Santo Domingo Dominican Republic 4 Day Itinerary

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic: 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Colonial Zone and Local Cuisine

Morning:

Afternoon:

Evening:

  • Dinner at La Cava de la Vid, a cozy restaurant located in a wine cellar, offering a variety of Dominican dishes paired with local wines.
  • Take a stroll along the lively Malecón de Santo Domingo and enjoy the nightlife in the trendy bars and clubs.

Day 2: Nature and Beaches

Morning:

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at one of the beachside restaurants in Playa Juan Dolio, such as El Marino.
  • Visit the Monasterio de San Francisco to learn about Dominican history and admire its beautiful architecture.

Evening:

  • Dinner at El Jardín del Paraiso, a popular restaurant located in the Colonial Zone, offering traditional dishes with a modern twist.
  • Take a walk along the lively streets of the Colonial Zone and enjoy the vibrant nightlife.

Day 3: Adventure and Culture

Morning:

  • Breakfast at La Esquina del Sabor, a café located in the trendy Naco district, offering a variety of dishes inspired by different cultures.
  • Visit the Parque Nacional Cotuí to witness the stunning landscapes and wildlife of this protected area.
  • Head to the nearby Casa de Campo Resort for a round of golf, horseback riding, or other outdoor activities.

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at La Yola, a restaurant located on the river in the town of Cotuí, offering fresh seafood and stunning views.
  • Visit the nearby Altos de Chavón, an archaeological amphitheater and replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village.

Evening:

  • Dinner at Los Chinos, a restaurant located in the Colonial Zone, offering Dominican dishes with a contemporary twist.
  • Take a night tour of the Three Eyes Waterfall for an unforgettable experience.

Day 4: Relaxation and Shopping

Morning:

  • Breakfast at La Caja Maravilla, a café located in the trendy Naco district, offering a variety of dishes inspired by different cultures.
  • Visit the Bazar Artesanal El Conde to shop for souvenirs, artisanal goods, and locally made crafts.
  • Head to the nearby Playa Boca Chica for a relaxing day at the beach.

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at one of the beachside restaurants in Playa Boca Chica, such as El Toro.
  • Visit the nearby San Salvador Monastery to learn about Dominican history and admire its beautiful architecture.

Evening:

  • Dinner at La Casa del Cacao, a restaurant located in the Colonial Zone, offering a variety of dishes inspired by chocolate.
  • Take a stroll along the lively streets of the Colonial Zone and enjoy the vibrant nightlife for one last time before your departure.

Things to Know:

  • Spanish is the official language, although English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
  • The Dominican Republic uses the Dominican peso (DOP) as its currency. Credit cards are accepted in most tourist areas, but it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand.
  • Taxis are widely available and affordable, but it’s important to agree on a fare before starting your journey to avoid any misunderstandings.
  • The Dominican Republic is known for its friendly locals, so don’t hesitate to strike up conversations with the people you meet during your travels.
  • The DR operates on Atlantic Standard Time (AST) and does not observe Daylight Saving Time.

Tips:

  • Haggle when shopping in markets and street vendors for a better price.
  • Drink bottled water to avoid any issues with the local tap water.
  • Rent a car or hire a driver for a more flexible and convenient way to explore the island.
  • Visit during the dry season (December-April) for the best weather conditions.
  • Try mangú, sancocho, and la bandera (rice, beans, and salad) for some traditional Dominican dishes.