Greater Santo Domingo Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Greater Santo Domingo in Dominican Republic with our comprehensive travel guide that covers everything from the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, culture and customs, safety and health, and transportation options.


Introduction to Greater Santo Domingo

Located in the Caribbean, Dominican Republic’s Greater Santo Domingo is the largest metropolitan area in the country. The city is home to over three million people and boasts beautiful beaches, stunning art and architecture, and exciting outdoor activities. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will explore everything you need to know to plan your trip to Greater Santo Domingo, including the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink, and transportation options.

List of Places to Visit in Greater Santo Domingo

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Alcázar de Colón: A UNESCO World Heritage site and the former home of Diego Columbus, the son of Christopher Columbus.
  • Museo del Hombre Dominicano: Dedicated to preserving the culture of the Dominican Republic and showcasing its history, art, and traditions.
  • Museo de las Casas Reales: A museum that used to be the home of Spanish colonial governors that tells the history of Santo Domingo’s colonial past.
  • Catedral de Santa María la Menor: The oldest cathedral in the Americas built in 1540 with Gothic and Renaissance architecture makes it an essential landmark.
  • Parque Colón:Also, known as Columbus Square, is the central plaza of the colonial zone and surrounded by buildings’ dating back to the 16th century.

Natural Attractions of Greater Santo Domingo: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Los Tres Ojos: meaning “The Three Eyes,” is a national park located miles from the city. It is famous for its underground limestone caves and deep blue lagoons.
  • Jardín Botánico Nacional: features over 300 acres of green gardens and exotic plants arranged in different sections.
  • Parque Nacional Los Haitises: is a stunning and biodiverse national park on the eastern part of the island with bird watching, boating, and hiking trails.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Greater Santo Domingo

  • Parque Mirador del Norte: A popular park for locals that has designated paths for running, walking and cycling.
  • Parque Los Próceres: The park in honor of the Dominican Republic’s founding fathers feature a one-kilometer track for walking, running, or cycling.
  • The Faro a Colón: A monument with a controversial history, but a public space with extensive gardens, located in Santo Domingo East.

Best Things to Do in Greater Santo Domingo: Activities and Tours

  • Explore Santo Domingo’s Oldest Neighborhoods: Drop by the colonial town, San Carlos, and Santa Bárbara, walk-in cobblestone streets, and explore 16th-century buildings.
  • Zona Colonial Walking Tour: Take a guided walking tour of the oldest city in the New World and visit museums, art galleries, and historical buildings in the area.
  • Zip Lining: Experience the thrill of zip lining over the forests of Santo Domingo with several excursions and activities offered by many companies.

Week-Long Itinerary for Greater Santo Domingo

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit the Alcazar de Colón and the Catedral de Santa María la Menor.
Day 2 Explore the Botanical Garden in the morning, head to the beach in the afternoon.
Day 3 Take a guided walking tour of Zona Colonial, and visit museums like the Museo del Hombre Dominicano, and the Museo de las Casas Reales.
Day 4 Head out to Los Tres Ojos for stunning lagoons and caves.
Day 5 Visit Parque Mirador del Norte for cycling, running, or walking.
Day 6 Go for a Zip Lining adventure.
Day 7 Explore Parque Los Haitises, try bird watching or go on a boat ride.

Food and Drink Scene of Greater Santo Domingo

Must-Try Dishes

  • Moro de Habichuela con Dulce: rice dishes made with beans and coconut milk.
  • Chimichurri: A popular street food consisting of meat, vegetables, and sauces served in bread.
  • La Bandera: The national dish of the Dominican Republic featuring rice, beans, meat, and salad.

Local Beverages

  • Mamajuana: A traditional herbal drink made with rum, wine, and honey.
  • Morir Soñando: A creamy orange juice drink blended with milk, sugar, and vanilla.

Where to Stay in Greater Santo Domingo: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Embassy Suites by Hilton: a luxury hotel with suites, pools, and spa.
  • Homewood Suites by Hilton: provides extended-stay accommodations in the heart of the business district.
  • Casa Naemie: a charming boutique hotel in the colonial area, with rooms and suites.

What to Buy in Greater Santo Domingo: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Amber and Larimar: Unique Dominican Republic jewelry made with semi-precious stones found locally.
  • Cocoa: Dominican Republic is known for its cocoa plantations that offer the country’s famously smooth chocolate.
  • Mamajuana kit: Purchase a Mamajuana pack, a set of herbs, roots, and bark to make your Mamajuana drink at home.

Local Culture and Customs of Greater Santo Domingo

  • The people of the Dominican Republic are warm and welcoming.
  • Learn basic Spanish phrases such as “hola” (hello) and “gracias” (thank you) to show courtesy to locals.
  • Tipping is appreciated in most places, like at restaurants, for taxi drivers.

Best Time to Visit Greater Santo Domingo

The best time to visit Greater Santo Domingo is from December to April when the weather is dry and comfortable. The rainy season is from May to November, and it can be humid, unpleasant, and affect your trip experience.

Do’s and Don’ts of Greater Santo Domingo

Do:

  • Do visit the local beaches at the resort towns of Punta Cana or Bayahibe.
  • Do purchase a local SIM card for your mobile device if you’re staying for an extended time.
  • Do leave your valuables in the safe in the hotel as petty thefts can happen.

Don’t:

  • Don’t drink water from the taps.
  • Don’t flash your cash or walk around with expensive jewelry that might attract unwanted attention.
  • Don’t leave your belongings unattended when walking around the busy streets, especially in markets.

Safety and Health

Safety in Greater Santo Domingo

Tourists should exercise safety precautions with their belongings, transportation picks, and their general wellbeing. It’s advisable to avoid walking in lonely areas at night and staying in well-lit and populated places. Overall, the Greater Santo Domingo area is a reasonably safe destination for travelers.

Health in Greater Santo Domingo

It’s advisable to take all necessary vaccinations against illnesses such as hepatitis A and B, malaria, and dengue, especially if visiting rural or suburban locations.

Getting to Greater Santo Domingo: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Greater Santo Domingo

The Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) and the Punta Cana International Airport are the two notable airports in the area. SDQ airport is located roughly 30 minutes from the city center and experiences high traffic. A cab or pre-arranged shuttle service is an ideal way to reach your destination.

Bus Stations Near Greater Santo Domingo

The Dominican Republic seaports offer several transportation modes, including major bus providers such as Caribe Tours and Metro Bus that operate regular trips from other cities and towns around the country.

Other Options

For a more budget-friendly option, travelers should consider shared taxi services or public buses. The public bus is the most popular mode of public transportation, and taxis are also abundant in the area.

How to Get Around in Greater Santo Domingo

Public buses are affordable but not always reliable in getting to the destinations on the tourist map. A private taxi or ride-sharing service is more convenient and recommended when going to the city center, and major attractions outside the city can be accessed by bus or car rental.

Where to Go Next from Greater Santo Domingo: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Punta Cana: This resort destination boasting pristine beaches is just five hours away from Greater Santo Domingo; Cabarete is an adventure and watersports hub, where visitors can surf, kiteboard, or windsurf.
  • Samana: Experience whale watching tour, a beautiful waterfall and El Limon island, surrounded by mangroves.
  • La Romana: also known for their colonial churches and scenic views of the Rio Chavón.

Conclusion

Greater Santo Domingo is an exciting destination filled with natural, cultural, and historical attractions suitable for travelers of all interests. This comprehensive travel guide will help plan your trip to Greater Santo Domingo and equip you with all the necessary information needed for a hassle-free and enjoyable vacation.

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    Juan Dolio