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2 Days in Santo Domingo Itinerary
While most travellers skip over Santo Domingo we think it is absolutely worth adding to your itinerary! Not only is it the capital city but it is full of history, culture and things to do. You will discover the cultural heart of the Dominican Republic in Santo Domingo.
In stark contrast to Punta Cana, Santo DOmingo doesn’t feel touristic at all. The beautiful architecture, cool bars and shops have an authentic vibe. Walking around the Zona Colonial is a must to soak up the atmosphere.
We spent 2 days exploring the city and loved it. We stayed in a non-resort hotel and walked everywhere! Santo Domingo is definitely worth adding to your beach itinerary, you wont regret it!
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Quick Overview Of 2 Days in Santo Domingo
- Day 1: Zona Colonial highlights
- Day 2: 3 Eyes Park + culture
Where is Santo Domingo + Why Visit
Santo Domingo is located in the south of the Dominican Republic and is easily accessed via the nearby Aeropuerto Internacional Las Amรฉricas.
Santo Domingo is distinct in that it is a city with a historic and cultural centre, a far cry from the beaches of Punta Cana. Walking around the Zona Colonial and admiring the architecture while soaking up the local life is a perfect day here.
Things To Do In Santo Domingo
This is our list of the best things to do in Santo Domingo, in 2 days you will be able to check off most of them.
Walk Zona Colonial
This is the historic heart of the city and has the prettiest architecture. Everything you want to see in the city is located in this area. Walking the streets and enjoying the parks and restaurants is best here.
Fortaleza Ozama
This 16th century medieval fortress sits on the waterfront, take a guided tour to understand the history. You can buy tickets upon entry.
Independence Park
This park has memorial statues for national heroes as well as other monuments.
Julia de Burgos, La Nuestra. Park
There are lots of parks in Santo Domingo but we loved this little local one. We sat and watched the life around us and even saw girls getting their Quinceaรฑera photos taken in their beautiful dresses.
Catedral Primada de las Amรฉricas de Santo Domingo
The oldest existing cathedral in the Americas, begun in 1504 and finished in 1550. It is made of limestone and has a gothic style. Inside there are many altars and it is very ornate. You can enter the grounds for free but to enter the cathedral you need to pay DOP??. We also hired an audio guide for an extra??DOP. To enter you do have to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees and take off your hat. I was wearing a singlet and shorts but was able to borrow a couple of sarongs at the entry to cover up.
Columbus Park
This is the main park in the central Zonal Colonial. It backs on to the cathedral and main streets in the area. There is some gorgeous architecture surrounding it and a Columbus statue, it is the perfect place to watch local life.
LarimarCA Atelier
Larimar is a stunning blue gemstone only found in the Dominican Republic so chances are you will be coming home with a piece. This is the factory where you can see it being made into jewellery.
Amber World Museum
Housed here is the Amber Museum and gift store. They have beautiful jewellery for sale in both amber and larimar.
Shopping in Santo Domingo
There is some great shopping in Santo Domingo, there are loads of souvenir stores that are full of the typical souvenirs you would want. The streets are full of artists selling prints and there are some great cigar stores where you can learn about them and purchase your favourite.
This is my favourite larimar store, if you are looking for jewellery and want to buy from a family run store, this is the one!
C. Las Damas & C. El Conde
These streets are both worth wandering down, they have beautiful architecture along them. Make sure to check out the side streets as well. You will find cute stores here selling amber and larimar jewellery as well as souvenirs.
Visit a colmado
Colmados are the lifeblood of any Dominican Republic neighbourhood. They are part convenience store, bar, a place to play dominoes. Essentially it is a meeting place. They are usually pretty laid back and fun. Head in grab a drink and sit inside to chat to locals of outside grab a chair and watch local life around you. They will be on every other street corner.
Pantheon of the Fatherland
Once an 18th century Jesuit Church has been turned into a neoclassical mausoleum for important citizens of Santo Domingo. Free to enter, but respectful behaviour required.
Columbus Lighthouse
This concrete monument is a memorial to Christopher Columbus, not a true lighthouse it displays laser lights across the sky as a beacon of hope. It is said that some of the remains of Christopher Columbus are kept here.
Stroll the Macelon
We were told it is safe to walk to and along the Macelon. It is nice at sunset with some cafes and restaurants along there.
The Three Eyes National Park (Lago Los Tres Ojos)
One of our favourite things to do in Santo Domingo is visiting The Three Eyes National Park (Lago Los Tres Ojos). This is a gorgeous national park only 7km from Zona Colonial there are tours you can combine with Columbus Lighthouse to make it easier or take your own transport. Either way this is a must do.
2 Days In Santo Domingo Itinerary
DAY 1: Zona Colonial walking itinerary
Zona Colonial is a UNESCO listed heritage area and the best place to start your Santo Domingo itinerary. This is the cultural and historic heart of the city. Explore all the top things to do in the city centre in one day! The streets are walkable and charming, it is perfect to soak up the city sights. Make sure to visit the oldest cathedral in the Americas at Catedral Primada de Amรฉrica, the historic fort Fortaleza Ozama for views and photo spots. Walk Calle El Conde and side streets to shop and cafe hop. I have listed all the things to see in our top things to do in Santo Domingo list above. Zona Colonial is lovely and quiet earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon/evening. While here you can do a chocolate tour to see how cacao is made into chocolate and you can even take part in a workshop. If you want to see the authentic side of Santo Domingo where locals live this neighbourhood tour takes you to explore this area only 5 minutes from the colonial zone.
Best Restaurants In Santo Domingo
These are the best rated restaurants that are worth checking out when in Santo Domingo. Make sure to try local dishes like mofongo and mangรบ.
El Buho Eatery
This restaurant is set in a beautiful historic 16th century building. There is a covered garden to relax in and the food is excellent.
Jalao
This is a great spot for first-time visitors, it has a delicious menu and lively atmosphere. It feels like an experience and a meal.
D Comer Colonial
This restaurant has a buffet style plate of the day which is delicious! You will see lots of tour guides bringing their tours here and there is a reason. We loved it and it is located just opposite Julia de Burgos, La Nuestra. Park.
MIX Empanadas SRL
This restaurant is known for its traditional Dominican food and wide range of emanadas. Head here to try the local plate of the day or empanadas.
Colmado Omar I
Visiting a colmado in the Dominican Republic is a must. This one is right next door to D Comer Colonial restaurant and is a slightly more upper class colmado. Stop in, grab a drink and have a chat or sit outside and soak up the local scenes.
DAY 2: Nature + Local Experience
Your second day has to be used to explore a little further outside the city, there are some excellent locations to uncover.
Three Eyes National Park
Head straight out to the 3 Eyes National Park. We loved it. Here you will find a unique national park filled with underground lagoons. It is one of the prettiest places we have been and so unexpected so close to the city. You will be shown the way and head down the spiral rock staircase to descend below the rocks surface. As you go down a view of turquoise water will open before you. With green vines and lush forest surrounding every spare space it is truly otherworldly and not to be missed.
There are 3 main pools and all are beautiful but the best has to be accessed through a tunnel on a makeshift boat. You will have to pay 100DOP return to have a local man pull your raft across the underground river in the tunnel which just adds to the experience.
On the other side you will find the largest of the lagoons. Walk out on the little pier to the viewpoint and soak up the scene. The light filtering down through the opening above turns the water a brilliant green as the palms sway around you. It really is magical. If you are wondering “is it worth it?” the answer is yes! We came here by Uber or you can do a tour that combines it with the Colombus LIghthouse.
Colombus Lighthouse
While you are at the 3 Eyes National Park you should head to the huge Colombus Lighthouse. It is not an actual lighthouse but a monument to Christopher Columbus and some believe that his remains are there. It was finished in 1992 and has a laser light show which spreads out over to the water. To get to the lighthouse you can take an Uber or you can take a tour that combines it with the 3 Eyes National Park.
Best Tours In Santo Domingo
Walking Tour of Zona Colonial
- One of the top tours in Santo Domingo is the walking tour of Zona Colonial. It is popular to gain an understanding of the history. If you want to make sure you see everything or you just want to make it easy you can take a tour which shows you everything. This is the best walking tour or bike riding tour.
3 Eyes National Park Guided Tour
- Combining the 3 Eyes National Park and Colombus Lighthouse makes a lot of sense as they are both close by each other and you need transport out there and between them. Check availability of the tour here.
Santo Domingo City Tour (Half Day)
- Good for short stays this tour takes you around the city, out to the lighthouse and national park. It really is an all in one option.
Ron Barcelรณ Factory Experience
The Ron Barcelรณ Factory Experience is something I really want to do when we come back. It blends history and culture while you witness the rum-making process and taste the famous Dominican rum. This tour includes return transport from Santo Domingo. We loved drinking the rum, we would love to see the factory.
Santo Domingo Map
Where To Stay In Santo Domingo
Zona Colonial is the best place to stay in Santo Domingo, it is the hub of everything you want to see and it is easy to get tours from here to get further out.
Zona Colonial (BEST AREA)
These hotels are excellent midrange choices, in Zona Colonial they are walkable and close to everything: Heritage Residences Signature Collection & Hotel Conde de Penalba.
Boutique Hotels
Gran Hotel Europa Santo Domingo Trademark Collection by Wyndham – this hotel is very popular and located in a historic building.
Budget Hotels
These hostels are in the Zona Colonial but are affordable, if you are looking to travel to a budget they are solid options: El Conde De Atrini & Hostal Mamร Mambรฒ.
Resort-Style / Modern Hotels
Kimpton Las Mercedes by IHG – stunning hotel with all modern amenities located in Zona Colonial.
Sheraton Santo Domingo – located outside of the colonial area, but really beautiful and well appointed.
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Cost Of 2 Days In Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo can be an affordable addition to your Dominican Republic trip. There is a range of accommodation from $40 USD to $200USD. Food can be as cheap as $5USD to $100+USD. Transport is cheap as well, Zona Colonial is completely walkable and Uber is cheap and easy. An approximate cost of a 2 day midrange trip to Santo Domingo would be about $500USD per person.
How To Get Around
It is easy and quite cheap to get around Santo Domingo. The historic centre is totally walkable and this is where most of the sights are located. You can use an Uber which is cheap and easy but it really shouldn’t be necessary unless leaving the historic centre.
HOW TO GET TO SANTO DOMINGO
Buses
To get to Santo Domingo from Bayahibe it is about 145km drive. There are big buses you can take which is what we did, however they leave from La Romana 25km away. from Bayahibe. We grabbed an Uber from Bayahibe to La Romana to catch the bus which leaves about every half hour and you just buy your ticket when you get there. The ride cost 250DOP.
Uber
Uber works in Santo Domingo, we used it to get out to the national park and back which cost 250DOP each way. We also took an Uber from Santo Domingo city to the airport which cost 1404DOP.
Best Time To Visit
Between November and March is the best time Santo Domingo with lovely weather and little rain. February can be popular as there are festivals during this time. Avoid August to October for the main part of hurricane season.
Is Santo Domingo Safe?
We felt safe in the Zona Colonial part of Santo Domingo however we would be on higher alert outside of this area. Our hotel told us to take usual safety precautions within Zona Colonial and if for any reason we left it to be very cautious. Everything you want to see is in the historic centre so there isn’t much need to leave Zona Colonial and if you do it will be in an Uber. You can book a tour that shows you the historic centre and others that take you to the national parks so you will be accompanied by a guide and transport to feel safer. Check out this well reviewed tour to the historic centre, 3 Eyes National Park and Columbus Lighthouse.
Mistakes To Avoid
There are a few things you can do to make sure you avoid the main problems travellers run in to in Santo Domingo:
- Make sure you don’t tay outside Zona Colonial. It really doesn’t make much sense unless you are there for business outside the area. Everything you want to see is in Zona Colonial and it is walkable.
- Whatever you do, don’t skip 3 Eyes Park. It is worth visiting.
- Doing a day trip to Santo Domingo is fine but you will only scratch the surface. If it is all you have time for then it is better than nothing but try to spend a couple of days here to really soak it up.
FAQ For Santo Domingo
Is 2 days enough in Santo Domingo?
2 days in Santo Domingo is enough to see the historic parts of the city and the nearby national park and monument. If you want to fit in more tours or take it more slowly you could spend 4 days here.
Is Santo Domingo worth visiting?
Yes! Santo Domingo is the oldest permanent European city in the Americas, it is beautiful and full of culture and history. It makes an interesting and worthy addition to your Dominican Republic Itinerary.
Is Zona Colonial safe?
Yes, we felt safe in Zona Colonial however we would be on higher alert outside of this area. Our hotel told us to take usual safety precautions within Zona Colonial and if for any reason we left it to be very cautious. If you want to feel safer while sightseeing you can book a tour and be accompanied by a guide with any required transport provided.
How far is 3 Eyes Park?
3 Eyes National Park is only 7km from Zona Colonial and totally worth it. We took an uber that cost 250DOP each way or you can take a tour that combines the national park and the Columbus Lighthouse.
Santo Domingo really is the cultural and historic heart of the Dominican Republic and so worth your time. It is an unexpected culture stop on your beach holiday that you didn’t know you needed!
Plan your trip:
๐ Read next: Things to do in Punta Cana
๐ Plan your trip: Caribbean Travel Guide
๐ Donโt miss: Is Bayahibe worth visiting?
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We hope this guide helped you plan an unforgettable trip.
