Spending a day in Santo Domingo was just the change of pace I needed from Punta Cana during my DR road trip, and I highly recommend penciling the capital city into your itinerary! Whether you're driving in from Punta Cana for one day, like I did, or staying overnight, this Santo Domingo things to do list will give you a mix of culture, charm, and cuisine--with or without a travel buddy.
And if you enjoy this post, you'll love my Dominican Republic solo travel guide, too!
Jump to:
- Walk la Zona Colonial
- Go to Dominican Museums
- Shop Handmade Souvenirs
- Eat Local Food
- Stroll through Malecón
- Visit Los Tres Ojos National Park
- See the National Pantheon & Fortress
- Walk Calle Las Damas
- Explore the Botanical Gardens
- Take a Day Trip to Boca Chica
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Favorite Excursions in Republica Dominicana
Prefer to let someone else do the planning for you? Book a private Santo Domingo tour from Punta Cana, and all you'll need to do is show up! These packages include some of the top things to see and do in Santo Domingo with a local guide:
Walk la Zona Colonial
Santo Domingo's colonial zone is one of its most popular things to see because it's home to so much history, from being the testing grounds for the transatlantic slave trade to housing the Dominican Republic's current seat of government.
I learned so much on the Historia Oculta Decolonial Walking Tour that is not covered anywhere else, and think it's very much worth adding to your itinerary if you can find an opening! Or check out this five-star reviewed history of slavery guided tour in Santo Domingo.
And if you aren't up to walking, try the Chu Chu Colonial tour via train.
Go to Dominican Museums
Santo Domingo has a heavy concentration of museums covering almost any topic you might be interested from kid-friendly trampolines to rum to amber stones or natural history. Here are a few that are especially unique to this country and part of the world:
Shop Handmade Souvenirs
Within the colonial zone, you can find all kinds of artisan shops selling Dominican coffee, Mama Juana, jewelry, and more. I made sure to pick up a bit of everything, plus Christmas ornaments for my travel tree!
Use my DR packing list for women and make sure to leave room in your luggage for your purchases!
Eat Local Food
If you're coming from Punta Cana, you'll be pleased to find delicious, authentic Dominican food in Santo Domingo!
After all the themed resort food, finding a good meal was a must on my list of things to do in Santo Domingo, and I enjoyed my favorite lunch of the whole vacation at El Conuco, which also features live music and dancing.
And make sure you stop by Coco Limon for fresh, natural juices.
Traveling solo? Read my tips for dining alone before you go!
Stroll through Malecón
Santo Domingo's Malecón is a nearly nine-mile-long street along the Caribbean Sea, lined with historic monuments and modern attractions like luxury shopping, hotels, and casinos. At night, you can see street performers and enjoy live music at the restaurants.
If you're coming from the Santo Domingo tourist cruise port, it's a 20-minute drive. No car? No problem--taxis, buses, shuttles, and rideshare options like Uber are abundant in this area. Bookmark this for your Santo Domingo visit if you want a bougie moment!
Compare prices on Santo Domingo hotels and save money on your booking!
Visit Los Tres Ojos National Park
Don't be fooled by the architecture (and traffic) in Santo Domingo. There are amazing natural wonders around Santo Domingo! Visiting Los Tres Ojos, which means the three eyes, was like stepping into another world within city limits.
In fact, this subterranean cave system has been featured in otherworldly films like Jurassic Park and Tarzan.
Read my guide to visiting Los Tres Ojos to help you plan the timing perfectly!
See the National Pantheon & Fortress
European history buffs will really love bundling two historical places into one trip with the Pantheon of Dominican Fathers and the adjacent Fort Ozama, which offer in-depth looks at Spanish architecture and religious culture.
The Patheon was one of the last structures the Spaniards built on the island, and currently serves as the final resting place for some of DR's most revered citizens.
Walk Calle Las Damas
Want to walk on the oldest paved street in the Americas? That's Calle Las Damas, aka, Ladies' Street! This historical landmark is in the colonial zone and home to many Spanish-era buildings, including The Pantheon.
Traveling to the DR alone? Read my tips for solo travelers before you go!
Explore the Botanical Gardens
Dr. Rafael María Moscoso National Botanic Garden is the largest in the Caribbean Islands, and bursting with native Dominican flowers and plants.
You can take a guided tram ride through the grounds (included in the admission cost), but I preferred walking at my own pace to take everything in--which can easily fill up a few hours. I recommend wearing a sun hat and cool clothing because the weather can be hot year-round, and I say that as a Houston native!
Take a Day Trip to Boca Chica
If you're staying in Santo Domingo and want a lil' taste of beach resort life, go to Boca Chica beach and get a day pass to one of the all-inclusive resorts. The water on Boca Chica Beach and the surrounding beaches is shallow and a crystal blue turquoise color!
These properties are just 30 minutes from town and tend to come alive on the weekends, so if you visit Santo Domingo on a weekday (as I did), it feels like you have the place to yourself with peace and quiet.
And even if you aren't traveling solo, this is one of the best things to do near Santo Domingo with kids or friend groups. Also quite romantic for couples on honeymoon!
Considering Santo Domingo by car? Check out my free DR driving guide for travelers!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are interested in colonial history, architecture, and authentic Dominican food, yes!
By car, it takes about 2.5 hours, depending on traffic, which gets thicker as you get closer to the city and is very congested during rush hours.
The weather is warm all year long, with the lowest lows typically in the high 60s Fahrenheit and the highest highs in the upper 80s. September through November are typically the rainiest months.
More Favorite Excursions in Republica Dominicana
I hope this list of fun things to see and do in Santo Domingo makes your vacation more memorable! And sharing is caring, so be sure to pin this post for later and follow me over on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
Ask me a question!