Santo Domingo is not only the capital of the Dominican Republic, it is also the oldest colonial capital in Central and South America. And you can tell by the many historic and picturesque buildings with Spanish influences. The Colonial Zone, in particular, invites you to wander its cobblestone lanes and step back into the era of early explorers. Beyond the historic center, the city offers lush urban parks with lagoons, excellent restaurants, and a vibrant cultural scene. Curious about what to do, where to stay, and how to make the most of your visit? Keep reading for all our tips on exploring Santo Domingo.
10 best things to do in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo is, in our opinion, the most beautiful city in the Dominican Republic thanks to its rich and fascinating history, culture and cozy atmosphere that comes alive at night. Since it is also not very big, you can see most of the sights in Santo Domingo in 1 to 2 days. Afterwards you can travel on to tropical places like Samaná or Punta Cana.
1) Zone Colonial
The Colonial Zone or Zona Colonial is the old city center of Santo Domingo. Although it is not very big, it is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This is due to the many colonial buildings and history you will find here. Santo Domingo was in fact the first city ever on the American continent, founded by the brother of Christopher Columbus. Now you can wander the centuries-old streets filled with colorful houses, stately buildings and atmospheric plazas. At night, the squares really come alive, where locals and tourists gather and live music is often played.
2) Catedral Primada de América
The name says it all: Catedral Primada de América is the first cathedral built in the New World. It is a spectacular structure in the colonial zone, and even though the cathedral dates from 1514, it is still very much intact. You can admire the cathedral from the outside, but we recommend you definitely take a look inside as well. Pay special attention to the stone vault and how you would almost forget that you are in a more than 500-year-old building!
Hours: daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Sunday | Admission: $100 DOP per person including audio guide.
3) Parque Colón (Columbus park)
Parque Colón is one such atmospheric square in Santo Domingo and is adjacent to the Catedral Primada de América. During the day it is a pleasant place to cool off in the shade of the trees or watch the many pigeons that keep the statue of Christopher Columbus company. Be sure to come back in the evening as well, when you will notice a lively atmosphere. Locals and tourists gather here to chat, live music is played and sometimes even the Bachata is danced! Or plop down on one of the cozy terraces around the square.
4) Alcazar de Colón
Another vibrant square in Santo Domingo is Plaza d’España. This square is much larger and also here there is always something going on at night. The square is especially popular thanks to another, important attraction in Santo Domingo: Alcazar de Colón. This was the palace of Diego Columbus, who, like his father Christopher Columbus, was an explorer. Shortly after his arrival in Santo Domingo, he had the castle built. The result is a beautiful, colonial palace with Spanish influences. Now you will find a museum that gives you a glimpse of life back then during the 16th century. Something you absolutely must have seen when you are in Santo Domingo!
Alcazar de Colón opening hours: temporarily closed due to renovations.
5) Hospital San Nicolás de Bari
In turn, the San Nicolás de Bari hospital was the first hospital built in the Americas in 1503. Unlike the cathedral, this building did suffer a lot. What remains are mostly ruins and stone walls. Still, we found this one of the more beautiful sights in Santo Domingo. Plants and greenery weave their way through the remaining structures, and flocks of green parakeets chatter from the alcoves of the old walls. It’s a peaceful, almost poetic spot to wander. You’ll find the ruins just a five-minute walk from Parque Colón.
6) Shopping at Calle El Conde
Calle El Conde is the shopping street of Santo Domingo. That was the function of this street when Santo Domingo was founded in the New World, and it has not changed until today. Now you’ll find stores, restaurants and street vendors trying to sell you their art or souvenirs. What is really fun to do is walk into one of the cigar stores. There you will actually see how they roll and cut the cigars before they are placed in the typical wooden boxes. The cigars of the Dominican Republic are among the best in the world. Other typical products of the Dominican Republic that you can buy here are Larimar (a light blue gemstone), cocoa, coffee and rum.
7) Fortazela Ozama
You will also find the oldest military building in the Americas in Santo Domingo, called Fortazela Ozama. This 16th century fort was originally built to defend the city from pirates and other attacks. Later it was also used as a prison, and even Christopher Columbus was briefly imprisoned here before being sent back to Spain. Now you can walk through the old fort where you can still see cannons standing in the courtyard or climb the tower for a great view of the city.
Opening hours Fortazela Ozama: daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. except Monday | Admission: $100 DOP per person
8) Panteón de la Patria
One last, spectacular building worth visiting in Santo Domingo is the Panteón de la Patria. Also called the Pantheon of the Fatherland, this was once a chapel. Now it is a kind of mausoleum where the most important figures of the Dominican Republic are buried. The front is guarded by Dominican guards, but you can walk right in. Be sure to look up, because on the ceiling you will find some beautiful frescoes.
Opening hours Panteón de la Patria: daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Admission: free
9) Los Tres Ojos national park
About a 15-minute drive from the Zone Colonial you will find the Los Tres Ojos national park. This beautiful piece of nature was for us the best thing to do in Santo Domingo! As you walk past the entrance, you pass through the jungle until you reach a staircase that descends into a giant, slate cave. This semi-open cave includes three azure lagoons, referred to as Los Tres Ojos (the Three Eyes). Because the cave is open, a variety of tropical plants grow between the lagoons and lianas hang down. There is even a fourth lagoon that you can only reach by boat. Here you get on a floating pontoon after which the skipper pulls you across using a rope. If you do not have a car, you can also arrange a taxi from your hotel to Los Tres Ojos or join this tour.
Opening hours Parque Nacional Los Tres Ojos : daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Admission: $200 DOP per person
10) Taste the local cuisine
Finally, in Santo Domingo you can have a delicious meal in one of the many cozy restaurants. The national dish of the Dominican Republic is La Bandera (literally translated: the flag) and consists of rice, beans, vegetables and meat. But you can also try dishes like Mangu or Pastélon. We ate deliciously ourselves at Mesón de Bari and at Time Creative Vegetarian Kitchen. The latter is a completely vegetarian restaurant with amazing cocktails!
Where to stay in Santo Domingo
The best place to stay in Santo Domingo is within the Zone Colonial. At El Beaterio Casa Museo you sleep in an old 16th-century monastery, or as the name implies, a veritable museum. Hotel Villa Colonial in turn has a beautiful indoor garden with a swimming pool, which is certainly welcome in the tropical temperatures of the Dominican Republic.
How to visit Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo has an international airport. From the airport, you can be in the Zone Colonial in about 30 minutes. The easiest way to get there is by cab, which costs between $30 and $40 USD. Are you landing in Punta Cana like us? Then you can take a rental car. From Punta Cana to Santo Domingo is about a 2h30 drive. Here you can read more about driving yourself in the Dominican Republic.
Best time to visit Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
The best time to visit the Dominican Republic is during the dry season from December through April. From April/May begins the rainy season, which often involves short but powerful showers. In turn, the advantage is that accommodations and flights become much cheaper, although in July and August many international tourists descend on the Dominican Republic because of the vacations. Especially avoid the months of September and October, when it is hurricane season in the Dominican Republic.
Still have questions about what to do in Santo Domingo? Let us know in a comment below! Looking for more information about your next trip? Please do not hesitate to contact us or send an email to info@snoezelsontheroad.com
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