Shopping is an adventure in the Dominican Republic. Throughout the Caribbean country, you’ll find everything from traditional artisan crafts to handmade jewelry to high-end fashion. Here are our Forbes Travel Guide’s editors’ picks for the best shopping in Dominican Republic:
In Punta Cana, the place to shop is Palma Real Shopping Village, located in Bàvaro, next to Punta Cana. Here’s you’ll find designer stores such as Prada, Gucci, Swarovski and Dolce & Gabbana. At San Juan Shopping Center, in Bàvaro-Punta Cana, you’ll see typical artisanal crafts, such as Taíno sculptures, typical seashell-made jewelry, organic handmade oils scented with coconut, carrot and monoi (coconut and Tahitian gardenia) and local sweets.
If you’re in Santo Domingo, head to Blue Mall, the a shopping destination where international brands like Ferragamo, Bvlgari, Carolina Herrera, MAC Cosmetics, L’Occitane and Louis Vuitton have all set up shop.
Novo-Centro, located on Lope de Vega Avenue, is the most contemporary architectural concept in the Dominican Republic. Novo-Centro is an 18-story building composed of a boutique hotel, corporate offices and a four-level shopping center that blends brand names with local designers. Pekepolis is a children’s park in Novo-Centro, so your kids can stay entertained while you hit the stores.
