National Park East, also known as Cotubanama National Park, is just two hours from Santo Domingo. Address: Plaza Nuevo Sol, Calle Dr Jacinto Ignacio Man 41, Santo Domingo 10126, Dominican Republic. Virginia Spa is the first Spa in the Dominican Republic, a magical oasis of peace and serenity with the benefits of an ancient art and tradition. I will design your tailor-made itinerary, tell you how to save money on your trip and send you the best insider tips and recommendations. Come here for shows, performances, theatre productions, or one of the many fun local meet-up events. This hidden gem in Monte Plata barely gets any visitors and is one of my favorite waterfalls in the Dominican Republic. These listeners depended on travel to please his ears. Both are walkable from every accommodation within the Colonial Zone*. You cant rent them on your own, but there are affordable tours available that combine the history of the Colonial Zone with some other fun things-to-do, such as visiting the chocolate museum (depending on the booked tour) or watching a short 4D movie about the history of Santo Domingo. Bayahibe Travel Guide Along with a guided tour, these stunning open-water caves also offer deeper insights into the pre-colonial and ancestral origins of the Dominican Republic. These museums include. You may likely have the entire place to yourself like I have several times. And with over one million inhabitants living in the city, youll find yourself encountering Dominicans from every walk of life, from farmers to community leaders to the popis (Dominican slang for preppy hipsters). Centro Cultural Espaol: Cultural space funded by the Spanish embassy with art exhibits, films, concerts, and more. The Columbus Lighthouse is a spectacular 10-story monument dedicated to the explorer. How to get there:All of the places mentioned are located right in the Colonial Zone, so they are walkable from your accommodation in the same area*.Cost:A local meal usually sets you back at around 3 to 4 USD.Why it is one of the best things-to-do in Santo Domingo:Eating where the locals are is the best way to get authentic Dominican food. If you dont want to stay in the Colonial Zone for whatever reason but prefer an apartment in the city, you have plenty of options in all the different neighborhoods of Santo Domingo. The chocolate tour to San Francisco de Macoris can be booked online and usually starts at the KahKow Experience as well.Cost:Basic entry to Choco Museo is free, the chocolate workshop has an extra cost. Amber is tree resin gemstones from ~20 million years ago! It gives you a good introduction to the importance of rum for the Dominican Republic, but it is more of a typical museum. 6. Every Sunday, Chinatown comes alive with the sights and smells of exotic delicacies. Its in an intimate and sometimes interactive space often with just you and a dozen other spectators + the actors. Linda Is a free spirit writer, I do love exploring, visiting new places experience, new things, and most of all learn. Shutterstock Historic City Center Plaza with Skyline of Colonial Buildings and Church ( Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) Thanks to its performance time from 6 pm to 10 pm it is even (partly) family-friendly as long as you find some chairs to sit (come early to secure your spot!). Address: Av. Before heading out for lunch to one of the traditional Dominican restaurants, make sure you shop for souvenirs at a local market. This building was once the palace of the governor of Santo Domingo (one step below the Queen of Spain). See the highlights of 500-year-old Colonial Zone (from USD 499.0), 5. E-Ticket Dominican Republic (2023 Update) how to fill out the immigration form for your Punta Cana holiday? Address: Calle Isabel La Catlica, Santo Domingo 10210, Dominican Republic, Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 10am - 6pm. DAY TWO: 10:00 am. Required fields are marked *. You can easily pop into the National Pantheon. Ok, cacao and chocolate are not yours? KahKow is a delightful and fun experience for chocolate lovers, offering the chance to treat yourself to something sweet. In this case, you definitely should take a day-trip from Santo Domingo. You can also do a work exchange to have a more unique experience in the area. At first glance, you might think of it as just a local convenience store. Seeing the local crowds dancing like crazy is an experience itself which you shouldnt miss. Address: Calle Isabel La Catlica # 304, Santo Domingo 10212, Dominican Republic, Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Mon). Address: Ens. Culture, nature, nightlife, local experiences, unique adventures Santo Domingo has it all. Both tourist attractions can be best reached by taxi or Uber.Cost:The entrance fee to Faro a Coln is approx. This Cathedral, known as one of the oldest still in existence in the Americas, boasts impressive architecture and an atmosphere that makes it feel like you've stepped back in time to the days of Spanish rule. Its not easy in our country to get work while disabled, but Toque Angeical has created a space for this. It has projecting beams of light that form the shape of a cross. This wax museum houses life-sized figures. Location: Calle Isabel La Catlica 206, Santo Domingo 10212, Dominican Republic Open: Daily from 2 pm to 11 pm Phone: +1 809-906-9706 Map 3 Coolmado Las Mercedes A unique bar and grocery store How to get there:Depending on the accommodation you choose, most Airbnbs are easily accessible by Uber, taxi or (to a lesser extent) public transport.Cost:Accommodation in Santo Domingo can reach from 30 to 300 USD per night.Why it is one of the best things-to-do in Santo Domingo:Not only the tourist attractions in Santo Domingo can be spectacular, also your accommodation can be truly unique and memorable.Further information: The 27 best Airbnbs in Santo Domingo (hand-picked and recommended). Enjoy the physical and virtual world of 1586 city invasion of Santo Domingo lead by Sir Francis Drake. At that time, the nightlife was dominated by people who for some reason or the other preferred rock music. Costs start at $50 per person. It is said that the church was completed in 1755, but according to documents the church was in use since 1746. So here they are just in case something really calls out to you: Here are some gorgeous and unique places to stay in Santo Domingo. Some of these may be a bit more expensive because they are unique unlike the mass produced made-in-China souvenirs. At first, watch a wonderful 4D movie that showcases the history of the city. It has several floors and 3 main spaces for different types of performances/events such as theatre, ballet, opera, live music, and famous award shows. 2022 2. Rafael Trujillo, the dictator, assumed office at the Royal Houses. Thats just one of the reasons why you should explore the world of chocolate in the Dominican Republic. This elegant restaurant is located inside a cave, which is part of the natural rock formations at the recreational park Parque Mirador del Sur. You don't know.. It is definitely not a beauty, but this place to see in Santo Domingo is still worth visiting first to think about colonialism and second to see the interesting exhibition in the interior. It is also being said that some remnants of Christopher Columbus are sheltered at Faro a Coln, but there is no proof as a DNA test was never allowed by the Dominican government. For the year 2006 there were few places in the Dominican Republic where you could listen to rock music. However, even without understanding the dialogue, the plays are highly entertaining and creative, offering a glimpse into Santo Domingo's evolving arts and theater scene. The serenity and tranquillity of this historic park attracts locals, tourists, even hawkers creating an illusion of a small village within a city. Check out one of the following fully organized day-trips from Santo Domingo, which will show you the full beauty of the Dominican Republic. 23 exciting things-to-do in Santo Domingo (and 5 NOT to do), Author, Travel Coach & Punta Cana based digital nomad. Once the sun sets, this is when the beauty and life of Dominican Republic comes out blossoming into an amazing paradise in America. While I was there, I got to meet the Dominican owner, who gave me a tour of the museum. 11. If you love geology, cool rocks/gemstones, this little museum is a must-visit! Species such as the Hispaniolan woodpecker, Limpkin, and the West Indian Whistling-duck can be seen here among the lush and verdant vegetation. One of the lagoons can be accessed with a kind of a wooden barge fixed on a rope. A bit chaotic but an easy spot to buy all sorts of Dominican souvenirs like mamajuana, larimar, paintings, and grecas. Mirador Sur 1, Santo Domingo 00000, Dominican Republic, A post shared by Caciba (@cacibajaguabar). Santo Domingo is home to the Hospital San Nicols, the oldest hospital built in the New World back in the early 1500s. Some of the more unmissable local dishes include chicharron (fried pork skins) and tostones (fried plantains) as snacks. There is a tour called El Sendero del Cacao which takes you to the cocoa plantations* around San Francisco de Macors, which is kind of the capital when it comes to cacao cultivation in the Dominican Republic. And for something truly unique, try your hand at making your own soap using cocoa butter with your choice of aromatic oils. Admire architecture from the 16th century in the Zona Colonial, $89 The Mesn de la Cava opened its doors for the first time in 1967, since then it has been one of the most distinguished restaurants applauded by both the locals and tourists who visit from all over the world. While you can also create your own soap made out of cacao butter at KahKow Experience, ChocoMuseo lets you taste different kinds of chocolates. They usually host about two exhibits by two different artists. Food tours, surfing lessons, and more unique activities hosted by locals . Support. Among the many things to do in Santo Domingo, a must see attraction is the Cathedral of Santo Domingo. Click here to check availability and reserve tickets! However, this museum is easy to pop into because it is conveniently located in the same plaza (Plaza de la Cultura) as the following other Santo Domingo points of interest: Entrance is $100 pesos per person (less than $2 USD). But dont worry, there is hardly any chance that you visit those neighborhoods unintentionally. This cozy indoor/outdoor community space within a well-kept colonial building is home to markets, events, classes, performances, meet-ups, a German bar, and different things related to Dominican-German relations. https://www.colonialzone-dr.com/calle-hostos/. The caves offer deeper insights into the pre-colonial and ancestral origins of the Dominican Republic. You can enjoy delicious tapas and other foods along with your drinks, making it the perfect spot for a night out with friends or a romantic evening with a loved one. They also offer a range of mouthwatering cocktails, including Pia Titi, Sangra del Huerto, and mojito Campo Abierto. Explore the city's historic Colonial Zone in a super fun and authentic way, covering more ground and seeing more sights in less time. Here is a selection of some of the most unique dining experiences you can find in the Colonial Zone: This is just a selection of some recommendable places to visit in Santo Domingo for dinner, there are plenty of further options in the Colonial Zone. You can go with a professional pilot and roam the skies above the Jarabacoa valleys. With the crystalline waters of the three lakes comes a rich fauna where you can find bats, ferns and fish. With a list of these amazing places to visit and things to do, your stay in Santo Domingo should be an experience to relive. You can also pick up some local produce, such as sweet oranges, passion fruit, and exotic varieties like Guanbana (soursop) and Limoncillo (Spanish lime). Alternatively, you could turn up for the various tournaments held at this club. How to get there:Faro a Coln can be easily combined with a visit to Los Tres Ojos. Los Charcos de Nizao (Day Trip from Santo Domingo), 25. This is a fairly new thing-to-do in Santo Domingo, as the cable car was just inaugurated in 2018. Santo Domingos most historic neighbourhood is also its most romantic, lively, and cultural. Check out these alternative activities in the same location. Its historic significance makes a most-visited tourist attraction in the country. If you consider yourself a dancer or you have two left feet and you are so eager to shake what your mama gave you then you have to visit Mama Club and have a taste of Santo Domingos nightlife. Located in the heart of the Colonial Zone, the Microteatro offers a unique and intimate theater experience. Remember to bring cash if you plan on buying anything, as most of the vendors dont accept credit cards. Plaza El Portal, Av. There are a number of amazing fast-food eateries, cafes, restaurants, and ice cream parlours that you can choose from. Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! Santo Domingo is full of local artists who sell their handmade crafts. Address: Avenida Gustavo Meja Ricart 75, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, A post shared by Cayacoa Golf Club (@cayacoagolf). With the help of your guide, your mission will be to catch a glimpse of some of the most famous attractions in the area including Las Damas Street, fifth-century colonial monuments and the famous Diego Columbus Alcazar, the first-ever cathedral in the new world. From $160 / person From $160 per person. Things to Do in Dominican Republic Popular things to do 4WD Tours Half-day Tours Casinos Day Cruises Ports of Call Tours National Parks Snorkeling Day Trips Bodies of Water Nature and Wildlife Tours Horseback Riding Waterfalls Ziplining Eco Tours Points of Interest & Landmarks Safaris Full-day Tours Beaches Airport & Hotel Transfers Special Offers Consider combining this insightful walking tour with her tour to the old sugar plantations where one of the biggest slave rebellions in the Dominican Republic occurred. Make sure to arrange your visit in advance as there are no official opening hours. The ear of the true rock enthusiast, who was not satisfied with what played at the countrys radio stations. How to get there:From Santo Domingo, it is approximately 30-45 minutes to reach Las Cuevas del Pomier. What is it: Housing a bar, caf, art gallery and bookshop, the hard-to-find Mamey Librera Caf is a welcome moment of calm from the bustling streets of Santo Domingo. This 4D experience provides visitors and tourists with a sneak preview of the Colonial City of Santo Domingo. For further impressions of baseball, you can see baseball fields all around the country, even in the smallest villages you see the locals playing. Can you imagine that there is a national park with lagoons and caves right in the city, surrounded by densely populated neighborhoods with hardly any trees growing? If you are interested in the best things-to-do in Punta Cana, continue reading here.If you want to visit Santo Domingo from Punta Cana, have a look at how to get from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo.