16 amazing Things to do for free in Punta Cana 2023. 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. His daughter is also Joarla Caridad, who makes gorgeous craft larimar and amber jewelry. Hands down. How to get there:Faro a Coln can be easily combined with a visit to Los Tres Ojos. 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. Head over to their beautiful space to check out a calendar of upcoming events. 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. The Columbus Lighthouse is a spectacular 10-story monument dedicated to the explorer. 42. 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. Did you like this article and would like to read all new stories about Punta Cana and beyond? You can also visit Los Haitises National Park or head to the dunes of Ban. For less than .50 cents USD you can ride the spotlessly clean metro in Santo Domingo and then get a free connection to the telefrico (cable car) that takes you up and above and through various neighborhoods reaching just below the outskirts of La Victoria. A post shared by Museo Juan Pablo Duarte (@museodecerajuanpabloduarte). 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). Zona Bici is the top bike rental shop in Santo Domingo, offering guided tours and hourly rentals of comfortable, well-maintained bikes. Travel into the past with a day trip to Santo Domingothe capital of the Dominican Republic. You'll find pristine beaches and hidden gems like a salsa/merengue club set inside a huge underground cave. It has new owners which have shifted it from a cultural space to it feeling like more of a nightlife spot called Ximena. This city is thriving in social movements, culture, gastronomy, nightlife, and events almost every day. Take a moment and admire the neoclassical-Renaissance style architecture at National Pantheon of the Dominican Republic. Sabina, Zona Colonial PUB 91 Bars & Clubs By 251alaind It's one best bar in Santo Domingo, Great music which you can choose,and wonderful cocktail a warm and friendly welcome. Dont get too drunk and leave your valuables at home so that you dont become a target. With a list of these amazing places to visit and things to do, your stay in Santo Domingo should be an experience to relive. It also showcases baseball bats and balls donated by Dominican MLB players during historic moments. If there is a chocolate experience, a rum museum cant be far, right? But Dominican amber is even more special. Larimar is one of the worlds rarest semi-precious stones, unique only to the Dominican Republic and only found in one mine in the province of Barahona. You cant rent them on your own, but there are affordable tours available that combine the history of the Colonial Zone with some other fun things-to-do, such as visiting the chocolate museum (depending on the booked tour) or watching a short 4D movie about the history of Santo Domingo. Some are considered revolutionaries, and others are not so much. Address: Plaza de Espaa, Calle La Atarazana 2, Santo Domingo 10212, Dominican Republic, Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 4pm (closed on Mon). 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. Its historic significance makes a most-visited tourist attraction in the country. 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. At that time, the nightlife was dominated by people who for some reason or the other preferred rock music. ChocoMuseo was designed to share knowledge about cacao. There is also a beautiful outdoor colonial courtyard located between exhibits. IF YOU ENJOYED THIS ARTICLE, PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS I WOULD APPRECIATE IT A LOT. It was the first and oldest headquarters of Spains colonization of the Americas. Starting from 1767, the temple and its annexes were used in the following chronological order: warehouse, housing for the San Fernando seminar, public office and a theatre for the independence fighters in 1860. Address: Calle Isabel La Catlica, Santo Domingo 10210, Dominican Republic, Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 10am - 6pm. There is a flourishing second-hand market for phones in the Dominican Republic you dont want yours to be part of it. Learn to cook speciality dishes at a Dominican home, and dine with a charming local localite. Perfect when you want to explore everything without walking under the spicy hot Caribbean sun. 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. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, Santo Domingo is a city with many firsts in the New World - the first cathedral, paved road, university, hospital, stone home, and tavern, just to mention a few. Located in la Plaza de la Cultura in the Gazcue neighborhood, it is just a few steps from other major spots such as the National Theatre, the National Library, the Modern Art Museum, the Natural History Museum, and much more. 10. It was implemented by architects Eugenio Prez Monts and Manuel Valverde Podest in September in the same year. Get a great massage while supporting blind people in the Dominican Republic. Every Sunday, theres a large outdoor market where Chinese and Dominican farmers and street vendors sell delicious food, drinks, and crops harvested locally. Crime is existing, primarily in the city and especially petty theft and robberies, but tourists are hardly targeted. Now its only the bookstore that remains (with some incredible Dominican-related books), a new cigar room, and a new bar/restaurant space. While to us travelers, this is a fun and exciting (when it swings out of the station it feels like zip-lining) ride through the northern outskirts of Santo Domingo for many locals, its finally a way to get around and connect to more opportunities in the city center. Once the sun sets, this is when the beauty and life of Dominican Republic comes out blossoming into an amazing paradise in America. Its important to note that many museums in Latin America still focus on the perspective of the European colonizer. Address: Callejn de los Curas, Santo Domingo 10210, Dominican Republic. The park is also a popular destination for bird watchers, as a wide variety make home in the Dominican Republic. 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. Its an easy visit and takes about 20-45 minutes to complete. Las Cuevas del Pomier are located in San Cristobal, a quick 30- or 45-minute drive (depending on the traffic) from Santo Domingo away. So lets see. Address: Carretera a Palamara, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Did you know that the Dominican Republic is the No. Required fields are marked *. Mirador Sur 1, Santo Domingo 00000, Dominican Republic, A post shared by Caciba (@cacibajaguabar). 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. Surrounded by cafes, restaurants and bars, the square called Plaza de la Hispanidad is located right the front Alcazar de Colon, also known as the Columbus Fortress. Looking for things to do in Dominican Republic? After a 15-minute walk down, including some steps, youll see the Socoa Waterfall pouring into a beautiful natural pool. BOOK THE TRES OJOS TOUR HERE. 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. Among them are: This is just a tiny selection of beautiful apartments in Santo Domingo, check out the full list of Airbnbs in Santo Domingo with more than 25 hand-selected recommendations, which will make your stay in Santo Domingo unique. 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. With all those offerings, you can easily spend days in the historic city center of Santo Domingo, which is why I even would rate it the top thing-to-do in the entire Dominican Republic when it comes to culture. Some of the more unmissable local dishes include chicharron (fried pork skins) and tostones (fried plantains) as snacks. 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. Santo Domingo is the vibrant capital of the Dominican Republic with so many multifaceted things-to-do. 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. And it is, frankly speaking, one of the best things-to-do in Santo Domingo if you would like to escape from the city for a day. 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:A local meal usually sets you back at around 3 to 4 USD.Why it is one of the best things-to-do in Santo Domingo:Eating where the locals are is the best way to get authentic Dominican food. Other items of interest in this building range from antique furniture with historical value, treasures found from under the ocean, Taino artifacts, and more. 1. Like This Post? The three lagoons can be explored walking (with or without a guide), but you cant swim in them. And its affordable, too. 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. 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. If youre heading to Punta Cana after Santo Domingo, this may be a great way to combine a day trip with transportation! 27. Youll learn about the islands history, from the Tainos to the Spanish invasion to our African heritage. Santo. Don't miss the serene Japanese Garden, where you can take in the breathtaking view and capture the perfect photo for your Instagram feed. They have a production area in each boutique, open for you to see. Santo Domingo is full of local artists who sell their handmade crafts. So if you dont vibe with one of the artists, then half visit might feel underwhelming. 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. Without further ado, lets take a look at. The most crystalline river in the Dominican Republic. With so many trendy and delicious restaurants popping up around Santo Domingo, its hard to list the top best ones. I saw a super interesting play on Ulises Heureaux, one of the Dominican Republics presidents in the late 1800s. You don't know.. Were patiently waiting for it to reopen fully! 9 In San Domingo, Dominican Republic, Alcazar de Colon or better known as Columbus Alcazar is part of the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo World Heritage site and the oldest Viceregal residence in America. A post shared by Judy JJ (@judz_jj) on Mar 9, 2019 at 6:52pm PST. Grab your shopping bag and write down the grocery list. I first came here for a discussion on the history of slavery in the Dominican Republic. 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:Count with 15-20 USD and up for a good dinner with starter and drink.Why it is one of the best things-to-do in Santo Domingo:There is some world-class dining in Santo Domingos Zona Colonial, so make sure to try out some of these restaurants. The massages Ive gotten have been great here. They are open in the evenings and tickets for a show cost around DOP $300 pesos. Honestly, not my favorite museum in Santo Domingo. 1 export nation worldwide for organic cacao? The market was dominated by native rhythms such as merengue and bachata or others such as salsa and bolero and the rising wave of reggaeton, violent mambo, dembow, perreo and a few more variants, all located within the genre of urban music. Check their website for more info. Dominican Republic ItineraryDominican Republic Road TripIsla Saona ExcursionSanto Domingo AirbnbsSanto Domingo Airport TransfersSanto Domingo Things-to-do, HomeNewest PostsAbout MeTravel CoachingPrivacy Policy. Historical evidence left behind shows that the caves were used for several different purposes among magical religious activities. 9. 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. If you are interested in the best things-to-do in Punta Cana, 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. Exactly thats Los Tres Ojos National Park, one of the most unique things-to-do in Santo Domingo. Subscribe to my Upcoming DR Blog Posts! Completed in 1514, Columbus Palace was the home of Christopher Columbus son, Diego. Experience a wide variety of tours and events through Airbnb. If you dont want to stay in the Colonial Zone for whatever reason but prefer an apartment in the city, you have plenty of options in all the different neighborhoods of Santo Domingo. Let's explore the best things to do in the Dominican Republic: 1. Stop at the National Presidential Palace and enjoy the stunning views of the town centre. At first, watch a wonderful 4D movie that showcases the history of the city. Of course, this type of mentality is not unique to just this place in the Dominican Republic or the world. Address: Av. These are the amazing and most thrilling things to do in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Feast on homemade dumplings and sample an array of spices at the market stalls. It showcases thePea Defill familys private collection of Dominican art. Come and marvel at one of the most beautiful malls in Santo Domingo that will truly take your breath away. 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. Its in an intimate and sometimes interactive space often with just you and a dozen other spectators + the actors. The idea of a modern zoo was an initiative taken in April 1972. However, I must note that at times I found the informational section problematic with a lot of praise to the Spanish colonizers. If you love music and dancing, then head to Grupo Bonys FREE events. This larimar museum is small but very interesting and fun to stroll through. 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 1. To find KahKow, head to Calle Las Damas in Zona Colonial. The last time the blues won a championship was in 2009. La F, Av. 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. Santo Domingo is one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean and is the capital city of Dominican Republic. Last time, I also visited their VERY cute cafe upstairs (pictured above) but Im not sure if its still open. This elegant restaurant is located inside a cave, which is part of the natural rock formations at the recreational park Parque Mirador del Sur. Experience a special fusion of Chinese-Dominican culture. 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. Chocolate Tour - Kah Kow Experience. The customer service is impeccable and the food will always have you licking your lips in satisfaction. So here they are just in case something really calls out to you: Here are some gorgeous and unique places to stay in Santo Domingo. This article is about the best things-to-do in Santo Domingo. But many people (including local Dominicans) love shopping here! Santo Domingo offers you various options when it comes to chocolatey things-to-do in the city. Toque Angelical Massage by Blind Masseuse, 28. Talk to your guide about it. Tours of the cathedral are conducted regularly with access to the interior, exterior and extended grounds. Buche Perico is a contemporary Dominican restaurant featuring an exotic and delicious menu, with dishes such as goat risotto, sweet plantain ravioli, and crackling pork belly. We recommend taking the tour, which comes with a knowledgeable guide sharing historical and cultural insights as you ride through the city's hidden corners, taking in views of the Caribbean Sea and visiting local parks and plazas, as well as centuries-old ruins and monuments. You'll find them on street corners all around the country, with some estimates suggesting that there is one colmado for every 188 inhabitants. Once the home of Spanish colonialists, who built the walled city as a model for the rest of the Americas, its an area brimming with museums, churches, shopping, theatre, restaurants, and parks. Most crime, especially robberies, is happening during the wee hours of the day. Check out Ciudad Colonial (Colonial City) (from USD 45.0), 29. 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. Once you had an amazing day in the Colonial Zone, its time to think about dinner. Its fun to watch their production methods and everyday operations. Come here for shows, performances, theatre productions, or one of the many fun local meet-up events. It is said that the church was completed in 1755, but according to documents the church was in use since 1746. 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. Zona Colonial 3,145 Points of Interest & Landmarks Open now By jennyhW8319JC It has a beautiful outdoor space and rooms with art and books. In just two hours, you'll feel like a local, knowing all the best spots to eat, drink, dance, and shop. This is an interactive tour through the world of rum including a tasting at the end. This beautiful park also has a free outdoor gym as well as fresh coconut water stands in case you need some hydration after a long run across the park. Hey, I am Chris, a born and raised German, travel-addictive and Caribbean Soul. The come to eat fresh seafood, smoke local cigars, and even party the night away Spring Break-style. This was a Santo Domingo highlight experience for those looking for a bit of everything in one place. The museum contains artwork, videos, text, photographs, and more. The serenity and tranquillity of this historic park attracts locals, tourists, even hawkers creating an illusion of a small village within a city. Faro Coln is also known as Columbus Lighthouse. I once even went to a super nerdy Game of Thrones meet-up here and had a blast! It is definitely THE biggest attraction of Santo Domingo: the Colonial Zone. However, the city also can be overwhelming with its 3 million inhabitants and omnipresent traffic jam. DAY TWO: 10:00 am. Coco Bongo Punta Cana You can see a little bit of everything here. 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. If you prefer the entertaining way of learning about a topic, you shall visit La Casa del Ron The Rum Experience right at Parque Coln. [BOOK THE TOUR HERE]. But we Dominicans have been making a lot of strides and efforts in reclaiming our narratives and decolonizing our history. But its not only about the history and architecture why the Colonial Zone is the No. The Microteatro space is in a beautiful colonial building and as such has an open-air courtyard where you can eat and drink. Experience the care that provides well-being to the body and your spirit, because once achieved, beauty and balance will radiate throughout your being. Buses to Boca Chica and Juan Dolio are leaving one block north of Parque Enriquillo at Calle Jos Marti.Cost:Visiting Boca Chica and Juan Dolio is for free.Why it is one of the best things-to-do in Santo Domingo:If you miss the beach while being in Santo Domingo, Boca Chica and Juan Dolio are the best places to visit. 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. The baseball championship of 2013 was won by the reds. It is theoldest continuously-inhabitedEuropean-established settlement in theAmericas. This is a cute place to make your own chocolate bars or chocolate soap. Before heading out for lunch to one of the traditional Dominican restaurants, make sure you shop for souvenirs at a local market. John F. Kennedy, Santo Domingo 10129, Dominican Republic, One of the beautiful wooden homes in the Colonial Zone. It gives you a good introduction to the importance of rum for the Dominican Republic, but it is more of a typical museum. Food tours, surfing lessons, and more unique activities hosted by locals . So if you love history and culture La Zona Colonial is the place to go in Santo Domingo. KahKow Experience charges around 7-25 USD depending on the package you choose. The national park is a perfect change of scenery for an hour or two, especially when spending the whole day in the hustle and bustle of Santo Domingo. Santo Domingo is also the perfect launching pad for various day and side trips, making it an auspicious destination to stop by and recharge in between your travels throughout the Dominican Republic. In this case, you definitely should take a day-trip from Santo Domingo. This tour takes you through the parks caves and swimming holes. 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. 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.). Casa de Teatro is sort of like an arts center in a bohemian-colonial style space. Thanks to the plentiful and creative options, you can make this dinner an attraction in Santo Domingo itself. If you come in the day, do not pass up on freshly made mango juice. 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.