Choose from 59 Fun Things to Do in Dominican Republic
ShowingFilter 41-59 of 59 listings.
Lemon Lagoon Bay
The palm tree-lined sand and turquoise-blue water await you in Lemon Lagoon Bay. Known for dreamy water , beautiful coastline and one of the best beaches in all of the Domincan Republic, Lemon Lagoon Bay is a paradisiacal escape into the virgin sun. Underwater coral reefs house abundant tropical wildlife and so Lemon Lagoon Bay is a popular place to spend the day snorkeling, kayaking, lounging by the beach, or even romping through the sand on a bumbling dune buggy exploring the beautiful coast.
Address: Dominican Republic
From $ 164
Los Tres Ojos
Los Tres Ojos—one of Santo Domingo’s most unique attractions—is an open-air limestone cave that’s home to three beautiful lakes. A nearby underground river feeds water to these brilliantly colored ponds that are accessible on foot or by boat. Travelers can explore the blue, green and yellow waters that are rich with indigenous wildlife that were once a source of survival for the first inhabitants of Hispaniola. An impressive network of stalagmites and stalactites surround the lakes, which travelers say makes a visit to Los Tres Ojos feel like stepping into another world.
Practical Info
Los Tres Ojos is located in Mirador del Este Park. It is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Address: Mirador del Este Park, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
From $ 50
Santiago
Santiago, or Santiago de los Caballeros, is located in the Cibao Valley, and with nearly 1 million residents, it’s the second-largest city in the Dominican Republic. Santiago’s origins date back to 1495, when Christopher Columbus built a fort on the banks of the Yaque del Norte River. Santiago was once named Santiago de los Treinta Caballeros (Saint James of the 30 Knights), a nod to the 30 Spanish aristocrats who helped form the original community.
Many people refer to Santiago as the “heart city,” as it’s located at the center of what was once Hispaniola. Santiago has a large arts and culture scene. Do not miss the Museo del Tabaco (Cigar Museum), where visitors can learn about the art of making cigars and purchase some of the most famous brands. Other museums of note include Museo Folklórico Yoryi Morel, which features exhibits related to Santiago’s Carnival, and Museo Histórtico Fortaleza San Luis, which once served as a municipal prison.
Sports are also a popular aspect of life in Santiago. Baseball and basketball are the most popular sports in the city. A number of notable Major League Baseball players are originally from the Dominican Republic. Fertile lands in the region support Santiago. Items like cigarettes, rum, furniture, soaps, leather goods and pharmaceuticals are produced in this region. Foods like cacao, dairy, coffee and milled rice are also staples in Santiago. While not typically a tourist destination, the city is seeing a slight increase in tourism.
Practical Info
Santiago de los Caballeros is located in the inland part of the Dominican Republic. There are direct flights into Santiago from several locations in the United States and parts of Central America and the Caribbean. Be cautious of your belongings, especially in the Centro Historico, as thieves and pickpockets are plentiful.
Address: Santiago, Dominican Republic
From $ 89
Hoyo Azul
Don’t let the name fool you: Hoyo Azul, or Blue Hole, has more to offer than its simple moniker belies. This famous turquoise-water cenote (natural pool) in Punta Cana, whose unexpected existence at the base of a 200-foot (61-meter) cliff surprises and delights visitors, is one of the Dominican Republic’s top destinations for the swimming, ziplining, nature tours, and other activities based around it.
The Basics
Hoyo Azul is located in Scape Park, which itself is in Cap Cana Resort. To reach the cenote, take a guided hike through the park—learning about the native bromeliads, orchids, and ferns at endemic plant stations along the way—and reward yourself with a much-needed dip at the end. Zipline tours through Cap Cana Resort typically stop at Hoyo Azul, as well, and feature stunning views of the lush landscape, El Farallon cliff, and the Caribbean Sea. Those with an interest in nature can get a better understanding of the Cap Cana ecosystem on a full-day ecotour that combines suspension bridges, ziplines, and hiking with a trip to Hoyo Azul. Full-day tours from Punta Cana, including catamaran cruises and guided transportation, are also available for an easy day trip.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Cap Cana Resort offers a variety of tour packages that include a trip to Hoyo Azul.
- Bring your own towel and spending cash for souvenirs and photos.
- Floating devices are available for those who cannot swim.
- Hoyo Azul is not recommended for those with trouble walking on steep or uneven surfaces.
How to Get There
Cap Cana is located just 15 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport. Take an airport transfer, taxi, or shuttle from there for only a few dollars. Many tours of the area stop at Hoyo Azul.
When to Get There
Budget travelers should head to Hoyo Azul during low season—from August to early December—for the best deals on accommodations and activities. Warm weather year-round means that swimming, hiking, and other outdoor activities are always an option.
Address: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Admission: $59
From $ 149
Imagine Punta Cana
By day Punta Cana is a place to relax, go golfing, snorkeling, or sailing, but by night Punta Cana is a place to party—especially at Imagine Disco. After all, when was the last time you partied underground, inside of a natural cave? Or visited a bar where the drinks were conveniently included in entry to the club? At this sprawling, multi-cave, Punta Cana hot spot, multiple DJs spin different genres of thumping musical rhythms, and you can choose the room that fits your mood and the music you want to hear. With VIP entry you not only receive transport both to and from your resort, but also dedicated bottle service of premium labels at comfortable tables before heading back to the dance floor.
Insider's Tip: Occasionally shows are held in the Universe Cave, which has a dance floor with a maximum capacity of 3,000 people. Check the local event calendar to see if a show is coming to town during your stay in Punta Cana.
Practical Info
Additional rooms are opened in the club depending on the size of the crowds. Fridays and Saturdays are considerably busier than Thursday and Sunday nights, and because many Dominicans stay out late, the club doesn’t usually really get going until 2am or later.
Address: Avenida Estados Unidos, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Hours: 11pm-4am Thursday-Sunday
From $ 65
Marinarium
The marine life of the Dominican Republic’s prized offshore reefs is preserved and exhibited at the Marinarium marine park in Cabeza de Toro, equidistant from Punta Cana and Bavaro. The ecotourism attraction is dedicated to creating a model of sustainable ecological conservation for local marine life.
The Basics
Marinarium tours and excursions enable you to experience the area’s coral reef and marine life. Activities include a Marinarium snorkeling cruise, during which you snorkel in the waist-deep waters of the Caribbean among nurse sharks and tropical fish. Meanwhile, the Reef Explorer provides all the facilities of a mini island at sea, including a snorkeling excursion, the unique opportunity for a shark and ray experience, kayaking, sunbathing, and snacks and drinks aboard the explorer.
Boat tours are available during the day or at sunset, and typically include a stop at Bavaro’s Natural Pool, a sand bar where you can wade in the shallow waters and sip a cocktail from the swim-up bar. On both daytime and evening cruises, a tour guide educates visitors on the biology and behavior of the local marine life; evening cruises have more of a party boat atmosphere.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Marinarium is a perfect excursion for nature and wildlife buffs.
- Bring a bathing suit, towel, and sunscreen. Snorkeling equipment is provided.
- Photos and DVDs are available for purchase post-excursion, so bring cash if you'd like to purchase.
- Activities offered at Marinarium are not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers.
How to Get There
Marinarium offers pickup and drop-off from Bavaro and Punta Cana hotels. Pickup times are advised upon booking.
When to Get There
Marinarium is open from 8:30am to 6pm; pickup and drop-off times will be advised according to the particular excursion booked.
Conservation Efforts at the Marinarium
The Marinarium is recognized worldwide for its dedication to ecotourism and the responsible interaction with the coral reef and marine life in the Dominican Republic. Part of the revenue from tours and excursions is used to support environmental conservation and educational activities.
Address: Cabeza de Toro, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic
Hours: Daily
Admission: Varies
From $ 106
Sosua Beach
Located between Puerto Plata’s resorts and the surf town of Cabarete in the Dominican Republic, Sosúa Beach is a pristine stretch of sand famous for excellent diving and snorkeling. With white sand fringed with trees and calm waters ideal for swimming, it’s a relaxing spot popular with families and day-trippers.
The Basics
Protected by a coral reef, the waters around Sosúa Beach are filled with marine life and coral gardens. Snorkelers can expect to see schools of tropical fish including parrotfish and lionfish here. The horseshoe-shape golden-sand beach is the perfect spot to relax with a book, and the water is safe enough for children to swim.
Many people visit Sosúa Beach as part of a full-day tour from nearby Puerto Plata, enjoying snorkeling, a catamaran trip, or a ride in a glass-bottom boat.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Sosúa Beach is a must for snorkelers and beach enthusiasts.
- Rent snorkel gear from shops at the beach or choose a tour that includes equipment.
- Beach chairs and umbrellas are available to rent from the bars along the beach.
- If you visit during the winter months, you might see migrating whales offshore.
How to Get There
Sosúa Beach is located 4 miles (6 kilometers) east of Puerto Plata International Airport. You can reach the beach by boat as part of a snorkeling trip, by car, or by taxi. Public buses run to the beach frequently from Puerto Plata town.
When to Get There
Sosúa Beach is temperate and open to the public year-round. It’s busiest on Sundays, when local families come to spend the day at the beach. The atmosphere in Sosúa Beach is family-friendly during the day, but nighttime brings out a grittier element in town.
The Amber Museum
At the Amber Museum in Puerto Plata town, you can see all kinds of ancient insects and plant life preserved in amber. Tree resin that’s naturally fossilized over thousands of years, the beautiful semi-precious stone is found in many places worldwide, but amber from the Dominican Republic is widely considered to be among the clearest and best in the world.
Practical Info
Address: Sosua, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
From $ 47
National Park of the East (Parque Nacional del Este)
The National Park of the East (Parque Nacional del Este) is one of Dominican Republic’s most biologically diverse land reserves. From the sandy beaches of Saona Island to the tropical forest and limestone landscape of the mainland, the park is home to more than 500 species of plant and hundreds of species of bird, insect, and fish.
The Basics
Venture to this prized park and discover plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Rugged trails loop through the grounds past quiet tide pools and into tropical forests and dark caves ripe for exploring, while offshore coral reefs and beautiful beaches attract divers and day-tripping tourists to the park.
To get the most of your trip to Dominican Republic’s rural tropical landscape, you can visit the National Park of the East on a day tour to Isla Saona from Bayahibe. Tours and shore excursions leave daily from Punta Cana and La Romana, and some include lunch, round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and free time to snorkel or enjoy the white-sand beach and clear-blue Caribbean water.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Parque del Este is a must for nature lovers, who can get the most information on the local flora and fauna from a guided tour.
- The sun is strong here. Bring sunscreen and a sun hat.
- If visiting via cruise ship, it’s best to book a tour via fast speedboat to ensure you make your departing ship.
- Most tours provide snorkel gear.
How to Get There
The National Park of the East protects coastal and island environments on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic. The closest towns are Bayahibe and Boca de Yuma. The park has two entrances—Guaraguao and Boca de Yuma, on the east side.
When to Get There
The park is open daily, and the park office is open from 9am to 1pm. As in all Caribbean locations, the summers are hot and autumn is hurricane season. The Dominican Republic’s peak tourist season is November through March, so expect larger crowds and sold-out tours during that time.
Taino Indians
Manantial de La Aleta, Jose Maria Cave, and other cave sites in the park contain archaeological remains and artifacts from the Taino Indians who once inhabited the park’s dry forest. Some special Saona tours focus or touch on cave drawings and artifacts, which illustrate the myths, beliefs, and daily life of the Taino people.
Address: Highway 4, Bayahibe 23000, Dominican Republic
Hours: Open daily; park office: 9am-1pm
Admission: RD$100
From $ 80
Scape Park at Cap Cana
Set in the Dominican Republic’s Cap Cana Resort, the Scape Park ecoadventure site draws thrill-seekers and families who come to enjoy the property’s varied outdoor activities. You’ll find more than 247 acres (100 hectares) of limestone topography and jungle, including an active marina and the popular Juanillo Beach.
The Basics
With a variety of available tours, you can focus on just one way of exploring Scape Park, or pack your day with different activities. Go ziplining over the treetops, horseback riding along the beach, or off-roading in an adventure buggy. Scuba diving and snorkeling tours allow you to discover the Caribbean island’s underwater flora and fauna, while catamaran and yacht tours showcase the landscape above sea level, including the scenic Juanillo coastline. Swim in the otherworldly turquoise water of the Hoyo Azul cenote (an underground limestone sinkhole), or opt for kayaking, windsurfing, paddleboarding, fishing, or sailing. Try a cave expedition or lagoon tour for extra adventure. Many combination tours from Punta Cana pair adventurous activities with cultural tours or ecotours, most with transportation included.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Both adults and kids will find activities to enjoy at Scape Park, making this day trip a crowd-pleaser for families.
- Wear clothes you won’t mind sweating in; most tours here involve some level of activity.
- The hot, humid jungle climate makes sunscreen and bug spray necessities.
- Buying tickets ahead of time minimizes the chance you’ll have to wait in line at this popular attraction.
- Scape Park’s rugged terrain makes it unsuitable for wheelchair users or strollers.
How to Get There
Centrally located just seven miles from the Punta Cana airport, Scape Park is located below Farallon Cliff in Cap Cana. If you’re staying at one of the many resorts in Punta Cana, Bavaro, or Bayahibe, you can arrange for a complimentary tour bus to pick you up from your resort.
When to Get There
Scape Park is open daily from 8am to 6pm. The busiest times to visit the Dominican Republic are from mid-February to mid-June, when many visitors from the northern United States book trips to escape freezing temperatures. The rainy hurricane season lasts from June to November.
Hoyo Azul
One of the most popular attractions in Scape Park is the Hoyo Azul. Meaning “blue hole,” Hoyo Azul is a sinkhole resulting from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposed groundwater underneath. The Hoyo Azul eco tour involves a descent into the cave where you can walk on boardwalks above the water. Guided commentary talks about the formation of the water feature, plus the flora and fauna that flourish there.
Address: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Hours: Daily
Admission: Varies
From $ 129
Zona Colonial
The Caribbean is known for its brilliant colors and vibrant culture. Travelers to Dominican Republic will find this to be especially true amid the lively streets of Santo Domingo, where the country’s urban center is ripe with the smells and sounds of Latin America.
But visitors who venture to Zona Colonial—one of the city’s most historic neighborhoods—will find a tiny enclave filled with traditional European-style architecture, well-kept parks, cobblestone streets and artistic nods to great adventurers.
A mighty bronze statue of Christopher Columbus sits at the center of Parque Colon, and nearby Calle Las Damas is the oldest paved road in the New World. These historic sites, paired with incredible architecture unlike anywhere in Santo Domingo, are just part of what make Zona Colonial a popular destination for travelers looking to escape the hustle of the city, as well as those who want to experience the nation’s capital as it used to be.
Practical Info
Zona Colonial is approximately five square kilometers located on the western side of the Ozama River. It includes several important buildings including the Catedral Primada de America and Alcazar de Colon.
Address: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
From $ 45
Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park and Reserve
The Indigenous Eyes (Ojos Indígenas) Ecological Park and Reserve is designed to protect the natural habitats of the Dominican Republic’s plants and animals. Formerly called the Punta Cana Ecological Reserve, it was renamed for the 12 freshwater lagoons found here, which the native Taino people called eyes because of their distinctive shape.
The Basics
Popular for its beautiful lagoons (five of which are swimmable) and surroundings, the protected 1,500-acre (600-hectare) Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park lies in the south end of Punta Cana. You can walk through the forest paths to a quiet beach, or jump in and cool off in the swimming holes. Thanks to the clear, deep turquoise waters, taking photos here is another popular activity. While you can visit independently (there are also guided walking tours available), many people come as part of a half- or full-day guided tour that may also include a catamaran cruise or off-road adventure.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park is ideal for nature lovers.
- Access to the reserve is via paid ticket.
- There are on-site restrooms, lockers, and a stall selling drinks.
- Remember to bring a swimsuit and towel if you’re planning to swim in the lagoons.
How to Get There
The Ojos Indígenas reserve is located in Punta Cana close to the Cap Cana Marina. It is easily accessible by car and as part of a guided tour.
When to Get There
The reserve is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Afternoons are the busiest time, so plan to visit early in the morning for a quieter experience. High season in the Dominican Republic is from December to March, while rain and high winds are possible from June to November.
Stroll Around Cap Cana Marina
With room for 150 boats, Cap Cana Marina is a fun spot to visit on a trip to Punta Cana. You can marvel at the yachts, stroll along the quayside, and enjoy a drink, lunch, or dinner at one of the restaurants inside this upscale resort community.
Address: Cap Cana, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic
Admission: Varies
From $ 139
Isabel de Torres Mountain
Isabel de Torres Mountain is located near Puerto Plata and overlooks the region’s coastal strip. Also called Mount Isabel de Torres, this scenic mountain is home to the only aerial tramway in the Caribbean. The cable car, or teleférico in Spanish, brings visitors up 2,555 feet (778.8 meters) while offering spectacular views down to the city and surrounding waters. The ride takes approximately five to seven minutes. It is recommended that you visit in the morning, as early as possible; the afternoon is prone to heavy cloud cover and you might find yourself at the top of Mount Isabel de Torres with no views at all.
Mount Isabel de Torres’ peak offers impressive views of the Dominican Republic. Atop the mountain, there is a replica of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue found in Brazil. The statue sits atop a big dome, which houses stores selling jewelry and other souvenirs.
The mountain is also home to a botanical garden. Wander the paths to admire the tropical plants and surrounding scenery. If you are hungry, there is a full-service restaurant and snack shack at the Isabel de Torres’ peak as well.
Practical Info
Wear proper walking shoes if you want to explore Isabel de Torres Mountain. You have the option of taking the aerial tram both ways or taking the car up and walking down. You can skip the cable car altogether and drive up one of two roads. Isabel de Torres and the aerial tramway are open for visitors daily.
Address: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
From $ 64
Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park (Parque Ojos Indigenas)
The privately run Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park (or Parque Ojos Indigenas) preserves 45 acres (18 hectares) of tropical paradise, part of the larger 1,500-acre (600-hectare) Punta Cana Ecological Park. The park is named for the crystal-clear freshwater lagoons (called ‘eyes’) that run underground and emerge here near the sea.
Trails lead around the park, and guided tours are available. Tours on horseback go through the park and along the coast, while the option to take an unforgettable swim in one of the dozen lagoons is also available.
Trails lead around the park, and guided tours are available. Tours on horseback go through the park and along the coast, while the option to take an unforgettable swim in one of the dozen lagoons is also available.
Practical Info
The Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park runs along the coast, half a mile (600 meters) south of Punta Cana Resort.
Address: Cap Cana, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic
Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk
Admission: Must be a guest at Puntacana Resort & Club or make arrangements with Puntacana Ecological Foundation
From $ 55
National Palace
The city of Santo Domingo is one of the oldest in the Caribbean, however the National Palace isn’t a colonial-era structure. Instead it harkens to a different, more recent period of the Dominican Republics history. The National Palace was built in the 1940s during the reign of the DR’s famously brutal dictator Rafael Trujillo. The National Palace is still in use as the seat of the DR’s government and the offices of the president, so it is not generally open to the public. However, visitors can explore the outside and take photos of the building’s impressive architecture.
Practical Info
The National Palace is a feature of modern Santo Domingo, and so is not found within the Colonial Zone where most visitors spend their time. However, it’s only a 10-minute drive west of the Colonial Zone, and easily reached by taxi.
Address: Calle Moses Garcia, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
From $ 50
Los Haitises National Park
About 12km down a dirt road and tucked into a corner of the Dominican Republic lies one of the country’s most spectacular hidden gems: Los Haitises National Park. Extravagant landscapes and postcard-worthy waters make this place one of the Hispaniola’s most hallowed (and protected) sites. Untouched virgin rainforests house untold pleasures, while the unforgettable waters of shimmering Lorenzo Bay, the petroglyphs of the caverns, and the wilds of the mangrove swamps will deeply impress visitors.
Any trip to Los Haitises is special, but for bird-watchers, the park is a treasure trove of frigate birds, parrots, owls, brown pelicans, and royal terns. Winged wildlife flock by the hundreds around the bay’s transparent waters, and the mangrove swamps provide a safe home for all sorts of small sea creatures. Trails lead into the subtropical forest for 4x4ing, biking, hiking, and horseback riding adventures. In January, the park opens up to whale-watching tourists hoping to spot these oceanic giants mid-migration.
Any trip to Los Haitises is special, but for bird-watchers, the park is a treasure trove of frigate birds, parrots, owls, brown pelicans, and royal terns. Winged wildlife flock by the hundreds around the bay’s transparent waters, and the mangrove swamps provide a safe home for all sorts of small sea creatures. Trails lead into the subtropical forest for 4x4ing, biking, hiking, and horseback riding adventures. In January, the park opens up to whale-watching tourists hoping to spot these oceanic giants mid-migration.
Address: Los Haitises National Park, Dominican Republic
From $ 75
Samana Bay
Samana Bay is the heart of the Samana region in the far northeast of the Dominica Republic. Along its shores, you’ll find the famed Los Haitises National Park, protected tropical forest where you can explore caverns adorned with native Taino petroglyphs, spectacular tree covered islets, and idyllic mangrove lagoons. The bay itself is also a popular attraction for divers and snorkelers, and during the winter months it becomes a gathering point for migrating humpback whales, which come here from cooler climes to mate and birth their calves. During this time, whale watching tours practically guarantee sightings of these massive marine mammals as the jump and play at the water’s surface.
Practical Info
Samana Bay is the largest bay in the Dominica Republic, with dozens of towns and villages lining its shores. The city of Samana is the largest and most common jumping off point for adventures in and around the bay.
Address: Samana, Dominican Republic
From $ 89
Saona Island (Isla Saona)
Saona Island (Isla Saona) is the Dominican Republic's largest coastal island, clocking in at 15 miles (25 kilometers) long and three miles (5 kilometers) wide, with a population of little more than 300. Part of the National Park of the East, the island features plenty of photo-worthy white sands, swaying palm trees, and turquoise waters.
The Basics
Set sail across the Caribbean Sea on a speedboat or catamaran cruise to Saona Island to spend a day swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing at the island's beaches and lagoons. Full-day Saona Island tours run from Punta Cana, La Romana, Bayahibe Beach, and Santo Domingo, and often include visits to mainland sights such as Altos de Chavon. Alternatively, arrive in style on a private helicopter to enjoy spectacular views along the island's southern coast.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Be sure to take everything you need as there are no shops on the island. Sunscreen, a swimsuit, and a sunhat are essentials.
- Bring cash if you want to purchase food or drinks from beach bars and kiosks—most do not accept cards.
- There is no Wi-Fi on the island.
- Many passenger ferries and private boats to Saona Island are wheelchair accessible, but it's best to check with the operator in advance.
How to Get There
Saona Island is located at the southeastern tip of the Dominican Republic, and is only reachable by boat. The closest mainland town is Bayahibe. From there, Saona Island is 40 minutes away by speedboat, or two hours away on a leisurely catamaran cruise.
When to Get There
The most popular time to visit Saona Island is during the dry summer months from December through February, and resorts can fill up quickly during the this time. Thanks to the mild Caribbean climate, it's possible to visit year-round, but while off-season visitors can benefit from reduced prices, boat tours can be canceled due to rough weather during hurricane season from August through November.
Exploring Saona Island
After visiting the village of Mano Juan, exploring Cotubanamá Cave, and strolling the pristine Canto de la Playa beach, take a dip at a natural pool filled with giant starfish or swim and snorkel at Palmilla Beach. The island has plenty of offshore wonders too—look out for bottlenose dolphins, turtles, manatees, and whales as you cruise around the coast.
Practical Info
Measuring around 15 miles long (25 km) by 3 miles wide (5 km), Saona Island is part of the National Park of the East (Parque Nacional del Este) in the Dominican Republic. The closest towns are Bayahibe and Boca de Yuma.
Address: Dominican Republic
Admission: Free
From $ 67
Palacio de Bellas Artes
The Palace of Fine Arts, located in the heart of Santo Domingo, was designed by Francisco Manuel Batista and built to showcase the culture and traditions of the Dominican Republic during the reign of dictator Rafael Leonidas Trujillo Molina. It is home to vast galleries as well as a 614-seat theater for productions and presentations.
Travelers who venture to the stunning white neoclassical structure with its impressive dome and imposing columns can check out a performance of the symphony orchestra, National Folkloric Ballet, or simply tour the building and learn about the incredible history of arts education that's taken place here since the 1950s.
It's easy to visit the Palacio de Bellas Artes as part of a Santo Domingo city tour by comfortable coach, on foot or by bike.
Practical Info
Palacio de Bellas Artes is located between Calle Aristides Fiallo Cabral and Avenida Independencia on Avenida Maximo Gomez, a few blocks from the Ministry of Education.
Address: Avenida Maximo Gomez, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
From $ 80
Plaza de España (Plaza de Armas)
Plaza de Espana was once a vast open field cultivated by the Taino Indian prior to the arrival of Spanish colonizers. It later became the starting point for soldiers as they paraded in regal fashion around the nearby palace of Diego Colon.
Today, this open square in the heart of Santo Domingo is a popular gathering spot for locals and travelers who want to revel in the sunshine while they take in the surrounding culture and street entertainment. Numerous restaurants and cafes offer an opportunity to relax with a cup of coffee, a traditional Dominican meal or a glass of wine, while the open space provides room for concerts and other performances.
The square is most often visited as part of a city tour"”whether its on foot, Segway or bike. The nearby Bateria del Almirante is a perfect spot to check out stunning views of the Ozama River during daylight hours and visitors can also walk to the oldest commercial road in the city from Plaza de Espana.
Practical Info
Travelers can find the plaza by walking north on Isabel la Catolica from Conde. After about three blocks, make a right on the famous Calle las Damas and continue straight ahead to the plaza.
Address: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
From $ 77