Things to do in Santo Domingo

Top Things to Do in Santo Domingo

Things to Do in Santo Domingo


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Santo Domingo.

From quick jaunts to full-day outings.

Top Attractions in Santo Domingo

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.

What travellers are saying

  • Bob S.
    25 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An absolute must see in Santo Domingo. Its a cab ride to get there from the Colonial Zone, but well worth it. We went alone without a guide and don't think one is necessary. It cost a few bucks for the two of us, while a guide offered to take us for $40 US. The colors of the water and the caverns are absolutely amazing. There are three to see walking and the fourth is reached from the third via a 100 yard boat ride for 50 pesos, which I would definitely recommend. It takes about an hour taking time for pictures along the way. A lot of up and down via steps so wear the right shoes. Great way to spend an hour or so.
    Written 29 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • sanju_222323
    New Jersey14,161 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The lively streets of Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial—one of the city’s most historic neighborhoods—are ripe with the sights, smells, and sounds of Latin America.

    Lying on cobblestone streets, Santo Domingo's Zona Colonial marks the area where Columbus settled in the New World. This tiny enclave is filled with traditional European-style architecture, well-kept parks, cobblestone streets, and artistic nods to adventurers past.

    A bronze statue of Christopher Columbus sits at the center of Parque Colon, and nearby Calle Las Damas is the oldest paved road in the New World. These historic sites, paired with incredible colonial architecture, are just part of what makes this UNESCO World Heritage Site a popular destination for those who want to experience the nation’s capital as it used to be.

    Some of the attraction in Zona colonial-

    * Catedral Primada de América
    * Fortaleza Ozama
    * Parque Colón (Columbus Park)
    * Palacio Consistorial de Santo Domingo
    * Alcázar de Colón
    * Plaza España
    * Casa del Cordón

    Musicians and street performers frequent the square, shoe shiners set up along the street side, and children chase pigeons around the statue of Christopher Columbus, which stands in the center.

    One thing I can suggest: Don’t go with any tour. normally 90% of the time we explore the city on our own but I was afraid of driving the car in the city so booked city tour, but they were more focused on giving more time in their designated gift shop and less time in city attractions.

    Everywhere, they explained about that spot for 5 minutes and gave JUST 5 MINS TO EXPLORE THE ATTRACTION ON OUR OWN AND TAKE PHOTOS"... in 5 minutes, my wife can’t even decide the pose.. you can feel my plight, right?
    Written 15 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Joanne B
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful and impressive tour, with audio guide. Just make sure your shoulders and knees are covered.
    Written 22 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • AidaSpencer
    Hamilton, MA21 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is the home of Colombus' son Diego, who was governor, kept in its original decor. worth the visit.
    Written 19 April 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Richard J
    Sheffield, UK1,704 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a delightful park and a stunning Japanese garden. The park is very large and unless you have your own transport it is quite difficult to get to, but worth the trouble. The grounds are massive and take about two hours to walk through. There is a tourist train but it does not always run and you don't need it.
    The Japanese garden is just perfection.
    Written 27 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Karen A
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I can believe what The Dominican Republic has become, this mall is fabulous you will find everything there,
    Written 7 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Nicolás Gómez
    Bogota, Colombia122 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A ver nice place and experience. Located in the first street built in america, rhis is a wonderful house and Coffee Shop too. The chocolate worsksshop Washington a bit simple, could haven been more completo and detailed.
    Written 29 December 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Harley1Dave
    Halifax, Canada241 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Hello, we are in Santo Domingo for a few days exploring the Zone Colonial. I will send some pictures and information.

    The recorded history of the Dominican Republic began in 1492 when the Genoa-born navigator Christopher Columbus, working for the Crown of Castile, happened upon a large island in the region of the western Atlantic Ocean that later came to be known as the Caribbean.
    Written 19 February 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • maat49
    London, UK372 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Ground floor only open when we visited so did not see the displays of armour etc. The ground floor has displays about Drake's ships and discovery of Hispaniola and about the history of the early plantations, the slave trade and early life on the island and plantations. Entrance fees have doubled since the 2017 Lonely Planet guide.
    Written 25 July 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Laura Giel
    Oranjestad, Aruba15 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very nice place you have a lot of activities for kids which is so cool even i went on the trampoline room. plus an aquarium that is awesome!!

    a lot of shopping stores and food courts which makes it complete.

    check it out you will enjoy for sure!
    Written 7 August 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BrakiWorldTraveler
    Belgrade, Serbia17,760 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    There are many America's first things in SD.
    Calle Las Damas is namely the first paved street in the new world, where Maria de Toledo (Diego Columbus wife) used to stroll with her friends.
    The street starts from Plaza de Espana (main sq by the Alcazar) running all the way down to Malecon passing by many historic edifices.
    Written 29 January 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • RCDS_Family
    South Frontenac, Canada420 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We stopped at this location during a walking tour. Our guide gave an overview of purpose of this location and the the heroes that are buried here.

    It has a very interesting feel to it. There are a lot of architectural features if you look closely.
    Written 3 December 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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