6 Best Shopping in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Located at the intersection of Avenida Winston Churchill and Calle Rafael Augusto Sanchez in the Piantini district, Acropolis Center has become a favorite shopping arena for the young fashionistas and hip capitaleños (residents of Santo Domingo). Stores such as Lacoste, Kenneth Cole, United Colors of Benetton, and Barone have today's look and style. Prices, however, are generally more than what you would pay in the States. There are also several U.S. chain restaurants like Outback and Hooters, not to mention banks, a pharmacy, bars, and a Caribbean Cinema showing the latest Hollywood movies.

One of the Dominican Republic's leading department stores, Casa Virginia was founded in 1945. The store is stocked mostly with high-end designer clothing (including a Jenny Polanco department) and fashion finds, but also has avant Italian jewelry, some moderately priced gift items, and a line of high-end men's watches.

Top Dominican artists in various mediums are on display here. The gallery staff is well-known in Miami and New York, and works with Sotheby's.

The owner, Patrick Le Clercq, has some of the most attractive and creative designer pieces in native larimar and amber. If you have never bought any of these lovely stones because of cheesy settings or high prices, take a look here. His innovative custom work, in sterling or gold, can be done in 48 hours. Some staff do not speak English but can call Patrick if he’s not there.

This shop along El Conde in the Zona Colonial makes and sells its own branded premium cigars to clients worldwide and anyone who happens to walk into the cozy store. Enjoy the leather couch in the seating area, and let owner Julio Vilchez Rosso or a member of his personable staff regale you with the history of cigar making in the Dominican Republic and learn what makes a good cigar a good cigar. This store is perfect for the experienced connoisseur or those who'd like to become one.

This edgy gallery showcases mainly Latin artists from Mexico, South America, and Spain, and some of the most controversial Dominican visionaries. Specializing in contemporary art, it's been in business since 1995. Their rotating collection can include the new, the strange, and the daring.