Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

What to do in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo City Tour

Begin your vacation with an orientation tour of the capital, known as "The First City of the Americas." Visit the Cathedral of Santo Domingo, Columbus Castle (Alcazar), and the Old Colonial City. Shop at the flea market, take lunch by the river, and then visit the National Aquarium.

Puerto Plata City Tour

Venture through Fort San Felipe, the Amber Museum, and the Brugal Rum Distillery. After lunch, enjoy a cable car ride to the top of Mount Isabel de Torres for a breathtaking view of the city and coast.

Samana and Cayo Levantado Tour

Board a bus to the scenic fishing village of Samana. Then sail along the bay to Cayo Levantado Island. Enjoy lunch on the beach and a walk to the gorgeous Los Cocos Waterfall.

Shopping Tour

With the largest duty-free zone in the Caribbean, Santo Domingo is a shopper's paradise, especially along El Conde Street and La Atarazana, a charming row of 16th-century buildings that house exclusive boutiques and galleries. The homeland of designer Oscar de la Renta is also famous for its rum, coffee, and cigars. Haggling for a better price is fun and expected, especially with street vendors and in the markets.

Cumayasa Ranch

Located on the banks of the Cumayasa River, this sprawling estate invites you to horseback ride on its lush pastures and take a boat ride along the river through mangroves. You'll also enjoy folk dances and merengue, as well as an authentic Dominican lunch served at the ranch.

Saona Island

Take an exciting ride on a motorboat or catamaran to Saona Island, a tropical paradise with pristine white sand beaches. Enjoy drinks onboard and lunch at the beach. Visit the National Park of the East.

Alcazar de Colon

Located at the heart of the Colonial City, this is an imposing stone palace built by the son of Columbus in 1510. The palace features a significant collection of Gothic and Moorish antiquities.

Cathedral of Santo Domingo

Begun in the early 16th century and thought to be the oldest cathedral in the New World, this is one of the capital's most beautiful buildings.

Columbus' Tomb

Dedicated in 1992 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Columbus's discovery of the New World, the Columbus Lighthouse is a towering monument that boasts 150 search lights and houses treasures from around the globe. A chapel in the heart of the lighthouse holds Columbus tomb.

Casa del Cordon

Tour the oldest stone house in the Americas, built in 1504 by a shipmate of Columbus.

Museum of the Royal Houses

With its stunning collection of colonial artifacts, ship replicas, tapestries and gilded furniture, this museum is best in the country.

Fort San Felipe

The oldest fort in the New World is a popular attraction at the Malecon in Puerto Plata. Originally built by the Spaniards in the 16th century to defend against pirates, the fort later served as a prison before being restored in the 1970s.

Recreational Sports

The Dominican Republic offers countless opportunities for outdoor activities including golf, tennis, mountain biking, horseback riding, windsurfing, deep sea fishing and scuba diving, to name just a few!.