Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic-2-day-itinerary

August 5, 2024

Day 1: Explore the Colonial Zone

8:00 am: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café La Tina, a cozy spot serving traditional Dominican coffee and pastries. (Address: Calle Las Damas, Zona Colonial)
9:00 am: Visit the First Cathedral in the Americas (Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia), built in 1514. Explore its beautiful architecture and history.
10:00 am: Walk to the nearby Calle Las Damas, a picturesque street lined with colonial-style houses, shops, and restaurants.

12:00 pm: Grab lunch at El Mesón de la Real Aventura, a restaurant serving traditional Dominican cuisine. Try their famous sancocho or chicharrón.
1:30 pm: Visit the Museo de las Casas Reales (House of Royal Houses), a museum showcasing the history of the Spanish colonial period in Santo Domingo.
3:00 pm: Take a stroll through the Paseo del Prado, a beautiful promenade lined with palm trees and scenic views.

7:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at La Taberna de los Tres Reyes, a cozy restaurant serving Spanish-inspired cuisine. Don’t miss their paella!
9:00 pm: End the day with a visit to the Malecón del Prado, a scenic waterfront area perfect for a sunset stroll.

Day 2: Waterfalls and Beaches

8:00 am: Drive to the nearby 27 Waterfalls of Damajaqua (approximately 45 minutes). Take a guided tour through the lush jungle and explore the stunning waterfalls.
11:30 am: Visit the Cabo San Rafael, a scenic coastal area with beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters.

1:00 pm: Grab lunch at El Pescador, a seafood restaurant located on the beach. Try their fresh fish or lobster!
2:30 pm: Relax on the beach and enjoy the sun, sea, and sand.
4:00 pm: Visit the nearby Parque Mirador del Este (Park of the East View), offering stunning views of the city.

7:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at La Casona, a restaurant serving traditional Dominican cuisine. Don’t miss their famous arroz con pollo!
9:00 pm: End the day with a visit to the Zona Colonial for some shopping and people-watching.

Accommodations

Hotel El Embajador: A 5-star hotel located in the heart of the Zona Colonial, offering comfortable rooms and excellent service.
Airbnb options: Rent a cozy apartment or house in the colonial zone for a more local experience.

Transportation

Taxi: Hire a taxi to take you around the city. Make sure to agree on the price beforehand.
Public Transportation: Use the public bus system (approximately 10-20 minutes) to get around the city.
Walking: Explore the colonial zone on foot for a more intimate experience.

Tips and Essentials

Language: Spanish is the official language, but many locals speak English. Try to learn some basic Spanish phrases to interact with locals.
Currency: Dominican Peso (DOP) is the local currency. Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas.
Weather: Santo Domingo has a tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C).
Safety: Be mindful of your belongings and surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
Respect Local Culture: Be respectful of local customs and traditions.

Other Things to Know

Try the local cuisine: Dominican food is delicious and varied. Try the sancocho, chicharrón, or arroz con pollo!
Visit the nearby cities: Take a day trip to the nearby cities of Santiago or Puerto Plata for more cultural experiences.
Explore the colonial zone at night: Visit the Zona Colonial after dark for a unique and vibrant experience.

I hope you have a wonderful time exploring Santo Domingo!