See Gothic Ruins and Birds at Hospital San Nicols. Remember to bring cash if you plan on buying anything, as most of the vendors dont accept credit cards. 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. Address: Av. Another thing NOT to do in Santo Domingo is to feel unsafe because this is absolutely not necessary. 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. Costs start at $50 per person. These are the amazing and most thrilling things to do in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Food tours, surfing lessons, and more unique activities hosted by locals . Indeed, there are tons of fun things to do in Dominican Republic with kids if you're looking for full immersion during your stay. Also take care of your phone, as they are often targeted. Regardless of the new changes, Mamey was the former colonial home of Dominican historian Emilio Rodriguez Demorizi. Briefly listed below are some cool places. Moscoso National Botanical Garden, A post shared by Steve McConnell (@specularsteve) on Apr 21, 2019 at 7:23am PDT. This is basically a train that offers 45-minute tours through Ciudad Colonial. DAY TWO: 10:00 am. NOTE: It is mostly closed for renovation. How to get there:For a day-trip from Santo Domingo, the best thing-to-do is to book a guided excursion so that you dont have to deal with any organizational stuff..Cost:Prices for day-trips vary, depending on where you go and whats included.Why it is one of the best things-to-do in Santo Domingo:If you dont have another chance to get to know the country, a day-trip is a decent way to learn more about the Dominican Republic. Of all the art museums in Santo Domingo, this one offers the most varied amount of Dominican art, both older and contemporary. The unique thing about the nightlife in the Zona Colonial is that it is perfectly safe, but it still isnt touristy and you usually will meet exclusively locals, as they love to go out in this area. You might even be lucky enough to catch a game of dominoes or join in a karaoke session. But Dominican amber is even more special. Santo Domingo boasts amazing beaches and breathtaking holiday rentals and amazing hotels, attracting tourists from around the globe to come and have a taste of the Caribbean beach and the tranquillity it offers. ChocoMuseo was designed to share knowledge about cacao. There is a flourishing second-hand market for phones in the Dominican Republic you dont want yours to be part of it. Its free and tucked between several Zona Colonial highlights. 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. 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. National Botanical Gardens Initially made to explore and preserve the natural plants of Santo Domingo, the National Botanical Garden is a beautiful and stunning setting in which you can appreciate the scenery and tropical environment of the Dominican Republic. Stay up to date with my posts, culturally immersive/outdoor tours, and meetups. Spend some time at Columbus Lighthouse (from USD 70.0), 28. Essential Santo Domingo Do Places to see, ways to wander, and signature experiences. Housed in a 1500s Spanish home, this cultural center hosts several talks about history and heritage. The second level of the building was their home with antique furniture, marvellous paintings, and wax models of the members of the Duarte family. 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. Unsubscribe in one click. The Botanical Garden is for sure not a top thing-to-do in Santo Domingo and therefore not a must-see if you are just in the city for a day or two. Its $180 for two people. You can buy your tickets there just before the function, however, it often gets sold out so its best to arrive early. Bring water shoes with grip like these ones. Here we post events, news, cultural insights, trips, and tips. Whether you're a nature lover or just looking for a peaceful escape from the city, this is a great destination to visit. 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. Plaza de Espana is lined with amazing cafes. Do you need help planning a customized vacation in Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic? We depart at 6am (pick up might start 30 minutes before). And its affordable, too. You can either hire a driver or book this tour which includes another waterfall, Sierra de Agua. Pedro Henrquez Urea National Library (Biblioteca Nacional). Dominican Republic Tourism Dominican Republic Hotels Dominican Republic Bed and Breakfast 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. Crime is existing, primarily in the city and especially petty theft and robberies, but tourists are hardly targeted. 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. The Botanical Garden is located on Avenida Repblica de Colombia. Make sure to arrange your visit in advance as there are no official opening hours. Santo. 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. Go whale watching. Oops, this activity is currently unavailable. 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. While you can also create your own soap made out of cacao butter at KahKow Experience, ChocoMuseo lets you taste different kinds of chocolates. 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. 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). This botanical garden features collections of ferns, palms, and over 300 types of orchids. Looking for a lively spot to pick up essentials or socialize with locals in Santo Domingo? 1 export nation worldwide for organic cacao? Visiting Santo Domingo is totally doable on your own. Santo Domingo is full of local artists who sell their handmade crafts. 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. Address: Plaza Nuevo Sol, Calle Dr Jacinto Ignacio Man 41, Santo Domingo 10126, Dominican Republic. Culture, nature, nightlife, local experiences, unique adventures Santo Domingo has it all. 2-3 USD, but you can see it for free from outside if you are not interested in the exhibition.Why it is one of the best things-to-do in Santo Domingo:It is a unique place to visit in Santo Domingo with an interesting (and question-worthy) part of history. Los Tres Ojos might be the coolest (tourist) attraction in Santo Domingo. They have different locations in Santo Domingo so find the one closest to you and book ahead of time. With 4 years living in the city, I know all the places you should visit and also those you should stay away from. How to get there:Just walk within the Zona Colonial until the Calle Coln and the Ceiba de Coln. Tiradentes, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. This larimar museum is small but very interesting and fun to stroll through. Its hard to miss. Don't miss the serene Japanese Garden, where you can take in the breathtaking view and capture the perfect photo for your Instagram feed. Before heading out for lunch to one of the traditional Dominican restaurants, make sure you shop for souvenirs at a local market. 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 is a vital means of everyday local transportation that helps Dominicans and our environment. 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. 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. Visiting Niagara Falls: Which Side to Choose? A mix of a contemporary art gallery, furniture studio and, This powerful, emotionally-charged museum bears witness to a brutal chapter, Learn how the best organic chocolate is made, taste a, The oceanside town of Boca Chica has long drawn tourists. These caverns were inhabited by different types of people at different timelines in history. travels throughout the Dominican Republic, 2. Experience the care that provides well-being to the body and your spirit, because once achieved, beauty and balance will radiate throughout your being. When in Santo Domingo, explore the Colonial Zone, an UNESCO World Heritage site. F2VW+JJR, Av Repblica de Colombia, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Phone +1 809-385-2611 Web Visit website Hike the most extensive botanical gardens in the Caribbean, located in Santo Domingo. Here are other DR posts to check out. See our privacy policy for more information on how we use your data. It exposes you to its 500-years-old history, thanks to the audio guides available in seven different languages. The serenity and tranquillity of this historic park attracts locals, tourists, even hawkers creating an illusion of a small village within a city. Both are offering a tour around their premises and a create your own chocolate bar workshop*. The entrance fee is DOP $200 pesos which includes a ticket for a tram ride around the park. Required fields are marked *. LGBTQ+ friendly experience, vegetarian acommodating! An easy stop between your Zona Colonial travels. But dont worry, there is hardly any chance that you visit those neighborhoods unintentionally. 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. Please go ahead and add Punta Cana Travel Blog to your feed. Getting there Roam the Zona Colonial of Santo Domingo Source: flickr However, dont present an opportunity. 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. Virginia Spa is the first Spa in the Dominican Republic, a magical oasis of peace and serenity with the benefits of an ancient art and tradition. The Museum of the Royal Houses provides a look into the history and cultural heritage of the Dominican Republic, starting from Christoper Columbus invasion. Among the many things to do in Santo Domingo, a must see attraction is the Cathedral of Santo Domingo. Depending on your appearance and where exactly you are, some of these people are simply interested in connecting with you and some of them are just interested in something else (money, valuables, visa relationship, etc.). If you want to learn more, read our guide to Cash, Costs, and Money Saving Tips in the Dominican Republic. My Blog Post: Heres why and how to visit the Three Eyes National Park! This is the name of a traditional and extremely popular Dominican music group, who is playing the typical Dominican music: Bachata, Salsa and Merengue. It was implemented by architects Eugenio Prez Monts and Manuel Valverde Podest in September in the same year. Let's go to El Tabernculo. Its historic significance makes a most-visited tourist attraction in the country. Tours of the cathedral are conducted regularly with access to the interior, exterior and extended grounds. Onno's Zona Colonial 92 Bars & Clubs Open now By 55jannellec The music and DJ were on point. 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. To find KahKow, head to Calle Las Damas in Zona Colonial. One of the lagoons can be accessed with a kind of a wooden barge fixed on a rope. Your email address will not be published. It also showcases a coat of arms. It is a refreshing day trip from Santo Domingos city living and a great way to explore our countrys eastern natural wonders. Other than the Catedral Primada de America, Parque Colon, the citys historical park is home to several statues including a large statue of admiral Columbus. Youll need to take public transportation or an uber to get there, which will take around 30 minutes (depending on traffic). A visit to this museum is a great way to educate yourself on the history around you, to better contextualize your experience throughout the country, and to support a good cause. For history lovers, a lot of museums are home to the Colonial Zone either. Santo Domingo is the vibrant capital of the Dominican Republic with so many multifaceted things-to-do. 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. 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. Ive been reading all of your posts about Dominican Republic while planning a visit next week. If you need a break, you can relax in one of the several coffee shops, most of them operated by the owner, all of them with their individual style worth discovering. Check out the following bars and nightlife spots in Santo Domingo (again, once Covid-19 is over and everything is back to normal): There are other areas for nightlife in Santo Domingo as well, but Id recommend sticking to the Colonial Zone first as it is the safest place to be. For a wonderful time with your friends, this is the best spot in town. E-Ticket Dominican Republic (2023 Update) how to fill out the immigration form for your Punta Cana holiday? The park provides a tranquil respite from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. You also get a peek into the lifestyle and culture of the people here and cherish a hands-on culinary experience. Santo Domingos most historic neighbourhood is also its most romantic, lively, and cultural. Address: Carretera a Palamara, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Afterward, I got to chat, debate, and connect with the speaker and fellow attendees. Its pale cyan-blue color divinely matches the water of its coasts beautifully. It is definitely THE biggest attraction of Santo Domingo: the Colonial Zone. 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. It showcases thePea Defill familys private collection of Dominican art. How to get there:When staying in Santo Domingo, chances are that your accommodation is right in the Colonial Zone*. Required fields are marked *. The ingredients you require will be readily available at the home you will cook in. Some are considered revolutionaries, and others are not so much. 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. After a 15-minute walk down, including some steps, youll see the Socoa Waterfall pouring into a beautiful natural pool. There is also a beautiful outdoor colonial courtyard located between exhibits. Therefore, as long as you follow this advice, youll have a great time in Santo Domingo and can enjoy all those marvelous things-to-do presented in this comprehensive Santo Domingo travel guide. Dominican Republic. This is one of the best nights out in Santo Domingo with friends or family. 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. Some of the more unmissable local dishes include chicharron (fried pork skins) and tostones (fried plantains) as snacks. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. Some history of Calle Hostos Copyright 2023 Visit Dominican Republic. 23 exciting things-to-do in Santo Domingo (and 5 NOT to do), Author, Travel Coach & Punta Cana based digital nomad. Book the tour here! 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. 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. Santo Domingo is home to the Hospital San Nicols, the oldest hospital built in the New World back in the early 1500s. Watch out for this fearsome pirate as he storms the city. The Columbus Lighthouse is a spectacular 10-story monument dedicated to the explorer. If exploring all those walking things-to-do in Santo Domingo are not your cup of tea, you should consider discovering the Zona Colonial on a trike. Subscribe to my Upcoming DR Blog Posts! 6. 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. The cable car is 5 kilometers long and has 4 stations. Talk to your guide about it. There is no beach in Santo Domingo but the Malecon lets you at least breeze the ocean. This Santo Domingo attraction is a must-visit for gemstone/geology nerds! However, I personally already got much of that out of my system a while ago. 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