THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Santo Domingo
Things to Do in Santo Domingo
Explore popular experiences
See what other travellers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings.
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Santo Domingo.
Full-day Toursfromper adultC$133- fromper adult (price varies by group size)C$182
Full-day Toursfromper adultC$182
Historical Toursfromper adultC$63- fromper adult (price varies by group size)C$251
Historical Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)C$91- fromper adult (price varies by group size)C$210
Audio Guidesfromper adultC$29
Historical Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)C$210
Full-day Toursfromper adultC$105
Other Top Attractions around Santo Domingo
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- BSBtravellerMelbourne, Australia347 contributionsWe visited this place on a group tour, and to be honest, I wouldn’t suggest you go out of your way to visit, unless you have never been into underground caves before. It’s pretty enough but nothing spectacular. If you are there, sure visit it. The day we were there, it was stinking hot and very humid. I noticed that a lot of people who weren’t that fit found it quite difficult because there is a bit of climbing which I didn’t mind but some struggled withWritten April 23, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- sanju_222323New Jersey14,194 contributionsThe lively streets of Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial—one of the city’s most historic neighborhoods—are ripe with the sights, smells, and sounds of Latin America.
Lying on cobblestone streets, Santo Domingo's Zona Colonial marks the area where Columbus settled in the New World. This tiny enclave is filled with traditional European-style architecture, well-kept parks, cobblestone streets, and artistic nods to adventurers past.
A bronze statue of Christopher Columbus sits at the center of Parque Colon, and nearby Calle Las Damas is the oldest paved road in the New World. These historic sites, paired with incredible colonial architecture, are just part of what makes this UNESCO World Heritage Site a popular destination for those who want to experience the nation’s capital as it used to be.
Some of the attraction in Zona colonial-
* Catedral Primada de América
* Fortaleza Ozama
* Parque Colón (Columbus Park)
* Palacio Consistorial de Santo Domingo
* Alcázar de Colón
* Plaza España
* Casa del Cordón
Musicians and street performers frequent the square, shoe shiners set up along the street side, and children chase pigeons around the statue of Christopher Columbus, which stands in the center.
One thing I can suggest: Don’t go with any tour. normally 90% of the time we explore the city on our own but I was afraid of driving the car in the city so booked city tour, but they were more focused on giving more time in their designated gift shop and less time in city attractions.
Everywhere, they explained about that spot for 5 minutes and gave JUST 5 MINS TO EXPLORE THE ATTRACTION ON OUR OWN AND TAKE PHOTOS"... in 5 minutes, my wife can’t even decide the pose.. you can feel my plight, right?Written March 15, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - sanju_222323New Jersey14,194 contributionsBest known as the first cathedral of the Americas. The Cathedral of the Americas (Catedral Primada de America) is an imposing landmark overlooking Columbus Park in Santo Domingo’s historic district. Built-in the early 16th century, the Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor is the oldest Catholic cathedral in the New World and among the finest examples of Gothic architecture outside Europe.
The majestic building is unmissable thanks to its golden-tinted facade that’s even more impressive at sunrise and sunset. Behind its solid limestone walls are aisles under ornate vaulted ceilings, a great collection of early 16th-century paintings and colonial-era artifacts. Located in the Colonial Zone, the cathedral is one of Santo Domingo’s most famous religious sites and contains a large collection of woodcarving and religious artifacts.
A functioning house of worship, the cathedral still holds mass regularly. You can also tour the interior of the cathedral and its grounds, either on a self-guided audio tour or during a guided sightseeing tour that also features other highlights in the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo.
There is a dress code to go inside. However, if you forget to dress appropriately, church employees will loan you a blanket or shawl to cover any exposed parts.Written April 16, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - AidaSpencerHamilton, MA21 contributionsThis is the home of Colombus' son Diego, who was governor, kept in its original decor. worth the visit.Written April 19, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- SambaSanibel Island, FL470 contributionsBeautiful old garden with some lovely birds. A cool spot on a hot day. Just take a long stroll and you will feel transported by the sights and sounds.Written April 13, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- sanju_222323New Jersey14,194 contributionsColumbus Park (Parque Colón) is the main square of the Ciudad Colonial historic district (Zona Colonial) in Santo Domingo. The central square is notable for its historic monuments and buildings, particularly the statue of Christopher Columbus at its heart.
The square is at the start of Calle del Conde, the city’s most notable street, and is a great starting point for exploring Zona Colonial and its historic buildings. It is one of the most popular squares in Santo Domingo. One of the plaza’s main draws is its wide-open view, with the Alcázar de Colón palace as a backdrop.
All around are cafés and bistros with outdoor seating offering an uninterrupted view of the square. The square lies at the end of Calle Las Damas, the New World's oldest paved street.
Surrounded by historic buildings, restaurants, and cafés, with a large statue of Christopher Columbus in the center, the paved open square of Columbus Park is a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists.
Large shady trees with benches underneath offer a place to sit, relax, and people-watch. Visit the park as part of a sightseeing tour of Colonial Zone highlights.Written March 22, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Karen A1 contributionI can believe what The Dominican Republic has become, this mall is fabulous you will find everything there,Written December 7, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Nicolás GómezBogota, Colombia122 contributionsA ver nice place and experience. Located in the first street built in america, rhis is a wonderful house and Coffee Shop too. The chocolate worsksshop Washington a bit simple, could haven been more completo and detailed.Written December 29, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Laura GielOranjestad, Aruba15 contributionsVery nice place you have a lot of activities for kids which is so cool even i went on the trampoline room. plus an aquarium that is awesome!!
a lot of shopping stores and food courts which makes it complete.
check it out you will enjoy for sure!Written August 7, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - maat49London, UK372 contributionsGround floor only open when we visited so did not see the displays of armour etc. The ground floor has displays about Drake's ships and discovery of Hispaniola and about the history of the early plantations, the slave trade and early life on the island and plantations. Entrance fees have doubled since the 2017 Lonely Planet guide.Written July 25, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- BrakiWorldTravelerBelgrade, Serbia17,797 contributionsThere are many America's first things in SD.
Calle Las Damas is namely the first paved street in the new world, where Maria de Toledo (Diego Columbus wife) used to stroll with her friends.
The street starts from Plaza de Espana (main sq by the Alcazar) running all the way down to Malecon passing by many historic edifices.Written January 29, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - RCDS_FamilySouth Frontenac, Canada420 contributions
