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Places you shouldn't miss are the House of Columbus' son (Casa Alczar Coln), the Basilica Cathedral of Santa Mara la Menor ( the First Cathedral of the Americas), the Fortaleza Ozama (the oldest fortress in America) and the Museo de las Casas Reales, a very beautiful building and extensive museum on the colonial history of the Dominican Repub. The reason: it is located in a few streets on the edge of the Colonial Zone where most people dont walk to (but dont worry, it is perfectly safe and not dangerous if you go during the day). Faro Coln is also known as Columbus Lighthouse. Another big plus is that its a popular spot among locals and tourists, providing a great venue to mingle and enjoy drinks. Merengue Club is a casual nightspot in Santo Domingos Ciudad Colonial. This pedestrian street runs from Plaza Independencia to Parque Coln and just beyond to the Rio Ozama. While I have written an extensive hiking guide for Punta Cana, it is a bit more difficult for Santo Domingo. Thanks to the plentiful and creative options, you can make this dinner an attraction in Santo Domingo itself. While the area is quite small and easily walkable, on hot days the Chu Chu is a tempting option. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Santo Domingo - Tripadvisor Guibia Public Beach. On Callejn Macors, south of Calle Padre Billini, near Parque Duarte, you will also find a colorful row of buildings. This is also a perfect area to base yourself if you are spending a night or more. It usually plays American oldies throughout the day, but visit after 9 pm to enjoy salsa, bachata, and merengue until the next day. Afterward, head back to your room to relax, or continue to enjoy the nighttime views of the city with a drink at the nearby bar, Vertygo 101. Mercado Modelo. The Amber World Museum is an incredible place to see fine examples of amber and learn about this fossilized resin. The amber pieces, which come in a variety of hues, are backlit to reveal the fossils inside, which range from ants and termites to leaves and flowers. Hard Rock Live is an outstanding venue for concerts, with 2 floors and an upscale ambience to match the mall. Grab your day pack, and head to Boca Chica, a white-sand beach thats about an hour away. Guacara Taina (Santo Domingo) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go However, the city also can be overwhelming with its 3 million inhabitants Read More It only takes about 45 minutes to an hour to explore the park, as its fairly small; however, note that to reach the lagoons, you must ascend and descend several flights of stairs. Seeing the local crowds dancing like crazy is an experience that you shouldnt miss. Once there, you have several options of things to do over the next few hours! Theres also a soap lab onsite that allows you to make your own bar of soap using cacao butter combined with your preferred fragrance. By 502justinea. This counts for some exciting opportunities. The museum aims to promote learning through play and offers a variety of interactive exhibits and activities for children to explore. Things to Do in Santo Domingo Best Beaches Best Hikes Foods to Try Best Restaurants in Santo Domingo Nightlife in Santo Domingo: Bars, Clubs, & More Best Time to Visit Weather & Climate Safety in the DR Top Resorts Dominican Republic Airport Guide Places to Visit One-Week Itinerary 48 Hours in Santo Domingo There's no dress code here, so expect a fun vibe throughout the night. (Note: this itinerary is best followed on a Saturday and Sunday, so if your trip is during other days of the week, find even more things to do here.). The national league is held each year between October and January, so seize your chance if you are visiting Santo Domingo during this time. 18 Top-Rated Things to Do in Santo Domingo | PlanetWare Day 1: Explore the resort, relax by the pool, and partake in some included activities. In the article above you can find a lot of beautiful and interesting places to visit in the Colonial Zone, such as Alczar de Coln, Basilica Cathedral of Santa Mara la Menor and the Museo de las Casas Reales. Founded by Christopher Columbus in the late 1400s, this first city of the New World is where Columbus lived and is buried. Check out more information about safety in the Dominican Republic here. This is one of the citys most revered nightlife venues, attracting partygoers since the 1960s. Hundreds of locals from around the city and beyond come to the complex for a night of dancing to merengue, salsa, and son cubano. Monasterio de San Francisco was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times over the years by fire and earthquakes. She joined the company in 2018 and has nearly a decade of experience writing and editing for travel and lifestyle publications. Outside of the Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo, the huge Agora Mall has all kinds of international shops. Explore one of the oldest cities - Santo Domingo (from USD 95.0) Show all photos Venture on a 10-hour journey exploring Santo Domingo, one of the oldest cities in the US. This former residence of the Columbus family is now a museum. It hosts multiple floors, with 3 main spaces that put on a variety of performances, including theatre, live music, ballet, opera, and award shows. If you are interested in the best things-to-do in Punta Cana, continue reading here.If youre particularly interested in the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo, 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. Author, Travel Coach & Punta Cana based digital nomad. In the 1970s, it was turned into a museum to showcase the history and culture of the region. Sign-up for the latest Punta Cana travel stories! Why it is one of the best things-to-do in Santo Domingo:Those historical sights with importance for the entire country should not be missed.Further information:10 reasons why you should visit the Zona Colonial of Santo Domingo. Many jewelry stores sell both amber and larimar, but for quality settings, you may want to stop by the first floor of the Amber World Museum, one block north of Parque Coln on Calle General Luperon, where the shop sells a large variety of amber and some larimar. With a bit of imagination, you might think they look like blue-green eyes. Both tourist attractions can be best reached by taxi or Uber.Cost:The entrance fee to Faro a Coln is approx. Therefore, before sunrise and after sunset, it is not recommendable to walk around, especially not alone and outside of the Colonial Zone. Awarded as a UNESCO world heritage it awaits you with its ancient cobblestone streets, centuries-old buildings and creative art scene. Be prepared to descend beneath the earth into lush and humid caverns, where you'll find crystal-clear waters in a series of four lakes. THE 10 BEST Santo Domingo Nightlife Activities - Tripadvisor From here, you can either plan out a route or simply make your way up and down the streets, which are laid out in a basic grid pattern. 2023 Hotels.com is an Expedia Group company. For clothing and fashion, take a walk along Calle El Conde towards Parque Independencia. In the Zona Colonial is a mix of tourist oriented shops and regular shops where you can find Dominican fashions and everyday goods. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. It is a fun way to get around and explore the historic sights. 43 Unmissable Things to Do in Santo Domingo - Dominican Abroad Written by Lana Law Updated Mar 23, 2023We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). Displays are in Spanish, but headsets with audio recordings in multiple languages are available with your admission fee. 48 Hours in Santo Domingo: The Ultimate Itinerary - TripSavvy Kids will love that they can create their own chocolate with different flavors, try different types and get to know everything about this favorite threat in a child-friendly environment just a few reasons why this is a great thing to do with kids in Santo Domingo. Therefore, I have put together the following summary of the best places to visit in Santo Domingo those where you can go without a guide, where you just can stroll or which have unparalleled historic importance. Las Cuevas del Pomier are located in San Cristobal, a quick 30- or 45-minute drive (depending on the traffic) from Santo Domingo away. Make sure to arrange your visit in advance as there are no official opening hours. The monastery has endured countless disasters, having been hit by hurricanes, devastated by earthquakes, sacked by Francis Drake, and used in battles, only to be repaired time and time again. Here are the best day trips from Santo Domingo: Please note that I have not mentioned the day trip tours from Santo Domingo to Los Haitises National Park, the Saman Peninsula or Cayo Arena, as those are too far in my opinion. The cable car is 5 kilometers long and has 4 stations. Tour guides often hang out in the vicinity of the cafs and approach visitors to entice them into joining a walking tour. After experiencing the best things to do after dinner in Santo Domingo, you will understand that theres no better place in the Dominican Republic for evening adventures than the capital city. 16 Top Attractions & Things to Do in the Dominican Republic, 15 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Puerto Plata, 13 Top-Rated Beaches in the Dominican Republic, 20 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean, Dominican Republic in Pictures: 18 Beautiful Places to Photograph, 18 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the Dominican Republic, 14 Best Cheap All-Inclusive Caribbean Resorts, 15 Top-Rated Family Resorts in the Dominican Republic, 20 Best All-Inclusive Family Resorts in the World, 19 Top-Rated All-Inclusive Family Resorts in the Caribbean, Kite Beach, Cabarete: Kiteboarding Lessons, Schools & Tips, 15 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Punta Cana, 11 Top-Rated Family Resorts in Punta Cana, The Cultured Biker: Mixing Biking & the Arts in Bentonville, AR, 24 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, https://zonabicird.com/bicisyprecios/home/, top attractions in the Dominican Republic, Average minimum and maximum temperatures for Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic in, Average monthly precipitation totals for Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic in. 8 Best Things to Do in Santo Domingo | U.S. News Travel 5 p.m. Meet at Trikke Repblica Dominicana for your next activity, a Trikke tour of the Colonial Zone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ciudad Colonial (Colonial City, also referred to as the Colonial Zone) is great for live music and bar hopping, while Malecon is where youll find seaside parks and hotels that host entertainment. 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. Located in the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo, the cathedral was the headquarters of the Catholic Church in the New. For further impressions of baseball, you can see baseball fields all around the country, even in the smallest villages you see the locals playing. If you still havent had enough time in the sun or water for the day, head out to the fifth floor for a dip in the hotels infinity pool overlooking the skyline. John F. Kennedy, Santo Domingo 10129, Dominican Republic. The Top 15 Things to Do in Santo Domingo - TripSavvy The evening tour is especially fun because lots of people are out enjoying the sunset and nightlife in the area, so youll also see glimpses of the local lifestyle. Santo Domingo definitely has its problems in terms of crime, but usually, tourists are not affected by this. 10:30 a.m. Location: Calle Arzobispo Merio # 110, Calle Las Damas ESQ, Santo Domingo 10210, Dominican Republic, Open: MondayThursday from 9 am to 1 pm and from 2.30 pm to 1 am, Friday from 9 am to 1 pm and from 2.30 pm to 3 am, Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm and from 2.30 pm to 3 am. 10 Cool Things To Do In Dominican Republic's Santo Domingo - TheTravel Are you staying in Santo Domingo for a few more nights and want to get out of the city? This is an interactive tour through the world of rum including a tasting at the end. 10 La Zona Colonial. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. The large, wide-open space of Plaza Espaa is a great place to try out your bike or trikke before tackling the narrower streets. Kids will delight in riding the small train that passes by all the enclosures. With all those offerings, you can easily spend days in the historic city center of Santo Domingo, which is why I even would rate it the top thing-to-do in the entire Dominican Republic when it comes to culture. In other words, those are the 5 most important tourist attractions in Santo Domingo you shouldnt miss: If you neither have the time to read nor the time to explore the capital of the Dominican Republic at your own pace, guided tours are the best choice for you. It's a hot and sweaty walk uphill to visit this attraction. How to get there:All accommodation options mentioned are located within the limits of the Zona Colonial.Cost:Accommodation in the Colonial Zone can reach from 30 to 300 USD per night.Why it is one of the best things-to-do in Santo Domingo:When visiting the Zona Colonial, there is no reason to stop experiencing the colonial charm once you enter your accommodation. One of the most amazing places in our Santo Domingo city is the 3 eyes Caves National Park. This nightspot is especially convenient for guests of the JW Marriott Hotel as its right next door. Parada 77 stays open well into the morning hours, with DJs spinning the latest salsa, reggaeton, merengue, and international hits. How to get there:When staying in Santo Domingo, chances are that your accommodation is right in the Colonial Zone*. You can expect world-class performances by local and international jazz musicians. There are almost two dozen eateries, shops and other amenities, though many are located on the landside. Location: Av. How to get there:Just walk within the Zona Colonial until the Calle Coln and the Ceiba de Coln. The first lake you'll come to is called Aguas Azufradas, followed by La Nevera, then Lago de las Mujeres. During your visit to Santo Domingo, especially if you are an open-minded person, you will be approached by a lot of people, most of them might even try to speak in English with you. You are already at the # 1 tourist attraction in Santo Domingo. For history lovers, a lot of museums are home to the Colonial Zone either. However, I can understand that sometimes a day-trip is the only option to explore a region or a country. 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. Santo Domingo really doesn't have any spectacular beaches, so if you are craving sun and sand, consider a beach trip. Once your belly is full, it is time to head out to enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the Colonial Zone. The ornate faade of Catedral Primada de America, and the Convento de los Dominicos, face west, with a warm glow falling over them in the late afternoon. Hard Rock Live is part of the trendy and upscale BlueMall, right in the heart of Santo Domingo. It is not a tourist attraction, as it was mainly built to connect the poor neighborhoods around Los Tres Brazos and Sabana Perdida with the metro network, but of course, the cable car can also be used to get a nice view of Santo Domingo from above. This full-day tour takes you to a small island with swaying palm trees and calm, warm water where you can swim, snorkel, or just lie on the beach. Parque Coln (Columbus Park) and Plaza Espaa are two of the main tourist hangouts and good places to start your tour. However, the location is indeed unique and makes it one of the most special places to visit in Santo Domingo especially if you would like to surprise your partner with a romantic dinner and a night out to remember. Dont get too drunk and leave your valuables at home so that you dont become a target. The museum is a great place to go for families in Santo Domingo with young children to spend a fun and educational day together, especially if its one of the few rainy days in the city. It is definitely THE biggest attraction of Santo Domingo: the Colonial Zone. For more family fun in the Dominican Republic, check out the best family activities in Punta Cana. 10 a.m. With its Spanish colonial history and its beautiful landscape, the city has a hybrid of past and present things to explore and discover. Museums, art galleries, nightlife, cultural events, and fashionable restaurants make it one of the top destinations to visit in the . However, it is a free thing to do in Santo Domingo, so that is a plus if you are traveling on a budget. The Dominican Republic is a popular place to purchase amber and larimar, which you can either buy loose or in jewelry settings. Depending on your appearance and where exactly you are, some of these people are simply interested in connecting with you and some of them are just interested in something else (money, valuables, visa relationship, etc.). Chocolate is a major industry in the Dominican Republic, and this attraction offers a variety of tours that teach visitors about the cacao plant (how its harvested and where it grows), the history of chocolate, and the entire process of making chocolate from bean to bar. Is Santo Domingo a good place to vacation? 10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Santo Domingo The Rum Experience costs 14 USD + taxes, so approx. However, the city also can be overwhelming with its 3 million inhabitants and omnipresent traffic jam. It is bustling, chaotic, intense, but super interesting and especially in the Colonial Zone very beautiful and vibrant, which is why it is a perfect place for a city trip to the Caribbean. Crime is existing, primarily in the city and especially petty theft and robberies, but tourists are hardly targeted. As the neighborhoods here might be a bit rough, it is recommended to arrive by Uber or taxi to the Teleferico Station at Eduard Brito. 2-3 USD, but you can see it for free from outside if you are not interested in the exhibition.Why it is one of the best things-to-do in Santo Domingo:It is a unique place to visit in Santo Domingo with an interesting (and question-worthy) part of history. Thats just one of the reasons why you should explore the world of chocolate in the Dominican Republic. Did you know that the Dominican Republic is the No. Most people dont arrive until after 11 pm, and the energetic atmosphere doesnt end until around 4 am. Mximo Gmez 35, Santo Domingo 10204, Dominican Republic, photo by Felix714 (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified. Hotels.com and the Hotels.com logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Hotels.com, LP in the United States and/ or other countries. The three lagoons can be explored walking (with or without a guide), but you cant swim in them. Punta Cana Airport Transfers: Info | Book It*Santo Domingo Airport Transfers: Info | Book It*All-Inclusive Resorts: Info | Book It*Guesthouses & AirBnBs: Info | Book It*Excursions: Info | Book It*Rental Car: Info | Book It*Road-Trips & Self-Drive Tours: Info | Plan ItTravel Insurance (incl. Top 27 Things To Do In Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - Trip101 While the Catedral Primada de Amricas gets all the attention as the first cathedral in the New World, the Convento de Los Dominico pre-dates the cathedral and is known as one of the oldest buildings in the Americas. Nightlife in Santo Domingo: Best Bars, Clubs, & More - TripSavvy Watch a multimedia presentation to learn essential context for the rest of the visit; step into the tasting room to sample different types of chocolate (from white to dark) and learn what goes into each; and finally, craft your own chocolate bar in the glass-enclosed factory. How about the sugar cane and rum, does this sound better? Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. This impressive basilica, set on the south side of Parque Coln, was completed in 1540 and was the first cathedral built in the Americas. The best things to do in Santo Domingo mostly revolve around its charming historic district. Not only does it sell many day-to-day items you might need, but its also a great place to meet people and enjoy a drink in Santo Domingo. Kids will love the view and adults can get an insight into the not-so-nice places to visit in Santo Domingo. And it is, frankly speaking, one of the best things-to-do in Santo Domingo if you would like to escape from the city for a day. Swing by here if you need a break from the heat, as the entire place is delightfully chilly. Location: Plaza El Portal, Av. Some of the pieces have magnifying glasses, so you can get a detailed look at the fossils. It's a wonderful place to stroll or, if you'd rather, take the trolley that runs on a regular basis. The best areas to explore are around Villa Altagracia or Bonao, but I would highly recommend you to go with a local guide or a local hiking group. While Boca Chica is famous for its turquoise lagoon, Juan Dolio is worth visiting due to its wide and sandy beach. It is part of the culture. Most of the attractions and things to do described here are within the Zona Colonial. 10 a.m.: Upon arriving in the city, make your way to the JW Marriott Hotel Santo Domingo to check in at the fifth-floor reception, or at least drop off your luggage until a room is ready. The old center is a delightful mix of history and modern Dominican life. Santo Domingo Attractions. Things to Do in Santo Domingo: Most Violent Neighbourhood In - Trip101 The lakes are spectacular and always glass calm, making it easy to see how they received their names. Once you had an amazing day in the Colonial Zone, its time to think about dinner. But there's more beyond colonial landmarks and sightseeing. Combine a trip here with a visit to the zoo. Crumbling 16th-century ruins scattered between wonderfully restored colonial buildings are a constant reminder of this city's history. The Museo del Ron is located right behind Plaza Espana, the Casa del Ron can be found at Parque Coln.Cost:Entry to the rum museum is for free. 1. There is one special nightlife thing to do in Santo Domingo you shouldnt miss: Bony. Also interred here are famous names such as Francisco Gregorio Billini, Gregorio Lupern, Eugenio Mara de Hostos, and Jos Gabriel Garca. Colon Lighthouse and Museum. 1 place to see in Santo Domingo is definitely the Colonial Zone. Things to Do in Santo Domingo, the Beginnings of the New World Even though it is only built for the locals for easier commuting, tourists can use the cable car as well and see local barrios Gualey, Los Tres Brazos and Sabana Perdida from above. This is probably the most popular day-trip from Santo Domingo, especially when people are missing the beach in the city.