Nightlife

Dance Clubs

Local young people flock to the dance clubs in droves after dinner. Even the hotel dance clubs cater to locals as well as tourists. Great dancers abound, so go and watch even if you don't feel like dancing.

La Guácara Taína, Avenida Mirador del Sur, in Parque Mirador del Sur (tel. 809/533-1051), is the best discoteca in the country, drawing equal numbers of locals and visitors. Set in an underground cave within a verdant park, the specialty is merengue, salsa, and other forms of Latin music. There are three bars, two dance floors, and banquettes and chairs nestled into the rocky walls. The cover is RD$300 (US$9/£4.50), includes one drink. It's open Wednesday to Sunday from 9pm; closing time varies.

Fantasy Disco, Avenida Heroes de Luperón 29, La Feria (tel. 809/535-5581), is one of the capital's most popular dance clubs, about a block inland from the Malecón. Once you get past the vigilant security staff, you'll find lots of intimate nooks and crannies, a small dance floor, and one of the country's best-chosen medleys of nonstop merengue music. Entrance is free, and beer costs RD$75 to RD$100 (US$2.25-US$3/£1.15-£1.50) a bottle. The place is open daily from 6pm to 4am.

Jet Set, Centro Comercial El Portal, Avenida Independencia (tel. 809/533-9707), is one of the capital's most formal and elaborate nightclubs, admitting couples only, and nobody who is too rowdy. Most of the tables and chairs slope down toward an amphitheater-style dance floor, giving the place the feel of a bullfighting arena. The collection of live orchestras that play here are better than anywhere else in town. Entrance costs between RD$300 to RD$1,200 (US$9-US$36/£4.50-£18), depending on the artist. The Jet Set takes off at 9pm and flies until the early morning.

Rolling the Dice

Santo Domingo has several major casinos, all of which are open nightly until 4 or 5am. Gambling here is a very minor attraction and the odds are pretty much against you. If gambling is your raison d'être, you'd do better to plan a holiday in Puerto Rico.

The Majestic Casino in the Malecón Center, Avda. George Washington 500 (tel. 809/687-4853), is the newest casino in town. Managing to be somehow glittery but tasteful at the same time, it isn't the most animated casino in the capital, and on quiet nights it can be a bit staid, but you'll quickly get the feeling that it's deep into the process of finding a clientele of its own. Open daily 4pm to 4am.

The Renaissance Jaragua Hotel & Casino, Av. George Washington 367 (tel. 809/535-9292) has the most razzmatazz, and it's where Las Vegas style gamblers converge to lose big bucks. You can't miss the brightly flashing sign; it's the most dazzling light along the Malecón. You can wager on blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and slot machines in either Dominican pesos or U.S. dollars. Open daily 4pm to 4am.

Another casino is at the Hispaniola Hotel, Avenida Independencia (tel. 809/221-7111), open daily noon to 5am. One of the most stylish choices is the Casino Diamante, in the Meliá Santo Domingo Hotel & Casino, Av. George Washington 361 (tel. 809/682-2102). Its bilingual staff will help you play blackjack, craps, baccarat, and keno, among other games. There's also a piano bar. The casino is open daily noon to 6am.