The National Botanical Gardens, known officially as the Dr. Rafael M. Moscoso Botanical Gardens, are a treasure of incredible biodiversity. If not, simply take a cab or an Uber to reach La Zona Colonial, as the Dominicans call it. One of the most amazing places in our Santo Domingo city is the 3 eyes Caves National Park. The menu comprises dishes from around the world, and the steak and lamb are popular choices. This is the name of a traditional and extremely popular Dominican music group, which is playing typical Dominican music: Bachata, Salsa and Merengue. Seeing the local crowds dancing like crazy is an experience that you shouldnt miss. Most of the streets are not particularly busy, intersections are easy to navigate, and you don't have to worry about crossing multiple lanes of traffic. However, I know that for many visitors, the historical sights are not less important when it comes to the things-to-do in Santo Domingo. 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 dancing as well. Historically, the caves were used as places of residence and ritual by the indigenous Taino people of the Hispaniola island. They also have a rooftop terrace with a fantastic view over the basilica, the oldest church in the Americas. It's a hot and sweaty walk uphill to visit this attraction. For further impressions of baseball, you can see baseball fields all around the country, even in the smallest villages you see the locals playing. 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. The Chu Chu Colonial runs every hour, 16 times a day. Entering through the huge Puerta del Conde, the square is lined with busts that lead to the Altar de la Patria (Altar of the Nation), a mausoleum where the founders of the Dominican Republic are laid to rest. In the 1970s, it was turned into a museum to showcase the history and culture of the region. Sunday nights are especially high energy as just about everyone come here to party and mingle. The first item on todays itinerary is a visit to the Dr. Rafael Ma. 4 p.m. Wrap up your time at the park, and go back to the hotel (its a 30- to 40-minute drive) to check in and settle into your room. It is the first shopping mall to be certified as a "Green Building" according to the sustainable design parameters of. Source: Karen Zheng. How to get there:From Santo Domingo, it is approximately 30-45 minutes to reach Las Cuevas del Pomier. The site is gated and fenced on all sides, so entry is not permitted. 1. Can you imagine that there is a national park with lagoons and caves right in the city, surrounded by densely populated neighborhoods with hardly any trees growing? With 4 years living in the city, I know all the places you should visit and also those you should stay away from. 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. 10 Fun Things to Do in Santo Domingo from | Expedia Running along the north side of the Parque Coln is Calle El Conde, the city's main pedestrian street, with a couple of restaurants with outdoor tables that look onto the park. Especially during the weekends, there are also plenty of show acts and street performers in the Colonial Zone in Santo Domingo. Have a seat in the lobby and admire the artwork on the walls, or step outside for panoramic views of Santo Domingo from the glass-bottomed terrace. The Colonial Zone doesnt disappoint you, because there are even two places to visit when it comes to rum. 10:30 a.m. In this case, Santo Domingo has the perfect location as youre just a 2-3 hour drive away from most of the major attractions in the Dominican Republic. There are several rental shops in the Colonial Zone with the most famous one being Zona Bici. Day 1: Explore the resort, relax by the pool, and partake in some included activities. This is probably the most popular day-trip from Santo Domingo, especially when people are missing the beach in the city. Location: Calle Las Mercedes 352, esq. 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. Both places-to-visit are less than an hour away from the city and offer stunning beach scenery, plenty of beachfront restaurants and comfortable beach clubs. Your email address will not be published. If you are looking to take a tour, the Chu Chu Colonial tourist trolley departs from the east side of the square. For history lovers, a lot of museums are home to the Colonial Zone either. Location: Calle Salome Urena 59, Santo Domingo 10210, Dominican Republic, Open: MondayFriday from 3 pm to 11 pm, SaturdaySunday from 11 am to 11 pm. This square offers little to no shade, apart from the mausoleum itself, and is very hot during the middle of the day. When deciding for a tour, you just have to follow your knowledgable guide who explains you more about the life and history of Santo Domingo. For clothing and fashion, take a walk along Calle El Conde towards Parque Independencia. At this time of year, the temperatures are not too hot, and the weather is generally sunny and dry with lower humidity than the summer months. The space, which sits within a historic colonial house, has hosted actors, musicians, dancers, artists, and photographers. How to get there:You can take an Uber or a local taxi right to the entrance or take the Santo Domingo Metro until the station Estacin Francisco Gregorio Billini and walk around half a mile northbound until you reach the entrance.Cost:The entrance fee for tourists is around 5 USD (250 DOP).Why it is one of the best things-to-do in Santo Domingo:Together with Los Tres Ojos National Park, the Botanical Garden is one of the few green places in Santo Domingo. Coolmado Las Mercedes combines a bar with a colmado (convenience store). Improve this listing All photos (3) Punta Cana Currency Location: South side of Plaza Espaa, on Calle Las Damas. Theres also a gorgeous rooftop terrace, a mezzanine, and a hip VIP bar called Electric Pink. Monasterio de San Francisco, or San Francisco Monastery, offers a trip back in time and unforgettable open-air concerts in Santo Domingo. 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). 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. 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. Visit on Sundays to enjoy free live performances. Semi-adventurous tourists can rent a bicycle or take a trikke tour to explore the streets of Santo Domingo. Therefore, before sunrise and after sunset, it is not recommendable to walk around, especially not alone and outside of the Colonial Zone. 25+ exciting things-to-do in Santo Domingo (and 5 NOT to do). Things to Do in Santo Domingo Popular things to do Cultural Tours Bus Tours Shopping Malls Historical Tours Half-day Tours Speciality Museums City Tours Nature and Wildlife Tours Parks Airport & Hotel Transfers Walking Tours Historic Sites Top Picks Ports of Call Tours Points of Interest & Landmarks Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours Mximo Gmez 35, Santo Domingo 10204, Dominican Republic, photo by Felix714 (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified. Check out more information about safety in the Dominican Republic here. Inside, the spectacular vaulted ceilings and ornate gold and mahogany altar are well worth a look. 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. While Boca Chica is famous for its turquoise lagoon, Juan Dolio is worth visiting due to its wide and sandy beach. The Colonial Zone:Even though a historic area doesnt sound like a too family-friendly thing to see in Santo Domingo, the Colonial Zone is also a great place for kids, particularly as there are plenty of local shops with handmade ice cream, different bicycle tours* and other places where kids and teens can get their favorite snack food, like at one the several french fries shops. The best things to do in Santo Domingo mostly revolve around its charming historic district. Quick overview: the best places to visit in Santo Domingo, Quick overview: the best-guided activities in Santo Domingo, Quick overview: best day trips and tours from Santo Domingo, Things-to-do in the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo, Visit the historic sights of the Colonial Zone, Explore the world of chocolate in Santo Domingo, Discover the flavor of rum and sugar cane, Explore the hidden street art in the Colonial Zone, Have a unique dining experience in the Colonial Zone, Book a historic hotel with colonial charm, Things-to-do in Santo Domingo (outside of the Colonial Zone), Take a ride with the Telefrico (Santo Domingo cable car), Visit the Botanical Garden of Santo Domingo, Dine at Santo Domingos most unique restaurant, Day-trips from Santo Domingo (things-to-do outside of the city), Head for a beach day to Juan Dolio or Boca Chica, Take a day-trip to other parts of the Dominican Republic, Visit the Pomier Caves (Las Cuevas del Pomier), Flash jewelry or walk around with valuables, the best things-to-do in Punta Cana, continue reading here, Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo, continue reading here, how to get from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo, getting from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana here, Unique Waterfall Adventure from Santo Domingo*, you can easily spend days in the historic city center of Santo Domingo, that your accommodation is right in the Colonial Zone, 10 reasons why you should visit the Zona Colonial of Santo Domingo, Book a local guide for the Colonial Zone here*, Get your spot on the Free Walking Tour here*, your accommodation is right in the Colonial Zone, a tour called El Sendero del Cacao which takes you to the cocoa plantations, Book the Colonial Zone Chocolate Workshop*, every accommodation within the Colonial Zone, chocolate tour to San Francisco de Macoris can be booked online, rum tours in Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic, walkable from your accommodation in the same area, check out this list of the best Airbnbs in Santo Domingo, this list of the most spectacular Airbnb in Santo Domingo, check out the full list of Airbnbs in Santo Domingo with more than 25 hand-selected recommendations, Check out the most spectacular Airbnbs in Santo Domingo, The 27 best Airbnbs in Santo Domingo (hand-picked and recommended), Book a nature tour to Los Tres Ojos & more*, 30+ exciting things-to-do in Punta Cana in 2023 (Dominican Republic), 13 Insider tips on how to find the best all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana, Excursion to Isla Saona 2023 everything you need to know for your hassle-free Saona Island Tour, Punta Cana itinerary for an easy 1-week road-trip beaches, culture and mountains, book your spot on the Free Walking Tour here, traveling to Punta Cana on a budget (backpacking Punta Cana), Contact the amazing guys from ecoturismolynx, Montaa Redonda in Miches the instagrammable mountain with spectacular views, Whale watching 2023 in the Dominican Republic (Punta Cana/Saman), Road trips in the Dominican Republic first-hand experiences and local advice, The weather in Punta Cana all you need to know for a worry-free vacation. The best place to visit in Santo Domingo for outdoor dining is Calle El Conde. A wide assortment of animals are on offer from around the world, with some of the highlights being a rhino, white tiger, jaguars, monkeys, and emus. Santo Domingo's Zona Colonial is the highlight of this city and where most of the important tourist attractions are located. If there is a chocolate experience, a rum museum cant be far, right? Visitors can participate in hands-on exhibits that cover topics such as science, technology, art, and culture. 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. Las Cuevas del Pomier are located in San Cristobal, a quick 30- or 45-minute drive (depending on the traffic) from Santo Domingo away. Not far from Parque Coln is the quaint Boutique Hotel Palacio, set in a historic building with a beautiful courtyard and old-world charm. It is a massive cave system of which just a small part is accessible. Monasterio de San Francisco was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times over the years by fire and earthquakes. It might not have as much historical sightseeing as the capital does, but it makes that up with all it's bars around the monument. Santo Domingo offers you various options when it comes to chocolatey things-to-do in the city. Outside of the Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo, the huge Agora Mall has all kinds of international shops. The tropical city is the perfect place to relax or sightsee. You can read more about safety in the Dominican Republic here. air tours and excursions by plane), Culture / Historical Sight (most emblematic square in Santo Domingo), Religion / Historical Sight (first church of the Americas), Visit the most spectacular beach in the Dominican Republic by airplane, The best snorkeling opportunity in the south of the Dominican Republic, Beautiful beaches and great party vibe on the Dominican Republics most paradisiacal island, Explore this rural area north of Santo Domingo and see gorgeous waterfalls and rich plantations, Explore one of the most hidden gems in the country with professional adventure guides. Guibia Public Beach. On the south side of the square is the Catedral Primada de Amrica, the first cathedral built in the Americas. Santo Domingo is the capital of the Dominican Republic. 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, but you can book a guided tour here* or alternatively join one of the free walking tours*.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. 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. Calle Snchez, Santo Domingo 10210, Dominican Republic, Open: MondayTuesday from 9 am to 11 pm, WednesdayThursday and Sunday from 9 am to midnight, FridaySaturday from 9 am to 2 am. It offers a variety of luxury to mid-range rooms that vary in size and price. Spending the evening at Sabina Bar is one of the best things to do after dinner in Santo Domingo. This is also a perfect area to base yourself if you are spending a night or more. 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. The large, wide-open space of Plaza Espaa is a great place to try out your bike or trikke before tackling the narrower streets. I have lived more than 4 years in Santo Domingo and except for once when I made a mistake and walked outside of the Zona Colonial after dark nothing ever has happened to me. The museum aims to promote learning through play and offers a variety of interactive exhibits and activities for children to explore. The three lagoons can be explored walking (with or without a guide), but you cant swim in them. Displays are in Spanish, but headsets with audio recordings in multiple languages are available with your admission fee. Therefore, if you dont want to visit an ordinary restaurant and prefer to have some Dominican street food (as far as street food goes in the Dominican Republic), those are your must places to visit: There is hardly a better place than Santo Domingo to eat true Dominican food like a local, so make sure to tick off this item from your list of things-to-do while you are in the city. The Chu-Chu Train departs every hour from Parque Colon in the Colonial Zone and takes 45 minutes. The park gets its name from three main underground caverns, each housing a magnificent blue lagoon. THE 10 BEST Santo Domingo Nightlife Activities Nightlife in Santo Domingo Enter dates Filters 1 Attractions Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Classes & Workshops Shopping Transportation Traveler Resources Types of Attractions Sights & Landmarks Nightlife 18 Top-Rated Things to Do in Santo Domingo | PlanetWare Situated on a hilltop offering good views out over the sprawling city below, the 400-acre garden is the largest in the Caribbean. Make sure to bring plenty of time when visiting the Colonial Zone. Particularly the Colonial Zone in Santo Domingo is super safe and not dangerous, the same as Uber or taxi rides, restaurants or other attractions in Santo Domingo. There is a flourishing second-hand market for phones in the Dominican Republic you dont want yours to be part of it. Fort Ozama. Santo Domingo Airport Guide (SDQ) - Sleeping in Airports Moscoso National Botanical Garden. 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 Dine at Santo Domingos most unique restaurant Things to do with kids in Santo Domingo Punta Cana Whale Watching Kids will love the view and adults can get an insight into the not-so-nice places to visit in Santo Domingo. Sabina Bar offers live music and a chance to mingle with friendly locals and visitors in Santo Domingo. Note the curving handrail on the stairs to the second floor is made of amber pieces encased in acrylic. From the rum museum (or from Plaza Espaa), just walk three blocks north until you reach Calle Coln and the square respectively the statue Ceiba de Coln. Sign-up for the latest Punta Cana travel stories! But also if you just have a few hours in Santo Domingo, dont miss the Colonial Zone you will love it. 1 export nation worldwide for organic cacao? Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. Explore Zona Colonial on two wheels Zona Bici is the top bike rental shop in Santo Domingo, offering guided tours and hourly rentals of comfortable, well-maintained bikes. Location: Calle Hostos and Calle Juan Isidro Perez. Another thing NOT to do in Santo Domingo is to feel unsafe because this is absolutely not necessary. Excursions & Tours | Punta Cana Travel Blog Built in the first half of the 16th century, this impressive structure was originally constructed on orders from Spain and designed to house the most important government offices of the New World. Teatro Nacional Eduardo Brito is an underrated gem for history and culture in Santo Domingo. 1 thing-to-do in Santo Domingo. Outdoor restaurants, reminiscent of European cafs, offer inviting retreats from the heat of the day, where you can sit and watch life go by. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Rum Experience costs 14 USD + taxes, so approx. 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. Unique things to do in Santo Domingo - Airbnb THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Santo Domingo for Couples (2023) - Tripadvisor The gardens merit a few hours of wandering, but once youve had your fill of all the beautiful flora, head straight for Santo Domingos Colonial Zone where youll spend the rest of the day. If you want to head out and see where the cacao gets harvested before being dried and processed to chocolate, you can do a day-trip from Santo Domingo. You can frequently see fossils in Dominican amber, even in very small pieces. They are performing each Sunday at the historical ruins of San Francisco in the Zona Colonial, which gives it a very special atmosphere that is hard to describe. Begun around 1510 and put into use in various stages until it was finally completed in 1531-32, the convent later went on to become a teaching institution and eventually became the start of what is today the University of Santo Domingo. 10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Santo Domingo Where to Go in Santo Domingo at Night? 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. While many people know about the plenty of art shops or inviting handicraft stores as they are located at the main pedestrian areas, street art in Santo Domingo is one of that things-to-do which often gets overlooked. These are the best places for budget-friendly outdoor activities in Santo Domingo: National Zoological Park; Boca Chica; Zona Bici Bike Rental; Playa de Guibia; Colonial Tour and Travel; See more budget-friendly outdoor activities in Santo Domingo on Tripadvisor If you want to leave the hotel for a bit, take the elevator to the ground floor of the building to access the attached Blue Mall Santo Domingo, a multi-story mall where you can shop for designer goods, local coffees and teas, artisan chocolate, and more; or hail a ride to Avenida Malecn a few miles away, a seaside boulevard thats popular for sunset walks. Dont get too drunk and leave your valuables at home so that you dont become a target. Even if you have no interest in visiting museums, the visually striking displays here are worth a look. Juan Pablo Duarte Statue. The light can be very intense at midday, but the morning and afternoon sun can be wonderful for photographing this historical area. The best area when looking for an overnight stay in Santo Domingo is definitely the Colonial Zone, as most of the interesting activities in Santo Domingo are happening here. 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.

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