Things to do in Dominican Republic

The 17 best things to do in Dominican Republic

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1. 1Santo Domingo

   Step inside the first cathedral of the Americas

   The Basilica Cathedral of Santa María la Menor, known as the Primate Cathedral of the Americas, is the first cathedral built in the New World, dating to the 16th century. Its coral stone walls hold a Gothic and Renaissance vaulted ceiling, side chapels with colonial sculptures and paintings, and the tomb of Admiral Diego Colón, son of Christopher Columbus. It faces Parque Colón, a shaded square with a statue of Columbus, sidewalk cafés and street musicians, so the two make an easy first stop in the Colonial Zone. The Ministry of Tourism suggests 1 to 1.5 hours, and the cathedral is a short walk from most Colonial Zone sights.

   Tip: Dress respectfully and keep quiet in the prayer areas, and consider joining a guided tour to get more from the chapels.

   Check visiting hours
   Search tickets and tours on TiqetsSources: Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (godominicanrepublic.com); Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (godominicanrepublic.com)
2. 2Santo Domingo

   Walk Calle Las Damas to Fortaleza Ozama

   Calle Las Damas is the first paved street in the Americas, a narrow road of 16th century buildings that now hold museums, embassies and hotels. Walk it to Fortaleza Ozama, built by the Spanish between 1502 and 1508 and the first permanent military structure in the Americas. It was made to resemble a medieval castle, with a 69-foot central tower whose spiral staircase leads to a lookout over the Ozama River and the port. You can see the original cannons, the coral stone walls, and the interior tunnels and dungeons where prisoners, Columbus among them, were once held.

   Tip: The National Pantheon is on the same street, and the Ministry advises against wearing shorts in Santo Domingo.

   DOP[fee]Know the fee?
   Search tickets and tours on TiqetsSources: Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (godominicanrepublic.com); Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (godominicanrepublic.com)
3. 3Santo Domingo

   Tour the Alcázar de Colón and Plaza de España

   The Alcázar de Colón is a viceregal palace built between 1511 and 1514 as the home of Diego Colón, Christopher Columbus's eldest son, and the seat of government and center of colonial administration in the New World in the early years of Spanish rule. It now operates as a history museum facing the Plaza de España in the UNESCO-listed Colonial Zone. The plaza beside it is one of the Colonial Zone's most pleasant open spaces, with outdoor bistro terraces on one side, a statue of the governor Nicolás de Ovando in the middle, and major concerts, cultural shows and festivals. It is a good place for a late afternoon visit followed by dinner with a view.

   Tip: The museum is closed on Mondays, so plan this stop for another day, and finish on the plaza at sunset.

   DOP[fee]Know the fee?
   Search tickets and tours on TiqetsSources: Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (godominicanrepublic.com); Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (godominicanrepublic.com)
4. 4Punta Cana

   Sail to the beaches of Saona Island

   Saona Island lies 19 km south of the mainland inside Cotubanamá National Park and covers 110 square kilometers. Its long white beaches, backed by coconut palms, draw more visitors than all of the country's national parks combined. Day trips run by speedboat or catamaran, and most leave from the small waterfront in Bayahíbe village. Typical stops include a swim at Palmilla, a white stretch with a wide natural pool, and Mano Juan, the only inhabited part of the island. Saona is also the country's most important turtle nesting site, so treat the sand and any nests with care. The coastline is worth the ride on its own.

   Tip: Wear sunscreen all day, since the Ministry notes the Caribbean sun is strong even on cloudy days and on boat trips.

   Book a boat trip
   Search tickets and tours on TiqetsSources: Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (godominicanrepublic.com); Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (godominicanrepublic.com)
5. 5Punta Cana

   Swim in the Hoyo Azul cenote at Scape Park

   Hoyo Azul, the Blue Hole, is a turquoise cenote inside Scape Park in Cap Cana, about 14 meters (45 feet) deep and set at the foot of a 75-meter limestone cliff covered in vegetation. To reach it you cross a suspension bridge and hike past an orchid garden and other plants and wildlife, then either leap into the water or use the steps. Scape Park has more than 15 attractions, including ziplines, cave swims, waterfalls and a cultural route, and lets you choose the order of attractions and repeat them at your own pace. Some attractions run on a limited schedule.

   Tip: Check the park's attraction schedule before you go, since not everything runs all day.

   US$[fee]Know the fee?
   Search tickets and tours on TiqetsSources: Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (godominicanrepublic.com); Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (godominicanrepublic.com); Scape Park Cap Cana (scapepark.com)
6. 6Punta Cana

   Wander the stone village of Altos de Chavón

   Altos de Chavón is a model 16th century Mediterranean village built entirely of stone, 300 feet above the Chavón River near La Romana. It took six years to build and opened in 1982 with a concert by Frank Sinatra in the 5,000-seat Grecian-style amphitheater, where artists still perform. You can browse its cobbled plazas, craft and jewelry shops and restaurants, and look out from St. Stanislaus Church over the river. The Regional Archaeological Museum, open since 1981, covers the island's indigenous culture from 4,000 BC to 1502 AD. At night the stone plazas are lit, and the dining verandas look over the river.

   Tip: The archaeological museum is closed on Mondays, and visitors not staying at Casa de Campo should expect an entrance charge or can book a tour.

   US$[fee]Know the fee?
   Sources: Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (godominicanrepublic.com); Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (godominicanrepublic.com); Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (godominicanrepublic.com)
7. 7Punta Cana

   Swim the freshwater lagoons at Ojos Indígenas

   Ojos Indígenas Ecological Reserve is a protected area of more than 1,500 acres on the Puntacana Resort & Club grounds, created from land donated by Grupo Puntacana to the Puntacana Foundation. Shaded trails run through tropical forest to twelve freshwater lagoons, the ojos de agua that the Taíno considered sacred. Four are open for swimming, including the Inriri and Cacibajagua cenotes, and the most popular has a wooden deck and a diving platform. The reserve shelters hundreds of bird species and iguanas. The foundation offers the guided Los Ojos Eco Journey, and the reserve is open to the public.

   Tip: Book the guided tour in advance and bring swimwear, insect repellent and water, since tap water is not safe to drink.

   US$[fee]Know the fee?
   Search tickets and tours on TiqetsSources: Puntacana Foundation (puntacana.org); Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (godominicanrepublic.com); Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (godominicanrepublic.com)
8. 8Punta Cana

   Spend an afternoon on Playa Juanillo

   Playa Juanillo in Cap Cana is a long stretch of powdery white sand flanked by tall palms, with calm turquoise water. A handful of bars and restaurants serve cocktails and meals at the table or by your lounger, and you can try volleyball, snorkeling, kayaking or kiteboarding, helped by steady winds. Punta Cana has more than 50 km of white sand beaches, and Juanillo is one of the beaches the Ministry highlights there, alongside Bávaro and Macao. Punta Cana airport is a 15 minute drive from Cap Cana.

   Tip: Go in the dry season from December to April for the most reliable sunshine, and wear sunscreen even on cloudy days.

   Pay for food and loungers
   Search tickets and tours on TiqetsSources: Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (godominicanrepublic.com); Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (godominicanrepublic.com); Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (godominicanrepublic.com)
9. 9Punta Cana

   Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of La Altagracia in Higüey

   The Basilica Cathedral of Our Lady of La Altagracia in Higüey is the most important Marian sanctuary in the Dominican Republic, dedicated to the country's patron saint. Built in the 1970s in a striking modern style, its high arches make it visible from far away. Thousands of pilgrims gather each year, above all on January 21 and August 15, the feast days of Our Lady of La Altagracia. Inside you can see the image of the Virgin and attend Mass. Higüey is about 45 minutes by road from Punta Cana and about 2 hours from Santo Domingo, and the Ministry suggests allowing 1 to 2 hours.

   Tip: Dress respectfully, check Mass times in advance, and arrive early or avoid the area on feast days, when crowds are large.

   Check Mass times
   Search tickets and tours on TiqetsSources: Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (godominicanrepublic.com)
10. 10Punta Cana

    Learn to surf or eat fresh fish at Playa Macao

    Playa Macao sits on the northern end of the Punta Cana region and is a very wide, golden beach studded with palm trees. Swells and trade winds make it a favorite with surfers, and surfing classes at every level are available year-round, especially on weekends. Local restaurants on the beach are known for Dominican-style fish plates. The Ministry lists the airport as a 45-minute drive from Macao, so it works well as a half-day trip.

    Tip: Weekends are livelier and surf classes more available, so pick a weekday if you want the beach quiet.

    Pay for food and surf lessons
    Search tickets and tours on TiqetsSources: Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (godominicanrepublic.com); Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (godominicanrepublic.com)
11. 11Santo Domingo

    Descend into the lagoons of Los Tres Ojos

    Los Tres Ojos National Park lies about five miles east of central Santo Domingo and is a nature break from the city. A winding staircase leads down into a series of caves, with paths along three iridescent blue freshwater lagoons, the "eyes" the Taíno named for their oval shapes. A fourth lagoon is reached by a small wooden barge and opens to rocky, green scenery under the sky. The caves were once used by the Taíno for refuge or rituals, and visitors can look for petroglyphs and pottery shards.

    Tip: Look for petroglyphs and pottery shards along the cave paths, and wear sturdy shoes for the staircase.

    DOP[fee]Know the fee?
    Search tickets and tours on TiqetsSources: Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (godominicanrepublic.com); Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (godominicanrepublic.com)
12. 12Santo Domingo

    Visit the Columbus Lighthouse monument

    The Columbus Lighthouse, in Santo Domingo Este, is a monumental cross-shaped structure that works as monument, mausoleum and museum. It commemorates the Christianization of the Americas and houses the remains of Admiral Christopher Columbus, alongside exhibitions contributed by countries from around the world. The building is on Avenida Mirador del Este, outside the Colonial Zone. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Santo Domingo's Metro and Uber also operate in the city, but a taxi your hotel recommends is simplest for this stop.

    Tip: Plan it for any day except Monday, when it is closed, and use Uber or a taxi your hotel recommends.

    DOP[fee]Know the fee?
    Search tickets and tours on TiqetsSources: Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (godominicanrepublic.com); Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (godominicanrepublic.com)
13. 13Puerto Plata

    Slide down the waterfalls of 27 Charcos

    The 27 Charcos of Damajagua is Puerto Plata's best-known adventure. You hike through thick forest, crossing footbridges, to a rocky hilltop, then make your way down by jumping and sliding through a series of waterfalls into deep turquoise pools, wearing a helmet and safety gear. Most excursions cover seven falls, and reaching the 27th is left to the most fit and active. The park is run by local guides who live in the community, and the entrance fees benefit its residents. It is roughly an hour from Puerto Plata city.

    Tip: Choose the standard seven-fall excursion unless you are very fit, since the full 27 falls are reserved for the most active.

    DOP[fee]Know the fee?
    Search tickets and tours on TiqetsSources: Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (godominicanrepublic.com); Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (godominicanrepublic.com)
14. 14Puerto Plata

    Tour the 16th century San Felipe Fortress

    Fortaleza San Felipe was built by the Spanish in the 16th century to defend the north coast from the British and Dutch and from French pirates, and was completed in 1577. The Ministry of Tourism calls it one of the most important colonial military structures in the Caribbean. It later served as a prison from the 19th century through the Trujillo years, and it is now a museum. You can see the original cannons facing the Atlantic, old weapons and hidden chambers, and look out over the Puerto Plata coastline. Watching the sunset at the foot of the fort, beside La Puntilla park, is a daily habit for locals.

    Tip: Visit in the late afternoon so you can tour the fort and then stay on for the sunset beside it.

    DOP[fee]Know the fee?
    Search tickets and tours on TiqetsSources: Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (godominicanrepublic.com); Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (godominicanrepublic.com)
15. 15Santo Domingo

    Explore the San Francisco Monastery ruins

    The walled ruins of the San Francisco Monastery cover large blocks of the Colonial Zone between Calle Duarte and Calle Hostos. This was the first Franciscan monastery in the New World, founded in the 16th century. It survived a fire set by Sir Francis Drake and several earthquakes, and was used as a mental asylum until the middle of the 20th century. Today the walled ruins make a dramatic backdrop for photos on any day of the week, and every Sunday the ruins turn into a stage for merengue concerts.

    Tip: Come on a Sunday if you want to catch the merengue concert.

    Open-air ruins
    Search tickets and tours on TiqetsSources: Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (godominicanrepublic.com)
16. 16Puerto Plata

    Watch the kitesurfers at Playa Cabarete

    Playa Cabarete is the Caribbean's hub for windsurfing, kiteboarding and laser sailing, and its western side is known as Kite Beach. You can learn and practice wind sports here all year round. On weekends, especially in summer, sails and kites fill the water. Even if you do not plan to ride, the eastern side has space for swimming and relaxing, facing restaurants, bars and shops, and international kitesurfing championships are held here during the year. Cabarete is on the north coast, and Puerto Plata's Gregorio Luperón airport is the closest gateway.

    Tip: Weekends bring the most kites on the water, so go then to watch, or on a weekday to have the sand to yourself.

    Pay for food and lessons
    Search tickets and tours on TiqetsSources: Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (godominicanrepublic.com); Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (godominicanrepublic.com)
17. 17Santo Domingo

    Stroll the cobblestones of Calle El Conde

    Calle El Conde is the first commercial street of the New World and still the Dominican Republic's most popular pedestrian shopping street. It runs over 10 blocks of cobblestones through the Colonial Zone, lined with restaurants, cafés, souvenir shops and grocery stores, plus street artists selling colorful paintings and vendors pushing ice cream carts. It starts at Parque Independencia and the Puerta del Conde, passes Parque Colón and the first cathedral, and ends at Calle Las Damas. It is the simplest way to link the historic sights, and a natural place to stop for a meal.

    Tip: Walk it from Puerta del Conde toward the cathedral so the street ends where Calle Las Damas begins.

    Pay as you go
    Sources: Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (godominicanrepublic.com); Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (godominicanrepublic.com)

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