This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.
Planning a getaway to Santo Domingo? You’ve come to the experts!
We couldn’t help but fall in love with Santo Domingo, with it’s rich history, natural wonders, and lively Caribbean atmosphere. After experiencing the Dominican capital for ourselves, we’ve curated a list of the top 8 activities that you simply can’t miss while you’re here.
From exploring the famous Colonial Zone to waterfall hikes, ATV adventures, and rum tasting, there really is something in Santo Domingo for every type of traveler. If you follow this guide, you’ll be sure to make the most of your time in this tropical paradise. Let’s dive in!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE Santo Domingo experience was this bike tour through the Colonial Zone. We loved learning about the history and culture from our guide, and it was such a fun way to get around the city!
- Don't Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Santo Domingo
- 1. Hike to Tabernacle Thundering Waterfall
- 2. Explore the Colonial Zone on a bike tour
- 3. Visit Tres Ojos National Park
- 4. Tour the Ron Barcelo Anejo Factory and taste Dominican rum
- 5. Visit Punta Cana for an ATV Buggy Adventure
- 6. Take a walking tour of Santo Domingo and taste local beer and specialty coffee
- 7. See ancient petroglyphs at the Cave of Wonders in Romana
- 8. Experience the DR’s culture on an island tour
- Where to Stay in Santo Domingo
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Santo Domingo
1. Hike to Tabernacle Thundering Waterfall
- Duration: 11 hours
- Time: 6 am
- Highlights: Los Cacaos Park, local breakfast at a colmado, hiking to El Tabernáculo, swimming in the waterfall, lunch in a historic 12th-century hotel
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, local guide, breakfast, lunch, lifejacket
- Rating: 5 stars (check 75+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
If there’s one thing that you simply have to do in Santo Domingo, it’s hiking to the Tabernacle Thundering Waterfall! This guided tour took us on an adrenaline-filled adventure to one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful waterfalls.
This tour is just as much about the journey as it is about the destination. As much as we loved swimming in the pool below the epic Thundering Waterfall, we also got a huge kick out of hiking through the pristine Dominican countryside. Plus, having a local guide to lead the way meant that we could forget about maps and focus on enjoying our adventure!
Our day kicked off with a hearty Dominican breakfast at a local colmado and then we began an exhilarating hike upstream towards the waterfall. Along the way, we had a chance to cool off in crystal-clear swimming holes and admire cascading mini waterfalls, as well as tackle some challenging climbing sections.
Then, just when we thought the scenery couldn’t get any better, we arrived at the majestic El Tabernaculo. It took our breath away with its sheer power and beauty. Of course, we had to enjoy a refreshing swim here before we hiked back to enjoy a well-earned lunch.
This tour was one of the very best things we have ever done in the Dominican Republic. El Tabernaculo is a bucket-list waterfall, so don’t miss the chance to see it while you’re in Santo Domingo.
Book this popular tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
2. Explore the Colonial Zone on a bike tour
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 10 am
- Highlights: Explore Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone by bicycle, learn about the history and culture of the area from your local guide
- Inclusions: Guide, bicycle, bottled water
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check the price here!
I’ve always been a fan of bike tours – they’re such a fun and efficient way to explore a city while covering more ground than you would on foot! This Santo Domingo bike tour is perfect for first-time visitors, offering a fantastic introduction to the city’s rich history and vibrant culture as you pedal through its most iconic landmarks.
The tour takes you through the heart of the Colonial Zone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest European settlement in the Americas. As you pedal along the charming cobblestone streets, you’ll pass landmarks like the first cathedral in the New World and the impressive Alcázar de Colón, all while learning about the Dominican Republic’s rich history from your friendly guide.
What I loved most about this tour was how easy it was to navigate the area on two wheels. It’s perfect for taking in the vibrant architecture and bustling squares without feeling rushed. Plus, if you’re looking for an extra boost, you can upgrade to an e-bike to make your ride even more enjoyable!
With a knowledgeable guide, a small group, and plenty of opportunities for photos, this tour is a fantastic way to get acquainted with Santo Domingo. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking to explore, this bike tour offers a perfect mix of culture and fun!
Read all of the excellent reviews and reserve your spot here!
3. Visit Tres Ojos National Park
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 9 am or 1 pm
- Highlights: Seeing the Parque Colon, the First Cathedral of America, the first City Hall of Santo Domingo, the Colonial Zone, the National Pantheon, the Alcazar of Colon, Columbus Lighthouse, and visiting the four lakes in Three Eyes National Park
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, transport, local guide, all taxes and fees, buffet lunch
- Rating: 4.4 stars (check reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
Tres Ojos National Park is one of the Dominican Republic’s best natural attractions, so of course, we couldn’t pass up the chance to visit on this guided tour. In fact, it delivered the full Santo Domingo experience in a relatively short space of time.
We began by visiting historic highlights in the Colonial Zone, such as the First Cathedral of the Americas and the National Pantheon. Our guide, Victor, shared lots of stories that added depth to the experience. We particularly enjoyed hearing about the commemorated Dominican heroes at the Pantheon.
Next up, we visited the famous Columbus Lighthouse, a cross-shaped brutalist monument that was built to mark the 500th anniversary of Columbus’ “discovery” of the Americas. Victor provided a lot of interesting information that really made our visit worthwhile. Did you know that the local authorities claim that Columbus’ remains lay inside the building? It’s not true, but it definitely added a layer of intrigue.
But of course, the highlight of the day was the stunning Tres Ojos National Park. It’s home to stunning underground lakes, each of which has its own unique charm, from the icy waters of La Never to the tranquil beauty of the Ladies’ Lake.
We loved venturing through the crazy caves and exploring all of the park’s dramatic rock formations, as well as seeing those vivid blue waters. Honestly, you can’t miss the chance to visit Tres Ojos when you’re in the Dominican Republic!
Book your spot here with FREE 24-hour cancellation!
4. Tour the Ron Barcelo Anejo Factory and taste Dominican rum
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Time: 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm
- Highlights: Guided tour of Ron Barcelo Anejo factory, learning the history of sugarcane and run making, skipping the queues, rum tastings
- Inclusions: Skip-the-line entry, professional guide, rum samples
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
Whether you love rum or are just curious about how it’s made, visiting the Ron Barcelo rum factory is a must while in Santo Domingo, so I recommend booking this guided tour!
We loved this tour because it took us deep into the heart of Dominican rum production. It offered a fascinating glimpse into the different stages of rum making, from growing and harvesting sugarcane to distilling and aging the alcohol itself.
We also learned what sets Ron Barcelo apart from other Caribbean rums and how the rum industry has shaped the Dominican Republic – and vice versa.
Our guide, Luis, was phenomenal. He was super friendly, and he really knew his rum! He made sure that the experience was not just informative but also a ton of fun. We really enjoyed doing a guided rum tasting with him, sampling some of Ron Barcelo’s award-winning rums, including the delicious Imperial Maple Cask. If you get a chance to try this on the tour, grab it with both hands!
This tour definitely gave us a newfound appreciation for rum and a better idea of what to order in bars at Santo Domingo, so it definitely came in handy! It’s only available on weekdays, but it’s a short and sweet experience, so it should be easy to fit into your itinerary, even if you’re only in town for a few days. What’s not to love?
Book this tour here and enjoy complimentary skip-the-line entry to the distillery!
5. Visit Punta Cana for an ATV Buggy Adventure
- Duration: 10 – 12 hours
- Time: 5:30 am, 7 am, 11 am
- Highlights: Riding a dune buggy through rugged landscapes, visiting an organic farm, enjoying Macao Beach, exploring a cenote, enjoying a traditional Dominican lunch at a local restaurant, and having a private tour
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, use of ATVs, private guide, lunch, safety equipment
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
If you’re craving a wild, adrenaline-packed day in the Dominican Republic, you absolutely can’t go wrong with this full day ATV adventure to Punta Cana! It’s a unique way to explore the area and we had a blast whizzing over rugged terrain and through lush scenery. There’s really nothing quite like the heart-pounding excitement of driving an ATV!
We opted for an early tour so our private guide, Alex, picked us up right on time. He took us zooming through dense forests, picturesque plantations, and rustic villages. We had such a sense of freedom and we loved hearing about life in Santo Domingo through the eyes of a local.
Our first stop was an organic farm, where we sampled fresh Dominican coffee and homemade cacao. From there, we headed to Los Hoyos del Salado, a stunning cenote with crystal-clear water. Taking a dip here was the perfect refreshment after the dusty trails, let me tell you! Then, the final highlight was Macao Beach in Punta Cana, which is a breathtaking surfer’s paradise with golden sands and turquoise waves.
We got insanely muddy on this tour, but it was oh-so worth it! If you’re looking for adventure, amazing scenery, and nonstop fun, then this tour will definitely be a standout experience on your trip to Santo Domingo, just as it was for us!
Check out the glowing reviews and book this tour here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Take a walking tour of Santo Domingo and taste local beer and specialty coffee
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 9 am – 3 pm
- Highlights: Exploring the Colonial Zone, Park Colon, First Cathedral of America, the Alcazar of Colon, Parque Colon, the Ladies’ Street, the Pantheon, the Sun Clock, the Museum of Royal Houses, San Francisco Monastery, San Nicolas de Bari Hospital, beer tasting, specialty rum tasting
- Inclusions: Local guide, admission to the Museum of the Royal Houses, admission to the Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor, local beer tasting, rum tasting, bottled water, one hot drink
- Rating: 5 stars (check reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
This small group guided walking tour is an unmissable learning opportunity for history buffs looking to dive deeper into Santo Domingo’s past. We loved being able to explore the gorgeous Colonial Zone with a guide – did you know it’s the oldest European settlement in the Americas?
Our guide, Jean, brought the city’s past to life with fascinating stories and historical insights. We loved visiting the First Cathedral of America, and the Museum of Royal Houses gave us an overview of how the Dominican Republic achieved independence from Spain in 1821.
We also got to see the oldest hospital in the Americas, as well as the first European-style palace. All of the architecture was amazing, and I found the Pantheon especially beautiful.
This tour’s highlights don’t stop at history, though. Jean took us to a local cafe for a hot drink – we both went with coffee, but tea and hot chocolate were also on the menu. We also tasted local beers and sampled Mama Juana, which is a local cocktail of rum, red, wine, and honey with herbs and tree bark. We loved it, but proceed with caution – it’s strong!
The only thing to note is that we suggest you avoid booking this tour on a Monday. Both the Museum of the Royal Houses and the Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor are closed that day, so you’ll miss out on two of our favorite stops. But on any other day of the week, this tour is a gem that you shouldn’t miss!
Reserve this tour now and pay later when you book in advance here!
7. See ancient petroglyphs at the Cave of Wonders in Romana
- Duration: 8 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Exploring the Cave of Wonders, seeing petroglyphs in the stalactites and the Water Mirror Gallery, visiting the colonial town of Altos de Chavon, Casa Campo Marina, optional horseback ride
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, bottled water
- Rating: 5 stars (check reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
The Cave of Wonders in Romana was aptly named, and visiting was certainly an unforgettable experience. So don’t hesitate to book this fantastic full day tour from Santo Domingo!
We were so excited to visit the cave because it’s home to unique petroglyphs, which were created by the Taino people thousands of years ago. These unique drawings offer a vivid glimpse into the Dominican Republic’s ancient past.
But that’s not all – the Water Mirror Gallery is a particular highlight of the cave complex. It’s an artificial lake inside the cave complex that reflects the Great Panel. It doesn’t matter that it’s manmade – it’s absolutely stunning!
After the cave, we had a choice to either explore via horseback or venture into a local maze. We chose the latter and had fun getting lost before we enjoyed a traditional Dominican lunch at a local restaurant.
Then, it was onto Altos de Chavón, a 16th-century Mediterranean-style village which features cobblestone streets, a charming church, and a stunning amphitheater. The views of the Chavón River were breathtaking, too, and we ended the day with a refreshing swim at the beautiful Minitas Beach. What more could we have asked for?
As cheesy as it sounds, this tour is worth every penny, so don’t miss out. The Cave of Wonders is a must-see, and we were actually surprised by how much we loved Altos de Chavón!
Check availability and reserve your spot on this tour here!
8. Experience the DR’s culture on an island tour
- Duration: 5 hours
- Time: 7 am
- Highlights: Riding horseback through the countryside, visiting the local market and sightseeing in Higuey, swimming in the Anamuya River, exploring Macao Beach
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, transportation, Dominican food and snacks, coffee
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check out the 1,300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
If you’re looking to experience the Dominican Republic beyond the resorts, this half-day cultural tour in Punta Cana is an absolute must! I’ve been on my fair share of excursions, but this one really stands out because it gave me a deeper look into the country’s history, culture, and way of life.
The day starts with a ride to Higuey, a charming town where you’ll horseback ride through the countryside. Then, it’s off to marvel at the stunning Basilica of Higuey and visit a local market. There were so many neat handmade goods there,e and we really enjoyed getting a glimpse into the local’s daily lives.
Next up was my favorite part! You’ll head to the Anamuya River for a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters. If you’re feeling adventurous (and I definitely was), there’s a 100-foot natural water slide that you can go down into the river below!
Some other stops include a local art school, a coffee and cacao store, and beautiful Macao Beach. Trust me, this is a tour you don’t want to miss if you’re curious about culture and love exploring off-the-beaten-path spots.
But don’t just take our word for it, check out the 1,200+ 5-star reviews! We think this is an experience the entire family will love, and it won’t break the bank – it’s one of the most affordable quality tours out there!
Book this popular tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
Where to Stay in Santo Domingo
There are a lot of beautiful places to stay in Santo Domingo, and we especially loved staying near the Colonial Zone. It puts the city’s best sights right at your fingertips, and this area is so charming! Here are a few recommendations for luxury, mid-range, or budget accommodation:
Luxury – $$$
Casas del XVI is a stunning hotel just steps from Conde Street and the Santo Domingo Cathedral. The hotel is stylish and modern, offering king or queen rooms with sitting areas, bathtubs, and breakfast included. I especially love the garden terrace and the lounge area!
Prices start around $270 USD per night and can be booked on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Gran Hotel Europa is a moderately priced hotel, but it has the colonial style decor to make it feel lavish! It’s located in the Colonial Zone, and you can see the San Francisco ruins from the rooftop restaurant. They offer twin, queen, or king rooms, which are quaint and trendy – the perfect spot to rest and relax after exploring the city!
Rooms average around $100 USD per night and can be reserved on Booking.com.
Budget – $
We love Hostal 53 Boutique Santo Domingo for a budget-friendly hotel! It’s located just a short walk from the Colonial Zone but within walking distance to some of Santo Domingo’s other top sights. The rooms are small but clean, comfortable, and newly renovated. They offer full or queen beds for about $50 USD per night – which is a fantastic price!
Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
We loved exploring Santo Domingo’s historic and charming streets, as well as getting outside and experiencing the DR’s stunning outdoors! There’s something for everyone here, and that’s why we think this is the perfect Caribbean getaway.
Before you go, be sure to check out our other travel blogs. We’ve been all long-term travelers for many years now, so we have quite the collection of resources to share. Here are a few related blogs that might be helpful as you plan your next adventure – cheers!
10 Best Things to do in Dominican Republic