Top Things to Do in Santo Domingo
Things to Do in Santo Domingo
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See what other travellers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings.
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Santo Domingo.
- Full-day Toursfromper adult$160
- fromper adult (price varies by group size)$218
- Historical Toursfromper adult$76
- Full-day Toursfromper adult$218
- Historical Toursfromper adult$150
- Full-day Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)$235
- Historical Toursfromper adult$133
- Full-day Toursfromper adult$126
- Audio Guidesfromper adult$35
- Full-day Toursfromper adult$116
Other Top Attractions around Santo Domingo
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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 contributionsAn 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 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- sanju_222323New Jersey14,161 contributionsThe 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 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Joanne B2 contributionsBeautiful and impressive tour, with audio guide. Just make sure your shoulders and knees are covered.Written 22 November 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- AidaSpencerHamilton, MA21 contributionsThis is the home of Colombus' son Diego, who was governor, kept in its original decor. worth the visit.Written 19 April 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Richard JSheffield, UK1,704 contributionsThis 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 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Karen A1 contributionI can believe what The Dominican Republic has become, this mall is fabulous you will find everything there,Written 7 December 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Nicolás GómezBogota, Colombia122 contributionsA 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 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Harley1DaveHalifax, Canada241 contributionsHello, 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 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - maat49London, UK372 contributionsGround 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 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Laura GielOranjestad, Aruba15 contributionsVery 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 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - BrakiWorldTravelerBelgrade, Serbia17,760 contributionsThere 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 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - RCDS_FamilySouth Frontenac, Canada420 contributionsWe 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 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Santo Domingo
- The top attractions to visit in Santo Domingo are: See all attractions in Santo Domingo on Tripadvisor
- The best outdoor activities in Santo Domingo according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- The 3 Eyes National Park
- Jardin Botánico Nacional
- Aquamundo Sambil Santo Domingo
- Parque Independencia
- National Aquarium
- The best day trips from Santo Domingo according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Full-Day Santo Domingo City Tour from Punta Cana
- Santo Domingo 1-Day Tour from Punta Cana
- Saona Island, memorable all-inclusive experience, from Santo Domingo.
- Hiking Tabernacle Thundering Waterfall in Dominican Republic
- Half Day Historical Tour of Santo Domingo
- The most popular things to do in Santo Domingo with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Santo Domingo Taxi
- Transporte Aleika
- Servicio taxi Santo domingo y Repubblica dominicana Claudio lo buono
- DAT
- Jr Luxury Rd