Oops, this activity is currently unavailable. 23 exciting things-to-do in Santo Domingo (and 5 NOT to do), Author, Travel Coach & Punta Cana based digital nomad. While I was there, I got to meet the Dominican owner, who gave me a tour of the museum. The idea of a modern zoo was an initiative taken in April 1972. Santo Domingo is one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean and is the capital city of Dominican Republic. The park provides a tranquil respite from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. Unsubscribe in one click. This is one of the best nights out in Santo Domingo with friends or family. This counts for some exciting opportunities. I will design your tailor-made itinerary, tell you how to save money on your trip and send you the best insider tips and recommendations. They are performing each Sunday (once Covid-19 is over) at the historical ruins of San Francisco in the Zona Colonial, which gives it a very special atmosphere that is hard to describe. The capital city of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo is often overlooked by travelers to the island who prefer Dominican beach towns or resort getaways. Full-Day Guided Tour in Santo Domingo 19 Bus Tours from $85.00 per adult Full-day at Catalina Island from Santo Domingo with optional snorkeling included 2 Ports of Call Tours from $239.00 per adult (price varies by group size) Saona Island Full-Day All-Inclusive Tour from Santo Domingo 3 Adventure Tours from $97.00 per adult Experience a special fusion of Chinese-Dominican culture. Historical evidence left behind shows that the caves were used for several different purposes among magical religious activities. LGBTQ+ friendly experience, vegetarian acommodating! Species such as the Hispaniolan woodpecker, Limpkin, and the West Indian Whistling-duck can be seen here among the lush and verdant vegetation. 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. The rest of the hike (4 hours round trip) consists of gorgeous natural pools enveloped by tall limestone cliffs and mountains. And for something truly unique, try your hand at making your own soap using cocoa butter with your choice of aromatic oils. You can practice your merengue and bachata dance skills anywhere in the country, whether on the beach or at your resort's nightclub, in local bars and at concerts. 27. You'll find them on street corners all around the country, with some estimates suggesting that there is one colmado for every 188 inhabitants. 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:Entrance to all those places mentioned is for free, except for some live music events or cultural performances.Why it is one of the best things-to-do in Santo Domingo:Dominicans love to drink, mingle and dance, so it is the perfect way to experience this part of the Dominican life. Related: My Beginners Guide to Living in Santo Domingo. Check out Ciudad Colonial (Colonial City) (from USD 45.0), 29. The caves offer deeper insights into the pre-colonial and ancestral origins of the Dominican Republic. Thats why a list of the best things-to-do in Santo Domingo definitely can help you to get your vacation organized. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. The Rum Experience costs 14 USD + taxes, so approx. Tiradentes, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Your email address will not be published. Visiting Santo Domingo is totally doable on your own. Address: Av. You will notice before that something is changing and your instinct will make you turn around immediately. 0.35 USD).Why it is one of the best things-to-do in Santo Domingo:It is the easiest and most economical way to see Santo Domingo from above. Experience the care that provides well-being to the body and your spirit, because once achieved, beauty and balance will radiate throughout your being. The ingredients you require will be readily available at the home you will cook in. If you dont have a rental car, which is not necessarily recommendable in Santo Domingo, it is easiest to arrive by taxi or Uber.Cost:Prices depend on the group size and the tour you choose, so make sure to ask in advance.Why it is one of the best things-to-do in Santo Domingo:A unique cave system close to Santo Domingo with many possibilities for adventure and adrenaline.Further Information:You can call +1 809 629-3536 for details. 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. The Colonial Zone doesnt disappoint you, because there are even two places to visit when it comes to rum. First, there is the El Museo del Ron, which focuses on the history of rum and showcases some traditional exhibits. It was privately founded in 1999 by Juan Jose Bellapart. Possible destinations are the beautiful Saman peninsula, the mountains in Jarabacoa & Constanza or the beaches of Punta Cana. Anthropologist Ruth Pion ofAfro Historia RDwill lead you throughthis Afro-heritage educational walking tour experience. These museums include. They are open in the evenings and tickets for a show cost around DOP $300 pesos. It also brings a fair share of challenges, for example maintaining sanitary standards, as they receive hundreds of visitors a day. Help Center . As you enter the park and find your way down its many steps, you get to explore an expansive cave system not forgetting the three different freshwater lakes that resemble three eyes. The Botanical Garden also hosts a butterfly garden and a scenic Japanese Garden with stunning photo opportunities, so it is worth visiting this Santo Domingo attraction. This is probably the most popular day-trip from Santo Domingo, especially when people are missing the beach in the city. 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. Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! 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. In this case, you definitely should take a day-trip from Santo Domingo. Come here for shows, performances, theatre productions, or one of the many fun local meet-up events. This is a vital means of everyday local transportation that helps Dominicans and our environment. The cable car is 5 kilometers long and has 4 stations. Something a little bit more difficult to realize is the personal connection with the Dominican people. Stay in a former colonial home turned boutique hotel, stroll the pedestrian Calle El Conde, and dine at plazas. It is free and sits above a Larimar store, so feel free to stroll through and go upstairs to enter the museum. 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. You might even be lucky enough to catch a game of dominoes or join in a karaoke session. Much to your delight, you get to participate in a fully interactive and multi-sensory experience, one that includes a 3D movie with outstanding features such as motion seats, wind, mist, fog, heat and even bubbles, giving you a real-life experience. However, if you're having trouble finding a colmado, just listen for the sound of blasting salsa, merengue, or bachata music. The entrance fee is DOP $200 pesos which includes a ticket for a tram ride around the park. It is a refreshing day trip from Santo Domingos city living and a great way to explore our countrys eastern natural wonders. Spend some time at Columbus Lighthouse (from USD 70.0), 28. This article is about the best things-to-do in Santo Domingo. Since 2011 I have been living in the Caribbean, among them 5 years in the Dominican Republic. Today, it is the place where the countrys most famous persons are honoured. This means that there were helpless ear craving for more. 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. How to get there:When staying in Santo Domingo, chances are that your accommodation is right in the Colonial Zone*. Coco Bongo Punta Cana Would you like to take advantage of someone with years of experience in the tourism industry (knowing all the travel hacks ) and living right in the place where you would like to spend your holiday?Thats what my personal travel coaching is for. You can go with a professional pilot and roam the skies above the Jarabacoa valleys. The park is also a popular destination for bird watchers, as a wide variety make home in the Dominican Republic. The monument has the period which he was President 27 February - 25 September 1963. Use safety equipment to safeguard yourself from accidents, and hire a guide to open up to the city like a localite. Address: Calle Las Damas, Santo Domingo 10210, Dominican Republic, Website: National Pantheon of the Dominican Republic. 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. 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 zone is a tourist spot today and a major attraction from people around the world. 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. Exactly thats Los Tres Ojos National Park, one of the most unique things-to-do in Santo Domingo. Both tourist attractions can be best reached by taxi or Uber.Cost:The entrance fee to Faro a Coln is approx. You get to expand your knowledge of the citys history, culture and values through world-class technology. Hear the stories of the elusive characters buried in Casa del Tapao, marvel at the Colonial churches, as you enjoy a lovely sightseeing tour. For the year 2006 there were few places in the Dominican Republic where you could listen to rock music. Once you gain enough knowhow, zip around the city with a guide. Bird-watchers take note, this is one of the best places in Santo Domingo to see rare avian species. However, it is a free thing to do in Santo Domingo, so that is a plus if you are traveling on a budget. So if you dont vibe with one of the artists, then half visit might feel underwhelming. Your email address will not be published. Dominican Republic Tourism Dominican Republic Hotels Dominican Republic Bed and Breakfast Exploring the beaches, snorkeling, and hiking are some of the best things to do in Samana DR . This is a cute place to make your own chocolate bars or chocolate soap. Make the most of your early mornings as you play a fantastic round of golf in the Dominican Republic. Los Tres Ojos National Park & Open Caves Systems, 13. If there is a chocolate experience, a rum museum cant be far, right? BUT, check this out if youre a big art lover who wants to peruse of all types of art in the Dominican Republic. Start your visit by making your own chocolate, choosing from a variety of shapes, flavors, and toppings to create your own unique confection. The upstairs space for art and community meetups may have been turned into something else. They exhibit the life trajectory of Juan Pablo Duarte from his birth onwards. Once you had an amazing day in the Colonial Zone, its time to think about dinner. The Microteatro space is in a beautiful colonial building and as such has an open-air courtyard where you can eat and drink. All of the 3 spots the 2 museums in the Colonial Zone and the plantation tour from Santo Domingo to San Francisco de Macors are perfect places to visit when you are interested in chocolate. Please go ahead and add Punta Cana Travel Blog to your feed. The Bellapart Museum is located above a Honda dealership, in what seems like a large apartment. Linda Is a free spirit writer, I do love exploring, visiting new places experience, new things, and most of all learn. Address: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. If you come in the day, do not pass up on freshly made mango juice. Onno's Zona Colonial 92 Bars & Clubs Open now By 55jannellec The music and DJ were on point. Zona Bici is the top bike rental shop in Santo Domingo, offering guided tours and hourly rentals of comfortable, well-maintained bikes. Experience a wide variety of tours and events through Airbnb. The second level of the building was their home with antique furniture, marvellous paintings, and wax models of the members of the Duarte family. This larimar museum is small but very interesting and fun to stroll through. Although you dont learn how to make either from scratch, it can still be a fun activity to do with your family. Santo. You can listen to all types of music, from merengue to traditional son and more. Start planning your trip today! Location: Calle Isabel La Catlica 206, Santo Domingo 10212, Dominican Republic Open: Daily from 2 pm to 11 pm Phone: +1 809-906-9706 Map 3 Coolmado Las Mercedes A unique bar and grocery store When visiting the attraction of Los Tres Ojos, you can also have a quick stop at Faro a Coln on the way back, as this place to visit is located in the same area of Santo Domingo. Explore one of the oldest cities - Santo Domingo (from USD 95.0), 3. Here we post events, news, cultural insights, trips, and tips. Here you'll find some of the largest and most pristine beaches in the Caribbean as well as the highest concentration of all-inclusive resorts. Thats particularly because it feels like another world walking along the several hiking paths and exploring the different species compared to all this chaos and traffic jam in the city. 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. 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. The tours start in El Conde Street. Without further ado, lets take a look at. These small shops are a hub of activity, and their loud music can often be heard from blocks away. In this video we're in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic exploring the Colonial Zone for this best things to d. It gives you a good introduction to the importance of rum for the Dominican Republic, but it is more of a typical museum. From the amazing drinks and tasty cocktails, Mama Club knows how to keep you coming back for more. However, if you are in Santo Domingo for a business trip and need some fresh air and lush vegetation, if you are living in Santo Domingo for a longer time or if you a visitor and interested in birdwatching, the Botanical Garden might be an attractive place to visit 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. BOOK THE TRES OJOS TOUR HERE. Click here to check availability and reserve tickets! As a museum, store, and factory all in one, KahKow offers a range of interactive activities for visitors to enjoy. How to get there:When staying in Santo Domingo, chances are that your accommodation is right in the Colonial Zone*. His daughter is also Joarla Caridad, who makes gorgeous craft larimar and amber jewelry. But also if you just have a few hours in Santo Domingo, dont miss the Colonial Zone you will love it. Stay up to date with my posts, culturally immersive/outdoor tours, and meetups. 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. When riding the Telefrico, you can also seize the chance and get to know the Santo Domingo Metro, another modern and crucial transportation system of the city. The premises also house an antique collection of weapons. 11. It is a massive cave system of which just a small part is accessible. Every Sunday, Chinatown comes alive with the sights and smells of exotic delicacies. 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. Watch 15-minute plays on a variety of creative themes, which change monthly, and enjoy delicious tapas and cocktails while you wait in their romantic open-air courtyard. With 4 years living in the city, I know all the places you should visit and also those you should stay away from. The botanical gardens are about 40 minutes from the Colonial Zone. 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. Go on experiences with our local hosts in or near Santo Domingo. The three lagoons can be explored walking (with or without a guide), but you cant swim in them. Address: Av Repblica de Colombia, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Website: Dr. Rafael Ma. Admire architecture from the 16th century in the Zona Colonial, $89 A lot of the things mentioned in this post are in la Zona Colonial. 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). So sorry, I cant help you out with nightlife! If not, simply take a cab or an Uber to reach La Zona Colonial, as the Dominicans call it. The park gets its name from the three eye-shaped underground lakes inside caverns. Address: Av. Both beach towns also offer some comfortable beach clubs to relax and chill out. Seeing the local crowds dancing like crazy is an experience itself which you shouldnt miss. Not too far away from the Botanical Garden, you can find the Estadio Quisqueya which is home to two baseball teams in Santo Domingo, the Leones del Escogido and the Tigres del Licey. 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