Santo Domingo Dominican Republic 5 Day Itinerary

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic: 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Zona Colonial

  • Arrival at Las Américas International Airport. You can take a taxi or pre-book a transfer to your hotel.
  • Check-in at Hotel Columbus, located in the heart of Zona Colonial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Visit Alcázar de Colón, the first European residential palace built in the Americas and home to Diego Columbus, son of Christopher Columbus.
  • Lunch at Café Parisien, a historic café offering a variety of Dominican dishes with an elegant ambiance.
  • Afternoon visit to Plaza España, the largest square in the Americas, surrounded by beautiful colonial architecture.
  • Explore Calle Las Damas, the oldest street in the Americas, and its charming shops and cafes.
  • Dinner at Mercado Los Tres Ojos, where you can find a variety of food stalls offering local dishes like sancocho and mofongo.

Day 2: Modern Santo Domingo & Beaches

  • Breakfast at your hotel or try Café Brujula in Zona Colonial for authentic Dominican coffee.
  • Take a short taxi ride to the Malecón de Santo Domingo. Enjoy the ocean view and visit the modern art sculptures.
  • Visit Parque Mirador del Sur, offering panoramic views of the city and Caribbean Sea.
  • Lunch at Fish Fritters, a popular spot for seafood, especially their namesake dish.
  • Afternoon visit to National Botanical Garden or Museo del Barrio Chino, showcasing the history of the Chinese community in Santo Domingo.
  • Head to Boca Chica Beach for sunset and dinner at a beachside restaurant like El Rincon de la Playita.

Day 3: Day Trip to Altos de Chavón & Jarabacoa

  • Early start with breakfast at your hotel.
  • Take a guided tour to Altos de Chavón, an architectural marvel modeled after a medieval European village, complete with an amphitheater and art school.
  • Lunch in Altos de Chavón or continue to Jarabacoa for lunch at Café del Monte, where you can enjoy coffee grown on the property.
  • Afternoon activities in Jarabacoa could include horseback riding, hiking, or visiting Laguna de Baiguate.
  • Return to Santo Domingo for dinner at El Quijote in Zona Colonial, known for its Dominican cuisine and live music.

Day 4: Exploring Casa de Campo & Punta Cana

  • Breakfast at your hotel.
  • Take a day trip to Casa de Campo, an upscale resort offering activities like golf, horseback riding, and boat tours.
  • Lunch at Minitas Beach Club, located within Casa de Campo.
  • Afternoon visit to the Altos de Chavón Art Village if you didn’t go on Day 3.
  • Continue to Punta Cana, a famous resort area, for dinner and a night out at BlueMall Punta Cana.

Day 5: Last Day & Departure

  • Breakfast at your hotel.
  • Spend your last hours shopping in Zona Colonial or visiting any sights you may have missed.
  • Lunch at a favorite spot before heading to the airport for your departure.