Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic 3 Day Itinerary

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic: 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Colonial Santo Domingo

Morning:

  • Check-in at your hotel. Some recommended options are Hotel Riu Plaza Das Oleander, Hotel Laroche Santo Domingo or Hotel Casas del XVI.
  • Start your day with a traditional Dominican breakfast at El Conuco or Café Quijote.

Afternoon:

  • Visit the Zona Colonial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Key sights include Alcázar de Colón, Catedral Primada de América, and Convento de los Dominicos.
  • Have lunch at one of the restaurants in Zona Colonial, such as Restaurante Casa Granda or Marisquería El Tropical.

Evening:

  • Take a stroll along Malecon, Santo Domingo’s famous waterfront promenade. Enjoy the ocean view and the city’s vibrant nightlife.
  • Dine at one of the trendy restaurants in the Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia area, such as Oleo or Gourmet Paradise.

Day 2: Modern Santo Domingo and Relaxation

Morning:

  • Visit Parque Mirador del Este, a beautiful park with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. Don’t miss the modern sculptures and the lighthouse.
  • Head to Boca Chica, a popular beach destination, for relaxation and water activities like swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving.

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at one of the beachside restaurants in Boca Chica, such as El Faro or La Barrigonera.
  • Visit the Museo de Arte Moderno, showcasing contemporary Dominican and international art.

Evening:

  • Enjoy a traditional Dominican dinner at ChuChu’s Restaurant in Boca Chica.
  • Return to your hotel or explore the nightlife in Santo Domingo.

Day 3: Nature and Culture

Morning:

  • Visit the Botanical Garden (Jardín Botánico Nacional) and learn about the Dominican flora and fauna.
  • Explore the Ocean World Adventure Park, where you can interact with marine life, including dolphins, sharks, and sea lions.

Afternoon:

  • Have lunch at El Conuco or any other restaurant of your choice.
  • Visit the Museum of Memory and Resistance (MUSERE), a museum dedicated to understanding the Dominican Republic’s modern history.

Evening:

  • Enjoy your last evening in Santo Domingo with a farewell dinner at Café Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia or any other restaurant that catches your eye.

Things to Know:

  1. Spanish is the primary language, although English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
  2. The Dominican Republic uses the Dominican peso (DOP), but U.S. dollars are often accepted in tourist areas.
  3. Tap water is not safe to drink; bottled water is readily available.
  4. Santo Domingo has a tropical climate, so pack light, breathable clothing and sunscreen.
  5. Haggling is common in local markets.
  6. Taxis are widely available and affordable, but agree on the price before starting your journey to avoid misunderstandings.
  7. The electric outlets use Type A plugs (two flat parallel blades). If you’re bringing electronics, make sure to bring an adapter.

Transportation:

  1. Taxis are readily available and affordable. You can also rent a car or motorbike if you prefer self-drive transportation.
  2. Santo Domingo has a metrobus system, which is a cheap way to get around the city.
  3. The city is also bike-friendly, with dedicated bike lanes and bike rental shops.