8 Fun Things to do in Santo Domingo, DR

In the heart of the Caribbean lies the Dominican Republic – a stunning island known for its all-inclusive resorts nestled on the dreamy beaches of Punta Cana. Although the eastern corner of the island offers idyllic holidays, there is much more to discover in the Dominican Republic.

Thinking Santo Domingo will not be my cup of tea, I only planned for three days in the capital. Stepping into the colonial zone, I knew my stay would be much longer than that. That’s how quick Santo Domingo will have you fall in love with it.

As I wandered through decaying remnants of the Spanish empire, my fascination for this timeless city only deepened. Around every corner, you can see and feel the oozing blend of culture – Taino indigenous roots, Spanish heritage and African traditions – and that’s what makes this irresistible city so hard to leave!

Explore the Colonial Zone

My journey begins in the heart of the city – the Zona Colonial, or Colonial Zone. This small quarter is packed with vibrant cobblestone streets edged by impressive buildings with charming arcades, towering palm trees and serene green spaces.

It’s main passage, El Conde, stretches from the expansive Independence Park that serves as a memorial park to Juan Pablo Duarte and other national heroes of Dominican Republic, to the vibrant Parque Colón, where you will find the oldest cathedral in the Americas – the Cathedral of Santa María la Menor.

It goes without saying that this part of the city is the best place to stay and be in Santo Domingo.

Learn to dance bachata

Passionate and sensual, the bachata dance is woven into the daily lives of all Dominicans. You will see people celebrate this dance day and night, in nightclubs, out in the streets and inside colmados – blend of a supermarket and a bar.

Although popular beyond the Caribbean, Dominican Republic is the birthplace of bachata, so there is no better place to pick up bachata as your new hobby. After just one evening in Santo Domingo, dancing the night away with the talented locals was my favourite pastime!
All you need to start dancing bachata, is the desire to do so. Let the locals teach you some moves in one of the many bars of Colonial Zone.

Experience the amazing nightlife

You do not have to be a party animal to enjoy the nightlife in Santo Domingo. Dominican nights out are about connecting with friends and family over a chilled tipple, whilst dancing and singing away to bachata.

During the weekend, the streets of Zona Colonial come alive with both tourists and locals enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.

You can grab a bottle of cold Presidente from a local colmado and go to Parque Duarte to observe the locals mingle. Or, if you want to practice your freshly acquired bachata moves, head to Parada 77 or Museo del Ron.

Pro Tip: If you do not like nightclubs and are in Santo Domingo on a Sunday, then as the sun sets, head to the Ruins of San Francisco for an open-air concert of a local band Bonyé. Hundreds of Dominicans come together to enjoy this local band and bachata-dance the evening away!

Discover more about Dominican Rum

As you likely already know, rum is the all-time favourite booze across the Caribbean. This beverage is deeply ingrained in Dominican culture and Dominicans take immense pride in their exquisite rum. Tourists alike, enjoy sipping rum-laden cocktails every opportunity they seize.

Keen to learn more about this bold spirit, I headed to Museo del Ron Dominicano where I learned how the rum production is really a remnant of the early days of Spanish colonization of the Caribbean islands.

Pro Tip: Make sure to visit the museum during the day, as the museum turns into a bar as the sun sets. Then, it is best to head to Sugarcane – undoubtedly, the best place to try rum drinks on the island.

The Three Eyes National Park

Just ten minutes’ drive away from the Colonial Zone, I did find the perfect escape from the sweltering heat of Dominican sun.

The Three Eyes National Park (Parque Nacional Los Tres Ojos) is a nature reserve nestled amidst the frantic capital city.

Tucked in a natural limestone cave and encompassed by rich tapestry of greenery are three glistening cenotes. Each has its distinct appearance and natural beauty. Look closer, and you might spot some turtles!

Although you cannot take a dip in the chilly waters, the stone cave itself is pretty cool, and the shadow of swaying tropical trees will keep you sheltered from the sun rays.

Join a chocolate-making class

The art of cultivating and processing cocoa beans has been passed down through generations in the Dominican Republic.

Tucked away in a quaint side street of the lively downtown, you will find Choco Pick – a small, family-owned chocolate factory. From the moment you enter, you will get invited to try different forms and types of chocolate – from cocoa powder, spreads and syrup to my personal favourite – truffles.

Choco Pick offers chocolate-making workshop, where an experienced chocolatier will teach you how to transform a cacao bean into a delightful bar of your very own hand-made chocolate!

Visit Juan Pablo Duarte’s House

Nearby, you can step into a house of the ‘founding father’ of the Dominican Republic. ‘La Casa de Juan Pablo Duarte’ offers a unique glimpse into the History and struggles of Dominican Republic’s efforts for independence from Haiti.

Today, it is a museum dedicated to preserving the memory and legacy of Juan Pablo Duarte. You can step into the rooms where Duarte lived and learn about his important role in the formation of the Dominican Republic as a nation.

Take a closer look at his timeless personal belongings and genuine documents that will transport you to these revolutionary times.

Take a day trip to Boca Chica

Arriving at Boca Chica, I quickly fathomed that this will not be the ‘peaceful city escape’ I thought I signed up for. Instead, it turned out to be an amusing glimpse into how Dominicans prefer to relax!

To find a good beach in Santo Domingo, you will need to leave the Colonial Zone behind for a little bit and head to ‘Boca Chica’ (Little Mouth).

Boca Chica is a stunning stretch of pearly-white beach with serene lucid-blue waves lapping at its shores.

The coast is teeming with tipsy locals and hustling street vendors selling rum-packed Piña Coladas whilst jamming to the blaring beats of Dominican dembow.

So, grab yourself a freshly-crafted Piña Colada and kick back like the locals do!