The neoclassical house sheltering the Museo de Ambar Dominicano has the densest collection of boutiques in Puerto Plata. Many of the paintings here are from neighboring Haiti, but the amber, larimar, and mahogany woodcarvings are local.
Plaza Turisol Complex, the largest shopping center on the north coast, has about 80 different outlets and the most upscale and tasteful merchandise. Make this your first stop if you want to get an idea of what's available in Puerto Plata -- make it your only stop if you don't have time to visit all the shopping centers. It's about 5 minutes from Puerto Plata and Playa Dorada, on the main road heading east. Nearby is a smaller shopping center, Centro Commercial Playa Dorada (tel. 809/320-8243), with about 80 shops selling handicrafts, clothing, souvenirs, and gifts. Both it and the Plaza Turisol are open daily 9am to 9pm.
Plaza Isabela, in Playa Dorada about 450m (1,500 ft.) from the entrance to the Playa Dorada Hotel complex, is a collection of small specialty shops constructed in Victorian gingerbread style, although much of its inventory has a Spanish inspiration or flair. Here you'll find the main branch of the Dominican Republic's premier jeweler, Harrison's (tel. 809/586-3933), a specialist in platinum work. Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Keith Richards have been spotted wearing Harrison's jewelry. The store has a special clearance area; tours are available. There's another branch in the Centro Comercial Playa Dorada (tel. 809/320-2219) in the Playa Dorada Hotel complex.
