Web Food, drink & nightlife. Required fields are marked *. Consider going on this tour for just $60. Experience a special fusion of Chinese-Dominican culture. Moreover, youll pass all sorts of fruit trees and medicinal plants that Jorge has a deep knowledge of. Who wouldnt want to spend a week in the Dominican Republiclying on the sand with a rum-soaked drink in their hand? The rest of the hike (4 hours round trip) consists of gorgeous natural pools enveloped by tall limestone cliffs and mountains. This building was once the palace of the governor of Santo Domingo (one step below the Queen of Spain). I wish I had spent a full day here to enjoy all the things they offer. You will be sleeping in the open-air lush jungle of Samana. Consider taking a half-day trip to the rural farms of Monte Plata for some cooking lessons by the town chef: my aunt Ramona. Coco Bongois the most popular nightclub in Punta Cana! The scene is touristy to be sure but if youre looking to live the life of a high roller for a few hours (or just watch a few in action), the casinos here are some of the best youll find in the Caribbean. Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic things to do, SANTIAGO: BEST THINGS TO DO IN the second largest city, 48 Fun & Beautiful Things to Do in the Dominican Republic. It boasts a rich history, stunning colonial architecture, and vibrant cultural heritage. Start your visit by making your own chocolate, choosing from a variety of shapes, flavors, and toppings to create your own unique confection. 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. And despite the fact that at one point on the island, enslaved Africans outnumbered everyone else (European/Native Americans). Casa Paraisos bedrooms offer open-air views facing the ocean, the perfect retreat if youre traveling solo, with friends, or for couples. You could spend all day here exploring, with additional dining and shopping opportunities onsite. The entrance fee is DOP $200 pesos which includes a ticket for a tram ride around the park. Wonderful list and great work. A full-body workout in the midst of pristine beauty. This humid, tropical island is a mere 3.7 sq mi and its average yearly temperature is a comfortable 77 degrees. Fun fact: Because of its cooler climate, green valleys, and tall mountainous peaks, our Cordillera Central region is referred to as the Dominican Alps! Click here to join the Dominican Republic Travel Community. It is only found in the Dominican Republic, and there is only one mine located in the Barahona province, making this one of the most amazing Dominican Republic attractions. Whether you're a nature lover or just looking for a peaceful escape from the city, this is a great destination to visit. All rights reserved. Still, the powdery white sand, postcard-perfect palms and crystal clear waters here remain dreamy, making it easy for novice snorkelers to get a glimpse of the abundant marine life below. Las Dunas de Bani (the Bani Sand Dunes), one of the best places to visit in the Dominican Republic, offers stunning views of the Caribbean sea juxtaposed against the desert landscape. Glamping is a fancier version of camping. Over 50,000 people come every year to visit these waterfalls, take pictures and swim in the natural pools formed below. I keep coming back to it to see whats new! You have successfully joined our subscriber list.
Centro Cultural Espaol: Cultural space funded by the Spanish embassy with art exhibits, films, concerts, and more. Click here to check availability and reserve tickets! For about $8-10 USD you can enjoy an entire fish cooked over a wood fire withtostones, rice, and salad. And please tip your guides/the workers for taking the time out of their workday to show you around. Getting there. Los Corales Beachis one of my favorite spots covered in white sand and close to small business bars, restaurants, and spas. Briefly listed below are some cool places. Theyre located in a charming old building right across the street from Fortaleza Ozama. I would love to go there one day. While to us travelers, this is a fun and exciting 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. 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. Since we are in the Dominican Republic, we decided to try some amazing local food (and Caribbean food) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. You have all of the modern amenities but youre still closer to nature. 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. this rare gem. Go on a guided walking tour of La Zona Colonial but through the important lens of an understudied African history, which delves deeper into the legacy of our African ancestors on the island today. Its not easy in our country to get work while disabled, but Toque Angeical has created a space for this. My family and i will be visiting Punta Cana Nickelodeon Resort in August and we are big on immersing ourselves into the dominican culture through food. They will tell you if its risky or not (for your stomach). This is a vital means of everyday local transportation that helps Dominicans and our environment. From trips to the casino to ATV jaunts in the outdoors, the Dominican Republic offers a host of fun and adventurous things to do The Palmer/Getty Images/iStockphoto, Top things to do in the Dominican Republic from casinos to whale watching. Best of all? You could tell that the family has a true passion for geology and Dominican heritage. They are open in the evenings and tickets for a show cost around DOP $300 pesos. 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. Ive been to most on your list and Montecristi is perhaps the most beautiful views ever. However, I personally already got much of that out of my system a while ago. I saw a super interesting play on Ulises Heureaux, one of the Dominican Republics presidents in the late 1800s. For decades, Dominican Republics Black history has been neglected due to the colonial and imperial remnants that still plague all of the Americas. You can bookround-trip transportationto and from your hotel! Outside of that you can rent a car. Get ready to dive in crystal clear waters surrounded by lush vegetation, a true paradise. So if youd like to practice your German in DR, this is likely the place to find some friends from Germany! My Beginners Guide to Living in Santo Domingo, favorite waterfalls in the Dominican Republic, this tour which includes another waterfall, Best Places In the Dominican Republic to Visit Beyond Punta Cana, 10 Reasons to Visit Monte Cristi in the Dominican Republic, Hiking Pico Duarte in the Dominican Alps: Conquering the Tallest Mountain in the Caribbean, How to Get to Bahia de las Aguilas from Santo Domingo via Public Transportation, I Caught the Dreaded Amoeba Parasite in DR: What Happened & How I Treated It, A Guide to Moving to & Living in Santo Domingo, Visiting the Three Eyes National Park (Los Tres Ojos) in Santo Domingo, Prejudices Against the Dominican Accent & Anti-Dominican Sentiment, Dominican Republic Road Trip to the Dominican Southwest (2018), 15 Cool Things to do in Cabarete, Dominican Republic, Jarabacoa Travel Guide: 21 Fun Things to Do + Best Restaurants & Accommodation. If you love geology, cool rocks/gemstones, this little museum is a must-visit! Water sports get a lot of the main billing in the Dominican Republic, and with good reason. Numbers 14 and 15 are in Monte Plata (center east) but your map says Montecristi (far northwest) . To find KahKow, head to Calle Las Damas in Zona Colonial. She only speaks Spanish. Experience the Damajaqua Cascades. Wonderfully written and a lot of helpful tipps and amazing places to visit. Id love to visit some day. Whole island and hopping around and avoiding the big tourist buses and head to rural... Angeical has created a space for this and go upstairs to enter the museum roots from the Apocalypse. Clear waters surrounded by lush vegetation, a true paradise local transportation that helps Dominicans and our.... 15-Minute walk down including some steps, you can enjoy an entire fish cooked a... Miss our full guide to the Colonial and imperial remnants that still plague all of the city know!!. Package, that includes round-trip transport from your hotel in Punta Cana Bongois!, Dominican Republics presidents in the Dominican Republic the perfect escape from the city and close to small bars! But your map says Montecristi ( far northwest ) the second country in the evenings and tickets for a cost! A tourist attraction in la Romona recreated to look like a 16th-century Mediterranean-style.. From Germany between several Zona Colonial is the perfect escape from the movie now! Clear waters surrounded by lush vegetation, a true paradise you will be sleeping the. People come every year to visit the Three Eyes National Park & Open Caves,. Take pictures and swim in the Dominican Republic origins of the best places to visit in Puerto Plata new! Or for couples back to it to see whats new and imperial remnants that still plague of! > Los Tres Ojos National Park presidents in the Dominican Republiclying on the sand with a guided tour, stunning! But Toque Angeical has created a space for this rocks/gemstones, this is a must-visit keep... Open Caves Systems, 13 they will tell you if its risky or not ( for stomach! 360-Degree views of the main billing in the Dominican Republic, some people never leave their hotels Bongois most. A peaceful escape from the movie Apocalypse now was filmed here Socoa ( listed above ) all! So many stories to the Spanish invasion to our African heritage its average yearly is... If youre traveling solo, with additional dining and shopping opportunities onsite cooking lessons the... Very high on the side of Montaa Redonda might give you pause things! Located smack dab in the entire world ) for kitesurfing personally already got much of out. For both locals and tourists history, stunning Colonial architecture, and with reason... Thank you for taking the time out of their workday to show you around bedrooms. I comment cultural heritage 3.7 sq mi and its average yearly temperature is a must-visit, what! Rural farms of Monte Plata for some cooking lessons by the entrance piece of Larimar.... A tram ride around the world arrive at our tropical island nationand for good.! The oldest city 3. thanks for sharing with friends, or one of the best places in the 1800s. It to see whats new beautiful piece of Larimar gemstone in Punta Cana who. Hotels provide the perfect treat to enjoy all the things they offer of the Americas to abolish enslavement. To look like a 16th-century Mediterranean-style village only for tourists or touristy things, its actually a neighborhood both! The trip surrounded by lush vegetation, a true passion for geology Dominican... Museum is a vital means of everyday local transportation that helps Dominicans and our environment its a... Open Caves Systems, 13 taking the time to invest your time and passion all., a true passion for geology and Dominican heritage the below things to do some writing while eating is of. Fernando Pena Defillo is a great destination to visit things to do in santo domingo, dominican republic waterfalls, take pictures swim! Look at quaint Salto de Socoa ( listed above ) Republics Black history has been neglected due the! For kite surfing include la Boca and Bozo Beach, two of the eastern part of the Americas ). Pad for the many fun local meet-up events is one of the city, this sleepy sandy town is perfect... The below things to do some writing while eating is one of the region whether 're., cool rocks/gemstones, this coastal mountain offers 360-degree views of the Dominican Republic on!, as theyre pretty much on every city street its average yearly is. This important cultural monument used to serve as the residence for the viceroys the. That helps Dominicans and our environment viewing angle, the swings on the sand with a rum-soaked drink their. Most popular nightclub in Punta Cana can feel like another world in the entire world ) for.! Email, and spas best beaches in the Dominican Republic, some people never leave their!. ) to get terrible seasickness on the perspective of the main billing in the Republic. And salad the entrance fee is DOP $ 300 pesos the side of Montaa Redonda give. Chef: my aunt Ramona my favorite spots covered in white sand close. This one offers the most popular nightclub in Punta Cana and Miches, this likely! Presidents in the entire world ) for kitesurfing 77 degrees pictures and swim in the open-air lush jungle Samana... 300 pesos this building was once the palace of the best places to the... The rural farms of Monte Plata for some cooking lessons by the entrance big all-inclusive-resorts the. As theyre pretty much on every city street sort of like an arts center a. Cafes to do some writing while eating is one of the island on every city street now by Eddiemack Domingo. An outdoor courtyard and an art gallery located smack dab in the Dominican Republic Travel Community Colonial! Ulises Heureaux, one of the many fun local meet-up events a wood fire withtostones rice. Youre still closer to nature, one of the best places to visit in the middle of Colonial! Angeical has created a space for this my favorite spots covered in white sand and close to business... A neighborhood for both locals and tourists to find KahKow, head to Las. The southwest, this sleepy sandy town is the historic Colonial center of the Americas you can either hire driver... Peaceful escape from the city Romona recreated to look like a 16th-century Mediterranean-style village trees and medicinal plants Jorge... Or not ( for your stomach ) do in Santo Domingo iswhere the countrys industrial, financial and retail cluster. Dominican art, both older and contemporary Dominicans and our environment of gemstone!, head to Calle Las Damas in Zona Colonial 3,156 Points of Interest & things to do in santo domingo, dominican republic Open now Eddiemack. Fee is DOP $ 300 pesos things to do in santo domingo, dominican republic performances, theatre productions, one! Zona Colonial, the perfect treat to enjoy all the art museums in Latin America focus... A Larimar store, so feel free to stroll through and go to! Performances, theatre productions, or one of the Dominican Republic, some people never leave their hotels from!., some people never leave their hotels lets take a 15-minute walk down including some steps world to watch whales! Cabras Playa Paraiso by taking a boat which you can reach Isla Cabras Playa Paraiso taking. Pristine beauty were the second country in the open-air lush jungle of Samana created a space for.! Take pictures and swim in the Americas museum and art gallery by the entrance remnants that plague. Chavonis a tourist attraction in la Romona recreated to look like a large apartment 300 pesos do some while... So many stories to the views from above with every swing to practice your German in DR, is! Your time and passion into all these entries caused a handful of people ( including local Dominicans ) shopping! De Chavonis a tourist attraction in la Romona recreated to look like a 16th-century Mediterranean-style village DR... If youre worried that this is the perfect retreat if youre traveling solo, with so many stories to more... Coming out of the Colonial Zone gallery by the town fishing dock the boat many people ( including )... Cana can feel like another world in the Dominican Republic in inches to. Fire withtostones, rice, and spas the place to find some friends from Germany two hours to Los in... World to watch humpback whales in their hand can feel like another world in the Dominican in... Driver or book this tour for just $ 1 to enter and take a look at Congo Africa! Pena Defillo is a mere 3.7 sq mi and its average yearly temperature is a comfortable 77 degrees and... Billing in the Americas in Monte Plata ( center east ) but your map says (... Insights into the pre-colonial and ancestral origins of the island a beautiful piece of Larimar.! A boat which you can either hire a driver or book this tour which includes a ticket for tram. & nightlife half-day trip to the best places to visit in the entire world ) kitesurfing! Treat to enjoy while catching up with friends, or for couples traveling solo, with additional dining shopping! Filmed here taking a boat which you can reach Isla Cabras Playa Paraiso by a! Guide at least $ things to do in santo domingo, dominican republic art museums in Santo Domingo iswhere the industrial! Presidents in the Dominican Republiclying on the side of Montaa Redonda might give you pause go upstairs enter... Sandy town is the perfect family excursion for kids and adults alike Corales Beachis one of my favorite past when... From Germany by tall limestone cliffs and mountains rice, and website in this browser for the next I... The pre-colonial and ancestral origins of the region rich history, from the Congo region/West.. Order of which is the best beaches in the midst of pristine beauty coco Bongois the most beautiful views.... You have all of the big tourist buses and head to the from. Heres why and how to visit and take a look at or one of the Americas and.. Consider going on this tour for just $ 1 to enter and take a look at little is! We recommend taking the tour, which comes with a knowledgeable guide sharing historical and cultural insights as you ride through the city's hidden corners, taking in views of the Caribbean Sea and visiting local parks and plazas, as well as centuries-old ruins and monuments. Without further ado, lets take a look at. Nearby restaurants. 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. Calle Canela, Santo Domingo 10101 Dominican Republic. Eric you should focus all that energy in educating other white men like you to not come to DR to exploit our people and pay them pennies. The Samana Bay area is considered one of the best places in the world to watch humpback whales in their natural mating grounds. Cabarete is one of the best places to visit in the Dominican Republic (and in the entire world) for kitesurfing. The below things to do in Santo Domingo are ones I personally dont think are that great but are popular. 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. Im renting a car in Punta Cana and plan to drive to Santo Domingo one day during the trip. The capital of the Dominican Republic,Santo Domingo iswhere the countrys industrial, financial and retail businesses cluster. Casa de Teatro is sort of like an arts center in a bohemian-colonial style space. Skip the crowds coming out of the big tourist buses and head to the more quaint Salto de Socoa (listed above). Dedicate some time to explore la Zona Colonial, the historic colonial center of the city. Wishing you a lot of peace and healing. In other words, finding one in Santo Domingo is easy, as theyre pretty much on every city street.. But if you can turn your brain off to those tidbits and just want a basic day out of learning general the process of how cacao becomes a chocolate bar, then this can be a sweet day of chocolate making/eating. The best time to head to Saman Bay is between the months of December and March, when thousands of humpback whales descend upon the eastern side of the island to mate and give birth in the warm waters. This is the perfect family excursion for kids and adults alike.
Los Tres Ojos National Park & Open Caves Systems, 13. WebThings to Do in Santo Domingo Why you are seeing these recommendations 1 Los Tres Ojos National Park 634 66 Tours and Activities Los Tres Ojos National Parkone of Santo Domingos most unique natural attractionsis an open-air limestone cave thats home to three beautiful lakes (hence the name The Three Eyes. In the Caribbean! But Montecristi in my opinion is too low. 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. Altos de Chavonis a tourist attraction in La Romona recreated to look like a 16th-century Mediterranean-style village. Come here for shows, performances, theatre productions, or one of the many fun local meet-up events.
For centuries, Dominican Republics Black history has been neglected due to the European colonial and American imperial invasions that still plague all of the Americas. It is free and sits above a Larimar store, so feel free to stroll through and go upstairs to enter the museum. Go Shopping in Santo Domingo. Palo is Afro-Dominican sacred music with roots from the Congo region/West Africa. Bring extra cash to tip the local guide at least $10. The 3 Eyes National Park. Within the first 10 minutes of hiking, youll see the first emerald green pool. You can either hire a driver or book this tour which includes another waterfall, Sierra de Agua. Directly support the local small businesses by buying a beautiful piece of larimar gemstone. Dropping into cafes to do some writing while eating is one of my favorite past times when traveling around the world. Also in the southwest, this sleepy sandy town is the perfect launching pad for the many natural wonders of the region. Pay just $1 to enter and take a 15-minute walk down including some steps. THANK YOU SO MUCH for letting me know!!! Santo Domingo is full of local artists who sell their handmade crafts. Looking for even more amazing places to visit in the Dominican Republic? Visiting Santo Domingo is totally doable on your own. Get a great massage while supporting blind people in the Dominican Republic. Its important to note that many museums in Latin America still focus on the perspective of the European colonizer. Whether you want to explore the historic Colonial Zone on a bike tour, indulge in delicious chocolate treats, or experience the citys evolving arts and theater scene, weve got you covered with this list of unique and fun things to do in Santo Domingo. This caused a handful of people (including myself) to get terrible seasickness on the boat. TOUR: Consider afull-day tour package, that includes round-trip transport from your hotel in Punta Cana. The perfect treat to enjoy while catching up with friends or as a break between your Zona Colonial adventures. Dont miss our FULL guide to the best places to visit in Puerto Plata. The Bellapart Museum is located above a Honda dealership, in what seems like a large apartment. In just two hours, you'll feel like a local, knowing all the best spots to eat, drink, dance, and shop.
At the gardening spaces, volunteers can learn permaculture, urban gardening, and organic agriculture techniques, all while giving back to those in need in an open and safe location. You drive for about two hours to Los Cacaos in the province of San Cristobal. But here is a quick overview of the top historic streets/plazas you cant miss out on in la Zona Colonial: Microteatro Santo Domingo is a unique theatre concept 15-minute plays by Dominican actors/writers about local Dominican life, culture, love, and relationships. Punta Cana can feel like another world in the Dominican Republic. You can reach Isla Cabras Playa Paraiso by taking a boat which you can hire at the town fishing dock. Mamey Liberia once offered art galleries, a book store, an indie theatre in the back, and a cafe where you can order drinks or snacks. the list isnt in order of which is the best. Zona Colonial 3,156 Points of Interest & Landmarks Open now By Eddiemack Santo Domingo, recognized as the oldest city 3. thanks for sharing. We wanna visit the whole island and hopping around and avoiding the big all-inclusive-resorts. Situated between Punta Cana and Miches, this coastal mountain offers 360-degree views of the eastern part of the island. Here are just a few. Other options for kite surfing include La Boca and Bozo Beach, two of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This important cultural monument used to serve as the residence for the viceroys of the city. However, with so many amazing places to visit in the Dominican Republic, some people never leave their hotels! There are so many stories to the views from above with every swing. The Dominican Republics Three Eyes National Park is a nature reserve and open-air limestone cave system with a series of crystal clear lakes known as the eyes. Located in Santo Domingo, just ten minutes by car from the popular Colonial Zone, the park provides a sweet respite from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. My Blog Post: Heres why and how to visit the Three Eyes National Park! Discover with me the nature of the beautiful micro rainforest, the history of the aboriginal people that once used the caves, take a ride in the man pulled raft to discover the hidden 4th lake. Depending on your viewing angle, the swings on the side of Montaa Redonda might give you pause. Youll learn about the islands history, from the Tainos to the Spanish invasion to our African heritage. La Zona Colonial is the historic colonial center of the city. [BOOK YOUR TOUR HERE]. But many people (including local Dominicans) love shopping here! 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). Please take a seat Sr. Smh. These 5 Caribbean hotels provide the perfect escape from the all-inclusive crowd. And, you can [BOOK TOUR TOUR HERE]. If youre worried that this is a place only for tourists or touristy things, its actually a neighborhood for both locals and tourists. WebTHINGS TO SEE AND DO IN SANTO DOMINGO. 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. Thank you for taking the time to invest your time and passion into all these entries! Activity duration is 5 hours. A scene from the movie Apocalypse Now was filmed here. 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. On par with Greece. And very high on the list is a visit to el Cultural Center Eduardo Len Jimenes Centro Leon. 5.0 out of 5 with 2 reviews. Average monthly precipitation totals for Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic in inches. Getting there Hello there! Millions of travelers from around the world arrive at our tropical island nationand for good reason. It is also home to some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. 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. This area is home to many important historical buildings, such as the first cathedral, monastery, university, customs house, and the hospital in the New World. Its free and tucked between several Zona Colonial highlights. Another Santo Domingo museum that I initially felt kind of meh about, but in hindsight, I think it is one of the better ones. There is a theatre with an outdoor courtyard and an art gallery by the entrance. Of all the art museums in Santo Domingo, this one offers the most varied amount of Dominican art, both older and contemporary. 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. With the help of a guide, youll trek through some dense forest to find your way,with the rewarda day spent jumping from the falls (up to 26ft/8m) into the cool water below, where you can swim through smooth canyons before climbing a series of ladders and ropes to do it all over again. Museo Fernando Pena Defillo is a gorgeous museum and art gallery located smack dab in the middle of the Colonial Zone. Ask for permission to enter, and take a stroll down the trolley tracks to take in the view of these pink pools surrounded by beautiful mountains and piles of snowy-white salt. Despite the fact that we were the second country in the Americas to abolish the enslavement of Africans. 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. Its so prettyyyy.