Santo Domingo Shopping Guide: From Colonial Crafts to Modern Dominican Design

The UNESCO-listed Zona Colonial isn't just an open-air museum of Spanish colonial architecture—it's also home to the city's most characterful shopping experiences. My first recommendation is always Calle El Conde, the pedestrianized heart of the colonial zone. This 500-year-old thoroughfare is lined with shops ranging from tourist trinkets to genuine treasures.

During my most recent visit, I spent a delightful morning at Larimar World, where I watched artisans transform raw chunks of larimar—the ethereal blue stone found only in the Dominican Republic—into striking jewelry. The shop owner, Miguel, explained that the finest pieces exhibit that distinctive sky-blue color with minimal white marbling. I couldn't resist purchasing a pendant that now serves as both a souvenir and conversation starter back in my London office.

For those interested in traditional crafts, venture to Plaza de España where several galleries showcase the work of local artisans. I was particularly impressed by the amber collections—the Dominican Republic being one of the few sources of blue amber in the world. Before heading out, I recommend picking up a travel daypack that's compact enough for city exploration but has room for your purchases.

No shopping expedition in Santo Domingo would be complete without braving the legendary Mercado Modelo. As someone who's haggled in markets from Marrakech to Bangkok, I still found this sprawling indoor market a thrilling challenge. Located just outside the colonial zone, it's the city's largest craft market and a veritable labyrinth of stalls selling everything from hand-rolled cigars to Taino-inspired woodcarvings.

I've developed something of a system for markets like this. First, I take a complete lap without buying anything—this reconnaissance mission helps me spot the truly unique items and gauge prices. On my second circuit, I engage with vendors whose products caught my eye, asking questions about their craftsmanship. This approach typically earns respect and often better prices.

The market's lower level houses food vendors selling local delicacies like casabe (cassava bread) and mamajuana (a rum-based herbal drink). I always carry my insulated water bottle to stay hydrated in the market's sometimes stifling heat without resorting to plastic bottles.

A word of caution: while most vendors are honest, counterfeits do exist. That 'authentic' Larimar bracelet for $5 is almost certainly plastic. When it comes to cigars, unless you're a connoisseur, stick to the reputable vendors with proper humidors.

Beyond traditional crafts, Santo Domingo boasts a thriving contemporary design scene that often gets overlooked by visitors. As an educator, I'm always fascinated by how designers reinterpret cultural heritage for modern contexts—and Dominican designers excel at this fusion.

My favorite discovery was Altos de Chavón, a remarkable recreation of a 16th-century Mediterranean village perched above the Chavón River. While technically in La Romana (about two hours from Santo Domingo), it's worth the journey. This artisan village houses workshops, galleries, and boutiques featuring work from graduates of the renowned Altos de Chavón School of Design. The handcrafted leather goods and innovative jewelry designs make for gifts that won't be gathering dust on a shelf.

Back in Santo Domingo proper, the neighborhood of Piantini is where you'll find high-end Dominican fashion designers. Stores like Arcabal showcase clothing that incorporates traditional Dominican embroidery techniques with contemporary silhouettes. For home décor with Dominican flair, I recommend Casa Alfarera, where ceramic artists create pieces that would look at home in any design magazine.

When shopping for designer items, I always bring my packing cubes to keep delicate purchases protected in my luggage.

The Dominican Republic is one of only a few places on earth where you can find both amber and larimar—two semiprecious stones that have become synonymous with Dominican craftsmanship. As someone who's developed a minor obsession with these unique geological treasures, let me share what I've learned about purchasing them authentically.

The Amber Museum in Puerto Plata is the gold standard (or perhaps amber standard?) for education about this fossilized tree resin. However, if you're staying in Santo Domingo, the smaller Museo del Ámbar in the colonial zone offers an excellent primer before you shop. The museum shop itself sells authenticated pieces, albeit at premium prices.

For larimar, that ethereal blue stone found nowhere else on earth, I recommend visiting the Larimar Museum first. Here you'll learn to distinguish the highest quality stones—look for pieces with minimal white marbling and that distinctive sky-blue color. Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently shop at stores like Larimar Factory or Joyería Las Américas.

When purchasing either stone, insist on a certificate of authenticity. To test amber in a pinch, touch it with a hot needle in an inconspicuous spot—real amber produces a pine scent, while plastic smells chemical. For photographing your new treasures against Santo Domingo's colorful backdrops, I rely on my compact camera which captures the subtle colors and translucence beautifully.

As a principal who's organized educational trips across four continents, I've learned that transportation logistics can make or break a shopping expedition. In Santo Domingo, taxis are plentiful but often unmetered, so negotiating is essential. Before setting out, I always ask my hotel concierge about appropriate fare ranges. For a more structured experience, I recommend using Uber, which operates efficiently in the city.

For those venturing beyond the colonial zone to places like the upscale shopping centers in Piantini, consider hiring a trusted taxi driver for the day. On my last visit, I arranged this through my hotel for about $60—money well spent for the convenience and local knowledge.

When it comes to bargaining, remember that it's expected in markets but not in established shops with fixed prices. My approach is always respectful but confident. I start by expressing genuine interest in the craftsmanship, then ask the price. My counter-offer typically begins at about 60% of the initial asking price, and we usually settle around 70-75%.

To keep track of purchases and stay organized, I use a travel document organizer with separate pockets for receipts, certificates of authenticity, and the small denomination bills I keep handy for market purchases.

Finally, remember that bargaining is part of the cultural experience, but so is fairness. That extra dollar means far more to a local artisan than it does to most visitors.