Things To Do
in Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, is a city where centuries of history meet vibrant modern life. The Colonial Zone is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with cobblestone streets, pastel façades, and centuries-old landmarks. The Malecón waterfront offers ocean views, lively evenings, and a sense of urban energy.
Expect warm Dominican hospitality, delicious food, and a city that blends culture, history, and coastal charm.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the Colonial Zone, where you can wander through cobblestone streets lined with colorful colonial buildings. Stop by the Alcázar de Colón, the former residence of Diego Columbus, to admire its impressive architecture and historical artifacts. Enjoy a traditional Dominican breakfast at a local café, savoring the flavors of mangú and eggs.
In the afternoon, visit the majestic Catedral Primada de América, the oldest cathedral in the New World, and take in its stunning Gothic and Baroque architecture. Explore the nearby Plaza de España, where you can relax and enjoy a refreshing drink while observing the vibrant local life. Make your way to the Museo de las Casas Reales to learn more about the island's history and the impact of colonization.
As the sun sets, head to the lively Zona Colonial where you can find numerous restaurants offering local and international cuisine. Enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant with views of the historic buildings illuminated at night. After dinner, take a stroll through the streets of the Colonial Zone, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps stopping for a drink at a local bar.
Start your day with a visit to the Mercado Modelo, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture as you browse through stalls filled with crafts, souvenirs, and fresh produce. Engage with local vendors and sample exotic fruits that you may not find elsewhere. This vibrant market experience will give you a taste of everyday Dominican life.
After lunch, head to the nearby Plaza de la Cultura, home to the National Palace and several cultural institutions. Visit the Museo de Arte Moderno to appreciate contemporary Dominican art and exhibitions. Spend some time relaxing in the plaza, taking in the gardens and fountains amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.
For dinner, seek out a local eatery famous for its sancocho, a hearty Dominican stew. After enjoying your meal, explore the nearby streets for live music and cultural performances that often take place in the evening. Join locals in a lively merengue or bachata dance session, embracing the rhythm of the Dominican Republic.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $7-12 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $2-4 |
| 🍝Meal for 2 at mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| 🚕Taxi or ride-share (1 km) | $1-3 |
| 💧Bottled water (1.5L) | $1-2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich colonial heritage in the Zona Colonial
- Vibrant food scene and warm locals
- Heat and humidity can be intense
- Traffic and urban crowding in central areas
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Santo Domingo
Visit one of these nice places.
Gothic and colonial architecture with grand interiors and exterior facades ideal for architectural photography.
An elegant colonial palace with courtyards and river views, perfect for portraits and history-rich shots.
Historic fortress with ramparts overlooking the Ozama River, offering dramatic sunset and panorama shots.
A monumental lighthouse near the Malecón, striking at night with lighting and water views.
Cobblestone streets, colorful façades, and lively street scenes ideal for candid photography.
Food in Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A staple plate of rice and beans with a portion of meat or chicken, often served with salad or fried plantains.
Must-Try!
A hearty stew featuring meat (beef, chicken, or pork) and starchy root vegetables, usually served with rice and avocado.
Plantain mash fried or fried-stemmed and mixed with garlic, pork cracklings, or seafood for a filling dish.
Savory fried pork pieces served with tostones or yuca and a lime wedge.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market in the Zona Colonial offering snacks, fresh produce, and souvenirs; great for sampling street bites and local ingredients.
Along avenues and plazas you’ll find empanadas, tostones, mofongo fritters, and other quick bites ready to eat on the go.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A warm greeting with a handshake or hug among friends. In casual encounters, a friendly tone and eye contact are appreciated.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites or certain neighborhoods; lightweight clothing is common due to heat.
Spanish is the primary language; English is common in tourist spots, but learning basic phrases is helpful.
Safety
Tipping in Santo Domingo
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants a tip of around 10% is common if service is good. For taxis and street vendors, rounding up is appreciated.
Cash (Dominican peso or USD) and major credit/debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and stores; mobile payment apps are increasingly common in urban areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid days with frequent afternoon showers. Wear light clothing, use sunscreen, stay hydrated, and plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late afternoons.
Milder temperatures in the 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (20s Celsius). Generally drier, but brief showers can occur; beaches are comfortable and less crowded.
Santo Domingo at Night
Hiking in Santo Domingo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessible cave systems and walking trails just outside the city.
Urban park with trails and hills, offering light hikes and scenic city views.
Botanical garden with forested paths and educational exhibits near the city core.
Airports
How to reach Santo Domingo by plane.
Main international gateway to Santo Domingo, connected by highways to the city center.
A popular alternative entry point for visitors to the Dominican Republic, about a 2–3 hour drive from Santo Domingo.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Dominicans form the vast majority of the population, with growing communities of Haitian and mixed heritage.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is deeply rooted in Dominican culture and a popular spectator and participation sport.
A widely played and watched sport with local leagues across the city.
Popular among youth and in city leagues; matches are common on weekends.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Santo Domingo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most restaurants can accommodate vegetarian requests; look for beans, rice, plantains, vegetables, and salads. Ask for dishes without meat or fish and request oil instead of lard or animal fats.