Tres Ojos National Park, also known as The 3 Eyes National Park, is located only 5 mi (8.05 km) from Santo Domingo, in a beautiful natural setting. How about the sugar cane and rum, does this sound better? Costs start at $50 per person. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Receive Dominican Abroad's free travel guides & updates on travel trends around the world. The national park is a perfect change of scenery for an hour or two, especially when spending the whole day in the hustle and bustle of Santo Domingo. It should be one of top things to do if you are visiting Santo Domingo. The garden also offers plenty of other attractions to explore, including the Herbarium, the Ecological Museum, and the Endemic Plants area. Santo Domingo is one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean and is the capital city of Dominican Republic. 2022 The 3 Eyes National Park 2,515 Geologic Formations, National Parks 2022 Zona Colonial 3,147 Points of Interest & Landmarks 2022 Alczar de Coln 1,715 16 amazing Things to do for free in Punta Cana 2023. Los Tres Ojos National Park & Open Caves Systems, 13. This building was once the palace of the governor of Santo Domingo (one step below the Queen of Spain). American vs. Canadian Side, Dominican Abroad: Travel, Culture & Lifestyle Blog, If youre already based in Santo Domingo, consider, Catching a glimpse of the oldest cathedral in the Americas (built over a sacred indigenous site, yikes), Strolling down the historic Las Damas Street. Santo Domingo boasts amazing beaches and breathtaking holiday rentals and amazing hotels, attracting tourists from around the globe to come and have a taste of the Caribbean beach and the tranquillity it offers. Coco Bongo Punta Cana The market was dominated by native rhythms such as merengue and bachata or others such as salsa and bolero and the rising wave of reggaeton, violent mambo, dembow, perreo and a few more variants, all located within the genre of urban music. Only Dominican Republic Travel/Culture Guides, uniquely made larimar/amber jewelry like this one, Best Accommodation HOTELS in Santo Domingo, Transportation: How to Get Around Santo Domingo, 43 Unmissable Things to Do in Santo Domingo Dominican Republics Capital. The Bellapart Museum is located above a Honda dealership, in what seems like a large apartment. For an experience out of the ordinary in Santo Domingo, we highly recommend the buzzing farmer's market on Avenida Duarte. Originally a Jesuit church dating back to 1714, this building was used to hold masses between 1746 and 1767. At that time, the nightlife was dominated by people who for some reason or the other preferred rock music. This is one of the best nights out in Santo Domingo with friends or family. Address: Av. From the rum museum (or from Plaza Espaa), just walk three blocks north until you reach Calle Coln and the square respectively the statue Ceiba de Coln. Its historic significance makes a most-visited tourist attraction in the country. They have a production area in each boutique, open for you to see. The exterior of the building shows elements from the Renaissance period while its interior has facets of a Gothic design. Dropping into cafes to do some writing while eating is one of my favorite past times when traveling around the world. Bring your camera, some water, and a hat, and prepare to be enchanted by the beauty of this incredible garden. The park is the right place to check out birds and vegetation native to the island. Larimar is one of the worlds rarest semi-precious stones, unique only to the Dominican Republic and only found in one mine in the province of Barahona. 1. How to get there:When staying in Santo Domingo, chances are that your accommodation is right in the Colonial Zone*. It was privately founded in 1999 by Juan Jose Bellapart. It is a refreshing day trip from Santo Domingos city living and a great way to explore our countrys eastern natural wonders. Punta Cana Whale Watching As you see, a trike tour in Santo Domingo* is a fun way to get to know most places to visit in the Colonial Zone. Its so prettyyyy. A traditional Japanese garden can also be found on the premises. John F. Kennedy, Santo Domingo 10129, Dominican Republic, One of the beautiful wooden homes in the Colonial Zone. During your visit to Santo Domingo, especially if you are an open-minded person, you will be approached by a lot of people, most of them might even try to speak in English with you. 1. Book your tour with Jefri here! Your email address will not be published. It is also being said that some remnants of Christopher Columbus are sheltered at Faro a Coln, but there is no proof as a DNA test was never allowed by the Dominican government. Both tourist attractions can be best reached by taxi or Uber.Cost:The entrance fee to Faro a Coln is approx. The Museo del Ron is located right behind Plaza Espana, the Casa del Ron can be found at Parque Coln.Cost:Entry to the rum museum is for free. They host their music performances within the Ruins of San Francisco in the Colonial City of Santo Domingo every Sunday night from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The Mesn de la Cava opened its doors for the first time in 1967, since then it has been one of the most distinguished restaurants applauded by both the locals and tourists who visit from all over the world. Hey, I am Chris, a born and raised German, travel-addictive and Caribbean Soul. The unique thing about the nightlife in the Zona Colonial is that it is perfectly safe, but it still isnt touristy and you usually will meet exclusively locals, as they love to go out in this area. It is further north than most of the other things-to-do in the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo.Cost:Street art in Santo Domingo is for free.Why it is one of the best things-to-do in Santo Domingo:It is a low-key attraction in Santo Domingo and very less-known, but street art is always a creative way to get to know a city. However, the city also can be overwhelming with its 3 million inhabitants and omnipresent traffic jam. Among the treats not to be missed are cativia (wheat empanadas), salpicon (chilled seafood and vegetables), sancocho (rich meat stew), and pastel en hoja (boiled root crops and meat in banana leaf). With 4 years living in the city, I know all the places you should visit and also those you should stay away from. His daughter is also Joarla Caridad, who makes gorgeous craft larimar and amber jewelry. Tiradentes, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Shutterstock Historic City Center Plaza with Skyline of Colonial Buildings and Church ( Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) Centro Cultural Espaol: Cultural space funded by the Spanish embassy with art exhibits, films, concerts, and more. Click here to check availability and reserve tickets! Step into Dominican history at the palace of Diego Coln, Check out the best beaches near Santo Domingo Beaches like, Once a year, Santo Domingo hosts the DRs biggest Pride, Come discover one of the most colorful and joyous festivals, Explore treasure, maps, weapons and other artefacts from the Spanish, Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox, I would like to get Visit Dominican Republic newsletters in my inbox. These museums include. Youll see kids playing in the natural pools, hear dogs and roosters sing, and smell that nostalgic toasted wood campo aroma, as you fly above schools, homes, lush plains, busy streets, and rivers. Furthermore, there are plenty of bars, restaurants and little food stalls along the Malecn (at least in some parts, especially around the Plaza Juan Barn close to the Zona Colonial and in Santo Domingo Este), so it is a perfect opportunity to grab a local bite and do some people watching an interesting thing-to-do in Santo Domingo, especially during the weekends. At first glance, you might think of it as just a local convenience store. How to get there:For a day-trip from Santo Domingo, the best thing-to-do is to book a guided excursion so that you dont have to deal with any organizational stuff..Cost:Prices for day-trips vary, depending on where you go and whats included.Why it is one of the best things-to-do in Santo Domingo:If you dont have another chance to get to know the country, a day-trip is a decent way to learn more about the Dominican Republic. This article is about the best things-to-do in Santo Domingo. Abraham Lincoln, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, A post shared by Virginia Spa (@virginiaspard). It is free and sits above a Larimar store, so feel free to stroll through and go upstairs to enter the museum. They usually host about two exhibits by two different artists. However, in the historic center, the Zona Colonial, you can easily walk around in the evening and even at night as long as the streets are well-lit and located in the main area where everything is happening. So lets see. One of the things I enjoyed most in Santo Domingo when leaving the Colonial Zone was walking along the so-called Malecn, the oceanfront promenade. The corner of Arzobispo Merino and Calle El Conde offers the perfect spot to catch a glimpse of the picturesque Zona Colonial. Santo. Address: Calle Arzobispo Merio 254, Santo Domingo 10210, Dominican Republic, Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. DAY TWO: 10:00 am. Zona Bici offers a variety of bike sizes and types to suit riders of all ages and skill levels, including tandems and tricycles. Housed in a 1500s Spanish home, this cultural center hosts several talks about history and heritage. The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino has one of the biggest (and flashiest) gaming floors in the area, with over 500 slots and 28 game tables. Along the way, visit the oldest sites in the Americas. Seeing the local crowds dancing like crazy is an experience itself which you shouldnt miss. KahKow Experience charges around 7-25 USD depending on the package you choose. This magnificent natural process happened thousands of years ago. The National Zoological Park of the Dominican Republic suffices an educational need in the country. Come and marvel at one of the most beautiful malls in Santo Domingo that will truly take your breath away. Remember to bring cash if you plan on buying anything, as most of the vendors dont accept credit cards. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, Santo Domingo is a city with many firsts in the New World - the first cathedral, paved road, university, hospital, stone home, and tavern, just to mention a few. If there is a chocolate experience, a rum museum cant be far, right? Its not easy in our country to get work while disabled, but Toque Angeical has created a space for this. Spend some time at Columbus Lighthouse (from USD 70.0), 28. 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