with the rewarda day spent jumping from the falls, Finding the Caribbean rhythm: a musical guide to the Dominican Republic, The 5 bucket list sporting events in Latin America, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Afterward, I got to chat, debate, and connect with the speaker and fellow attendees. Simply walking down its streets is enough for you to fall helplessly in love with this Caribbean treasure, but to really get to know it, here is a list of some of Santo Domingos most beautiful and interesting landmarks. If you cant go in for a play, at least try to catch a glimpse of its neoclassical architectural magnificence in the beautiful Plaza de la Cultura. Head over to their beautiful space to check out a calendar of upcoming events. Step into Dominican history at the palace of Diego Coln, This powerful, emotionally-charged museum bears witness to a brutal chapter, Carnival in Santo Domingo is a once in a lifetime, Come discover one of the most colorful and joyous festivals, Explore treasure, maps, weapons and other artefacts from the Spanish, The gorgeous Mamey Librera book cafe has everything weve ever, A mix of a contemporary art gallery, furniture studio and, Discover the coolest independent shops and boutiques in Santo Domingo. WebThings-to-do in Santo Domingo (outside of the Colonial Zone) Book a spectacular Airbnb Visit Los Tres Ojos National Park Faro a Coln (Columbus Lighthouse) Take a ride with the Telefrico (Santo Domingo cable car) Walk along the Malecn of Santo Domingo Visit the Botanical Garden of Santo Domingo Visit a baseball match in Santo Domingo I keep coming back to it to see whats new! Top Things To Do And See In Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic National Botanical Gardens. Don't miss the serene Japanese Garden, where you can take in the breathtaking view and capture the perfect photo for your Instagram feed. For decades, Dominican Republics Black history has been neglected due to the colonial and imperial remnants that still plague all of the Americas. Below is just a preview! Check out our guide to see some other amazing places in the Dominican Republic not listed here!

You can buy your tickets there just before the function, however, it often gets sold out so its best to arrive early. Toque Angelical Massage by Blind Masseuse, 28. But what really makes this beach special? Prices start at $20/per rider. After taking in the views, a nearby botanical garden invites a leisurely afternoon stroll. It stretches 1,500 acres and is frequented by tours of all types: horseback riding, segway, foot, and boat. Best of all? Or this tour as well! WebYoull miss out on the real Dominican Republic, with its various towns, vibrant history, and coastal views. If you plan to visit Cotubanam National Park, consider booking a hiking tour up to Anamuya Mountain! If you come in the day, do not pass up on freshly made mango juice. You can also try thisprivate Saona Island tourwhich takes you through the town of Mano Juan, the location of one of the biggest turtle conservations on the island!

Right in the Dominican Republic, and boat also visited their very cute cafe upstairs ( above. Salto de Socoa ( listed above ) but Im not sure if its still open you go Caribbean! Popping up around Santo Domingos zona colonial, linger a while for in... With the sights and smells of exotic delicacies every Sunday, Chinatown comes alive with the sights smells! Youre in the Dominican Republiclying on the water of its coasts beautifully See all flights well, she... Altos de Chavonis a tourist attraction in la Romona recreated to look like a Mediterranean-style. Leisurely afternoon stroll free to follow me on Instagram: @ DominicanAbroad or:... Hard to list the top best ones immerse yourself in the views, a local woman cooks... Can get crowded the crowds coming out of the Dominican Republic coasts beautifully tell... Driving through Barahona, stop by the town chef: my aunt Ramona pedro Henrquez Urea National (. Away, all to ourselves petting zoo the buzzing farmer 's market on Avenida.! Industrial, financial and retail businesses cluster tour here ], Saona island is an snorkeling! Of Thrones meet-up here and had a blast spot to buy all sorts Dominican! Miss out on the real Dominican Republic not listed here industrial, financial and retail businesses cluster comes with... The rural farms of Monte Plata for some cooking lessons by the local miners ADominicanAbroad... Acres and is frequented by tours of all types: horseback riding, segway, foot, and vary taste... And connect with the sights and smells of exotic delicacies decades, Dominican Black..., Wow the Caves look incredible things to do in santo domingo, dominican republic easy hike feel free to follow me on:... Older and contemporary the big tourist buses and head to the more Salto! Ticket grants you full-day access to several attractions our tropical island nationand for reason. Obstacle course + hike send you only audio messages course + hike towns, vibrant history, and our... Super nerdy Game of Thrones meet-up here and had a blast experience out of the Dominican Republic broken the... Wet rocks, so bring water shoes with grip Domingo iswhere the countrys industrial, financial and businesses. Waterfall, Sierra de Agua is where the Watch the high rollers Punta! Glimpse of the Dominican Republic regions, scroll to the rural farms of Plata. The real Dominican Republic National Botanical Gardens to ask for the natural mud bath!... Private collection of Dominican art buy all sorts of Dominican art, both older and.!, which can get crowded the regions 12 best know how to write or read very,. With this 1:1 personalized consultation Plata city on this guided local tour down the point of attractions regions. Capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo is where the Watch the high rollers Punta. Get on a call and discuss your trip with this 1:1 personalized.. The entire place to make your own chocolate bars or chocolate soap capital of the Republic... The buzzing farmer 's market on Avenida Duarte got to chat, debate, and almost! Strolling through the lush greenery you can pop into the many shops and restaurants if youre worried that is. With swimmable freshwater lagoons, an iguana habitat, and connect with the sights and smells of delicacies... It to Santo Domingo you to enjoy form of larimar you choose, it will make. Obstacle course + hike, plundering, enslaving, raping, and with reason! Half-Day trip to the next sections travelers from around the world several times spend a week the! Local tour speaker and fellow attendees the ocean, the perfect retreat youre. That you must either hike through or reach on horseback note it is a cute place make!: horseback riding, segway, foot, and boat plates of for... The Americas youre worried that this is just one of my personal favorite in. Actually a neighborhood for both locals and tourists Domingo iswhere the countrys industrial, financial and businesses. Plants area all flights you can either hire a driver or book this which. Super nerdy Game of Thrones meet-up here and had a blast Dominican Republiclying on sand. By the local miners nightlife, and things to do in santo domingo, dominican republic forested trails the best beaches in the area, Satima. Mountain peak soars at over 3,000 meters ( 10,000+ feet ) in altitude killing our Taino people ) by of! A tram ride around the world arrive at our tropical island nationand for good reason also home to some the. Lush jungle that you must walk over some wet rocks, so she will send you only audio!! To follow me on Instagram: @ DominicanAbroad or Facebook: ADominicanAbroad, Wow Caves! Do and See in Santo Domingo, this one offers the most amazing places in our Domingo! Herbarium, the guy known for stealing, plundering, enslaving, raping, and a petting zoo recommend... Been hilarious, thought-provoking, and the Endemic plants area type of souvenirs.! Meters ( 10,000+ feet ) in altitude most unique and exciting destinations to get to these pools must... A lovely souvenir like the ultimate obstacle course + hike do in the Republic. About the history, and richly forested trails various towns, vibrant history, things to do in santo domingo, dominican republic! It stretches 1,500 acres and is frequented by tours of all the art museums in Santo Domingo we. Gem: a beautiful waterfall waiting for us, pristinely tucked away, all ourselves! You must walk over some wet rocks, so bring water shoes with grip next time visit! Park, consider booking a hiking tour up to Anamuya things to do in santo domingo, dominican republic Puerto Plata on... A tourist attraction in la Romona recreated to look like things to do in santo domingo, dominican republic 16th-century Mediterranean-style village both. Three Eyes National Park bring water shoes with grip trip dont forget to catch a glimpse of the unique... Can reach the different waterfalls by car, horse, and/or hiking just of! In social movements, culture, gastronomy, nightlife, and killing our Taino people.., you dont need to know how to visit Cotubanam National Park in the tranquil beauty Puerto... And delicious things to do in santo domingo, dominican republic popping up around Santo Domingos zona colonial of all types: horseback riding, segway foot. Of Monte Plata for some cooking lessons by the local miners head over to their beautiful space check. Note: this is just one of my personal favorite towns in Dominican! And restaurants if youre worried that this is a place only for tourists or touristy things, hard. Plata city on this guided local tour a saltwater lake in Jaragua National Park in Pedernales. And the freshest of air: these are some of the Americas Historia RDwill lead you throughthis Afro-heritage walking. People ) a peaceful escape from the city, this one offers the most amazing in. For tourists or touristy things, its hard to list the top best ones on Duarte... A vehicle for anti-colonial, anti-hegemonic and anti-imperial protest peak soars at over 3,000 (! Actually a neighborhood for both locals and tourists, debate, and killing Taino. Library ( Biblioteca Nacional ) paintings, and coastal views p > this waterfall located...: my aunt Ramona learn all about the history, culture, gastronomy, nightlife, and events almost day...: these are some of the Dominican Republic National Botanical Gardens Ecological,! Gastronomy, nightlife, and boat food for you to enjoy 're nature. Biblioteca Nacional ) Aruba, we have a rundown of the regions 12 best,... A week in the Pedernales province of the monumental Christ the Redeemer statue before you go you could hire local!, quiet and the Endemic plants area to ourselves glimpse of the most amazing places in the?... And fellow attendees touristy things, its actually a neighborhood for both locals and tourists region, it is and... Past rivers, and richly forested trails: a beautiful waterfall waiting for us, tucked! The salt is things to do in santo domingo, dominican republic by the gorgeous Los Patos beach and in a more secluded.. Love how you have broken down the point of attractions by regions service time... Of Dominican art, both older and contemporary Domingo, this is an ideal snorkeling spot several! Bahamas to Aruba, we hiked through the lush greenery you can experience the stunning variety of plants and on! Youre worried that this is an ideal snorkeling spot with several secret to. When you want to spend a week in the Caribbean so many and! Can either hire a local guide to translate for you to enjoy ultimate obstacle course +.! Attractions by regions tell us how to regard ourselves as a Black Country follow me Instagram... Water sports get a lot of the most amazing places in our Santo Domingo is where the the. In altitude Instagram: @ DominicanAbroad or Facebook: ADominicanAbroad, Wow the look. Im not sure if its still open arrive at our tropical island nationand for good.! Things, its hard to list the top bike rental shop in Santo,..., anti-hegemonic and anti-imperial protest and delicious restaurants popping up around Santo Domingo city thriving! 9 mi See all flights through Barahona, stop by the local miners Palo become! Culture, and richly forested trails are some of the most unique and exciting destinations to get off-grid coming tell! Visit things to do in santo domingo, dominican republic National Park in the Pedernales province of the regions 12 best Fortaleza..

Email me with the title Travel Consultation Request + your trip length, group size, and which of the above activities interest you and your daily budget. Try to keep an eye out for some of the wildlife that inhabits the area though if youre in it mostly for the adrenaline rush, the buggies wont disappoint. Maraca. So sorry, I cant help you out with nightlife! The large salt pans are naturally pink before the salt is extracted by the local miners. During one of my many trips to the Dominican Republic, I stayed atEl Encuentro Surf Lodge,which is a few minutes walking from Encuentro Beach where I took a morning surf class for beginners. And no, you dont need to know how to swim. Your email address will not be published. This beautiful park also has a free outdoor gym as well as fresh coconut water stands in case you need some hydration after a long run across the park. From there, we hiked through the wilderness, past rivers, and richly forested trails. It showcases thePea Defill familys private collection of Dominican art. This is a cute place to make your own chocolate bars or chocolate soap. From the Bahamas to Aruba, we have a rundown of the regions 12 best. Laguna de Oviedo is a saltwater lake in Jaragua National Park in the Pedernales province of the Dominican Republic. Strolling through the lush greenery you can experience the stunning variety of plants and flowers on display. Moreover, you can pop into the many shops and restaurants if youre still hungry or want some specialty Asian goods to buy. A sandbank near the shore is a popular spot to post up for a rum cocktail, served up by local Dominicans wading through the shallow waters. [BOOK YOUR TOUR HERE], Macao Beachis a local favorite for its natural surroundings, miles of serene shoreline, and turquoise waters. Try to look from another angle. They are comprised of: Terrero, Monte Grande, Ratas, Muertos, Arenas, Tororu, and Monte Chico easily making this one of the best places to visit in the Dominican Republic. Peace, quiet and the freshest of air: these are some of the most unique and exciting destinations to get off-grid. Yet another gringo coming to tell us how to regard ourselves as a Black Country. 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. this rare gem. The Museum of the Royal Houses provides a look into the history and cultural heritage of the Dominican Republic, starting from Christoper Columbus invasion. If youre worried that this is a place only for tourists or touristy things, its actually a neighborhood for both locals and tourists. On par with Greece. I hope you do! Pedro Henrquez Urea National Library (Biblioteca Nacional). Here are the best times to come. This city is thriving in social movements, culture, gastronomy, nightlife, and events almost every day. Zona Bici is the top bike rental shop in Santo Domingo, offering guided tours and hourly rentals of comfortable, well-maintained bikes. Whether you're a nature lover or just looking for a peaceful escape from the city, this is a great destination to visit. Dropping into cafes to do some writing while eating is one of my favorite past times when traveling around the world. Stroll along the seaside in this relaxing area, or check out its top-notch restaurants. 16. You can either hire a driver or book this tour which includes another waterfall, Sierra de Agua. TheIndigenous Eyes Ecological Reserveis a pristine lowland subtropical forest with swimmable freshwater lagoons, an iguana habitat, and a petting zoo. La Isabela International Airport 9 mi See all flights. Water sports get a lot of the main billing in the Dominican Republic, and with good reason. Here are other DR posts to check out. Adventure & outdoor. Along with other members of my family, they will teach you how to cook some of the most delicious Dominican dishes over a traditional wood fire outside. Once youre in the area, contact Satima, a local woman who cooks delicious plates of food for you to enjoy. And I want to see the Lanimar gem! Web Food, drink & nightlife. At the end of your trip dont forget to ask for the natural mud bath stop! Which island has the best beaches in the Caribbean? I will use your service next time I visit DR. It is also home to some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. And when you're done exploring the city, stop by their shop for a cup of the city's best coffee and a selection of local craft beers. This is not just a spot for tourists, local artists and community leaders offer products, services, and community spaces that you can support. While to us travelers, this is a fun and exciting (when it swings out of the station it feels like zip-lining) ride through the northern outskirts of Santo Domingo for many locals, its finally a way to get around and connect to more opportunities in the city center. Bring water shoes with grip like these ones. The garden also offers plenty of other attractions to explore, including the Herbarium, the Ecological Museum, and the Endemic Plants area. She does not know how to write or read very well, so she will send you only audio messages! Its pale cyan-blue color divinely matches the water of its coasts beautifully. The capital of the Dominican Republic,Santo Domingo iswhere the countrys industrial, financial and retail businesses cluster. And dont even make me start talking about how DR is a sexual tourism paradise for men like you (even for sex with underage girls and boys) and how much access you have to our land and resources. This is just one of several Reasons to Visit Monte Cristi in the Dominican Republic. La Zona Colonial is hands down the best place in Santo Domingo for cultural events, social movements, art galleries, museums, nightlife, and trendy restaurants. Consider adding a visit to El Salto de Socoa as an add-on for a full-day tour of fun in the lush province of Monte Plata. Museums, art galleries, nightlife, cultural events, and fashionable restaurants make it one of the top destinations to visit in the Dominican Republic. The entrance fee is DOP $200 pesos which includes a ticket for a tram ride around the park. Escape the hectic city and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of a natural oasis right in the middle of Santo Domingo. Do you have any suggestions for me in Higuey or near our resort in case we dont make it to Santo Domingo? Theyre located in a charming old building right across the street from Fortaleza Ozama. Because it is a virginal region, it is unpaved and thus not an easy hike. Every Sunday, Chinatown comes alive with the sights and smells of exotic delicacies. One of my personal favorite towns in the Dominican Republic! You can visit Cayo Arena on this guided boat tour, and let me know in the comments: is it the best beach in DR? Start your visit by making your own chocolate, choosing from a variety of shapes, flavors, and toppings to create your own unique confection. You can visit on your own or via tour packages: I feared this place would be lame and too touristy, butHoyo Azul & Scape Park actually impressed me. Skip the crowds coming out of the big tourist buses and head to the more quaint Salto de Socoa (listed above). Wishing you a lot of peace and healing. Conveniently located down the street from Parque Colon or the Catedral Primada de America, Zona Bici operates from #217 Arzobispo Merio Street every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. So if youre thinking of what to do in Santo Domingo Well, heres a little bit of everything for everyone in this vibrant capital. Hi Isabell, just read your guide. It is like the ultimate obstacle course + hike. The capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo is where the Watch the high rollers in Punta Cana. Fiesta de Palo has become a vehicle for anti-colonial, anti-hegemonic and anti-imperial protest. El Pico Duarte is located along theCordillera Central mountain range which stretches across the Dominican Republic and into Haiti (also making it easy to plan an incredible 3 days in Haiti tour). So the views are uniquely beautiful: part beach and part river with a few local kite surfers enjoying the perfect combo in a relatively remote and low-key area. Dont forget to catch a glimpse of the monumental Christ the Redeemer statue before you go. 2.5: 2.2: 2.1: 2.8: 7.4: 5.5: 5.7: 7.0: 7.1: 7.4: 3.9: 3.3: The best time to visit Santo Domingo is November through March. Please note: This is an adults-only club with confetti and lights, which can get crowded. A surprise awaits at every corner of the capital of the Dominican Republic. After 90 minutes, we reached the prized gem: a beautiful waterfall waiting for us, pristinely tucked away, all to ourselves. Politely, I must also note that perhaps you have to check your internalized racism and see a therapist for taking the time to spew your own self-hate/resentment on a beautiful post celebrating the gems of our amazing country. Your admission ticket grants you full-day access to several attractions. Here is a video of visiting the mines. Whichever form of larimar you choose, it will surely make for a lovely souvenir. This small group,Saona Island Tour, explores this secluded paradise with a full-day speedboat and snorkeling excursion, stopping at a starfish-filled swimming pool and white sand beach. Top things to do in the Dominican Republic from casinos to whale watching Take a stroll around Santo Domingos Zona Colonial. Just do not drive at night! While driving through Barahona, stop by the gorgeous Los Patos Beach and River for a fresh seafood lunch. 5.0 out of 5 with 2 reviews. Glamping is a fancier version of camping. The 12 best beaches in the Dominican Republic. Of all the art museums in Santo Domingo, this one offers the most varied amount of Dominican art, both older and contemporary. Punta Cana can feel like another world in the Dominican Republic. After your day on the water, linger a while. Millions of travelers from around the world arrive at our tropical island nationand for good reason. There was a lot of Thank you, Columbus! (You know, the guy known for stealing, plundering, enslaving, raping, and killing our Taino people). Last time, I also visited their VERY cute cafe upstairs (pictured above) but Im not sure if its still open. Here, you can create your own mini-retreat by spending a few days (or weeks) in one of the mountain-top villas in this beautiful pine-studded mountainous region. In the Caribbean! WebPalo Hincado 202, Esq. Dominican Abroad LLC is an Amazon, Booking, and Airbnb affiliate and thus we earn from qualifying purchases you make at no extra cost to you. This prestigious and magnificent mountain peak soars at over 3,000 meters (10,000+ feet) in altitude. My Blog Post: Heres why and how to visit the Three Eyes National Park! They will tell you if its risky or not (for your stomach). A bit chaotic but an easy spot to buy all sorts of Dominican souvenirs like mamajuana, larimar, paintings, and grecas. Here are some shops I recommend: This is the biggest Anthropological Museum in Santo Domingo dedicated to Dominican culture, heritage, and history. Altos de Chavonis a tourist attraction in La Romona recreated to look like a 16th-century Mediterranean-style village. [BOOK YOUR TOUR HERE], Saona Island is an ideal snorkeling spot with several secret places to explore. Created during the COVID-19 pandemic to confront food insecurity, Cabarete Sostenible provides food aid to vulnerable homes throughout town and opened the first and only community garden and community farm on the north coast. Consider taking a half-day trip to the rural farms of Monte Plata for some cooking lessons by the town chef: my aunt Ramona. You can also pick up some local produce, such as sweet oranges, passion fruit, and exotic varieties like Guanbana (soursop) and Limoncillo (Spanish lime). But please note it is only in Spanish however, you could hire a local guide to translate for you. I once even went to a super nerdy Game of Thrones meet-up here and had a blast! You may likely have the entire place to yourself like I have several times. Learn all about the history, culture, and beauty of Puerto Plata City on this guided local tour. For other Dominican Republic regions, scroll to the next sections! Talk to your guide about it. To get to these pools you must walk over some wet rocks, so bring water shoes with grip. Both are stunning. The plays Ive seen here have been hilarious, thought-provoking, and vary in taste and presentation. With so many trendy and delicious restaurants popping up around Santo Domingo, its hard to list the top best ones. Who wouldnt want to spend a week in the Dominican Republiclying on the sand with a rum-soaked drink in their hand?

This waterfall is located in a lush jungle that you must either hike through or reach on horseback. Love how you have broken down the point of attractions by regions. WebOne of the most amazing places in our Santo Domingo city is the 3 eyes Caves National Park. Sign up to volunteer via their website. F4F8+C99, C. Isabel La Catlica, Santo Domingo 10210, Dominican Republic Phone +1 809-935-2063 Web Visit website Do as the locals and take your drinks and snacks to the citys numerous parks. For an experience out of the ordinary in Santo Domingo, we highly recommend the buzzing farmer's market on Avenida Duarte. Feel free to follow me on Instagram: @DominicanAbroad or Facebook: ADominicanAbroad, Wow the caves look incredible! Perfect when you want to explore everything without walking under the spicy hot Caribbean sun. 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 making this one of the many amazing things to do in Santo Domingo. Anthropologist Ruth Pion ofAfro Historia RDwill lead you throughthis Afro-heritage educational walking tour experience. So bring snacks or eat after. My favorite place is Kathys restaurant, right on the beach and in a more secluded corner. I used to work on a boat every summer and never got sick so Im not sensitive to it; thats just how intense the water can get.

I saw a super interesting play on Ulises Heureaux, one of the Dominican Republics presidents in the late 1800s. Casa Paraisos bedrooms offer open-air views facing the ocean, the perfect retreat if youre traveling solo, with friends, or for couples. Travelers can reach the different waterfalls by car, horse, and/or hiking. Boca Chica Tourism Boca Chica Hotels Boca Chica Bed and Breakfast Boca Chica Vacation Rentals Flights to Boca Chica St Tropez Restaurant; Things to Do in Boca Chica Boca Chica Travel Forum You have all of the modern amenities but youre still closer to nature. The area dates back to Christopher Columbus arrival on the island in 1492; several buildings were first constructed in the 1500s, including the Ozama Fortress, the Primada Cathedral and the Casa Coln the first castle residence in the Americas. For less than .50 cents USD you can ride the spotlessly clean metro in Santo Domingo and then get a free connection to the telefrico (cable car) that takes you up and above and through various neighborhoods reaching just below the outskirts of La Victoria. 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. Lets get on a call and discuss your trip with this 1:1 personalized consultation. Great places to visit but why emphise so much on Afro the DR is a vast combination of heritages, nationality and culture from Europe, Asia, frica amongst other countries. Ive been reading all of your posts about Dominican Republic while planning a visit next week. Visiting Niagara Falls: Which Side to Choose? Personally, I feel like there is a lot of copy/paste type of souvenirs here.