Santo Domingo Dominican Republic 2 Day Itinerary

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Colonial Santo Domingo

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Cafe Berre on the Zona Colonial (Calle Las Damas, No. 208, Santo Domingo).
  • Visit the Zona Colonial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is home to the oldest buildings in the New World. Don’t miss the Casa de Diego Columbus and the Catedral Primada Santa María la Menor.
  • Explore the Alcázar de Colón, residence of Christopher Columbus’ brother, Diego.

Afternoon:

  • Have lunch at Mercado Modelo (Av. Winston Churchill, Santo Domingo). It’s more than just a food market; it’s a local experience with unique Dominican crafts and souvenirs. Try the mangú (plantain mash) or la bandera (rice, beans, and meat).
  • Visit the Museum of the Royal Houses to learn about Santo Domingo’s colonial history.
  • Relax at the beautiful Parque Colón, perfect for a leisurely stroll or people watching.

Evening:

  • Enjoy dinner at La Granja (Calle Máximo Gomez, Santo Domingo). Known for its farm-to-table concept and excellent Dominican cuisine.
  • Experience the vibrant nightlife of Santo Domingo in the Zona Colonial or the hipster district of Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia.

Day 2: Modern Santo Domingo & Beach Time

Morning:

  • Start your day with a traditional Dominican breakfast at El Conde (Av. Máximo Gomez, Santo Domingo). Try the tostones con queso (fried plantains with cheese).
  • Visit the National Palace and learn about Dominican history and culture. The modern architecture is a striking contrast to the colonial buildings of the Zona Colonial.
  • Head to the Malecón de Santo Domingo for a beautiful seafront walk.

Afternoon:

  • Take a trip to the scenic town of Boca Chica, famous for its beaches and all-inclusive resorts (approximately 45 minutes by car). Spend your afternoon relaxing on the beach or trying water sports like jet skiing or snorkeling.
  • Have lunch at El Dandy (Av. España, Boca Chica) with a view of the ocean.

Evening:

  • Return to Santo Domingo and explore the lively district of Cotton Hill, known for its bars, clubs, and street food.
  • Have dinner at La Casa del Hormigón (Calle José de la Luz y Cabrales, Santo Domingo), a popular spot with an extensive menu featuring both Dominican and international dishes.

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel Columbus in the Zona Colonial offers historic charm and convenient access to major attractions.
  • For a more modern stay, consider Noble House Hotel Boutique, located in the trendy Cotton Hill district.

Transportation:

  • Taxis are readily available and affordable throughout Santo Domingo. Make sure to use official taxis with meter service or negotiate the price before getting in.

Things to Know:

  • Spanish is the primary language, but many people also speak English.
  • The Dominican Republic uses the Dominican Peso (DOP). US Dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas.
  • Haggling is common in markets and with street vendors.
  • Tip approximately 10% in restaurants and give small change to street performers.