Independence Park — Attraction in Fantino

Classic Spanish-style plaza as seen in nearly every city in the DR. We have statues of our Founding Father Juan Pablo Duarte and our Restoration Leader Gregorio Luperon (the latter being a Puerto Plata native). You can find a lot of the 'classic' Puerto Plata restaurants around here. I recommend going to Mariposa & Chocolate Bakery in particular. You can also find a good few souvenir shops and boutiques as well. The city hall and cathedral are also located in the square. I recommend getting a guided tour of the area if you can. Be sure to drop by the salmon/orange building next to the city call- this is known as the Casa de Cultura and has folklore presentations, movie screenings, and art showcases often (nighttime formal events, usually no children). There is also a pop-up artisan's market in the weekends on the block beside the building. AND BE SURE TO CHECK OUT AMPARO!! It is on the corner across from Banco Popular (ask for directions) excellent and cheap empanada place. Literally no comparison anywhere else!! Been there longer than I've been alive lol. Has won many local heritage awards. They only open after like 4pm though.

In the park itself are lots of benches to relax in. Because the park is so big and flat a lot of children will rollerblade or bike around. Some street vendors sell toys in the evening and you can also buy a bag of pigeon feed to entertain your children. Of course there are a few beggars sometimes, but they will usually avoid you since CESTUR is very tight around this part of the city.

Most big yearly events are hosted around this area. The annual jazz festival is usually hosted here and it is free, you only pay if you want specialized seating. During the jazz festival a lot of artisans from around the entire province will set up shop around the park to showcase their wares (chocolate, turtle shell carvings, paintings, jewelry, etc).

There are also the Fiestas Patronales held on Holy Week. This is a beauty pageant & Holy Week celebration in honor of the city's patron saint. Some people will have public weddings in the cathedral as well.

Around February you have the Carnaval Festivities. This is somewhat like Mardi Gras and pays homage to our taino/pagan heritage. You will see youngsters dressed up as devils with their rattling conch shell suits and big horned masks. Our city's devil, the Diablo Cojuelo, carries a whip and and an inflated ball used to playfully spank people (usually other people dressed up in Carnaval attire). If you bring children some may try to approach you in order to 'scare' your kids but you can shake your head 'no' at them if you don't wish to engage. This is all done in good fun and they are very respectful! There are also 'comparsas' essentially troupes of Carnaval performers on parade floats or flat bed trucks that ride around the city square.

Christmastime (my personal favorite) is a real treat, especially at night. The public art school staff and students will put up a massive Christmas tree and different decorations each year and really glam the place up! Vendors will come and sell candy and popcorn and such. I remember in 2019 there was even a booth to 'see Santa'. I've also seen a bouncy house on previous years as well. Usually the installations are not free but they are VERY affordable, be sure to carry a lot of loose change. Because every year is different I can't tell you what to expect but I can assure you it will be fun! Just be sure to keep your children constantly in sight since it can get very crowded very quick.

I think this is a go-to place to really get a feel for the local culture, especially after 5pm and during holiday season. Yes, it might be a little 'tourist-trappy' since it is a common place for tourists to visit but this is a go-to place for locals as well. It is very safe (probably the only place in the city I feel 100% completely safe walking around at night lol) and lovely and I personally have dozens of beautiful childhood memories...

Highly recommended stop if you ever visit Pop!

The park has changed for the better since I was last here. It is much more organized, clean and tourist-friendly. A government-sourced guide was available and wears a uniform-type polo shirt with his ID; he gladly took our pictures and walked with us to the nearest touristy spot (El Callejón Rosado). There, he showed us to the spot's own historian/guide (who told us all about the Rainieri family's contribution to the local and national tourist landscape) and offered to show us to the next spot, but we opted to stay put, until we left for the umbrella-starred street (both spots shown in pics below).

The park also has tons of nearby food spots, gift shops and museums, that all seemed worthy of a stroll. It also had some really great local food vendors, including the can't-be-missed "coquero", or coconut vendor, who was more than happy to find us exactly the right coconut to quench our thirst and our hunger.

The cathedral looked gorgeous from the outside. The vaccination spot for Covid-19 vaccines (Pfizer on call today) was open and there was no one in line. There was also a spot for taking your vitals for free; a very...

If you want to see the Dominican culture come alive then this it the place to witness it.

Located in the heart of Puerto Plata, Parque de Central comes alive daily. From families gathering to tourist sightseeing you can feel the vibes of POP.

It is not unusual to see kids playing and riding their bikes. Many cultural events and activities are often hosted here. The park sits directly across from the Cultural Arts building where you can find all sorts of activities and events taking place.

During the weekend you can find local artist displaying their crafts, tour guides ready to show you the city, couples on dates, restaurants with delicious foods, and people dancing to Dominican music.

You will also see the historic St. Phillips Cathedral. One of the largest in the city and open daily for visitors. Shoulders must me covered for entry.

Overall Parque de Central is a must. The experience is...