The Vincent van Gogh House: a living arts centre in the birthplace of Brabant’s most famous artist ever, stands on the spot where Vincent van Gogh came into the world on 30 March 1853. The protestant Van Gogh spent his childhood years in catholic Zundert, not far from the Belgian border. A reticent and introvert boy, he was educated at home and it soon became clear that Vincent was ‘different’. In the Vincent van GoghHuis you can experience how his time in Zundert moulded him and eventually enabled him to mature to become a world-famous artist. “A must see if you want to know Van Gogh” Vincent’s life had a tough beginning. As the son of the minister Theodorus van Gogh, he quickly became an outsider in the catholic village. He could often be found in the large garden with his younger brother Theo. He would have a wonderful time outdoors, but could also take comfort in it. Maybe that’s one of the reasons why the countryside played such a large role in Van Gogh’s later work? More than a museum In the permanent presentation ‘Vincent van Gogh – the Roots of a Master’, Vincent will take you by the hand and lead you through a re-enactment of his youth and you can learn more about his struggle with faith. Changing exhibitions show the enormous influence of Van Gogh on 20th and 21st century artists, modern art enthusiasts are therefore very much catered for. In addition, the Van GoghHuis has an artist in residence scheme, where an artist can literally step, and live, in Van Gogh’s footsteps every day! Heritage locations in Brabant The Vincent van GoghHuis has its own VVV (Tourist Information) counter and is of course one of the five Van Gogh Heritage locations in Brabant. You can also get to the Van GoghHuis by bike via the Van Gogh Cycle Route that connects all the heritage locations in Brabant.

The undisputed best Italian cuisine in La Romana is served at family-run Restaurant Lucas, a quaint location with in- and outdoor seating available. Pasta is made fresh in-house, and a wide assortment of Italian dishes is on offer, including seafood such as lobster.

At the heart of the Altos de Chavon historical site, this chain-restaurant opened 24/7 is one of the unmissable places of Dominican nightlife. This atmospheric location is one that serves great pizzas and tapas by day, and turns into a relaxed, low-key hang out lounge after dinner hours are over. A wide selection of drinks and cocktails grace the menu, making it an easy pick for an evening out in La Romana. Happy hours from 6pm to 8pm and special evenings organized every week also makes this bar a very dynamic one on the island.