Santo Domingos most historic neighbourhood is also its most romantic, lively, and cultural. Let's explore the best things to do in the Dominican Republic: 1. 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. So lets see. Some history of Calle Hostos And I want to see the Lanimar gem! Address: Av. Of course, this type of mentality is not unique to just this place in the Dominican Republic or the world. Address: Av. I have to say that I wasnt that much impressed with the food when I was there, but this was also already 5 years ago. This museum primarily honors those who have fought against oppression, such as the notorious dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo. Onno's Zona Colonial 92 Bars & Clubs Open now By 55jannellec The music and DJ were on point. 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. The customer service is impeccable and the food will always have you licking your lips in satisfaction. SHARING IS CARING! The other is the super delicious taste of organic bean-to-bar chocolate or a fresh cup of hot chocolate . Its rustic interior decor and perfect lighting sets the perfect mood for a party night. The rest of the hike (4 hours round trip) consists of gorgeous natural pools enveloped by tall limestone cliffs and mountains. So if you dont vibe with one of the artists, then half visit might feel underwhelming. Your email address will not be published. Check their website for more info. But Dominican amber is even more special. Both beach towns also offer some comfortable beach clubs to relax and chill out. Come here for shows, performances, theatre productions, or one of the many fun local meet-up events. Los Charcos de Nizao (Day Trip from Santo Domingo), 25. Youll see kids playing in the natural pools, hear dogs and roosters sing, and smell that nostalgic toasted wood campo aroma, as you fly above schools, homes, lush plains, busy streets, and rivers. An easy stop between your Zona Colonial travels. Los Tres Ojos might be the coolest (tourist) attraction in Santo Domingo. This city is thriving in social movements, culture, gastronomy, nightlife, and events almost every day. There is a theatre with an outdoor courtyard and an art gallery by the entrance. Or how about trying the fresh catch of the day at one of the many fish stalls? It exposes you to its 500-years-old history, thanks to the audio guides available in seven different languages. How to get there:Choco Museo is located right in the pedestrian zone Calle El Conde, KahKow Experience in the oldest street of the Americas, Calle Las Damas. LGBTQ+ friendly experience, vegetarian acommodating! When you stroll through the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo, you can admire all the historical houses with their colorful fronts and explore the stories each building has to tell. You get to expand your knowledge of the citys history, culture and values through world-class technology. However, if you're having trouble finding a colmado, just listen for the sound of blasting salsa, merengue, or bachata music. From $160 / person From $160 per person. Tiradentes, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Iglesia Las Mercedes 49 27. Thanks to the plentiful and creative options, you can make this dinner an attraction in Santo Domingo itself. This is one of the best nights out in Santo Domingo with friends or family. Address: Calle Marginal Las Americas Este, Santo Domingo Este 11604, Dominican Republic, A post shared by Gilles Bussutil (@french_pilot). 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. See our privacy policy for more information on how we use your data. But Santo Domingo, once the capital of the Hispanic Americas, is one of the most fascinating and exciting cities to visit! Rafael Trujillo, the dictator, assumed office at the Royal Houses. 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. With the crystalline waters of the three lakes comes a rich fauna where you can find bats, ferns and fish. Address: Calle La Atarazana 2, Santo Domingo 10212, Dominican Republic, A post shared by Chu Chu Colonial (@chuchucolonial) on Nov 12, 2019 at 8:11am PST. Relax in the Dominican Alps Santo Domingo is the vibrant capital of the Dominican Republic with so many multifaceted things-to-do. However, the city also can be overwhelming with its 3 million inhabitants and omnipresent traffic jam. Santo Domingo is home to the Hospital San Nicols, the oldest hospital built in the New World back in the early 1500s. Related: My Beginners Guide to Living 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. Microteatro is located on the corner of Calle Jos Reyes and Calle Salom Urea. They host their music performances within the Ruins of San Francisco in the Colonial City of Santo Domingo every Sunday night from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. It's an untouched route in deep nature, my favorite in DR and you try the authentic Dominican cuisine. The museum contains artwork, videos, text, photographs, and more. My Blog Post: Heres why and how to visit the Three Eyes National Park! You can see a little bit of everything here. They come to follow in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus, or seek colossal whales on the Samana coast. It is also being said that some remnants of Christopher Columbus are sheltered at Faro a Coln, but there is no proof as a DNA test was never allowed by the Dominican government. 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. Along the way, visit the oldest sites in the Americas. The second level of the building was their home with antique furniture, marvellous paintings, and wax models of the members of the Duarte family. It is a very unique thing-to-do in Santo Domingo to watch a baseball game, as baseball is the national sport of the Dominican Republic. It also showcases a coat of arms. 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. Perfect when you want to explore everything without walking under the spicy hot Caribbean sun. The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino has one of the biggest (and flashiest) gaming floors in the area, with over 500 slots and 28 game tables. Experience the care that provides well-being to the body and your spirit, because once achieved, beauty and balance will radiate throughout your being. Did you like this article and would like to read all new stories about Punta Cana and beyond? 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. John F. Kennedy, Santo Domingo 10129, Dominican Republic, One of the beautiful wooden homes in the Colonial Zone. It is a massive cave system of which just a small part is accessible. Go whale watching. Usually, I am not a big fan of day-trips where you are spending the whole day either in the car or on the bus. 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. There is also a beautiful outdoor colonial courtyard located between exhibits. Top 30 Things To Do In Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Search Vrbo for the best Holiday Homes & Rentals, things to do in santo domingo | explore one of the oldest cities - santo domingo, explore one of the oldest cities - santo domingo, things to do in santo domingo | see the highlights of 500-year-old colonial zone, see the highlights of 500-year-old colonial zone, things to do in santo domingo | learn to cook dominican dishes, go on a trikke ride along the streets of santo domingo, check out ciudad colonial (colonial city), 10 Best Swim-Up Suites In Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, 8 Best All-Inclusive Resorts Near Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, 10 Best Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts In Punta Cana, Dominican Republic - Updated 2023, 1. They exhibit the life trajectory of Juan Pablo Duarte from his birth onwards. 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. Sign-up for the latest Punta Cana travel stories! 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. Grab your shopping bag and write down the grocery list. The building itself is a mixture of different architectural styles. So imagine my delight when I found dozens of beautiful cafes from which to work and eat in Santo Domingo. For the year 2006 there were few places in the Dominican Republic where you could listen to rock music. Its pale cyan-blue color divinely matches the water of its coasts beautifully. Youll learn about the islands history, from the Tainos to the Spanish invasion to our African heritage. Hey, I am Chris, a born and raised German, travel-addictive and Caribbean Soul. You can go with a professional pilot and roam the skies above the Jarabacoa valleys. It your first time in Santo Domingo as first time traveler and you are looking for things to do in Dominican Republic but there one problem. 11. Tours of the cathedral are conducted regularly with access to the interior, exterior and extended grounds. 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. Dominican Republic. Although there are many popular ones, here are my two personal cafes in Santo Domingo. Its not easy in our country to get work while disabled, but Toque Angeical has created a space for this. Make an exclusive stop at Tres Ojos National Park (from USD 101.0), 10 Best Nightclubs In Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, What To Buy In Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Top 12 Must-Dos In Santiago De Los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic (1), Top 11 Airbnb Vacation Rentals In Skradin, Croatia, Top 10 Bed And Breakfasts In Burlington, Vermont, Top 10 Airbnb Vacation Rentals In Greystones, Ireland, 10 Self-Catering Accommodations In And Near Drakensberg, Lesotho, Top 10 Vacation Rentals In Ludington, Michigan, USA. You can spend hours here. Click here to join the Dominican Republic Travel Community. 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. 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. Here youll also get to meet German exchange students. If you come in the day, do not pass up on freshly made mango juice. Its $180 for two people. Punta Cana Currency 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. It was later used as a tobacco warehouse, a theatre thereafter, until the building was restored in 1956 by dictator Rafael Trujillo for its current usage as a national mausoleum. Combine a trip here with a visit to the zoo. Travel into the past with a day trip to Santo Domingothe capital of the Dominican Republic. Talk to your guide about it. Required fields are marked *. There are over 300 attractions in the area that include historical characters, cultural monuments, homes of eminent personalities from the colonial time and important streets such as Las Damas street. With the help of your guide, your mission will be to catch a glimpse of some of the most famous attractions in the area including Las Damas Street, fifth-century colonial monuments and the famous Diego Columbus Alcazar, the first-ever cathedral in the new world. 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 Day-trips from Santo Domingo (things-to-do outside of the city) Head for a beach day to Juan Dolio or Boca Chica It is said that the church was completed in 1755, but according to documents the church was in use since 1746. La Briciola di Santo Domingo: Our favorite in Santo Domingo - See 249 traveler reviews, 76 candid photos, and great deals for Dominican Republic, at Tripadvisor. This unique restaurant is located in a natural limestone cave, created by the action of the waves when millions of years ago the coast hugged this cliff. One of the things I enjoyed most in Santo Domingo when leaving the Colonial Zone was walking along the so-called Malecn, the oceanfront promenade. If there is a chocolate experience, a rum museum cant be far, right? So if youd like to practice your German in DR, this is likely the place to find some friends from Germany! They also offer a range of mouthwatering cocktails, including Pia Titi, Sangra del Huerto, and mojito Campo Abierto. 6. In terms of a hotel you can check out the following options, which have their very own colonial atmosphere: If a hotel is nothing for you and you prefer a more individual accommodation, you can also check out this list of the best Airbnbs in Santo Domingo, where you can find plenty of colonial accommodation in the Colonial Zone as well. This counts for some exciting opportunities. They usually host about two exhibits by two different artists. Every Sunday, Chinatown comes alive with the sights and smells of exotic delicacies. These small shops are a hub of activity, and their loud music can often be heard from blocks away. 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). But also if you just have a few hours in Santo Domingo, dont miss the Colonial Zone you will love it. And once you do this I highly recommend you to book one of those accommodations with a colonial charm, so that you can feel the full historical vibe of the area. This electric scooter tour helps you see as much of La Zona Colonial from the comfort of your scooter. Its so prettyyyy. It has projecting beams of light that form the shape of a cross. 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