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Saint Phillip fort, Puerto Plata, Dominican republic - guerite

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Overview

Squeezed between a towering mountain and the ocean is this working port town, the oldest city on the north coast and possibly the prettiest in the country. Wander the 惭补濒别肠贸苍 or the downtown streets surrounding the Parque Central and you'll see that significant revitalization efforts, meant to impress an influx of Carnival cruise ship passengers, have replaced what was until recently a palpable feeling of neglect. Intermingled with run-of-the-mill shops are the once-opulent, often technicolor homes built by wealthy German tobacco merchants in the 1870s. Several restaurants are worth a visit, as are a few interesting museums, and one wonderful bed and breakfast. The cable car ride to the nearby bluff, if not clouded over, offers panoramic views.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Casa Museo General Gregorio Luper贸n

    Casa Museo General Gregorio Luper贸n

    Puerto Plata

    The life and times of native-born son and independence leader Gregorio Luper贸n are impressively fleshed out inside this beautifully restored, pale-green,鈥�

  • 罢别濒别蹿茅谤颈肠辞

    罢别濒别蹿茅谤颈肠辞

    Puerto Plata

    A cable car takes visitors to the top of the enormous flat-topped Pico Isabel de Torres. On clear days there are spectacular views of the city and鈥�

  • Fuerte de San Felipe

    Fuerte de San Felipe

    Puerto Plata

    Located right on the bay, at the western end of the 惭补濒别肠贸苍, the fort is the only remnant of Puerto Plata鈥檚 early colonial days. Built in the mid-16th鈥�

  • Galer铆a de Ambar

    Galer铆a de Ambar

    Puerto Plata

    Despite its unfortunate location, housed in a rundown office-like building, there are informative exhibits on the history of amber mining in the DR as鈥�

  • 惭补濒别肠贸苍

    惭补濒别肠贸苍

    Puerto Plata

    The completely paved 惭补濒别肠贸苍 (also known as Av General Luper贸n and Av Circunvalaci贸n Norte) runs along the shore. There are a handful of restaurants, as鈥�

  • Museo del Ambar Dominicano

    Museo del Ambar Dominicano

    Puerto Plata

    The colonial-era building houses a collection of amber exhibits. These exhibits include valuable pieces with such rare inclusions as a small 50-million鈥�

  • Iglesia San Felipe

    Iglesia San Felipe

    Puerto Plata

    This twin-steepled church was completely renovated following a devastating hurricane in 1988. Check out the small but beautiful Italian stained-glass鈥�

  • Brugal Rum Plant

    Brugal Rum Plant

    Puerto Plata

    The country's most famous rum distillery offers 30-minute tours from a 2nd-floor gangway, during which visitors learn the history and process of rum鈥�

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