Quick Guide Of Things To Do In Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Welcome to a whirlwind tour of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic! Join me on an adventure through this vibrant city as we explore its hidden gems, mouthwatering cuisine, and captivating history. From savoring crispy Pescado frito and tostones at Grand’s Cafeteria & Bar to wandering the charming streets of Ciudad Colonial, every corner reveals a new story. We’ll also uncover the breathtaking beauty of The 3 Eyes National Park and soak in the city’s energy at Ágora Mall. And just wait until you see the sunset view from on the way back to JFK International Airport – the perfect ending to our Dominican journey. 🌇✨

On the way to Santo Domingo

I was still in Cancun, Dominican Republic, and I needed to catch the bus that I had not even bought yet. I checked out from my hotel, and got Breakfast from Dalia’s Cafe & Bakery in Bavaro.

I took an Uber to Bavaro Express Bus Station, not too far from where I was, and the timetables fortunately matched the ones online. I got the tickets for the short bus ride, and some snacks and drinks from the store next door. I boarded the bus at noon, and unfortunately I had a situation with a drunk passenger sitting next to me. I was in shocked but I managed to go to the back of the bus to another seat. Despite this mishap, I got to Santo Domingo, and took an Uber to the hotel. I was excited to stay in Barceló Santo Domingo hotel, but oh surprise!

After the mess of the hotel, I left my suitcase and went to try to take the Teleférico de Santo Domingo. For that I aimed to take the Metro, so I walked above these bridges just to get to Juan Bosch metro station.

Teleférico de Santo Domingo

The walk was scary, but even worse was the metro station, where 2 girls tried to pickpocket me and then laughed at my face. I was so frustrated but the day got worse. I had survived Cancun with no Dominican Pesos in hand, just dollars and credit cards, but the metro only accepted cash payments. I was like, I cannot believe it.

I googled ATMs around and walked for over a few blocks for nothing. No Currency Exchanges around either. I finally convinced a nice lady worker of the Metro to let me in for free, because there was no way I could pay. I took the train to Terminal Gualey, and then boarded the free Teleférico de Santo Domingo.

Very similar to the ones in Medellin, Colombia, I was able to ride the cabins only with one person inside. The views show the reality of this country.

The Puente Francisco del Rosario Sánchez was a nice unexpected view from the cable car.

I stayed in the car and returned to the original station. Instead of going back into the subway, I exited, but since I did not pay, I had to convince the officer with what had happened before. Yeah, you gotta tap your card at the end as well.

I asked where to take the Uber, and the lady of the ticket booth told me NOT to leave the station. The area was very dangerous. I called the Uber, but the driver could not find me, so I still had to walk a block to meet him. Fortunately, I was safe.

Food at Ciudad Colonial

The Uber was going to take me to Ciudad Colonial, the old town of Santo Domingo, a more touristy and safe area. Here, I visited one of the emblems of this area, Grand’s Cafeteria & Bar.

I was so excited to try the Pescado Frito, or fried fish, and the tostones. Everything was so good, finally very good points for Santo Domingo. Definitely the food is where it is.

After this lunch, I walked around Independence Park, just next door, and learned a bit about the history of this city.

Ciudad Colonial

Directly on this route, we can find the Calle El Conde, that connects the Parque Independencia with Parque Colon.

This street is full of stores and restaurants, but you do not have to stop at any spot, since the prices are usually higher, compared to other places in the city.

At the end of this street, you can find the Palacio Consistorial de Santo Domingo, and it reminded me a lot of Cartagena de Indias, in Colombia.

Plazas at Ciudad Colonial

And even this plaza at end, Columbus Park or Parque Colon, really showed me how beautiful this old city can be, full of locals and visitors just enjoying the afternoon.

And it was Christopher Columbus who unfortunately started the conquest of La Española, the island where Dominican Republic is located.

The cathedral, Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación, was a beautiful surprise, located in this same plaza.

I started walking north in Calle Las Damas, not too far from there, and seeing the beautiful architecture, like the Fortaleza Ozama, which was closed while I was visiting.

And very close to there, some little plazoletas can be found all over the place.

Including this one, Plaza María de Toledo, next to La Casa de Los Jesuítas.

And to finish the tour of the Ciudad Colonial, I went to the very top, on Plaza de la Hispanidad or Hispanic Plaza. Just a big space with a lot of restaurants and bars around. It seems like it is a nice place at nighttime.

At the Alcázar de Colón in the same plaza, I took my Uber back to the hotel to finally get my room.

Barceló Santo Domingo hotel

Finally in the hotel, I had some plans for the next day, but still wanted something to eat for dinner.

The room was ok, but I was still disappointed on Barcelo. I had good experiences with them before.

The pool area even seemed nice, but I did not think I would have a lot to do here.

I took an Uber to the close-by mall of Sambil Santo Domingo, and got me some Wendy’s for dinner. I really should have picked something more local, but I don’t know why I got so excited of seeing this restaurant in the food court lol.

The 3 Eyes National Park

The next morning I checked out from my hotel and took an Uber to The 3 Eyes National Park, an unskippable stop in this city. I really recommend it. Once here, just buy the ticket for the park, and on yourself or by a paid guide, explore the beautiful “cenotes” or “ojos” with the deep blue to turquoise colors.

All 3 lakes are interesting, but the first one, the Lago de Azufre, is the most beautiful in my opinion. On the third one you can get on a paid raft to a 4th lake, which you can also see from outside.

And that is exactly what I did, I walked all around the park just to see the 4th lake, which is really surprisingly big and full of flora.

Leaving the city

Before going to the airport, I took an Uber back into the city, and the traffic was horrible. I made it on time into Ágora Mall for an early dinner/lunch.

But of course I got a coffee and some pastries for the way back to New York City.

The mall was beautiful, but I really needed to catch a flight in a couple of hours. I took my last Uber of this trip, and the driver, she was the nicest person I met on this trip. She was very understanding of my first problem I had with the first Uber, and told me all the weird stories about it.

Back to NYC

The airport was not too busy, and made on time for my Delta flight. I was excited to return to my city.

And there I was, looking back at Santo Domingo, and all the good, bad and ugly experiences I had. Fortunately, nothing was horrible, and I would definitely come back to Dominican Republic. Love the food, love the beaches, love Cancun, love the vibe, but will just be more careful probably.

New York City was on the horizon and I could not just share these views of the sunset. Wow.

Finally landing in JFK, the sky was red. Amazing.

I was in New York City, and now, you can read what trip I went in next HERE.