9 of the Best Photo Spots in Puerto Plata
Planning a trip to the Dominican Republic? Puerto Plata should be at the top of your list! Considered the birthplace of tourism in the D.R., Puerto Plata is a popular cruise port and known for its resorts and beautiful beaches. There’s so much more to the city than just beaches though. Puerto Plata is such a colorful city and you’ll come across so many beautiful insta-worthy spots! Here are 9 of the best photo spots in Puerto Plata:
1. Puerto Plata Sign & Malecon de Puerto Plata
Puerto Plata literally translates to “Silver Port,” so it makes sense the city installed a silver Puerto Plata sign with the Atlantic Ocean as its backdrop. You can find the sign at the end of Avenida General Gregorio Luperon, and if you continue to walk down this street, you’ll come across the Malecon, another good photo spot!
Click here for Google Maps location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wqtfuHZVza8APPtV8
2. Fortaleza de San Felipe
If you’re at the Puerto Plata sign, you’re just a 5 minute walk for Fortaleza de San Felipe, a Spanish fortress that was used to defend the city of Puerto Plata against other European powers. The fort is now a museum, and a great place to learn some history. This is also a great spot to catch sunset, as you get a clear view of the Puerto Plata coastline.
3. Calle de las Sombrillas
Probably one of the best, if not the best, photo spots in Puerto Plata — the colorful Calle de las Sombrillas, or Umbrella Street. Located right in the historic center, the umbrella street is a pedestrian strip of Calle San Felipe topped with over one hundred colorful umbrellas. It’s no question why this is the most popular tourist attraction. You can find lots of restaurants and souvenir shops down this street as well.
As you can imagine, this street can get crowded, so visit earlier in the day. If you’re not here on a cruise ship, try to visit on a day when there is no cruise ship docked. The historic center is obviously less crowded when there are no cruise ships docked for the day. If you want to take a photo with the colorful umbrella, there is usually a guy standing on the street with them. Taking a photo with the prop is free, but they do work off of tips, so make sure to leave a little something, especially if you’re asking them to help take your photo.
As I mentioned, the street is pedestrian only, but you can get a photo here in a vintage car by booking a classic car tour. The street opens up just for them, so you can get these unique photos in a vintage car. To book your 3-hour tour, contact them here: https://www.facebook.com/classiccarsrd/
4. Paseo de Doña Blanca
Another super instragrammable spot just a block away from the umbrella street is the all pink street known as Paseo de Doña Blanca. This bright pink alleyway was dedicated in honor of a female pioneer in the development of the early tourism industry of Puerto Plata. The entire street is hot pink, with a Victorian flare. From a bike to murals to pink chairs, there is not shortage of photo ops here!
Again, this spot does get crowded, but people usually don’t spend too much time here and keep walking through fairly quickly. To get some good photos, you just need a little bit of patience!
5. Parque Central/ Parque Indepencia
A popular meeting point for many tours, you will for sure walk by this park at some point. Parque Central is right in the heart of the historic center and has become a national symbol. It was constructed as a tribute to General Luperon. The focal point of the park is the Victorian style gazebo in the center, which serves as a lovely backdrop for photos. After you snap some pics and sit for some people watching at the park, check out the San Felipe Cathedral, which towers over the rear of the park.
6. Calle de las Chichiguas
A newer installation in Puerto Plata, Calle de las Chichiguas, or Kite Street, is another colorful street worthy of a photo spot. This strip of street also has some beautiful murals around.
Click here for Google Maps location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tJ1UWuYUNRSspUng9
7. Casa Museo Gregorio Luperon
The perfect place to learn all about national hero, Gregorio Luperon, and the role he played in the country’s independence. For 200 pesos, you can take a guided tour of the two story home. The house is a beautiful ocean green color, so make sure to snap some photos. You can enjoy refreshments in this little patio, where you can also find more murals.
8. Calle Restauración
The historic center is full of colorful Victorian style homes, but as you wander further you’ll also find lots of beautiful murals. I came across this neighborhood one day, just a few blocks over from the umbrella street, on Calle Restauracion. There were so many colorful homes and businesses, and they were spread out all over the street. While they’re not located just at one specific address, I linked this part of the street as a reference point. You will easily find lots of murals just walking in this area.
9. Paseo Victoriano
Plaza Paseo Victoriano is a small commercial space I randomly came across while walking around Puerto Plata. It’s nothing much besides a couple of small shops and a parking space, but there were some colorful murals beside the space I thought were worthy to mention.
And that’s my round up of some of the best photo spots in Puerto Plata! The city took my breath away with how vibrant it was, so of course, you will surely find lots more colorful photo spots. So, if you’ve been before and had any more spots to add to the list, comment below!
Save this post for your next trip to Puerto Plata!
