The 14 best things to do with kids in Puerto Plata

Excellent experience at Ocean World Adventure Park! Amazing Staff in every area (shout out Robin Santos with Guest Services and Yann with the Dolphin Swim). Park is well-maintained, clean and beautiful all around. The Dolphin Swim was super fun, interactive and overall, great experience! I would definitely visit again anytime. Great people, tasty food, nice ambience and spectacular views.

Great time all around. Do the experiences! Yes they cost a bit, but well worth it. And get the pictures too. Again, yes they are expensive but those are awesome memories. Staff was awesome and very friendly, helpful, funny, and personable. Skip the buffet though, totally not worth it. Definitely recommend the dolphin and sea lion experience.

There was a little misunderstanding at the reception — my husband thought that by paying for the dolphin encounter he would be able to take photos of us, but it turned out that phones were not allowed in the area at all. He was very upset, and the situation could have completely ruined our visit. Thankfully, supervisor Juan L. Rojas stepped in and handled everything with true professionalism, patience, and a sincere smile. Juan L. Rojas turned what could have been a disappointing experience into one of the highlights of our trip. He is a true professional who knows exactly how to treat guests and resolve issues with grace and respect. This is the kind of attitude that makes people want to come back again and again. Thanks to him, we left with wonderful memories, amazing photos, and a deep appreciation for the way he handled the situation. He truly deserves recognition and a well-earned bonus! 🌟

Great place to go if you are in Puarto Plata, just 10min away with taxi from Taino Bay. A bit expensive, if you are coming here as a cruise passenger. Anyhow nice place to relax by man made beach, or use the pools. Day pass includes lunch.

Visited as a part of a cruise excursion. The staff was pleasant and helpful. The facilities were clean. The animals appeared to be healthy and well treated. We did the swim with dolphins add-on and it was well worth the upcharge. Disappointed that the shark interaction was closed. Only wish we'd had more time.

Fantastic experience. Martin was a great guide and the trainers were knowledgeable, friendly, helpful and made the experiences so much fun. Dolphins, sea lions, sharks, birds and capybara!

Wow, wow, wow! Fantastic place play and to eat. The food was absolutely top-notch! The buffet is one time through, so fill up the plates! The rice amazing, veggies, fruit...wow! If you want to swim with dolphins, sting rays, sharks, snorkeling with tropical fish, or play at the private beach or water slides! You can also feed the birds and capybara's! So fun, safe, and delicious food and drinks. Johanny was absolutely amazing and so helpful, definitely sit in his section for vip treatment 🥰 The staff is so friendly while also keeping the little ones safe. Highly recommend! They have lockers and showers as well!

Very nice stretch of beach. There are some coral rocks in some areas, and a lot of seaweed washes up, but they rake it and keep it clean. The beach itself is quiet and stretches for quite a distance and encompasses several resorts.

We had a really enjoyable day at this beach and would absolutely return, but there are a few things that kept it from being a full five-star experience. What truly stood out was the experience— not just in what was available, but in the people. The beach had a lively, local charm with vendors walking by offering everything from handmade chachkes and sunglasses to snacks, drinks, and even photo ops with animals like parrots and iguanas. It made the beach feel vibrant and alive, and our kids loved the excitement. There were plenty of options for relaxing — cabanas, beach chairs, and umbrellas were available to rent, and a full-service beachfront restaurant was just steps away. While we appreciated the convenience, everything came at an added cost and most of the facilities, including the chairs, cabanas, restrooms, and changing areas, could really use a refresh. They worked, but they were definitely showing their age. The food was okay — nothing to rave about, but good enough to keep us going through a day in the sun. What made the meal more enjoyable was the service. Our favorite waiter, **Christian**, was kind, funny, and went out of his way to make sure we had everything we needed. He really elevated the whole experience. There are also lots of little shops nearby if you want to browse or pick up souvenirs, and the waves were perfect for swimming and playing. Overall, this beach has character, color, and charm — and with a few upgrades, it could easily be five stars.

In December and January the water was quite full of algae. Maybe it’s the season, I don’t know. Not in all the parts it was full with algae, but anyway it was disturbing. So, sometimes we were going to Sosua beach as it was wonderful there….

Great beach, not to crowed at the end of july, good for relaxing and enjoy the area.

I recently visited this beautiful white sand beach, and I must say, it's impeccably maintained despite the numerous resorts nearby. Arriving with a tourist group, we were delighted to find a designated area with beach chairs and umbrellas exclusively for tourists. The availability of tap water for a refreshing post-beach bath was a thoughtful touch. Additionally, the convenience of having a restaurant nearby serving snacks and drinks added to the overall enjoyable experience. I highly recommend this beach for a relaxing getaway.

Great beach. Water was 85. Food & drinks were good. Fresh water showers to clean up.

Stunning beach that is only accessible for the resorts in the Playa Dorada gated complex. Technically, locals can access it if they enter on the west side of the public beach and walk a couple of kilometers, but that's not an issue for me. Pristince sandy beaches with beautiful warm blue water with waves to jump in. There are kiosks to rent jetskis, parasailing, snorkel tours, etc.

THIS CABLE CAR SERVICE IS CLOSED. Don’t know why it still says it is opened on Google Maps. The people there told that it will not be operational for the next 2.5 years. There is bus service that takes you to the mountains which cost us around 20 USD for one person. The ride is good but you won’t get much time to spend on the mountain near the statue. The price of the souvenir was little high in the stores near the statue.

The place is beautiful, but beware of the famous Tour guides, they tell they work for the park and blah blah, they have uniforms and everything but theyxare not employees they are locals looking to make and extra buck. The machine is been down for a long time. Honestly google the mountain for directions no need of a tour guide. They see you as a tourist and they jacked up the prices. Do not buy in the souvenirs stores they are not worth it.

Still closed. I went to a tourist spot and asked the teller. She advised it’s been closed a year because people don’t want to pay to use the cable car. She said probably for two more years. Her English was good and my Spanish is dreadful but I relayed on what I was told. I drove up to the gate at about 3pm on a Wednesday and took the below photo.

Nice affordable activity to do with your family. Once at the top, there is a spectacular view and you can walk along the paths through the gardens and to the caves and lagoon. I gave 4 stars because the directions to these sites are really not very specific. It took us a while and many wrong turns before we got to the caves 🙃🙃🙃

Views are amazing if you are driving a rental or coming you dont need any person in a green polo taking you up. You are good with just taking yourself up. At the top there is a hike on the top that takes you around the area to show you the water falls, typical Dominican house of the past, and natural areas as well. Also the shops at the top way over charge like 20+ dollars for things that are worth 3 dollars else where. Always bargain.

Amazing ride to top! Beautiful tropical area with lots of paths, a traditional kitchen, pond, and observation areas. We spent 2.5 hours exploring the area. A lot cheaper to buy tickets on-site versus with a tour.

Nice cable car ride to high peak where Puerto Plata city and ocean can be seen. Beautiful walk to see gardens. Vendors thought are slick, so be careful. Price is $10 US per person.

The inside is full of typical pushy gift shops. But the outside is amazing. Great view!

Great Views in this place you can see Puerto Plata and the shore from here , great walk to see some local flora and fauna you can either walk go by car or take the lift i recommend the latter is over all a great experience

Breathtaking views. My first time in a Cable Car, AMAZING EXPERIENCE. Especially considering it was my first time out of the country. Definitely can’t wait to go back and visit again!! One of the highlights of my trip!

Amazing views. We ended up driving rather than taking the cable car. Steep road but rental car had no problems. Make sure to make time for the trails.

Very beautiful place

Amazing location for adventure and photos. Friendly staff and overall experience was breathtaking. Going up to the mountain, you will need a good vehicle with a big engine such as a 4X4 because the strain on the engine as the altitude increases.

The highest view I've been to in a while. The air was thin and it was cold but the view was amazing. Try and stop by one of the shops and get some of the Mamajuana!

really fun but one of the cars sucked and this girl pushed me. but other than that not bad fun city :D

It's a few old go carts... you drive around in circles for 7 minutes. Don't expect major WOW! factor for the cars or anything. They shake you up ALOT. Bring a pillow if you're sensitive to that. Nothing special... but definitely something fun with the right group of people. It's 200 pesos for 7 minutes in the singles car (150 pesos for the slower doubles car, if you have a small child). We didn't see any snack place, but if you bring a couple snacks, there is an area where you can sit. There's also a playground. It was pretty clean. The person at the ticket counter had a mask on. The guys working at the cars did not. It's alright. We were the only people there at 1pm on a Monday.... however, we've never seen more than 2 or 3 cars in the parking area on any given day.

Good for hangout with the family. I went there at 1 pm... since other users reviews said trouble with the lines... found the place empty and we have a lot of fun. Go-Karts looks safe. Staff was very nice and gave us all the instructions we need. Issues: I belive they're short of personnel (no one at the cafeteria) and the bathroom were dirty (taking 2 stars for that).

Great place for some minor adrenaline. The staff is very courteous. We didn’t get the price we saw on the flyer which was u limited rides for $25 USD. Instead she gave us 2hrs of u limited rides for $600 Pesos per person. Not bad! After all we didn’t even last the two hours. If you ask they will put the speed all the way up!

Great place to ride go karts for the price. Go when they are not busy because they have limited staff. If your kart is slow ask them to speed it up. Tip please!

Very Nice place for your kids to do karting. Just one suggestion do not go when there is too much sun. They offer 3 differents circuits and all of them are less than 200 pesos for 7 minutes. I would suggest also To not pay for all them at the first time. One at time would be better. Also note tickets are non refundable. Not even in rain's case

Awesome place! Karts are very fast and staff is good. 3 of us went when it wasn't busy and got the hour long pass and used the karts pretty much the full hour. If anyone is waiting they limit your round to 7 minutes so you would definitely have your riding time cut down.

Wowsers! This place is amazing! Taste tests, organic chocolate, coffee, and souvenirs! The staff are so friendly and professional. Check it out!

Visiting Amber Cove and decided to head into town. Glad we stopped by Del Oro and wasn't disappointed. The brownie and hot cocoa as a welcome treat to the tour to the chocolate taste was fantastic. We loved learning and seeing how this amazing chocolate is made from organic Dominican cocoa beans. Encourage all visitors to stop by. Ended up taking some brownie and hot cocoa mix home with us.

Definitely a must see when touring Puerto Plata. The tour was very informative, and the staff was friendly and Kind! I want to give a shout out to Faltima who gave the tour..I learned alot about chocolate and Puerto Plata....

I so regret going to the store on my way to the airport as I had already packed my luggage. I wanted so many things from the store, but my luggage was full. I was able to buy chocolate, lip balm, and chocolate oil (which I've been using all over hair and body😁), It moisturizes so much, it's so organic. Love it 💕. When I return to POP, I will visit the store 1st thing!

Cute tour and delicious chocolate. SUPERB. Also...I actually loved all souvenir options here out of other spots ive been to. Recommended

I love that Chocolate 🍫 Factory 🏭 I had a great time there with some friends ,the staff is Really Nice,i tasted their chocolates for free and we had a tour and we saw how they Produce chocolates,It's clean and nicely made by some some great workers Natural Chocolates!!!! Highly recommended by Me 😉😁 🍫

Greeted by creamy hot chocolate with cinnamon. A brief video followed by a brief, informative tour. The reward at the end is a fully stocked gift shop with cocoa powder, brownie mix, chocolate cashew spread, and nice selection of chocolate bars (no nut or fruit, however).

Peaceful setting at night near the beach. Great food and service. Prices are what you can expect in a tourist resort area

Great atmosphere, great service and great food. Had the blue burger and it came out just the way I asked for it, cooked to what I consider a perfect burger which is very little to no pink and just thick enough where it was a good size and not overly huge. Very flavorful and just the right amount of blue cheese and jalapeño. Definitely recommend this place for a good burger. Other in the party ordered a few pasta dishes and they all thought it was also good. We were a party of 5 and the bill before taxes was 7200 and the total was 28% more for a total of roughly 9200. But if you stick to the burger and water, then expect the total to be around 1,100

Dinner was sparse and we waited a long time. Second chance at lunch for one person. After a 45 minute wait for a burger, I gave up and left. There was only one other group in the restaurant at the time, and they were at the bar for drinks. The looks are there, but the substance is missing. Unfortunate because this is the only option for an evening meal at the resort!

Read ALL reviews before you risk this place. How it has such a high overall rating with so many 1-3 star ratings with issues, I don’t know. Food was over an hour late. No wait staff. Not a busy night. After looking all around the area, there is no front desk are, or reception. It seems like it’s just a kitchen hidden away, and severs coming out with food very late and then hide in kitchen. Another 15 minutes searching for any help. I went to the bar and they acted like it wasn’t even part of the restaurant. Certainly not their problem. About an hour and a half after we arrived, we had to take a ride to get back to our hotel so had to leave without eating. As we were heading for car they brought food. Too late. No time to pack up. We left hungry and upset.

The risotto and cocktails were good. Chilo Fish didn't impress and was very expensive (I guess they might have cheated on the weight of fish, we shared so they wrote exact 2 Lb - 60 USD for really average fish). Lemon pie was very sweet. Service was very bad - forgot our appetizer, forgot second cocktail, even if i said it very very clearly. Everything is done very slow, etc. Didn't say sorry, felt not good. There is one more flaw (i add it in the pictures).

I just had the worst customer service in this place. This was a must go to place every time I come to DR because the food is the best but today I was left disappointed. I brought a family member to experience what I always rave about; risotto de chivo. This time, the risotto was not as it usually is (see pics). I told the waiter if I could get some of the yellow plantains that it brings because it really complements the flavors and he rudely said “everything is mixed together lady” as if I had no clue what I ordered - I’ve had this plate like five times and it’s always the same. I looked passed his tone and believed him because it also does bring plantains inside - normally. Turns out, it was not inside either. I let it go because it was still good enough. I’d appreciate honestly and them just confirming with the kitchen if 1. They forgot it or 2. They didn’t have any. It was a really hot night and this place does get very humid and steamy. They do have fans on some beams but they were not aiming at us. We were sweating and fanning ourselves with anything we could find. Another worker came up to fix up the fan right before I was about yo call them to move it towards us so I thought “how nice of him”. Turns out, he moved it to aim a group of people who had move to the place far to our right because they were hot too. This fan was directly behind our table and it should’ve aimed to us and the rest of patrons on our right side as it is meant to do. The other side already has another fan. Overall, I unfortunately won’t be returning after going out of my way to frequent this spot for the past 5-6 years. My advice, don’t visit either unless you own one of the condos within their property (they’ll give you 5 star service) or it is a very slow weekday.

Green Jacktar is adjacent to the resort, Blue JackTar with apartments for rent beside it and hotel accommodations. Overall, the food was quite good and made from fresh ingredients in house. Many of the staff didnt speak English well which made it difficult to communicate. Service was hit and miss as we came here 4 days out of the week we stayed. There were days their credit card machine didn't work and took forever to pay (a day they told me my credit card was the issue.... But I was able to use it elsewhere). I felt that you got better service if you spoke Spanish. My favourite dish there was the Risotto with steak (Vacio). Their gnocchi was also excellent! Our very favourite part of this restaurant was the bartender, Luis. He was really a star 🌟! Joyous, made great recommendations on beverages, understood his customers and really kind and cares. He made the place so much better. Overall, a good place to go. Live music during weekends, too.

The Amber Museum, and it was so much more than I expected! 🏛️✨ Seeing fossilized insects inside the amber and learning about the process of how it's made was absolutely fascinating. 🐞🪨 It’s a great place to admire these beautiful stones while getting a history lesson. One of my favorite parts? Finding out that an amber piece from this museum was borrowed for the Jurassic Park movie! 🦖🎥 No wonder the museum’s logo looks so similar to the movie's. Highly recommend visiting—it’s an unforgettable experience!

Very fun museum with incredible amber specimens. The Jurassic park logo was inspired here. There’s also a nice exhibit on making cigars. Takes make 45 mins to see everything.

This is a short but really interesting visit to Learn from this gorgeous stone. Kind staff, fun facts, and lots to learn.

The visit to this museum was fascinating. They have many interesting amber specimens. On top of that, a piece of the museum was also developed as a cigar factory, which was unexpected. You could see live the process of bonding a cigar - an amazing adventure, I recommend it.

Interesting enough but not what I would go out of my way to see. This was one of the stops in the Cruise land tour package we purchased.

EDITED TO ADD: The tour is longer now. And includes a section about how cigars are made. It was an OK addition to the tour. If you are sensitive to smells, this might bother you. But I do believe you can skip that part (since it's at the end). ORIGINAL POST: We really enjoyed it. The tour is about 20 to 25 minutes. Very informative and fun. They are doing some construction work, so hopefully when it's done it'll be more amazing. There are a couple areas with some great looking trees, but because of construction and remodeling, we just walked through. Lots of fun... and close to Central Park.

I recently visited the Amber Museum and was fascinated by its rich history and connection to both Jurassic Park and the Dominican Republic. The museum's extensive collection of amber fossils provides a unique glimpse into the prehistoric past, showcasing the incredible biodiversity that once existed in the Dominican Republic. The connection to Jurassic Park is evident, as the amber fossils on display are similar to those used in the film to extract dinosaur DNA. The museum does an excellent job of explaining the scientific significance of amber and its role in preserving ancient life. The exhibits are well-curated and informative, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the Dominican Republic's geological and paleontological heritage.

Paseo de Doña Blanca is a hidden gem! I stumbled upon this beautiful walkway while exploring the city, and I was blown away by its charm. The scenic views, the tranquil atmosphere, and the rich history all come together to create a truly unforgettable experience. I loved strolling along the walkway, taking in the sights and sounds of the surrounding area. The architecture, the gardens, and the statues all add to the beauty of the paseo. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Paseo de Doña Blanca is a must-see destination. It's perfect for a relaxing afternoon stroll or a romantic evening walk. Don't miss out on this incredible experience! 5 stars isn't enough - I'd give it 10 stars if I could!"

I had a blast on this deep fuchsia pink street that was strategically decorated in a classic modern way. Lots of people great vibe, following along with my perfect guide who without him I would have never covered as much ground on my own, so I encourage people to invest in local guides. For me, it was well worth it.

A simple but cute and fun experience. I love the color pink very much, so this was right up my alley.. .literally. A very touristy area since the cruise ship port is nearby, which we happened to be a part of. But it's still a very photo-worthy place.

Paseo de Doña Blanca in Santo Domingo is a vibrant, picturesque alley painted in bright pink hues, creating a romantic and lively atmosphere. Famous for its colorful charm, it’s a favorite photo spot and a cultural highlight, offering visitors a unique blend of history, art, and local flavor.

Very nice for pictures, there’s always staff, don’t fall for tourist traps with animals and such.

Paseo de Doña Blanca is a cool little spot to check out when you’re in Puerto Plata. We enjoyed walking through the colorful alley and snapping some fun photos. It’s a quick stop, but definitely worth it for the unique vibe and great photo opportunities!

Another street that is so pink and beautiful. Even has a local monkey that will brighten your day. And a huge parrot. Lots of shops and places for pictures.

The ride was okay, not magical, were 14 horses (6different groups reunited, pick up was easy though), take your own pictures as they ask for 50dollars for poor pictures at the end...

Riding with Rancho Lorilar was a great experience. It was my first time riding. Alex and Angel were great instructors. I highly recommend Rancho Lorilar.

This was an ausome experience thanks to angel best guide the horses are well cared for shoed and an easy ride for a beginer or advanced rider like my self dont pass up a great opportunity you can do the mountain or the beach

The Horse lady Joyce is a LOVE very kind very funny very inviting.... we felt at home and we felt great.... we love the horses and the Guide Craxy alex lived up to his name and Guide skills... overall i am happy and as soon as i return to Puerto plata i will be visiting her again

I grew up in Wyoming and have been on many a trail rides. I am very impressed by how good this ride was. The horses are well trained and cared for. They were given a water 1/2 way through the ride. Angel and Alex were top notch. Alex made the ride that much more fun with his jokes and overall good vibes. The riders safety and care for the horses is a high priority This was one of the highlights of our trip.

Enjoyable experience and great guide for the tour

Alex and Angel were amazing. First time riding a horse and totally felt safe. Plus the horses seemed very well taken care of

If you are considering the Polaris experience as a cruise excursion, do it, do it, do it. These are a great group of folks and you will have a really fun time.

Had a great experience with Jose and our driver today to the 27 Falls! Perfect half day tour!

Absolutely fantastic! Did the VIP Party Bus and it was beyond amazing. Mercedes, Estefani, Jamie and María were awesome and made us feel so comfortable. I would do it again in a heart beat!

Awesome excursions! We did the Waterfalls excursion (so fun, a must if you find yourself near Puerta Plata!) and the City Tour. Louis was our guide for both trips and gave us lots of information and entertainment on the buses through out the day.

Just finished the paradise island tour yesterday. I was a bit surprised at how long the drive was from Porta Plata but no big deal. All in all it was an enjoyable time. The island at this time of year was a bit small and it felt a bit overcrowded once more groups were there. (Found out there are times of the year where a larger sq footage of the island is exposed) it was a beautiful part of the ocean with crystal clear water though. My biggest gripe though is the boats not having cushions on the seats. The ride can be brutal with choppy waves and could cause back injuries if not careful.

Had the Cultural Escapade booked through NexusTours (Sunwing) who sub-contract Camel Safari. Good group of guys providing the tour. Americo was fantastic as the guide, speaking not only the native Spanish, but 3 more languages (English/French/German). He gave background on each place we visited and the significance of the various landscapes, while adding humour and answering any questions. The driver Jose (sorry if I got the name wrong) was great in his ability to navigate the crazy Dominican traffic and streets. His colleague was courteous in helping with getting on/off the bus and the team served drinks (including local rum!) which was a nice touch. The tour was thorough in providing insight into a traditional Dominican household (a nice authentic touch), a chocolate factory, a cheese factory, a cookie making kitchen, a tobacco and cigar facility, all of which had the tourist purchase opportunities that are attached to such visits. The day was split nicely with an amazing lunch at a local restaurant . Would highly recommend this thorough tour of some authentic local DR culture on your stay in Puerto Plata!

We did the 12 waterfall and buggy tour. First thing is the bus ride there took 2 hours.... not impressed with that. Had to pay 100pesos for water shoes which we were not told about in advance, then there was a 30 min hike through the forest which was cool but once again we did not know about that in advance. Once we got onto the waterfalls that was fun! They gave alternate options to people that didn’t want to jump or slide. Next we were divided between people who only signed up for that and people who had afternoon activities, sweet less people means more fun? Kinda They took us to a 2nd floor buffet which was tasty, nothing special but something for everyone including Vegans!! On to the buggy tours!! It was fun! They gouge you with paying 500 pesos for a skull dust bandana which they tell you that you need but could have gotten away without. The buggies are fun but you are lead through a giant farm by a lead buggy which never goes faster than 10 so we went slow and then FAST!! and then slow and then FAST!! we switched drivers halfway through. Kinda cool because this farm has cows everywhere that just don’t care about you. When we got back they taught you how to make cigars in their little souvenir shop and gave you a sample or Mamajuana. Fun and would recommend it!

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I had a wonderful visit to Puerto Plata and was particularly impressed by the Taínos' Museum. It provided a fascinating look into our indigenous origins and deepened my appreciation for the Dominican Republic's heritage. I highly recommend a visit if you have the chance.

(Translated by Google) Beautiful (Original) Muy bonito

(Translated by Google) It is very interesting since you can appreciate our culture (Original) Es muy interesante ya k se puede a preciar nuetra cultura

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Took a private taxi tour from Amber Cove port while on Carnival cruise. This is our First stop in the city after a quick drive outside the city. There are a couple of statues, a cathedral and a coconut stand where you can juice the fresh coconut for $2 and eat it after. The couple selling the coconuts are very nice.

It is a pretty place but I found it a bit dirty to my liking. There’s an ice cream shop across the street and an ATM if you need it. Ice cream was delicious. Good place to sit on the bench and watch locals gathering for a church mass in the evening and just enjoy the view. Also a good spot for taking pictures.

This is an amazing place at Christmas time. Everyone is out and enjoying themselves. Even the children and it is probably 8 or 9 o'clock. Now, very family oriented, very nice. There is a very hard time parking but other than that it's great

If you're willing to walk from the port to downtown, it's a quaint little park. Lots of history, a cathedral in plenty of people that are willing to help.

Nice view on park Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Near a lots comercial locals.

Safe, fun and educational history for family to experience or for solo traveling.

This park is just a square but we visited right after New Years and it was decorated lovely. It is a short walk from the port. There are a lot of pigeons! There was a gentlemen that would use bird seed 5o attract them and you could have your picture taken with them if you want to be that close to pigeons. St Philip the apostle cathedral is right off the square and has beautiful stained glass.