; souvenir shops in Punta Cana
Single-Origin Dominican Coffee
Coffee from Jarabacoa and Constanza mountain regions is world-class, with rich chocolate and citrus notes. Look for the Café Santo Domingo and Café Monte Alto brands.
Price: $8-20
Where: Supermarkets, specialty shops, and airport duty-free stores
Carnival Devil Masks (Diablos Cojuelos)
Elaborate papier-mâché masks with colorful horns and painted designs, hand-crafted in La Vega. These iconic masks are central to Dominican Carnival celebrations.
Price: $25-150
Where: Mercado Modelo, Santo Domingo; artisan workshops in La Vega
Wooden Carved Figurines
Hand-carved mahogany and cedar figurines depicting merengue dancers, roosters, and tropical scenes made by local artisans in Santiago and Santo Domingo.
Price: $10-80
Where: Mercado Modelo, Santo Domingo; Altos de Chavón craft galleries
Brugal or Barceló Rum
The Dominican Republic produces world-class aged rum. Brugal Extra Viejo and Barceló Imperial are premium bottles ideal as gifts.
Price: $15-60
Where: Supermercados Nacional, airport duty-free, rum factory shops in Puerto Plata
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Mercado Modelo
The largest craft market in the Dominican Republic spread over two floors. Hundreds of vendors sell Larimar, amber, rum, coffee, cigars, Carnival masks, and carved wood.
Where: Av. Mella at Calle Santomé, Santo Domingo 10205
Hours: Mon-Sat 8AM-6PM, Sun 8AM-2PM
Mercado de la Pulga (Flea Market)
Santiago's sprawling weekend flea market where locals and traders sell everything from antique furniture and vintage clothes to fresh produce and crafts. Authentic local shopping experience.
Where: Av. Duarte, Santiago de los Caballeros
Hours: Sat-Sun 7AM-3PM
Altos de Chavón Artisan Village
This replica Mediterranean village contains high-end craft galleries selling fine ceramics, paintings, woven textiles, and premium Dominican handicrafts. Quality is considerably higher than street markets.
Where: Casa de Campo Resort, La Romana
Hours: Daily 9AM-9PM
Bávaro Market
The main shopping area serving Punta Cana's hotel zone with souvenir vendors, local crafts, jewelry, and beachwear surrounding the central plaza.
Where: Plaza Bávaro, Punta Cana 23301
Hours: Daily 9AM-9PM
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Calle El Conde Pedestrian Street
Santo Domingo's most famous street stretches through the Colonial Zone and is lined with shops selling souvenirs, clothing, shoes, and handicrafts. The historic buildings add colonial character to every purchase.
Best for: Souvenirs, Dominican crafts, casual shopping
Plaza Central, Santo Domingo
The upscale shopping mall in Naco district with international brands, a food court, cinema, and department stores. Closest to the main business and diplomatic quarter.
Best for: International brands, electronics, clothing
Bávaro Shopping Area, Punta Cana
A cluster of plazas and shopping centers along the main Bávaro strip catering to tourists from nearby resorts. Pharmacies, jewelry shops, tour operators, and restaurants share the area.
Best for: Duty-free liquor, jewelry, resort wear, excursion bookings
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Agora Mall
Santo Domingo's premier shopping mall in Mirador Norte featuring over 200 stores including Zara, H&M, and international brands. Multiple dining options and a modern cinema complex.
Hours: Mon-Sat 10AM-9PM, Sun 11AM-8PM
Blue Mall Santo Domingo
Luxury mall in Piantini district with high-end boutiques, fine dining restaurants, and designer brands. Attracts affluent Dominicans and visitors seeking upscale retail options.
Hours: Mon-Sat 10AM-9PM, Sun 11AM-8PM
Palacio del Cine Premium Las Américas
Shopping and entertainment complex near Las Américas airport with brand stores, supermarket, bowling alley, and cinema. Convenient for last-minute shopping before departure.
Hours: Daily 10AM-10PM
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is acceptable at Mercado Modelo and street stalls but not in malls or branded stores — always smile and be respectful
Starting at 50-60% of the asking price is normal at craft markets; vendors expect negotiation and build margin in
Buying multiple items from the same vendor increases your negotiating power significantly
Cash in Dominican pesos typically gets better deals than US dollars at markets
Friendly Spanish phrases like 'Me hace un precio?' (Can you give me a better price?) go a long way
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Exporting pre-Columbian Taíno artifacts is strictly prohibited; authentic antiques require documentation. Amber and Larimar can be exported freely as they are legally mined.
Tax Refund: No general tourist VAT refund scheme exists in the Dominican Republic. ITBIS (18% tax) is included in prices and not recoverable.
Duty Free: US visitors can bring back $800 worth of goods duty-free. One liter of alcohol and 200 cigarettes are allowed per adult.
Shipping: DHL and FedEx offices in Santo Domingo and Punta Cana can ship purchases home. Fragile items like Larimar should be professionally packed at the shop.