Location: Santo Domingo
Top Things to do in Santo Domingo
Countries
10 Things to do in Santo Domingo That You Shouldn't Miss
Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic and a UNESCO world heritage site, is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas and one of the most populous cities in the Caribbean. The city is a mix of old world charm and modern Latin flair. Its medieval palaces and fortresses mix with nightlife and shopping to rival any modern city in the world. You'll find pristine beaches and hidden gems like a salsa/merengue club set inside a huge underground cave.
Restaurants in Santo Domingo
1. Calle Las Damas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,097 reviews
This cobblestone street, the first ever built in the New World, is known for its numerous beautiful structures from centuries past.
Reviewed By PeeJay0708 - Stredokluky, Czech Republic
We heard a lot of this street before we came to St. Domingo the first time. Nice to walk along this historical street up to the very center of mediaval town.
2. Alcazar de Colon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,688 reviews
Built by Christopher Columbus's son between 1510 and 1514, this restored building was one of the first structures built in the oldest remaining European city in the Americas.
Reviewed By BennyC_12 - Sanford, United States
Excellent piece of preserved real estate! Located in the Zona Colonial, this should be on your must see list.
3. The 3 Eyes National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,449 reviews
A group of interconnected caves near Santo Domingo.
Reviewed By LuizDutraNeto - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The "Monumento Natural Cueva Los Tres Ojos", also known as "Parque Nacional Los Tres Ojos", is probably the most visited attraction in Santo Domingo! The caves and lagoons were discovered about a hundred years ago and are really breathtaking! A winding staircase leads visitors to a series of limestone caves. An underground river - "La Brujuela - feeds freshwater to three interconnected lagoons, locally called "eyes" for their eye-oval-shapes. The first one, "Lago de Azufre", is famous for its blue waters (due to the presence of calcium minerals in its composition and not due to sulphurous waters, as initially believed), stalactites and stalagmites. Then comes "Lago La Nevera", named after its cold waters. The third "eye", "Lago Las Damas", the shallowest one, was mostly used by women and children. Years later, a fourth lake was discovered, but unlikely the other "eyes", this one is not underground, but open-air and surrounded by a rocky landscape and lush vegetation. It is called "Lago Los Zaramagullones" after some native ducks, and is the deepest one, with beautiful small fishes swimming on its crystal clear waters. Take your time and visit the park, its caves and lakes. You will never regret! Enjoy!
4. Museo De Las Casas Reales
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 440 reviews
This museum contains artifacts and other historical exhibits on Santo Domingo from 1492 to 1821.
Reviewed By kingflete - Boston, United States
This place is huge. I loved the garden (although the upkeep could use some work). Overall a good place to blow off an hour or two in a cool shaded breezy palace.
5. Parque Colon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 915 reviews
One of Santo Domingo's main gathering places, this plaza has a bronze statue of Columbus at its center.
Reviewed By worldmaps - New York City, United States
Perfect to sit down and people-watch. Lots of activities at the park - performers, music, food, and a beautiful church.
6. National Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 554 reviews
Full of flowers and plants native to the island, the gardens offer tram tours of the facilities.
Reviewed By pamgarner15 - Mesa, United States
The Botanical Gardens show off the natural beauty of the Dominican Republic. The architect did a masterful job of designing the grounds. I love the Japanese gardens I also enjoyed the walking tour. This is well worth the 200 pesos or 4 American dollars.
7. Agora Mall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 904 reviews
Reviewed By Glasgow3016
I enjoy very much to stroll through shopping malls world wide and it was a pleasant surprise to have experienced Agora Mall. Wide selection of top class stores, plenty of facilities, clean and inviting.
8. Zona Colonial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,086 reviews
Reviewed By globetrottingboys - San Francisco, United States
My life was so enriched by visiting this spot. I really thought Santo Domingo was just about Bachata but i was wrong this place is so rich in history is full of sixteenth century architecture, former colonial buildings now turned museums, and embassies. Make sure you visit all this spots located along this historic zone include Fortaleza Ozama, the first fortress in the Americas, and the National Pantheon, resting place of the Dominican Republic’s national heroes, La Calle De Las Damas and The first cathedral build in the new continent (cathedral of Santa María)
9. Santo Domingo Metro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 263 reviews
Reviewed By andrewmU2655XD
The Santo Domingo Metro is the only subway in the Caribbean. It is a great method of exploring the sights of the city. The subway operates between 6:00 am to 10:30 pm daily. A trip costs RD$35 with a disposable card, but a daily card may be more economical if you are regularly riding the subway. The subway runs for 48 km throughout the city with a north to south (blue) and east to west (red) line. I used the subway to visit military monuments of Simon Bolivar (a short walk north of Joaquín Balaguer), José de San Martín (outside Juan Bosch station) and Maximo Gomez (outside of Juan P. Duarte station). Other attractions on the blue line include the many museums and sculptures of the Plaza of Culture (Casandra Damirón station) and monuments to the Dominican fight for independence and democracy, a short walk south of the Centro de los Héroes station. I would recommend this method of transport for any visitors to the city.
10. Kahkow Experience
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 334 reviews
Reviewed By GnMe - Menomonie, United States
We have not done the tour, but have stopped a couple times for a cup of hot chocolate, bought items in their shop and watched through the window as workers made chocolate... something. Not sure when they do that, but it's interesting to watch if you're there at the right time. We may have to do the tour some time, and make our own chocolate bar. If you're up for a $5 cup of hot chocolate, it's an unbelievable treat.
