Santo Domingo Dominican Republic 6 Day Itinerary

July 27, 2024

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Las Américas International Airport (SDQ)
Afternoon: Check-in to your hotel and freshen up. Consider staying at the [Hotel Palacio] or [Hilton Santo Domingo]
2:00 PM: Visit the Columbus Lighthouse (Faro a Colón), a monument built on the site where Christopher Columbus supposedly first stepped foot in the New World
5:00 PM: Explore the nearby Malecón, a seaside promenade with great views of the Caribbean Sea and the city skyline
7:00 PM: Head to [El Meson] for dinner, known for their traditional Dominican cuisine

Day 2: Colonial Zone

9:00 AM: Start your day in the Colonial Zone (Zona Colonial), a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features cobblestone streets and colonial-era architecture
10:00 AM: Visit the Cathedral of Santo Domingo, the oldest cathedral in the Americas, built in 1514
12:00 PM: Grab lunch at [La Taberna del Puerto], a cozy spot with great sandwiches and salads
2:00 PM: Explore the nearby streets, including Calle Las Damas and Plaza Espaillat, to see shops, restaurants, and historic buildings
6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at [Café des Artistes], a restaurant with great views of the city and live music

Day 3: Beach Day

9:00 AM: Head to Bavaro Beach (Playa Bavaro), one of the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic
11:00 AM: Relax on the beach or try your hand at water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding
1:00 PM: Grab lunch at [La Playita], a beachside restaurant with great seafood and views
4:00 PM: Continue to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea
8:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at [El Quisqueyano], a restaurant serving traditional Dominican cuisine

Day 4: Historical Sites

9:00 AM: Visit the Museo del Ámbar (Amber Museum), which features an impressive collection of amber pieces and artifacts
11:00 AM: Explore the nearby Hoyo Azul, a beautiful cave with a stunning natural pool
1:00 PM: Grab lunch at [La Casona], a restaurant serving traditional Dominican cuisine
3:00 PM: Visit the National Pantheon (Panteón Nacional), a museum dedicated to the history of the Dominican Republic

Day 5: Shopping and Nightlife

10:00 AM: Head to the Santo Domingo Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in the Caribbean
12:00 PM: Grab lunch at [Food Court], which offers a variety of international cuisine options
2:00 PM: Continue shopping or explore the nearby streets for souvenirs and local handicrafts
8:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at [La Bodeguita del Medio], a restaurant serving traditional Cuban cuisine

Day 6: Departure

Airport Transfer: You can hire a taxi or use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft to get to your hotel
Public Transportation: The city has an extensive network of buses and taxis that can take you around the city, but be aware that traffic can be heavy during peak hours

Safety: As with any tourist destination, be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure. Avoid traveling alone at night
Weather: The Dominican Republic has a tropical climate, so be prepared for hot temperatures and humidity
Language: Spanish is the official language, but many locals speak English, especially in tourist areas
Currency: The Dominican peso (DOP) is the local currency, but US dollars are widely accepted

Consider staying at the following hotels or vacation rentals: