The Ultimate Guide to Things To Do in Santo Domingo

Once you’ve found a centrally-located and comfortable place to stay in the city, like Barceló’s Santo Domingo hotel, you’ll be ready to draw up your plan to visit this list of the top things to do in Santo Domingo. 

Santo Domingo’s zona colonial, or colonial city, is the historic part of the city and offers the highest density of things to do in Santo Domingo. This is, hands down, the first area you should explore while visiting. Founded in 1498, this colonial town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was laid out in a grid pattern and became the prototype for nearly all city planning in the New World. Below is our list of the best things to do in Santo Domingo’s zona colonial.

This street was one of the first built by Europeans in the city and in all of the Americas more than 500 years ago. It continues to be one of Santo Domingo’s main avenues and is home to a wide array of monuments. As you stroll, dip into the historical sites you stumble upon that call your interest. Visiting El Conde is also a great thing to do in Santo Domingo at night, as it’s the perfect spot to grab dinner and a drink.

his is one of the area’s most impressive constructions that was formerly located within the defensive wall of the city, which is no longer standing. This cathedral is one of the city’s symbols. It’s also the oldest in the Americas and the only one constructed in a Gothic architectural style in the entire continent. It was built next to the Ozama River, and a statue of Christopher Columbus stands proudly in the middle of Plaza Colón in front of the cathedral. This is one of the can’t-miss things to do in Santo Domingo.

The area surrounding the green park of Plaza de España and its stunning views of the river are worth checking out. Nearby Museo de las Casas Reales (Museum of the Royal Houses) and the Panteón de la Patria (National Pantheon) offer the chance to visit the relics and remains of the nation’s most respected dignitaries.

This palace was built by the eldest son of Christopher Columbus, and is, therefore, the most distinguished family home of its era. It currently houses the Alcázar de Diego Colón Museum, dedicated to conserving and sharing the story of life of Christopher Columbus and his family.

There are many must-sees in Santo Domingo besides the zona colonial. Here’s our favorite top attractions we recommend exploring outside the colonial city.

This spectacular building, designed in a neoclassical and Renaissance style, was built in 1944 at the behest of the former dictator Rafael Leónidas Trujillo. It is now used as the headquarters and residence of the national government. 

The Gazcue neighborhood is home to the National Palace and a wide array of history and art museums. Stroll around, grab a bite to eat, and experience this neighborhood as if you were a local.

Santo Domingo’s Botanical Gardens are a true hidden gem. The gardens are named in honor of Dr. Rafael María Moscoso, a distinguished Dominican botanist renowned for his extensive work cataloging the flora of Hispaniola. His contributions laid the foundation for botanical research in the region. Pay him tribute with a visit to these marvelous gardens.

There are plenty of outdoor activities in Santo Domingo you can enjoy during your time in the city.  

One of the best free things to do in Santo Domingo is to stretch your legs with a stroll or get your heart pumping with a run on the city’s malecón. 

Santo Domingo offers plenty of beaches you can seek out, including Guibia Public Beach, Gringo Beach, or Turtle Beach. Take in some rays under a palm tree at one of these lovely beaches.

Enjoy a cup of coffee or even a glass of local rum while smoking a cigar on George Washington Avenue, a main thoroughfare that crosses nearly half the city in parallel to the coast. In addition to the uniquely charming views of the port, this boulevard features the famous obelisk of Santo Domingo, as well as casinos, restaurants, and leisure spots of all types when you’re ready to head indoors.

Let’s get off the beaten tourist track and discover some unique things to do in Santo Domingo. 

From the zona colonial, hop on a traditional yola boat to traverse the river to the other side of the city, Santo Domingo Este (Eastern Santo Domingo). Here, check out interesting spots such as the Faro de Colón (Columbus Lighthouse), a monument in the form of a cross dedicated to Christopher Columbus, where his remains are supposedly kept. 

This stunning park in Santo Domingo Este features three stunning freshwater lakes that are partially located inside caves. The peculiar thing about the lakes is the color of their waters, which take on an intense green-turquoise blue hue due to the sun and the high concentration of minerals in the water. Don’t miss this, it’s one of the most spectacular things to do in Santo Domingo.

For decades, filmmakers have been drawn to this country’s dramatic landscapes and vibrant culture, using it as a backdrop for everything from Jurassic Park to The Godfather II, with many scenes filmed in Santo Domingo. Take yourself on a movie tour and check out the spots where your favorites movies were filmed!

Another great thing to do in Santo Domingo is taste the local cuisine. This city is home to great restaurants that serve local dishes as well as fusion creations with Spanish, Taino, and African influences. Although the combinations may seem surprising, it wins diners over at first bite. For breakfast, make sure you try traditional mangú, a staple food made from mashed green plantains. For breakfast, mangú is often served with fried eggs, cheese, and salami.

For another meal, make sure you try sancocho, the official Dominican dish. This stew consists of several different types of meats and a mix of vegetables for a delightful combination. Other essentials are beans cooked with white rice, chicken casserole, and tostones, a dough made of green plantains that is eaten in lieu of bread. 

After spending some time absorbing the city’s history and food, your body will surely want to kick up and relax at your hotel. If you’re looking for somewhere luxurious to recharge your batteries, look no further than the El Embajador Royal Hideaway Hotel. Enjoy the spa or sit by the pool listening to local music while you marvel over your photos of time well spent discovering the top things to do in Santo Domingo.