Most crime, especially robberies, is happening during the wee hours of the day. Housed in a 1500s Spanish home, this cultural center hosts several talks about history and heritage. Zona Bici offers a variety of bike sizes and types to suit riders of all ages and skill levels, including tandems and tricycles. Los Tres Ojos (in English The Three Eyes) consists of three lagoons (hence the name), which are fed by a subterranean river system. Punta Cana Day-TripsPunta Cana ExcursionsPunta Cana Family ActivitiesPunta Cana Family ResortsPunta Cana Free ActivitiesPunta Cana HikingPunta Cana ItineraryPunta Cana MapsPunta Cana NightlifePunta Cana Public TransportPunta Cana SnorkelingPunta Cana Things-to-DoPunta Cana WaterfallsPunta Cana Weather Experience the siege of Santo Domingo (from USD 5.0), 30. 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. Costs start at $50 per person. 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 movie is translated into nine languages for guests to enjoy. You can see a little bit of everything here. Get a great massage while supporting blind people in the Dominican Republic. They also host weekly meetup events over beers and German barbeque. Completed in 1514, Columbus Palace was the home of Christopher Columbus son, Diego. Santo Domingo is the perfect destination for travelers looking to experience the real Caribbean. 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. 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. Exactly thats Los Tres Ojos National Park, one of the most unique things-to-do in Santo Domingo. Ok, cacao and chocolate are not yours? This museum primarily honors those who have fought against oppression, such as the notorious dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo. But its not only about the history and architecture why the Colonial Zone is the No. If you love music and dancing, then head to Grupo Bonys FREE events. If there is a chocolate experience, a rum museum cant be far, right? Its fun to watch their production methods and everyday operations. If youre worried that this is a place only for tourists or touristy things, its actually a neighborhood for both locals and tourists. Mirador Sur 1, Santo Domingo 00000, Dominican Republic, A post shared by Caciba (@cacibajaguabar). For centuries, Dominican Republics Black history has been neglected due to the European colonial and American imperial invasions that still plague all of the Americas. Cayacoa Golf Club is one-of-a-kind in town for members and visitors to have a good time in Santo Domingo. 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. 2. From painters to jewerly makers and more, make sure you stop into the nooks and crannies of galleries, weekend markets, and other shops to support. The monument is constructed in a lighthouse style. 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. The ear of the true rock enthusiast, who was not satisfied with what played at the countrys radio stations. It also brings a fair share of challenges, for example maintaining sanitary standards, as they receive hundreds of visitors a day. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Receive Dominican Abroad's free travel guides & updates on travel trends around the world. 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. Pedro Henrquez Urea National Library (Biblioteca Nacional). E-Ticket Dominican Republic (2023 Update) how to fill out the immigration form for your Punta Cana holiday? The Museum of the Royal Houses provides a look into the history and cultural heritage of the Dominican Republic, starting from Christoper Columbus invasion. Punta Cana AirbnbsPunta Cana Airport TransfersPunta Cana All-Inclusive ResortsPunta Cana BeachesPunta Cana Car Rental 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. Linda Is a free spirit writer, I do love exploring, visiting new places experience, new things, and most of all learn. Thinking about this large group of people, eager to have a bar where they can go and enjoy true rock music, Caciba Bar was born. Its important to note that many museums in Latin America still focus on the perspective of the European colonizer. Therefore, before sunrise and after sunset, it is not recommendable to walk around, especially not alone and outside of the Colonial Zone. 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 Juan Bosch Plaza is in a beautiful but rarely visited area of the malecon. 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. 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. 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. You can enjoy delicious tapas and other foods along with your drinks, making it the perfect spot for a night out with friends or a romantic evening with a loved one. Museo Infantil Trampolin - Santo Domingo Calle Las Danas Santo Domingo, DR (809) 685-5551 Trampolin's Children Museum is a beloved legacy founded by the former First Lady of the Republic. 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. If youre heading to Punta Cana after Santo Domingo, this may be a great way to combine a day trip with transportation! 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. A bit chaotic but an easy spot to buy all sorts of Dominican souvenirs like mamajuana, larimar, paintings, and grecas. 1 export nation worldwide for organic cacao? Talk to your guide about it. This is an absolutely off-the-beaten-track thing-to-do in Santo Domingo, but hiking is an exciting option when you are craving some activity and adventure. Shutterstock Historic City Center Plaza with Skyline of Colonial Buildings and Church ( Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) Other items of interest in this building range from antique furniture with historical value, treasures found from under the ocean, Taino artifacts, and more. Make the most of your early mornings as you play a fantastic round of golf in the Dominican Republic. Honestly, not my favorite museum in 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 addition to the plays, this theater also offers dining, with a large bar area and various seating options. Your email address will not be published. They are open in the evenings and tickets for a show cost around DOP $300 pesos. If possible, take your tour outside of the rush hours. It highlights his fight for freedom from Haiti. You can listen to all types of music, from merengue to traditional son and more. Los Tres Ojos might be the coolest (tourist) attraction in Santo Domingo. 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. Heres why and how to visit the Three Eyes National Park! The baseball championship of 2013 was won by the reds. The plays are only performed in Spanish, so it is best to have at least some familiarity with the language to fully enjoy the show. They have a production area in each boutique, open for you to see. Santo. Go on experiences with our local hosts in or near Santo Domingo. Chocolate Tour - Kah Kow Experience. If you like to go clubbing, there are several spots in Santo Domingo for that, which Im not at all familiar with. Here are other DR posts to check out. Your email address will not be published. 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. It showcases thePea Defill familys private collection of Dominican art. The Mesn de la Cava opened its doors for the first time in 1967, since then it has been one of the most distinguished restaurants applauded by both the locals and tourists who visit from all over the world. This epic tour starts early in the morning, leaving from Santo Domingo. Make a stop at each relevant attraction as you cover almost the entire city on a Trikke. Santo Domingos most historic neighbourhood is also its most romantic, lively, and cultural. The 3 Eyes National Park 2,512 National Parks Geologic Formations By dmihovilovic For sure take the boat ride to get to the main lake and attraction of the tour. You will notice before that something is changing and your instinct will make you turn around immediately. 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. It also showcases baseball bats and balls donated by Dominican MLB players during historic moments. Salto de Socoa (Day Trip from Santo Domingo). Best places to visit in the Dominican Republic Its ranked as an easy hike, but you will get wet. 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. Support. You can also pick up some local produce, such as sweet oranges, passion fruit, and exotic varieties like Guanbana (soursop) and Limoncillo (Spanish lime). The exterior of the building shows elements from the Renaissance period while its interior has facets of a Gothic design. Last time, I also visited their VERY cute cafe upstairs (pictured above) but Im not sure if its still open. Something a little bit more difficult to realize is the personal connection with the Dominican people. The plays Ive seen here have been hilarious, thought-provoking, and vary in taste and presentation. This 4D experience provides visitors and tourists with a sneak preview of the Colonial City of Santo Domingo. 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. 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). A lot of the things mentioned in this post are in la Zona Colonial. Are you new in Santo Domingo? Another Santo Domingo museum that I initially felt kind of meh about, but in hindsight, I think it is one of the better ones. As a museum, store, and factory all in one, KahKow offers a range of interactive activities for visitors to enjoy. 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 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. You wont find tourists in this underrated gem even though its one of the best places in Santo Domingo to visit for culture and history! These lights are so powerful that they are visible even from Puerto Rico. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Visiting Niagara Falls: Which Side to Choose? 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. 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. Address: Av Repblica de Colombia, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Website: Dr. Rafael Ma. 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. The three lagoons can be explored walking (with or without a guide), but you cant swim in them. If you are traveling to Santo Domingo on a budget or just looking for a quick bite to eat, there are also plenty of local eateries in Santo Domingo, especially in the Colonial Zone. Microteatro: 15-Minute Plays on Dominican Life, 7. Punta Cana is my home-base here in the country and Id love to tell you more about how to experience Punta Cana off-the-beaten-track and give you all the advice you want to know for your vacation in Punta Cana. So lets see. [BOOK THE TOUR HERE]. Thats why I usually recommend visiting places like Saman, Jarabacoa, Los Haitises or Punta Cana as a kind of road-trip, where you go one day, spend a couple of nights at your destination and head back after you have deeply explored the region. Dominican Republic. 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. 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. Visiting Santo Domingo is totally doable on your own. Since 2011 I have been living in the Caribbean, among them 5 years in the Dominican Republic. If you cant go in for a play, at least try to catch a glimpse of its neoclassical architectural magnificence in the beautiful Plaza de la Cultura. 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. Thats why it is recommendable to leave your valuables at home. 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. 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. Tiradentes, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Address: Calle Isabel La Catlica, Santo Domingo 10210, Dominican Republic, Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 10am - 6pm. 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. Why not go on a sweet experience with El Sendero del Cacao and explore Santo Domingo . This is a hiking experience you can't miss. Awarded as a UNESCO world heritage it awaits you with its ancient cobblestone streets, centuries-old buildings and creative art scene. If you love to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs and hidden gems to take home, the Colonial Zone awaits you with plenty of unique stores as well. 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. This wax museum houses life-sized figures. 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. Although you dont learn how to make either from scratch, it can still be a fun activity to do with your family. One of the lagoons can be accessed with a kind of a wooden barge fixed on a rope. 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. 41. But here is a brief list of the most unique AND delicious ones, in my opinion: Santo Domingo offers a ton of nightlife opportunities in various parts of the city. The massages Ive gotten have been great here. Click here to join the Dominican Republic Travel Community. 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. While Boca Chica is famous for its turquoise lagoon, Juan Dolio is worth visiting due to its wide and sandy beach. 42 places sorted by traveler favorites Clear all filters 1. Strolling through the lush greenery you can experience the stunning variety of plants and flowers on display. John F. Kennedy, Santo Domingo 10129, Dominican Republic, One of the beautiful wooden homes in the Colonial Zone. But we Dominicans have been making a lot of strides and efforts in reclaiming our narratives and decolonizing our history. 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 article is about the best things-to-do in Santo Domingo. For history lovers, a lot of museums are home to the Colonial Zone either. Mella, Santo Domingo 10211, Dominican Republic, Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm; Sun: 7am - 1pm (closed on Sat). 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. The Royal Houses, built in 1511, were initially administrative offices. Coco Bongo Punta Cana From the amazing drinks and tasty cocktails, Mama Club knows how to keep you coming back for more. I first came here for a discussion on the history of slavery in the Dominican Republic. beautiful. If you are into shopping or you just need to shop for your house, the Mercado Modelo is the main centre of wholesale trade of fruits, vegetables and farm products coming all the way from Uruguay. Seeing the local crowds dancing like crazy is an experience itself which you shouldnt miss. travels throughout the Dominican Republic, 2. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Dr. Rafael M. Moscoso National Botanical Garden A remarkable range of flora and fauna are represented in this Dominican nature preserve. Address: Carretera a Palamara, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. They used by the governors of the Indies. Its pale cyan-blue color divinely matches the water of its coasts beautifully. 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. Start planning your trip today!
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