Location: Santo Domingo
Top Things to do in Santo Domingo
- 1. The 3 Eyes National Park
- 2. El Sendero del Cacao
- 3. Catedral Primada de AmericaDominican RepublicConquering The Colonial City
- 4. Kah Kow Experience
- 5. Zona Colonial
- 6. Santo Domingo Metro
- 7. Agora Mall
- 8. Museum of the Royal Houses
- 9. Alcazar de ColonDominican RepublicConquering The Colonial City
- 10. National Botanical Garden
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What to do and see in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic: The Best Places and Tips
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. The 3 Eyes National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
A group of interconnected caves near Santo Domingo.
Reviewed By VoyagerFour - New York
I have been to many caves in many places but the 3 Eyes is especially noteworthy. It is a very peaceful place with knowledgeable guides (we had Domingo). The integration of the walkways and steps using the indigenous materials was done very well and makes the experience seamless. Seeing images in the rock formations that we all can relate to reminds me of how, despite different cultures, we interpret images of our world in very similar ways.
2. El Sendero del Cacao
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
Find the secrets that are behind an exquisite chocolate! Learn from planting a cacao tree, extracting, fermenting and drying the seeds, its importance for aroma/flavor in chocolate, as well as its process in a Factory.Dominican Republic is the major producer of organic cacao worldwide! The tour is in an organic plantation, guided by professionals of Rizek Cacao, most experienced cacao company in the country.*Lunch Available. 1h45 from Santo Domingo/Samana/Puerto Plata
Reviewed By patriciabwright
I called to make Reservations and was told to email copies of our resident cards...which I did. We did not hear back to confirm the price. When we arrived, we found they would not honor the resident price because she had not confirmed it in the email, even though we had our resident cards with us. It was disappointing. Overall we loved the
information and El Sendero was beautiful.
3. Catedral Primada de AmericaDominican RepublicConquering The Colonial City
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
This impressive Cathedral, one of the earliest built in the Americas, is known for its dramatic architecture.
Reviewed By CyberKat_CB - Stoney Creek, Canada
This is a beautiful old church and it appears that there is more than one religion using this facility. Handicap accessible and comfortable inside to enjoy on a hot day. This was part of the city tour.
4. Kah Kow Experience
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 153 reviews
Reviewed By Esteban P - Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
The facilities were beautiful. The tour was very interesting, the guides were very knowledgeable of the chocolate making process. I would recommend getting the workshop not just the tour; that way you can get some hands on and make your own chocolate.
5. Zona Colonial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By driftdiver1 - Halifax, Canada
We strolled around the Colonial Zone the day after Independence Day, so there were very few people, which made for a very relaxed and enjoyable afternoon. This is a most lovely UNESCO World Heritage site. We only had time to see the Las Americas Cathedral (highly recommended and rent the audio tour), the Ozama Fort, Larimar museum (interesting but gift shop is overpriced), and Parque Colon (with the statue of Christopher Columbus). Plus, just wandering around the streets is wonderful. And make sure to spend some time just relaxing in one of the parks.
6. Santo Domingo Metro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 192 reviews
Reviewed By ArturoFeliz - Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
It's a great option for transportation and to be honest probably in better shape than most metro systems in the world (it's relatively new) Unfortunately it has been serviced less diligently recently which has lead to its quality of service being lost a bit.
7. Agora Mall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 766 reviews
Reviewed By Sentient M
It is an insult to anyone with any class or culture to even take this shopping mall seriously. Like other shopping malls in proximity, this shopping center is riddled with nothing more than outdated, past-season, exorbitantly overpriced crap that can be purchased elsewhere in the world for a fraction of the price.
*hint: think laundromat.
Most people inside of this mall are simply loitering, window shopping without means or necessity to purchase anything inside. It is just an embarrassment, and is riddled with crap merchandise that is purchased wholesale and preticketed at present day M.S.R.P.
A great place to have a laugh, then leave in disgust, as this shopping center is so appalling insulting to anyone with a shred of class and taste, that anyone with a semblance of class would enjoy a garage sale more than walking through this joke of what pretend to be a premier shopping center.
8. Museum of the Royal Houses
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 378 reviews
This museum contains artifacts and other historical exhibits on Santo Domingo from 1492 to 1821.
Reviewed By Yair1515 - Haifa, Israel
This magnificent museum, housed in a 16th-century building, was once the royal court, the first court in the New World. Another building in the museum compound has been the residence of senior government officials. In the museum you can learn about the history of Santo Domingo with documents and various antique items. You will also find an extensive and interesting collection of antique weapons.
Opening hours: Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00.
9. Alcazar de ColonDominican RepublicConquering The Colonial City
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 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 Adam A - Amityville, New York
One of my favorite Museums of all time (I am a history and Museum junkie!). The way it is laid out, with each room decorated similar to as it would have been at the time, truly made me feel like I was walking back in time. I could just imagine having cocktails on the verandas with live music playing from the music room and dinner being laid out for the guests. Truly a gem.
10. National Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 495 reviews
Full of flowers and plants native to the island, the Gardens offer tram tours of the facilities.
Reviewed By Márk N
A very nice garden, with thematical collections like orchid garden, Japanese garden etc. One could easily spend 2-3 hours walking in this nice surroundings. The ticket also includes the train ride and entry to the ecological museum. You must take a taxi or have your own car to get there as it is hard to access by public transport.
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