Things to do in Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo, planned before you land.
The oldest city in the Americas, with caves, beaches and the mountains within reach. Most callers are visiting family; these are the days out.
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What to do in Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo is where European settlement of the Americas began, and the Zona Colonial still has the first cathedral, the first hospital and the Columbus family palace on a grid of stone streets. Outside the old town the Tres Ojos caves are twenty minutes away, Boca Chica beach is thirty, and the north coast and Samana are long days.
01
Zona Colonial walking tour
The Alcazar de Colon, the cathedral, Calle Las Damas and the fortress, with a guide who can put five centuries in order. Two to three hours on foot.
02
Los Tres Ojos caves
Three freshwater lakes inside limestone caves on the edge of the city, reached by stairs and a hand-pulled raft. Often paired with the aquarium or the Columbus lighthouse.
03
Chocolate, cigars and rum
Hands-on workshops in the colonial zone: roll a cigar, make chocolate from the bean, taste aged rum. Indoors, so good for a rainy afternoon.
04
Boca Chica or Juan Dolio beach day
The nearest swimming beaches, shallow and calm, with fried fish on the sand. Half-day trips with hotel pickup.
05
Saona Island from the capital
A long day east to Bayahibe and across to the island, if you are not continuing to Punta Cana. Early pickup, back after dark.
Tour links open Viator in a new tab. All Travel Fun earns a commission on bookings made through them; it does not change what you pay. Hours, closing days and drive times above are approximate; the listing has the current details.
Top-rated in Santo Domingo right now
Live from Viator, ranked by traveler rating. Prices are per person, from the lowest option, as of the last refresh; the listing has today's.
Santo Domingo Unfiltered : Gualey//Colonial Area (PRIVATE TOUR)
5.0 (26 reviews)6h to 8h
From $120 per person→
Trekking/rappelling waterfalls in Dominican Republic
5.0 (23 reviews)11h
From $180 per person→
Sandboarding & Snorkeling At The Dominican Desert
5.0 (7 reviews)8h
From $109 per person→
Tour to Boca Chica and the Cave of Eden
5.0 (5 reviews)7h
From $100 per person→
Caves of Wonders, Cenote And Dominicus Beach Private Tour
5.0 (3 reviews)8h to 10h
From $185 per person→
Why book through Viator
Book the Santo Domingo tours before you fly, without locking yourself in.
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Good to know
- Stay in or near the Zona Colonial
- Everything in the old town is walkable and the evening scene on Calle El Conde and at the ruins of San Francisco is the point. Taxis and ride apps for anything beyond it.
- Sunday nights are for merengue
- A free open-air band plays at the Ruinas de San Francisco most Sunday evenings and the neighborhood dances. Go.
Before you go
The colonial zone and the caves, on foot.
Questions before you book
Is Santo Domingo walkable?
The colonial zone is, and that is where the sights are. The rest of the city is spread out and taxis are cheap.
Where is the nearest beach?
Boca Chica, about 30 minutes east near the airport. Juan Dolio is a little farther and quieter.
How do I book these tours?
Each "See tours" button opens Viator's listings for that experience in Santo Domingo, with live prices, dates, reviews and the cancellation terms. You book and pay there. All Travel Fun earns a commission on bookings made through those links; it does not change what you pay.
Can your agents book tours over the phone?
Our agents book flights. Call to price the flight to Santo Domingo; book the tours on Viator once your dates are fixed.
Flights to Santo Domingo
Where to stay: Santo Domingo hotels by area
More trips in the region: Caribbean Flights by Phone
More things to do in Caribbean
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