As the capital and largest city of the Dominican Republic, there is plenty of things to do in Santo Domingo. Despite being especially renowned for its beaches and as a popular honeymoon destination, this city has much more to offer.
Santo Domingo has great historical importance, as it was the first European settlement in America in 1496. You will be amazed by its enormous cultural offer, which will enable you to learn about the culture of the ancient civilisations that inhabited these lands before the arrival of Christopher Columbus. Also known as the Colonial City, you cannot miss a trip to this great Caribbean World Heritage Site.
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Things to do in Santo Domingo
Columbus Park
Officially known as Plaza Mayor de Santo Domingo, it is now known as Parque Colón and is one of the first places you should visit in Santo Domingo. It is a large space that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In this square you can find different buildings, which were the first colonial-style dwellings in the whole country. You can see the town hall and the cathedral, as well as other buildings of great architectural value. Its most symbolic feature is the statue in honour of Christopher Columbus, located right in the centre of the square. You can enjoy a pleasant stroll around the area while getting to know its different monuments, all within a lively environment. Moreover, from the square you can reach some of the most important places in the city.
Puerta del Conde
The Puerta del Conde, also known as Baluarte 27 de Febrero, is a beautiful construction located in the Parque de la Independencia, in the heart of the Colonial Zone. It is a military building from the 18th century, formed by a wall and its moat.
This gate was originally the entrance to the city, although nowadays it leads to a walkway that takes you to the Altar of the Homeland. It has great historical importance, as it was the place where the national flag was raised in 1844 as an act of the Republic’s independence. Once you cross it, we recommend taking the aforementioned walkway, along which you can admire the statues of some of the most important historical figures of the Dominican Republic.
Ozama Fortress
The Fortaleza Ozama is the first military fortress in the Americas. This architectural jewel is located at the mouth of the Ozama River and is a World Heritage Site.
This structure was built between 1502 and 1507, so it looks like a medieval castle to a certain extent. Its main objective was to defend the city from conquerors, but over time it has undergone numerous transformations until it reached the façade we can see today. The fortress is made up of different constructions, including the Torre de Homenaje (Homage Tower) and the statue of Gonzalo Fernández de Oviedo. You can’t miss a visit to this fortress, which is one of the oldest buildings in Santo Domingo Dominican Republic.
Museum of the Royal Houses
As in any trip, you cannot miss a visit to the most famous museum in the city. In the case of Santo Domingo, we are talking about the impressive Museo de las Casas Reales. This building was built in the 16th century and is located right in the centre of the city.
It has a really striking façade, with a characteristic Elizabethan Gothic and Renaissance style. On the main wall, you can see the only coat of arms in the world of Queen Juana la Loca. Once you have visited the outside of the museum, you can go inside and stroll around its two floors and different galleries. Each of them has different collections, the most important of which are the many objects from the colonial period. And, if you need to, you can ask for a guide to accompany you throughout the visit while they explain the collection in more detail.
Plaza de España
The Plaza de España, or Plaza de la Hispanidad, is one of the most beautiful and busy areas in Santo Domingo. Especially known for its location in front of the Alcázar de Colón, this square is one of the best places to stroll around or stop for a drink.
Along your stroll through the square, you’ll find the famous statue of Nicolás de Ovando, the founder of Santo Domingo, not to mention a collection of royal houses with impressive architecture. As well as going for a lovely walk, we recommend stopping for lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants, where you can enjoy some of the best Dominican dishes. And if that wasn’t enough, the area is always brightly lit and full of life – you’ll love it!
Columbus Lighthouse
The Columbus Lighthouse is one of the most impressive monuments in Santo Domingo. This impressive structure built in 1852, honours, as its name suggests, Christopher Columbus.
Its façade is made up of a cross on one side and a huge Mayan pyramid on the other. Once you have finished admiring its exterior, go inside to see the exhibitions on different Latin American countries. Inside you can also find several rooms, such as the Ceramiology and Iconography Museum, the Archaeological Museum, and even a library. One of its most characteristic features is that, on some nights, it projects an illumination of a huge cross in the sky, visible from several kilometres away. A truly impressive spectacle.
Cathedral of Santo Domingo
The Catedral Primada de América, also known as the Cathedral of Santo Domingo, was the first cathedral built in the Americas and therefore of holds immense historical value. Having been built in 1512, some design features were influenced by Seville Cathedral.
This impressive monument was created in honour of Santa María de la Encarnación. Its has Gothic architecture with some Renaissance decorations. A true visual marvel. Once you have walked around the outside, you can enter the cathedral and discover an amazing set of works and decorations, such as the table of the Virgin of Altagracia, or the main altar. We definitely recommend a visit, and it is also totally free!
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
Things to do in Santo Domingo with children
Dr. Rafael Ma. Moscoso National Botanical Garden
This impressive botanical garden is the largest you’ll find in the Caribbean, covering an area of 2 million square metres. A trip to this stunning park is a must, especially if you’re travelling with children.
This botanical garden has been open since 1976, and houses 8 ecosystems in which you can discover some of the most curious and beautiful plant species in the world. Visits to the garden usually start at the beautiful Central Plaza, which is decorated with ponds of exotic plants and even fish. You can choose between a walking tour or a train tour, so you can see the garden comfortably and from a unique perspective. It’s the ideal way to spend a fun family day in the middle of nature!
Los Tres Ojos National Park
One of the best things to do in Santo Domingo, especially for children, is to visit the famous Los Tres Ojos National Park. Located just a short distance from the Columbus Lighthouse, you can find a vast natural area where you can spend a great family day out.
As well as being able to hike countless trails through one of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, you can’t miss a hike to the cavern. Once you get there, you will find an impressive lake divided into three spaces, hence the name of the park. The waters are not deep at all, so both adults and children can swim in complete safety. You are sure to be impressed by the natural majesty of the place.
National Aquarium
The National Aquarium of Santo Domingo is one of the main places you can’t miss if you are travelling with children. It is located just a short distance from the Columbus Lighthouse, and covers an impressive 34,500 square metres of space. Fun is guaranteed!
You can enjoy a great morning going around the many tanks while discovering a myriad of marine species, including sharks and giant turtles. You can also visit the auditorium, where they give more details on the species that live in the aquarium. Once you’ve finished your visit, you can take a stroll around the incredible outdoor garden and even have a drink. This is a must-do activity for the whole family!
Tips for your trip to Santo Domingo Dominican Republic
- Avoid crowds.
- Take sun cream with you.
- Don’t forget to hydrate properly.
- Check your route between destinations and your mode of transport before you set off.
Things to do in Santo Domingo in 1 day
- See the Santo Domingo Cathedral
- Visit the Ozama Fortress
- Stroll through the Plaza de España
- Cross the Puerta del Conde
Things to do in Santo Domingo in 2 days
- Escape to Los Tres Ojos National Park
- Visit the Museum of the Royal Houses
- Stroll through Parque Colón
- Visit the Columbus Lighthouse
- Go to the National Aquarium
- Discover the Botanical Garden
Frequently asked questions about a trip to Santo Domingo Dominican Republic
In the Dominican Republic, it is summer almost all year round, but temperatures drop slightly between December and April, so it may be the best time to travel as you’ll avoid the extreme heat.
The currency in Santo Domingo is the Dominican peso. One Dominican peso is equivalent to €0.015.
Santo Domingo has a great nightlife, so you can choose from a variety of venues depending on your interests and location.
– First of all we recommend Jet Set, probably the most acclaimed nightclub in Santo Domingo. You can enjoy a night to the rhythm of the best salsa, reggaeton and bachata songs, among other musical styles.
– We also recommend visiting the Mercado Colón, where you can enjoy a good meal or drink surrounded by lively stalls. An iconic place in Santo Domingo.
– Finally, don’t miss a night out at El Sartén, also known as the Cathedral of Caribbean Music, where you can enjoy a great musical experience to the purest Caribbean rhythms.
Santo Domingo is full of places to dance to the rhythm of the best Caribbean music. Here is a list of the best places to dance:
– Mamma Club
– Fogoo Discotec
– Napolitano Discoteca Mint.
– Jet Set Club
Here is a list of the best beaches to visit in Santo Domingo.
– Playa de El Macao
– Playa del Bayahib
– Boca Chica
– Playa de San Rafael
– Playa Caletón
How to organise your itinerary of places to see in Santo Domingo?
Sign up to Passporter to plan your itinerary according to the number of days and the places you want to see in Santo Domingo.
With Passporter you can:
- Get inspiration from the experiences of other travellers.
- Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions to it.
- Add the spots you are most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
- Organise your itinerary by days and according to their location (you can take inspiration from the routes presented in the post).
- Check the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
- Make the necessary modifications and you are ready for your trip.
- Finally, share your experience. Upload photos of each of the places you have visited to the app so you can inspire other users.
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