things to do in santo domingo, dominican republic

However, even without understanding the dialogue, the plays are highly entertaining and creative, offering a glimpse into Santo Domingo's evolving arts and theater scene. This city is thriving in social movements, culture, gastronomy, nightlife, and events almost every day. Looking for things to do in Dominican Republic? Both beach towns also offer some comfortable beach clubs to relax and chill out. Among the many things to do in Santo Domingo, a must see attraction is the Cathedral of Santo Domingo. This is a fairly new thing-to-do in Santo Domingo, as the cable car was just inaugurated in 2018. 18 USD for the tour.Why it is one of the best things-to-do in Santo Domingo:The Dominican rum has a leading reputation in the world, so it is worth having a closer look.Further information: Sugar Cane Experience*. Both are offering a tour around their premises and a create your own chocolate bar workshop*. This is an interactive tour through the world of rum including a tasting at the end. Start planning your trip today! The other is the super delicious taste of organic bean-to-bar chocolate or a fresh cup of hot chocolate . You may likely have the entire place to yourself like I have several times. 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. They have different locations in Santo Domingo so find the one closest to you and book ahead of time. Before heading out for lunch to one of the traditional Dominican restaurants, make sure you shop for souvenirs at a local market. If there is a chocolate experience, a rum museum cant be far, right? 2022 The 3 Eyes National Park 2,515 Geologic Formations, National Parks 2022 Zona Colonial 3,147 Points of Interest & Landmarks 2022 Alczar de Coln 1,715 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. 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. Why it is one of the best things-to-do in Santo Domingo:Those historical sights with importance for the entire country should not be missed.Further information:10 reasons why you should visit the Zona Colonial of Santo Domingo. This is the name of a traditional and extremely popular Dominican music group, who is playing the typical Dominican music: Bachata, Salsa and Merengue. 1. Here is a selection of some of the most unique dining experiences you can find in the Colonial Zone: This is just a selection of some recommendable places to visit in Santo Domingo for dinner, there are plenty of further options in the Colonial Zone. Looking for a lively spot to pick up essentials or socialize with locals in Santo Domingo? It is particularly interesting considering that the mountains around Santo Domingo reach around 5000 feet just 30 minutes away from the city. The Botanical Garden is located on Avenida Repblica de Colombia. 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. 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. How to get there:Both places to visit are walkable within the Colonial Zone. So if youre thinking of what to do in Santo Domingo Well, heres a little bit of everything for everyone in this vibrant capital. The park is also a popular destination for bird watchers, as a wide variety make home in the Dominican Republic. However, if you're having trouble finding a colmado, just listen for the sound of blasting salsa, merengue, or bachata music. 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. 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. Historical evidence left behind shows that the caves were used for several different purposes among magical religious activities. What is it: Housing a bar, caf, art gallery and bookshop, the hard-to-find Mamey Librera Caf is a welcome moment of calm from the bustling streets of Santo Domingo. This means that there were helpless ear craving for more. I have to admit that the Pomier Caves are on my to-do-list for a long long time and I havent managed it so far to realize it, even many friends have been there and say it is an amazing thing-to-do, especially when looking for a quick (half-) day-trip from Santo Domingo. Punta Cana AirbnbsPunta Cana Airport TransfersPunta Cana All-Inclusive ResortsPunta Cana BeachesPunta Cana Car Rental Its historic significance makes a most-visited tourist attraction in the country. Help Center . 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. Required fields are marked *. 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. If youre heading to Punta Cana after Santo Domingo, this may be a great way to combine a day trip with transportation! - See 249 traveler reviews, 76 candid photos, and great deals for Dominican Republic, at Tripadvisor. Go on a Trikke ride along the streets of Santo Domingo (from USD 46.0). 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. How to get there:You need to arrange your hike beforehand as there arent any marked hiking trails around Santo Domingo.Cost:Hiking is for free, you just have to pay the guide.Why it is one of the best things-to-do in Santo Domingo:Adventure and completely untouched nature is a combination hard to resist.Further Information:Contact the amazing guys from ecoturismolynx* if you are looking for hikes close to Santo Domingo. And for something truly unique, try your hand at making your own soap using cocoa butter with your choice of aromatic oils. You can also do a work exchange to have a more unique experience in the area. From amazing national reserves to outstanding heritage sites, the capital of the Dominican Republic has it all. Also take care of your phone, as they are often targeted. Not only will you be able to pick up any essentials you need, but you'll also get a glimpse into the social and cultural life of the community while drinking a cold beer. Moreover, you can pop into the many shops and restaurants if youre still hungry or want some specialty Asian goods to buy. 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. See the highlights of 500-year-old Colonial Zone (from USD 499.0), 5. Visiting this off-the-beaten-track tourist attraction in the Greater Santo Domingo area (you wont find it in any guide book) is not for the faint-hearted, as you have narrow pathways, steep rappels and pitch-black passages. This wax museum houses life-sized figures. Step into Dominican history at the palace of Diego Coln, Check out the best beaches near Santo Domingo Beaches like, Once a year, Santo Domingo hosts the DRs biggest Pride, Come discover one of the most colorful and joyous festivals, Explore treasure, maps, weapons and other artefacts from the Spanish, Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox, I would like to get Visit Dominican Republic newsletters in my inbox. Here are other DR posts to check out. There is a tour called El Sendero del Cacao which takes you to the cocoa plantations* around San Francisco de Macors, which is kind of the capital when it comes to cacao cultivation in the Dominican Republic. Here youll also get to meet German exchange students. How to get there:All accommodation mentioned are located within the limits of the Zona Colonial.Cost:Accommodation in the Colonial Zone can reach from 30 to 300 USD per night.Why it is one of the best things-to-do in Santo Domingo:When visiting the Zona Colonial, there is no reason to stop experiencing the colonial charm once you enter your accommodation. The idea of a modern zoo was an initiative taken in April 1972. The National Zoological Park of the Dominican Republic suffices an educational need in the country. But many people (including local Dominicans) love shopping here! However, the city also can be overwhelming with its 3 million inhabitants and omnipresent traffic jam. 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. However, I can understand that sometimes a day-trip is the only option to explore a region or a country. The rest of the hike (4 hours round trip) consists of gorgeous natural pools enveloped by tall limestone cliffs and mountains. The below things to do in Santo Domingo are ones I personally dont think are that great but are popular. It gives you a good introduction to the importance of rum for the Dominican Republic, but it is more of a typical museum. The chocolate tour to San Francisco de Macoris can be booked online and usually starts at the KahKow Experience as well.Cost:Basic entry to Choco Museo is free, the chocolate workshop has an extra cost. This museum primarily honors those who have fought against oppression, such as the notorious dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo. Address: Calle Isabel La Catlica # 304, Santo Domingo 10212, Dominican Republic, Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Mon). Even you might read a lot of stories about Santo Domingo, mentioning how dangerous Santo Domingo is, this is usually not true if you stick to the areas mentioned in this article of the best things-to-do in Santo Domingo, if you avoid the things explained in this section and if you dont get involved in any shady business (usually the top 3 causing problems are alcohol, sex and drugs). Zona Bici offers a variety of bike sizes and types to suit riders of all ages and skill levels, including tandems and tricycles. 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. But Dominican amber is even more special. 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. Most crime, especially robberies, is happening during the wee hours of the day. Address: Calle Marginal Las Americas Este, Santo Domingo Este 11604, Dominican Republic, A post shared by Gilles Bussutil (@french_pilot). 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. 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