How To Spend 24 Hours In Santo Domingo Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is one of the larger countries of in the Caribbean, and navigating the country can be quite difficult for those who are not familiar with it. To make a stay here as easy as possible, here is the best way to spend 24 hours in the country’s capital, Santo Domingo.

Morning

Boca Chica

This beach is located about 25 minutes from Santo Domingo and is a one of the most popular weekend spots for visitors. This is a great-family spot as the waters on the beach are shallow and calm due to a nearby coral reef breaking up any waves that come towards the beach. There are also several beachfront restaurants to enjoy some lunch.

Afternoon

Zona Colonial

Zona Colonial is a historical area within Santo Domingo that displays some of the most important historical monuments in the Dominican Republic. Some of the things found here are the first cathedral, monastery, university, and hospital in the “New World”. In total, there are over 300 pieces of history in this area, including museums, forts, and historical buildings.

Evening

Los Tres Ojos

Los Tres Ojos translates to “The Three Eyes” and it’s a national park about five miles east of the Zona Colonial. The Three Eyes gets its name because it features three limestone caverns and their corresponding lakes. It’s a great place to explore and by going in the evening, avoid some of the overcrowding from other tour groups that place during the day.

Night

El Mesón de la Cava

This restaurant opened in 1967 and is one of the most popular dining options for both locals and tourists. It is located in a natural-limestone cave, which was once used by the Dominican Republic’s original inhabitants for shelter. El Meśon has an extensive menu and was considered a city landmark of Santo Domingo by The New York Times. Just outside the restaurant is Las Terrazas del Meson, which has a tropical garden perfect for socializing.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.