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. But many people (including local Dominicans) love shopping here! Although you dont learn how to make either from scratch, it can still be a fun activity to do with your family. At that time, the nightlife was dominated by people who for some reason or the other preferred rock music. Make the most of your early mornings as you play a fantastic round of golf in the Dominican Republic. Head over to their beautiful space to check out a calendar of upcoming events. 41. And its affordable, too. Im renting a car in Punta Cana and plan to drive to Santo Domingo one day during the trip. Museo Fernando Pena Defillo is a gorgeous museum and art gallery located smack dab in the middle of the Colonial Zone. This Afro Heritage Tour delves deep into the history and legacy of our African ancestors in Santo Domingo. Learn to cook speciality dishes at a Dominican home, and dine with a charming local localite. To find KahKow, head to Calle Las Damas in Zona Colonial. Do you have any recommendations on parking in the capital? This quaint park is situated just under the Bella Vista neighborhood on the luxurious Anacaona street. After a 15-minute walk down, including some steps, youll see the Socoa Waterfall pouring into a beautiful natural pool. However, dont present an opportunity. Since 2011 I have been living in the Caribbean, among them 5 years in the Dominican Republic. However, in the historic center, the Zona Colonial, you can easily walk around in the evening and even at night as long as the streets are well-lit and located in the main area where everything is happening. Another Santo Domingo museum that I initially felt kind of meh about, but in hindsight, I think it is one of the better ones. Let's go to El Tabernculo. Did you like this article and would like to read all new stories about Punta Cana and beyond? But we Dominicans have been making a lot of strides and efforts in reclaiming our narratives and decolonizing our history. Get a great massage while supporting blind people in the Dominican Republic. Without further ado, let's take a look at the best things to do in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. 55 places sorted by traveler favorites Clear all filters 2022 1. Moscoso National Botanical Garden, A post shared by Steve McConnell (@specularsteve), National Pantheon of the Dominican Republic, A post shared by Chu Chu Colonial (@chuchucolonial), 26. The park provides a tranquil respite from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. Founded a few years ago, this spot offers a brief and fun concept, with plays that are written and performed by Dominican actors and writers. Grab your shopping bag and write down the grocery list. Youll learn about the islands history, from the Tainos to the Spanish invasion to our African heritage. It was privately founded in 1999 by Juan Jose Bellapart. Start planning your trip today! The zone is a tourist spot today and a major attraction from people around the world. 10. 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!). If not, simply take a cab or an Uber to reach La Zona Colonial, as the Dominicans call it.Cost:Access to the Colonial Zone is free.Why it is one of the best things-to-do in Santo Domingo:The Colonial Zone is one of the attractions not to miss in Santo Domingo and the entire Dominican Republic.Further information:10 reasons why you should visit the Zona Colonial of Santo Domingo. It is the perfect place for locals and tourists to enjoy shopping, but if you are looking for something more into sightseeing, Alcazar de Colon Palace, now a museum showcasing magnificent medieval and Renaissance art, is the best place to visit. If youre around the Alcazar Colon in the Zona Colonial, the Chinese market is only five blocks of walking distance on Avenida Duarte - between Avenida Mella and Calle Benito Gonzales. National Park East, also known as Cotubanama National Park, is just two hours from Santo Domingo. Do you need help planning a customized vacation in Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic? Hello! Youll find local artists, local theatre, local community centers, local LGBT bars, and much more! Feel free to follow me on Instagram: @DominicanAbroad or Facebook: ADominicanAbroad, Wow the caves look incredible! There are a number of amazing fast-food eateries, cafes, restaurants, and ice cream parlours that you can choose from. Best places to visit in the Dominican Republic 1 export nation worldwide for organic cacao? American vs. Canadian Side, Dominican Abroad: Travel, Culture & Lifestyle Blog, If youre already based in Santo Domingo, consider, Catching a glimpse of the oldest cathedral in the Americas (built over a sacred indigenous site, yikes), Strolling down the historic Las Damas Street. Bring water shoes with grip like these ones. Address: Avenida de la Vega Real, Arroyo Hondo Distrito Nacional, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, A post shared by El Meson de la Cava (@mesondelacava). If you have never paid bowling before then its time you stop imagining it and visit Sebelen Bowling Center and try knocking down some pins. You can listen to all types of music, from merengue to traditional son and more. Most of the tourist attractions mentioned are located in the eastern part of the Colonial Zone.Cost:Some of those places to visit in Santo Domingo are charging an entrance fee, but usually not more than 2-3 USD. Right in the Colonial Zone, you have two possibilities: you can either visit the KahKow Experience or the Choco Museo. The cable car is 5 kilometers long and has 4 stations. Crime is existing, primarily in the city and especially petty theft and robberies, but tourists are hardly targeted. Estadio Quisqueya is home ground for the blues and the reds, Tigres del Licey and Leones del Escogido, respectively. The garden also offers plenty of other attractions to explore, including the Herbarium, the Ecological Museum, and the Endemic Plants area. How to get there:From Santo Domingo, it is approximately 30-45 minutes to reach Las Cuevas del Pomier. The second level of the building was their home with antique furniture, marvellous paintings, and wax models of the members of the Duarte family. Santo Domingo is full of local artists who sell their handmade crafts. Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional, Dominican Republic. You'll find pristine beaches and hidden gems like a salsa/merengue club set inside a huge underground cave. Subscribe to our newsletter for monthly stories and insider guides about Dominican Republic, Take a walk on the dark side of Dominican history at Museo de La Resistencia, Visit the Choco Museum in Santo Domingo and Punta Cana, Alczar de Coln: Dominican History Lives Here, Dance to Your Own Beat at Festival De Merengue, Hear the Echoes of Time at Museo de las Casas Reales. They are open in the evenings and tickets for a show cost around DOP $300 pesos. The tour to San Francisco usually is around 60-70 USD per person.Why it is one of the best things-to-do in Santo Domingo:Chocolate is one of the most export products in the Dominican Republic and so delicious. Travel into the past with a day trip to Santo Domingothe capital of the Dominican Republic. Click here to join the Dominican Republic Travel Community. You wont find tourists in this underrated gem even though its one of the best places in Santo Domingo to visit for culture and history! How to get there:Even there is public transport available to reach Los Tres Ojos, it is much easier and quicker to get there by Uber or a local taxi.Cost:The entrance fee to Los Tres Ojos is around 5-6 USD per person.Why it is one of the best things-to-do in Santo Domingo:Los Tres Ojos is a unique place to visit in Santo Domingo, as it is a national park within the (inner) city limits. 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. Its pale cyan-blue color divinely matches the water of its coasts beautifully. Catedral de Santa Maria La Menor is the ultimate destination as it is one of the most important sites in the Dominican Republic; the first cathedral of the New World. Within the first 10 minutes of hiking, youll see the first emerald green pool. BUT, check this out if youre a big art lover who wants to peruse of all types of art in the Dominican Republic. 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. Come here to get an idea of the Dominican Republics most famous figures, including Gregorio Luperon and Salome Urena. As the largest of its kind in the Caribbean, the Santo Domingo Botanical Garden has over 60,000 botanically classified species, representing eight different ecosystems from across the country. The Plaza is a huge complex which hosts a park with many trees and the main museums of the city. 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. 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. 27. When in Santo Domingo, explore the Colonial Zone, an UNESCO World Heritage site. Check their website for more info. Punta Cana is my home-base here in the country and Id love to tell you more about how to experience Punta Cana off-the-beaten-track and give you all the advice you want to know for your vacation in Punta Cana. So if you love history and culture La Zona Colonial is the place to go in Santo Domingo. Its in an intimate and sometimes interactive space often with just you and a dozen other spectators + the actors. The city is home to the historic cobblestoned Zonal Colonial which has buildings dating back to the 1500s. Address: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. If you want to learn more, read our guide to Cash, Costs, and Money Saving Tips in the Dominican Republic. As it is an outdoor event, you can also decide how much youd like to get involved: just watching from the edge or getting close and dance as well. Dominican Republic Hotels Dominican Republic Guest House Dominican Republic Holiday Homes Dominican Republic Holiday Packages Dominican Republic Flights Dominican Republic Restaurants Dominican Republic Attractions Dominican Republic Travel Forum Dominican Republic Photos Dominican Republic Map Dominican Republic Visitors Guide All Dominican . If you pay attention you get to learn the tricks, recipes and techniques Dominicans use to prepare some of the best authentic local dishes. Furthermore, there are plenty of bars, restaurants and little food stalls along the Malecn (at least in some parts, especially around the Plaza Juan Barn close to the Zona Colonial and in Santo Domingo Este), so it is a perfect opportunity to grab a local bite and do some people watching an interesting thing-to-do in Santo Domingo, especially during the weekends. 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. The baseball championship of 2013 was won by the reds. In this video we're in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic exploring the Colonial Zone for this best things to d. These listeners depended on travel to please his ears. You can also do a work exchange to have a more unique experience in the area. Honestly, not my favorite museum in Santo Domingo. 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. Punta Cana Currency This is the name of a traditional and extremely popular Dominican music group, who is playing the typical Dominican music: Bachata, Salsa and Merengue. Essential Santo Domingo Do Places to see, ways to wander, and signature experiences. The establishment is not only a mausoleum but also a museum exhibiting items such as a Cuban boat and Colombian jewellery. The ingredients you require will be readily available at the home you will cook in. There are barrios, such as Gualey, Guandules or Ensanche Capotillo, where a foreigner simply shouldnt be, because these neighborhoods have their very own law and order something you dont want to experience. Los Tres Ojos (in English The Three Eyes) consists of three lagoons (hence the name), which are fed by a subterranean river system. The plays Ive seen here have been hilarious, thought-provoking, and vary in taste and presentation. If you lack the proper equipment for bowling, no worries, at a fee you will get your right size. Its rustic interior decor and perfect lighting sets the perfect mood for a party night. 1 thing-to-do in Santo Domingo. And if you want to have something special, a unique place to stay in Santo Domingo, I can highly recommend you this list of the most spectacular Airbnb in Santo Domingo. However, I can understand that sometimes a day-trip is the only option to explore a region or a country. However, if you're having trouble finding a colmado, just listen for the sound of blasting salsa, merengue, or bachata music. Only Dominican Republic Travel/Culture Guides, uniquely made larimar/amber jewelry like this one, Best Accommodation HOTELS in Santo Domingo, Transportation: How to Get Around Santo Domingo, 43 Unmissable Things to Do in Santo Domingo Dominican Republics Capital. However, the city also can be overwhelming with its 3 million inhabitants and omnipresent traffic jam. Moscoso National Botanical Garden, A post shared by Steve McConnell (@specularsteve) on Apr 21, 2019 at 7:23am PDT. From $160 / person From $160 per person. Thats why it is so much recommendable to book a place-to-stay in the Zona Colonial. This epic tour starts early in the morning, leaving from Santo Domingo. Inside, you can find remnants of extinct plants and species. It has a beautiful outdoor space and rooms with art and books. This is a vital means of everyday local transportation that helps Dominicans and our environment. This is a hiking experience you can't miss. How to get there:When staying in Santo Domingo, chances are that your accommodation is right in the Colonial Zone*. Among the many things to do in Santo Domingo, a must see attraction is the Cathedral of Santo Domingo. His daughter is also Joarla Caridad, who makes gorgeous craft larimar and amber jewelry. It is further north than most of the other things-to-do in the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo.Cost:Street art in Santo Domingo is for free.Why it is one of the best things-to-do in Santo Domingo:It is a low-key attraction in Santo Domingo and very less-known, but street art is always a creative way to get to know a city. Santo Domingo is the perfect destination for travelers looking to experience the real Caribbean. For the year 2006 there were few places in the Dominican Republic where you could listen to rock music. Feast on homemade dumplings and sample an array of spices at the market stalls. You may likely have the entire place to yourself like I have several times. Heres why and how to visit the Three Eyes National Park! The entrance fee is DOP $200 pesos which includes a ticket for a tram ride around the park. This botanical garden features collections of ferns, palms, and over 300 types of orchids. Cayacoa Golf Club is one-of-a-kind in town for members and visitors to have a good time in Santo Domingo. Some of the more unmissable local dishes include chicharron (fried pork skins) and tostones (fried plantains) as snacks. 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. Species such as the Hispaniolan woodpecker, Limpkin, and the West Indian Whistling-duck can be seen here among the lush and verdant vegetation. 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. Address: Calle Las Damas Ubicado en el centro de la Fortaleza Ozama, Santo Domingo 10212, Dominican Republic. Experience a wide variety of tours and events through Airbnb. For me, just wandering around the Colonial Zone and discovering the many hidden gems the historic streets have to offer is one of the most rewarding things in this area. BOOK THE TRES OJOS TOUR HERE. Some tourists find it interesting to see how the poorest of the poor people are living, but this is definitively a thing not to do in Santo Domingo. But here is a brief list of the most unique AND delicious ones, in my opinion: Santo Domingo offers a ton of nightlife opportunities in various parts of the city. The tours start in El Conde Street. Strolling through the lush greenery you can experience the stunning variety of plants and flowers on display. Of course, this type of mentality is not unique to just this place in the Dominican Republic or the world. Costs start at $50 per person. However, if you prefer a guided tour or youre not based in Santo Domingo, consider these private day trip tours: If you can only do one thing while in Santo Domingo, then let it be this. Punta Cana Day-TripsPunta Cana ExcursionsPunta Cana Family ActivitiesPunta Cana Family ResortsPunta Cana Free ActivitiesPunta Cana HikingPunta Cana ItineraryPunta Cana MapsPunta Cana NightlifePunta Cana Public TransportPunta Cana SnorkelingPunta Cana Things-to-DoPunta Cana WaterfallsPunta Cana Weather 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. Interested in Reading More of My Dominican Republic Blog Posts? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A lot of the things mentioned in this post are in la Zona Colonial. Therefore, before sunrise and after sunset, it is not recommendable to walk around, especially not alone and outside of the Colonial Zone. Exactly thats Los Tres Ojos National Park, one of the most unique things-to-do in Santo Domingo. 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. The last time the blues won a championship was in 2009. The park is the right place to check out birds and vegetation native to the island. Moreover, you can pop into the many shops and restaurants if youre still hungry or want some specialty Asian goods to buy. National Zoological Park Toucan at the National Zoological Park Dont get too drunk and leave your valuables at home so that you dont become a target. Here are some shops I recommend: This is the biggest Anthropological Museum in Santo Domingo dedicated to Dominican culture, heritage, and history. Stay in a former colonial home turned boutique hotel, stroll the pedestrian Calle El Conde, and dine at plazas. I saw a super interesting play on Ulises Heureaux, one of the Dominican Republics presidents in the late 1800s. Its an easy visit and takes about 20-45 minutes to complete. Then you have to spend at least half of your day at Columbus Lighthouse where lay Christopher Columbus remains. This area consists of different places that were constructed by Spanish people in the colonial times. Therefore, you shall have a look at the following attractions when walking around in La Zona Colonial: All of these sights are within walking distance from each other, most of them within a radius of 15 minutes.If you prefer a certified and professional guide, you can also check out one of the following tours, where you get a lot of historical explanations and background information about the local life. Here you can spend days exploring Santo Domingos greatest things to do and see. LGBTQ+ friendly experience, vegetarian acommodating! This is an absolutely off-the-beaten-track thing-to-do in Santo Domingo, but hiking is an exciting option when you are craving some activity and adventure. These are the amazing and most thrilling things to do in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The Columbus Lighthouse is a spectacular 10-story monument dedicated to the explorer. You can buy your tickets there just before the function, however, it often gets sold out so its best to arrive early. Please go ahead and add Punta Cana Travel Blog to your feed. Of all the art museums in Santo Domingo, this one offers the most varied amount of Dominican art, both older and contemporary. They have a production area in each boutique, open for you to see. travels throughout the Dominican Republic, 2. Required fields are marked *. The exterior of the building shows elements from the Renaissance period while its interior has facets of a Gothic design. Visiting Niagara Falls: Which Side to Choose? But please note it is only in Spanish however, you could hire a local guide to translate for you. This tour takes you through the parks caves and swimming holes. Oops, this activity is currently unavailable. It also brings a fair share of challenges, for example maintaining sanitary standards, as they receive hundreds of visitors a day. How to get there:The best is to take an Uber or a taxi to get to El Meson de la Cava, particularly when going there for dinner.Cost:Calculate with 25 to 30 USD per person for a 2-course dinner with a glass of wine.Why it is one of the best things-to-do in Santo Domingo:This restaurant offers a unique location in Santo Domingo. If you enjoy an active lifestyle, this is the place to be on a weekend morning where you can join other Dominican exercise enthusiasts running, skating, biking, and more. The building itself is a mixture of different architectural styles. Address: Calle Las Damas, Santo Domingo 10210, Dominican Republic, Website: National Pantheon of the Dominican Republic. There is also a beautiful outdoor colonial courtyard located between exhibits. For an experience out of the ordinary in Santo Domingo, we highly recommend the buzzing farmer's market on Avenida Duarte. Subscribe to my Upcoming DR Blog Posts! 10 Cool Things To Do In Dominican Republic's Santo Domingo By Gabriel Kirellos Published May 18, 2022 Culture, social movements, nightlife, food, and other events occur in Santo Domingo almost daily. Come here for shows, performances, theatre productions, or one of the many fun local meet-up events. I want the free e-book "15 amazing things-to-do for free in Punta Cana"! You also get a peek into the lifestyle and culture of the people here and cherish a hands-on culinary experience. The Microteatro space is in a beautiful colonial building and as such has an open-air courtyard where you can eat and drink. Faro Coln is also known as Columbus Lighthouse. It also showcases baseball bats and balls donated by Dominican MLB players during historic moments. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Among the treats not to be missed are cativia (wheat empanadas), salpicon (chilled seafood and vegetables), sancocho (rich meat stew), and pastel en hoja (boiled root crops and meat in banana leaf). Zona Colonial 3,145 Points of Interest & Landmarks Open now By jennyhW8319JC Your email address will not be published. The movie is translated into nine languages for guests to enjoy. These museums include. The park is also a popular destination for bird watchers, as a wide variety make home in the Dominican Republic. With the crystalline waters of the three lakes comes a rich fauna where you can find bats, ferns and fish. Address: Calle Marginal Las Americas Este, Santo Domingo Este 11604, Dominican Republic, A post shared by Gilles Bussutil (@french_pilot). Most Popular Posts on Punta Cana Travel Blog , Meson de la Cava is the name of Santo Domingos most unique restaurant. It was the first and oldest headquarters of Spains colonization of the Americas. Make a stop at each relevant attraction as you cover almost the entire city on a Trikke. Today, it is the place where the countrys most famous persons are honoured. Los Tres Ojos might be the coolest (tourist) attraction in Santo Domingo. 9. Address: Carretera a Palamara, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Santo Domingo is home to the Hospital San Nicols, the oldest hospital built in the New World back in the early 1500s. Explore one of the oldest cities - Santo Domingo (from USD 95.0), 3. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Receive Dominican Abroad's free travel guides & updates on travel trends around the world. As a rule of thumb, you always can be open and talk with the locals, but if someone gets to the point too quickly or want you to come to a place you are unfamiliar with, better decline or go with another trusted person to avoid any inconveniences. 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. This elegant restaurant is located inside a cave, which is part of the natural rock formations at the recreational park Parque Mirador del Sur. La Zona Colonial is the historic colonial center of the city. Help Center . 1.
things to do in santo domingo, dominican republic
Publikováno 19.2.2023