What to do in Santo Domingo

Activities, attractions and tours

Dominican Republic featuring a sunset and general coastal views
Dominican Republic featuring a sunset and general coastal views
Dominican Republic which includes a sandy beach as well as a small group of people
Santo Domingo which includes night scenes, outdoor eating and dining out
Dominican Republic which includes street scenes, rocky coastline and a coastal town

Santo Domingo Attractions

Santo Domingo, the capital city of the Dominican Republic, is home to over 2 million inhabitants. This once European colony sits in the middle of the Caribbean ocean and features a number of white sand beaches and wonderful resorts. Any tourist will enjoy the diversity Santo Domingo has to offer and the variety of Santo Domingo activities available.

Santo Domingo is famous for being the oldest remaining European city in North America. As such, there are a variety of historical buildings and monuments that are left over from the times of Christopher Columbus. One such building is the Alcazar de Colon. Built in 1510 by the son of Christopher Columbus, this amazing piece of architectural history has been well preserved throughout the years and is one of the best places to see in the city.

Because there are so many Santo Domingo excursions and activities to experience during your stay in the city, expedia.ca recommends visitors take part in one of the Santo Domingo tours and you carry a map at all times. If you do decide to take a tour, choose one that makes a stop at the Park of Three Eyes of Water. This famous network of caves attracts thousands of tourists from around the world every year, and for good reason. It is one of the Caribbean's top destinations for kayak and nature enthusiasts alike.

Among the many things to do in Santo Domingo, a must see attraction is the Cathedral of Santo Domingo. This Cathedral, known as one of the oldest still in existence in the Americas, boasts impressive architecture and an atmosphere that makes it feel like you've stepped back in time to the days of Spanish rule. Many of the local citizens come here on a daily basis to escape the heat and stress of life.

History, food, exciting nightlife, and the wide availability of attractions in Santo Domingo is what brings tourists from around the world to visit this great city. Book your Santo Domingo vacation with expedia.ca today and experience some of the most popular spots in the Caribbean!


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What to do in Santo Domingo


Discover the most popular places to visit in Santo Domingo

Explore areas of Santo Domingo

Fort Ozama showing heritage elements

Zona Colonial

4.5/5(25 area reviews)

Zona Colonial is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Calle El Conde and Santa Maria la Menor Cathedral while in the area.

Zona Colonial
Santo Domingo aerial view in april 2023 during semana santa or easter holiday

Piantini

Unique features of Piantini include the shopping and restaurants. Make a stop by Blue Mall or Acropolis Center while you're exploring the area.

Piantini
Alcazar de Colon in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; Shutterstock ID 471137582

Downtown Santo Domingo

4.5/5(11 area reviews)

Polígono Central boasts a mix of commercial and residential zones, with a high concentration of malls, banks, and international fast food chains. Enjoy daily sports activities at Club Paraiso and Club Naco, or explore the city via Santo Domingo Metro and OMSA bus system.

Downtown Santo Domingo
Sculptures made by Dominican artists at the colonial city in Santo Domingo.

Ciudad Colonial

Discover the historic heart of Santo Domingo, where cobblestone streets like Calle Las Damas lead to landmarks such as Alcázar de Colón and Catedral de Santa María la Menor. Stroll along pedestrian-only Calle del Conde, and enjoy local shops and restaurants near Plaza de España.

Ciudad Colonial
Plaza de la Cultura which includes a square or plaza

Gascue

4.5/5(9 area reviews)

The abundant dining options and seaside views are just a few top-rate features of the neighborhood. Make a stop by Guibia Beach or Eduardo Brito National Theater while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Casandra Damiron Station to get around town.

Gascue
Vista aérea nocturna del Faro a Colón, Santo Domingo, República Dominicana.

Bella Vista

When in Bella Vista, you can plan a visit to Acropolis Center and Bella Vista Mall, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Bella Vista

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Day trip destinations from Santo Domingo

Frequently asked questions

Is Santo Domingo worth visiting?
Offering a mix of history and culture, there are many things to do in Santo Domingo. While you're here, check out Cathedral of Santo Domingo, a major attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Santo Domingo?
National Aquarium and Agua Splash Caribe Parque Acuatico are two awesome places to kick-start your sightseeing adventures. Remember to check out the retail and dining options in Santo Domingo while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santo Domingo?
You can't go home without visiting Cathedral of Santo Domingo, ranked the top tourist attraction in Santo Domingo.
Is three days enough to stay in Santo Domingo?
Three days will give you time to check out the leading city sights, including Cathedral of Santo Domingo, National Aquarium and Santa Maria la Menor Cathedral. The average stay in Santo Domingo is three days. If you have the urge to extend your vacation, Boca Chica isn't far away.
Is Santo Domingo a walkable city?
It all depends on what you'd like to do and see in Santo Domingo. Several top attractions, such as Cathedral of Santo Domingo and National Aquarium, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Santo Domingo's best neighbourhoods, Zona Colonial is 2 kilometres away from downtown, while Ciudad Colonial is 2 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Santo Domingo with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, a fun-filled itinerary makes a big difference. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Santo Domingo with kids.

What to do in Santo Domingo for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Santo Domingo, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Museo del Ron y la Caña or Calle Las Damas.
Are there free things to do in Santo Domingo?
One of the top ways to learn about free things to do in Santo Domingo is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can enjoy without getting your cash out. Cathedral of Santo Domingo is one spot that doesn't have an entrance fee.

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