Santo Domingo Dominican Republic 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Itinerary for Travelling in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Zona Colonial

  • Morning: Arrive at Las Américas International Airport. Transfer to your hotel in the heart of the Zona Colonial.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the oldest street in the New World, Calle las Damas.
    • Explore the Catedral Primada de América (First Cathedral in America), built on the site where Diego Columbus is said to have landed in 1492.
    • Walk along Calle El Conde, lined with beautiful colonial buildings and shops selling souvenirs, crafts, and local art.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at La Casita (Restaurant Review: 4.5/5), a cozy spot serving traditional Dominican cuisine. Try their famous La Bandera dish (rice, beans, chicken, and vegetables).
  • Accommodation: Stay at the Hostal Casa del Sol (Hotel Review: 4.2/5) for its central location, friendly staff, and good value.

Day 2: History, Architecture, and Culture

  • Morning:
    • Visit the Alcázar de Colón, a 16th-century palace built by Diego Columbus.
    • See the impressive collection of art and artifacts at the Museo de las Casas Reales (Royal Houses Museum).
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the Plaza de la Revolución (Revolution Square), which offers great views of the city.
    • Visit the Parque Colón, a beautiful park where you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at El Olivo (Restaurant Review: 4.7/5), a restaurant serving international cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.

Day 3: Beach Time

  • Morning: Transfer to the beach town of Boca Chica, located about an hour from Santo Domingo.
  • Afternoon:
    • Spend time at the beautiful Playa Boca Chica, a long stretch of sandy beach perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
    • Try your hand at water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding.
  • Evening: Return to Santo Domingo and enjoy dinner at La Toscana (Restaurant Review: 4.8/5), an Italian restaurant with outdoor seating.

Day 4: Outdoor Activities

  • Morning:
    • Visit the Los Tres Ojos, a network of underground caves filled with crystal-clear water.
    • Take a short hike to the top of Cerro Quisqueya, which offers panoramic views of the city.
  • Afternoon:
    • Go on an eco-tourism adventure and explore the nearby Hoyo Azul (Blue Hole), a beautiful natural swimming pool.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at El Jibaro (Restaurant Review: 4.9/5), a restaurant serving traditional Dominican cuisine.

Day 5: Markets and Shopping

  • Morning:
    • Visit the bustling Mercado Modelo, a market filled with local handicrafts, souvenirs, and street food.
    • Browse the stalls at the Puerto Azul Market, which sells everything from clothes to electronics.
  • Afternoon:
    • Spend time shopping for local art and crafts at the Artesanías (Handicrafts) market.
    • Visit the Plaza de las Tres Culturas (Three Cultures Plaza), a marketplace showcasing local culture.

Day 6: Relaxation and Wellness

  • Morning: Treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa day at The Spa at Renaissance Santo Domingo (Spa Review: 4.5/5).
  • Afternoon:
    • Take some time to relax and enjoy the facilities at your hotel or nearby.
    • Enjoy dinner at La Estación (Restaurant Review: 4.6/5), a restaurant serving international cuisine with outdoor seating.

Day 7: Last Day in Santo Domingo

  • Morning: Spend some last-minute shopping for souvenirs and local crafts.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Museo del Baró (Baroque Museum) to see an impressive collection of art and artifacts.
    • Enjoy a farewell dinner at El Mesón, a restaurant serving traditional Dominican cuisine.

Transportation:

  • Taxis are readily available throughout the city. Make sure to negotiate prices before you start your journey.
  • Public buses, called “guaguas,” offer affordable transportation but can be crowded and chaotic.
  • Renting a car or taking a private taxi is recommended for longer trips outside of Santo Domingo.

Tips:

  • Be prepared for crowds and noise in the Zona Colonial.
  • Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water.
  • Try some local fruits like mangoes, pineapples, and coconuts.
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting churches or historical sites.

Additional Information:

  • Currency: Dominican Peso (DOP). Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas.
  • Language: Spanish is the official language. Many locals speak some English, especially in the tourism industry.
  • Weather: Hot and humid throughout the year, with occasional rain showers.
  • Safety: Take normal precautions to ensure your safety, like keeping valuables secure and being aware of your surroundings.

This itinerary provides a mix of history, culture, outdoor activities, and relaxation, making it an ideal trip for travelers visiting Santo Domingo.