Immerse yourself in the most authentic culture of Santo Domingo on this tour of the Mercado Modelo and Avenida Duarte market, rounded off with a delicious meal. The perfect way to discover the flavors of the Dominican Republic!
Activity Details
At the designated time, we'll meet on Calle Arzobispo Portes, in the heart of the Colonial City, to kick off this market tour of Santo Domingo. Ready to explore Dominican crafts, gastronomy, and culture? Welcome!
Once everyone's together, we'll walk through the vibrant old town to the Mercado Modelo, the most iconic spot in the city for handicrafts, jewelry, and souvenirs! We'll browse the many stalls of this market, founded in 1942, which has been drawing locals and tourists alike ever since with its wide variety of products.
With your guide's commentary, you'll learn all about local cuisine, the intricate craft of amber and larimar jewelry, and the most common bargaining techniques. Do you know what "las Pacas" refers to? Second-hand clothing also plays an undeniable role in Santo Domingo's market culture.
Next, we'll head to Merca Santo Domingo on Avenida Duarte, considered the largest food market in the Caribbean. We'll soak up its lively atmosphere as we wander through stalls piled high with fruits, vegetables, meat, and seafood. The quality of the produce is one of its greatest claims to fame!
To round off the tour, we'll visit Santo Domingo's Chinatown, where Dominican and Chinese gastronomy have blended together seamlessly. We'll then head to a typical Dominican restaurant for a traditional meal... the perfect finishing touch!
Finally, we'll say our goodbyes at the restaurant with a satisfied smile, after 2 to 3 hours of exploring.