Welcome to Santo Domingo! Start your trip by checking into your hotel and settling in. In the morning, head to the Zona Colonial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore the historic heart of the city. Visit the Alcázar de Colón, the former residence of Christopher Columbus' son, Diego. In the afternoon, take a stroll along El Malecón, a scenic waterfront promenade. As the evening sets in, enjoy a delicious Dominican dinner at a local restaurant.
Zona Colonial: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 3-4 hours
Alcázar de Colón: Cost - RD$100 (approx. USD $2), Time Spent - 1-2 hours
El Malecón: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café con Leche, a charming cafe located in the heart of the Zona Colonial. Indulge in their delicious pastries and enjoy a cup of their signature coffee. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
If you're looking for a great spot for lunch, try Pat'e Palo European Brasserie. This restaurant offers a fusion of European and Dominican cuisine, with dishes like seafood paella and mofongo. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
To end your day with a delicious dinner, visit Mesón de Bari. This restaurant specializes in traditional Dominican cuisine, including dishes like sancocho and chicharrón de pollo. Average cost for a meal is about $25 per person.
Sunday, September 3: Museums and Art
Start your day by visiting the Museo de las Casas Reales, a museum housed in a historic building that showcases the colonial history of the Dominican Republic. In the afternoon, explore the Museum of Modern Art, which features contemporary works by Dominican artists. In the evening, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Plaza de España, where you can enjoy live music and street performances.
Museo de las Casas Reales: Cost - RD$100 (approx. USD $2), Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Museum of Modern Art: Cost - RD$50 (approx. USD $1), Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Plaza de España: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe con Leche, a charming cafe known for its delicious coffee and pastries. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, try Meson de Bari, a popular restaurant serving authentic Dominican cuisine. Don't miss their mouthwatering mofongo! Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For dinner, indulge in a fine dining experience at Pat'e Palo, known for its elegant ambiance and gourmet international dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $40 per person.
Monday, September 4: Beach Day in Boca Chica
Escape the city and spend the day relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Boca Chica. Soak up the sun, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and indulge in delicious seafood at the beachfront restaurants. For those seeking adventure, try snorkeling or diving to explore the vibrant marine life.
Boca Chica Beach: Cost - Free, Time Spent - Full day
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe del Sol. This charming cafe offers a range of breakfast options, from fluffy pancakes to hearty omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, head to El Pelicano. This beachfront restaurant serves up fresh seafood dishes such as grilled fish and shrimp ceviche. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Indulge in a mouthwatering dinner at La Casita de los Mariscos. This local favorite specializes in seafood, including lobster, crab, and shrimp. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Tuesday, September 5: Day Trip to Los Tres Ojos
Embark on a day trip to Los Tres Ojos, a natural limestone cave system featuring three interconnected lakes. Take a boat ride through the caves and marvel at the stunning underground scenery. Afterward, visit the nearby Parque del Este, a tranquil park with beautiful gardens and walking trails.
Los Tres Ojos: Cost - RD$100 (approx. USD $2), Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Parque del Este: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafeteria La Parada, a cozy cafe known for its delicious pastries and freshly brewed coffee. Enjoy a croissant or a slice of their homemade cake. A typical breakfast costs around $5 per person.
For lunch, try El Conuco, a popular restaurant that serves traditional Dominican cuisine. Sample their flavorful sancocho, a hearty meat and vegetable stew, or try one of their tasty empanadas. A lunch meal at El Conuco costs around $10 per person.
For dinner, check out Pat'e Palo, a trendy restaurant offering a fusion of Caribbean and international flavors. Indulge in their seafood paella or try their delectable grilled meats. A dinner at Pat'e Palo averages around $20 per person.
Wednesday, September 6: Santo Domingo Markets and Cuisine
Experience the local culture by visiting the Mercado Modelo, a bustling market where you can find traditional handicrafts, souvenirs, and fresh produce. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local street food stall, savoring Dominican specialties like mofongo and sancocho. In the afternoon, explore the Mercado de la Pulga, a flea market known for its unique vintage finds.
Mercado Modelo: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Mercado de la Pulga: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafeteria La Baguette where you can enjoy a variety of freshly baked pastries and delicious coffee. Average cost for a meal is about $5 per person.
For lunch, try El Conuco, a traditional Dominican restaurant offering mouthwatering local dishes such as fried plantains, yuca, and stewed meats. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Treat yourself to dinner at Pat'e Palo European Brasserie, a stylish restaurant known for its fusion of European and Dominican cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Thursday, September 7: Colonial Architecture and Forts
Discover more of the city's architectural gems by visiting the Catedral Primada de América, the oldest cathedral in the Americas, and the Ozama Fortress, a historic military structure. Explore the streets of the Zona Colonial, admiring the beautifully preserved colonial buildings and charming plazas. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the city.
Catedral Primada de América: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Zona Colonial: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café con Leche, a cozy café that serves fresh pastries and traditional Dominican breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $7 per person.
For lunch, head to Pat'e Palo, a popular restaurant known for its flavorful local cuisine and vibrant atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at La Residence, an upscale restaurant offering a fusion of international and Dominican flavors. Average cost for a meal is about $25 per person.
Friday, September 8: Explore Santo Domingo's Parks
Spend your last day in Santo Domingo exploring its beautiful parks. Start with a visit to the National Botanical Garden, home to a vast collection of tropical plants and flowers. Next, head to the Parque Mirador Sur, a sprawling park perfect for walking, biking, or enjoying a picnic. Wrap up your day by experiencing the lively nightlife in the Gazcue neighborhood.
National Botanical Garden: Cost - RD$100 (approx. USD $2), Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Gazcue Neighborhood: Cost - Free, Time Spent - Evening
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe con Leche. This cozy cafe offers a variety of breakfast options such as omelettes, pastries, and traditional Dominican dishes. The average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to La Casita de Yeya. This local gem serves mouthwatering Dominican cuisine including rice, beans, and succulent roasted meats. The average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner at Pat'e Palo. Located in the vibrant Gazcue neighborhood, this upscale restaurant offers a fusion of international and Dominican flavors. From grilled seafood to juicy steaks, you'll find a dish to satisfy your cravings. The average cost for a meal is about $30 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique experience, visit the Mercado Modelo during the weekend when it comes to life with vibrant music and traditional dances. Take a day trip to the nearby beach town of Juan Dolio for a more laid-back coastal atmosphere. Don't miss trying a refreshing glass of mamajuana, a local herbal drink, at one of the city's bars.