Hiking and horseback tours of the countryside also can be arranged check with the tourist office. Because the Puerto Plata area is geared primarily toward tourists, there s a wealth of restaurants with a variety of local and Continental foods. Be sure to sample some local specialties, including sancocho , a thick meaty stew. Valter s is a good choice for French and Italian specialties served in a Victorian home. Down the street from the Victorian Pub, La Carreta serves up local dishes in a funky old house.
Prices are good, and the atmosphere is definitely casual.
Overlooking the Parque Central, Pizzeria Roma is a good place for a quick omelette or a pizza. Try the Star Cafe for a hearty breakfast or a lunch omelette. The offerings are rather tame in the nightlife department. You ll find casinos in a handful of resorts in and near Puerto Plata, including Playa Dorada Hotel and Eurotel . Merengue is played at Studio Vivaldi on Calle Hermanas Mirabel.