What to do in Santo Domingo: leisure options

Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, is one of the Caribbean’s most attractive and interesting destinations. A visit to this city gives you the opportunity to discover some of the most precious treasures of the colonial period, such as the first cathedral to be built in America. Or to stroll along the wonderful Malecón [Seafront], bathed by the waters of the Caribbean Sea. But one thing this city definitely has to offer is a huge variety of leisure activities.

Spend unforgettable days in Santo Domingo visiting its fascinating museums; trying the finest Dominican and international cuisine in any of its restaurants; enjoying its lively nightlife, concerts and shows (or more traditional festivals); go shopping in its craft shops or great malls, etc. There’s so much to do in Santo Domingo that you won’t actually know where to start. So we’ll give you some good ideas.

Santo Domingo, city of museums

History, nature, archaeology and anthropology, art — if you visit Santo Domingo, you must go to at least a couple of its many museums. Most of these are located within the Ciudad Colonial [Colonial City] area and around Plaza de la Cultura, so if you’re well organized, you can certainly have a look around more than one of them.

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Columbus Museum

Located in the first palace to be constructed by the Europeans in America — the home of Diego Colón, son of the Discoverer and governor of the island of La Española [Hispaniola] — this museum is one of the gems in the legacy left by the Dominican colonial epoch. It is also the perfect place to learn about the history of that period.

And if you’re a fan of history, don’t forget to visit the Museo de las Casas Reales or the impressive Museo Memorial de la Resistencia Dominicana, which tells the story of the dark days under the régime of the ex-dictator Rafael Leónidas Trujillo. Both museums are in the Ciudad Colonial. Or there’s the Museo Nacional de Historia y Geografía, in Plaza de la Cultura.

Museo Alcázar de Colón.

Museo de las Atarazanas Reales [Royal Shipyards]

This is an absolute “must” for archaeology enthusiasts. Opened in 2019, in the magnificent colonial edifice of Las Atarazanas Reales, this museum houses the most important exhibition of underwater archaeology in the Dominican Republic — all kinds of items, from cannons to silver cutlery and old coins, recovered from shipwrecks that occurred between the fifteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Also in the field of archaeology and anthropology, the Museo del Hombre Dominicano, in Plaza de la Cultura, offers a fascinating insight into pre-Columbian cultures, in particular the ancient Tainos.

Museo de Arte Moderno

Sculpture, paintings, engravings, photography… In this museum, you can discover the work of some of the Dominican Republic’s most prominent modern and contemporary artists, as well as that of renowned international figures.

Do you like art? Then don’t miss Museo Bellapart; this houses a private collection of over 2,000 works by celebrated Dominican artists of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, including the most important collection of paintings by the Dominican modernist artist, Jaime Colson, one of the Caribbean’s great masters.

Kah-Kow Experience

Cacao is one of the Doninican Republic’s finest products, and this museum-cum-factory, in the heart of the Ciudad Colonial, is a delightful way to learn all about the processing of the cacao bean and its delicious end product: chocolate.

Learn more about the Dominican Republic’s traditional products and discover its true essence, in places such as the Museo Mundo de Ámbar [Amber World Museum], the Museo de la Porcelana, the Museo del Larimar (objects and jewels made from larimar stone), or the Museo del Ron [Museum of Rum].

A taste of genuine Dominican cuisine

Dominican cuisine is a mouth-watering fusion of the culinary heritage of the indigenous Tainos, the Spanish conquistadors and the African slaves who were brought to the island. From these deeply rooted traditions, seasoned with touches from all five continents, grew a truly delicious Creole cuisine. Enjoy the great classics, including sancocho [stew], bandera [a meat dish cooked with rice and beans], mangú [a dish based on boiled plantains], mofongo [mashed plantains with garlic] or pescado frito [fried fish], in any of Santo Domingo’s wonderful restaurants.

Bandera Dominicana.

Adrián Tropical – Situated in the heart of the Malecón [seafront] area, this is an excellent place to discover the finest Dominican cooking. For over 20 years, this restaurant has been serving all kinds of typical dishes accompanied by its famous Tropijugos [tropical fruit juices].
El Mesón de la Cava – This establishment (housed in a natural cave once a hideout for ancient Tainos and pirates) offers a carefully selected menu of typical Dominican and international dishes.
Buche Perico – In the well-known street El Conde, in the heart of the Ciudad Colonial, stands this lively restaurant which offers the very best local gourmet cooking, from mofonguitos to sancocho.
Jalao – Typical food, traditional décor and plenty of live music — also typical, of course. A 100% Dominican eatery overlooking Parque Colón, in the heart of the Ciudad Colonial.
Mesón de Bari.- Another of the Ciudad Colonial’s classic restaurants, Dominican through and through, with a good repertoire of the country’s established favorites. The décor is also part of its charm.
El Conuco.- If you’re in the Gaxcue area, between the Malecón and Plaza de la Cultura, make sure you give this place a try. They also put on hourly traditional dance shows. Excellent!

All the world’s a stage… let the show begin!

In 2010, Santo Domingo was designated American Capital of Culture, and this is clearly reflected in its dynamic cultural scene. Theaters, concerts and festivals: the city offers an enormous range of events, at any time of the year.

Theater in Santo Domingo

Teatro Nacional Eduardo Brito, in Plaza de la Cultura, and the Palacio de Bellas Artes (housed in a splendid neo-classical edifice) are the city’s two prinicpal theaters. Both stage all kinds of productions paying a temporary visit to Santo Domingo, in addition to prestigious annual events, such as the Gala Estrellas de la Danza Mundial [World Dance Gala] and the Festival Internacional de Teatro.

Of course, these are not the only venues of their kind. The city also boasts many other performance venues and smaller centers that put on all kinds of shows from stand-up comedy to new dramatic productions. Casa de Teatro, Nova Teatro, Microteatro Santo Domingo, Teatro Las Máscaras and La Teatrera are just a few examples.

Street theater is another genre that you can enjoy in Santo Domingo. El Conde Street and Parque Colón provide the stage for this, making the Ciudad Colonial a great open-air theater.

Music and concerts in Santo Domingo

Disfruta de la mejor Música en República Dominicana

Music is an ever-present item on Santo Domingo’s cultural calendar. Enjoy groups performing live in squares, restaurants, bars… and even on the beaches. Dance to the rhythm of the city’s great classics, such as at the free concert organised by Grupo Bonyé, every Sunday in the ruins of San Francisco. Or take the opportunity provided by your visit to the Dominican capital city to attend any of the festivals that are held throughout the year — from the Conciertos de la Villa de Santo Domingo which take place in several locations around the Ciudad Colonial, to the Festival del Merengue which, at the end of July, fills the Malecón with irresistible Caribbean rhythms. Yet another possibility is the concerts by international artists held in venues such as the Olympic Stadium. Don’t forget to check the programs when you travel to the city!

Partying in Santo Domingo

Bars, discos, casinos… night-time in Santo Domingo means going out and having a great time. Any number of options in this lively city offer you the chance to dance, sing and laugh the night away, 365 days a year.

Of course, the Ciudad Colonial is the party epicenter of the city. Streets such as El Conde, Hostos, Isabel La Católica and Plaza de España are just a few of the spots where you can go bar-hopping, enjoying the music, the vibe… and the Happy Hour! A good example is the Parada 77 bar, a “must” in the Ciudad Colonial (in Isabel La Católica street, a few steps from the Plaza de España) with great music, dancing, drinks, atmosphere… a real blast!

Another party epicenter is the Malecón. From Plaza Juan Barón, at least as far as the ruins of Fuerte de San Jerónimo, this wonderful seafront promenade offers all kinds of bars, restaurants and clubs. What’s more, you may stumble across some of the open-air events organized at several spots along the Malecón. Foodtrucks, music and dance, guaranteed fun — and with sea views thrown in!

Amigos de fiesta en Santo Domingo

All kinds of discos, bars and casinos can also be found in the Piantini and Ensanche Naco areas, between the Centro Olímpico and Avenida Winston Churchill. Dance until the small hours in the clubs in Avenida Abraham Lincoln and Avenida Lope de Vega. Would you like to visit one of Santo Domingo’s real classic nightlife venues? Drop into the Jet Set club, in Avenida Independencia, which has been attracting partygoers for nearly five decades now.

Shopping: markets, boutiques, malls…

If you’re visiting Santo Domingo, it’s almost your duty to go shopping. That’s because the city offers options to suit all tastes and budgets: from artisan craft shops to boutiques selling the top international brands. Make sure you take home a nice souvenir of your visit to the Dominican capital.

If you’d like to discover the country’s traditional crafts, you could visit places such as the Mercado Modelo, located very close to the Ciudad Colonial. You can also find typical Dominican products such as chocolate, coffee, amber and larimar in all kinds of specialist shops and markets.

Amigas de compras en Santo Domingo.

Another option worth exploring is the more avant-garde side of the city, such as boutiques belonging to new designers and art galleries selling the work of young Dominican artists. Once again, the streets of the Ciudad Colonial are the ideal place to find these types of very original items.

And if you’re looking for the leading Dominican and international brands, make sure you call into the city’s great state-of-the-art shopping malls. Shopping centers such as Ágora Mall, Sambil and Blue Mall have everything: shops selling apparel, electronic gadgets, etc., as well as restaurants, cinemas, beauty salons and so much more.

A day in the park Nature and fun in Santo Domingo

As one of the Caribbean’s major cities, Santo Domingo offers visitors myriad different possibilities. One excellent idea is to visit one of the city’s theme parks or natural areas.

Jardín Botánico Nacional

Acuario Nacional – One of the Caribbean’s greatest aquariums, the National Aquarium gives an insight into the wealth of the Dominican Republic’s underwater life — both marine and freshwater. Don’t miss the undersea tunnel, where you will feel like you’re swimming with the sharks, turtles and tarpons.
Los Tres Ojos National Park – A true wonder of nature in the heart of the city that you really should not miss. Discover these subterranean caves and pools used by the ancient Tainos as hideouts and for the performance of various rituals.
Rafael M. Moscoso National Botanical Gardens – This nature reserve, covering two million square meters, is the Caribbean’s largest botanical garden. Don’t miss the Japanese Garden and the collection of over 300 species of orchids, among its many attractions.
Zoológico Nacional – With birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians… endemic species and animals from other continents, this vast, green space is the ideal place to discover the rich diversity of the Dominican Republic and of the rest of the planet.

Here’s a tip: If you’d like to participate in a genuinely Dominican experience, go and see a baseball game. The season starts in mid October and ends in the first week of February. Quisqueya Stadium is Santo Domingo’s shrine to this sport.

Traditional festivals in Santo Domingo

The Dominican Republic as a whole (and Santo Domingo in particular) is synonymous with fiesta, including the most traditional festivals. Every year, the capital of the Dominican Republic organizes big, traditional celebrations which, not surprisingly, have become great tourist attractions.

Carnival – The ultimate festival throughout the whole of the Caribbean — and perhaps the whole of Latin America — is, without question, Carnival. Santo Domingo hold its Carnival in February and March. Don’t miss it! The great procession around the Malecón area is the climax of this highly entertaining celebration.

Independence Day – On February 27 every year, celebrations are held to mark the birth of the Dominican Republic as an independent nation and of course, the occasion is always a reason for a huge party. Don’t miss the procession, concerts and fireworks on the Malecón.

Holy Week – As in all predominantly Catholic countries, Holy Week is an extremely important date in the Dominican Republic. Experience the intense emotion of the processions in the Ciudad Colonial and of Good Friday mass in the Catedral Primada de América.

Fiestas de San Juan – From the evening of June 23 until sunrise on the 24^th, Santo Domingo holds a festival to commemorate the birth of St. John the Baptist. Güibia beach, in the heart of the Malecón, is the usual focal point of this popular festival.

Christmas, New Year’s Eve and Epiphany – Another classic of the calendar of festivities is the Christmas holiday period. Wear shorts to welcome Santa, and celebrate the New Year to the rhythms of merengue and bachata. The Ciudad Colonial’s lights, nativity scenes and Christmas trees bring a truly festive look to the whole city.

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