Whether you're planning a vacation or simply looking for something new to do, there are a few places you'll want to consider when you're visiting the Dominican Republic. Santo Domingo is the capital of the country, and is home to some of the oldest cities in the Caribbean. The oldest church in the world, the Cathedral of Santo Domingo, was the first structure to be built in the New World. This city also has a number of historic museums, including the Alcázar de Colón palace, which is located in the Plaza de Espaa.
Los Tres Ojos National Park
Visiting Los Tres Ojos is a unique experience in Santo Domingo. The park is located five miles outside of the city and offers a glimpse into the lives of the Taino, pre-Columbian inhabitants of the Lesser Antilles. The area has been designated a nature preserve. The three limestone caverns at the park offer a glimpse into the region's history.
The caves at Los Tres Ojos are open to the public year-round. Guided tours are available. The cost is reasonable. There is also a gift shop and restrooms. The guides give a description of the caves and the surrounding environment.
The park is one of the best places to visit in the Dominican Republic. It is also one of the most visited sites in the country.
The park is a protected natural preserve, and is accessible to both locals and tourists. There are many tour buses that will take you to the park. The park is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The last ticket is sold at 3:00 PM.
The park's location makes it ideal for a day trip. It is close to the city of Santo Domingo, and a taxi ride to the park isn't very expensive. The entrance fee is RD$100, which is roughly $2.21 USD.
If you are interested in taking a guided tour, the cost is $55 per person. The price includes transportation, a guide, and a typical Dominican lunch. The guide will provide information about the local history and culture.
The Convento de Los Dominico is a beautiful, old building in Santo Domingo. It was built in 1531-32 and became a teaching institution. It has a stunning, vaulted ceiling and ornate altar.
La Fortaleza
Located within the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo, La Fortaleza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also the oldest European-style military building in the Americas. This historic monument was built in the 16th century, originally to protect the harbor of San Juan. However, it has also served as a prison and arsenal. It has two original military towers.
To visit La Fortaleza, you will need to purchase an advance tour. You will need to dress in appropriate attire, no guns or see-through clothing, and you must bring your official ID. The tour lasts about 30 minutes.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor is the oldest Catholic church in the Americas. It was built in the early 1500s and has classic Gothic and Baroque features. The interior is decorated with religious art. Its vaulted ceilings and ornate altar are stunning.
The Palacio de Santa Catalina is the oldest continuously-used palace in the New World. The Palacio is often called the "Columbus Alcazar" because of its architectural design. The building was built in 1512, and it features a mixture of Gothic and Renaissance styles. It is the only palace of its kind still intact. It is surrounded by spectacular grounds.
The Torre del Homenaje is another historic landmark in Santo Domingo. It has two rows of canons from the 16th and 17th centuries. You can climb the tower for a 360-degree view of the city. It was once used as a lookout for real-life pirates.
If you want to experience the best of Santo Domingo's natural landscape, visit the Los Tres Ojos National Park. It is filled with underground water lagoons. The park is only five miles from Santo Domingo. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city.
La Zona Colonial
Visiting La Zona Colonial (also known as the Colonial Zone) is one of the best things to do in Santo Domingo. This historic neighborhood of the capital city is home to museums, art galleries, and cultural events. The area is also a great place to enjoy the nightlife, with its many bars and clubs.
The best part about the Colonial Zone is its rich history. Several historical buildings are still intact, making for an interesting walk. These buildings help tourists experience the evolution of the city.
Plaza de Espana is the most tourist-centric destination in the zone, though it isn't the only one. You can visit the symphony orchestra at the Palace of Fine Arts, which features a 614-seat theater. You can also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of La Fortaleza, a 16th-century fortress.
Other attractions include the Museo Fernando Pena Defillo, which showcases the Pena Defillo family's private collection of Dominican art. You can learn about the history of cacao at the ChocoMuseo, which is housed in a 16th-century building.
If you want to get some exercise, you can rent a bicycle in the zone and ride around. There are also dozens of hotels built in the old colonial buildings. The streets are relatively pedestrian-friendly and are easy to navigate.
You can also check out the Rafael Trujillo Museum, which has an outdoor colonial courtyard. This museum is only in Spanish, but contains artwork, photographs, and videos. It's a good place to see how the area was once ruled by the Spanish.
There are several other historical sites in the Colonial Zone, including the ruins of the Nicolas de Ovando monastery. The monastery was a mental asylum in the 1880s, but was restored after an earthquake.
Boca Chica and Juan Dolio
Located on the southern coast of the Dominican Republic, Juan Dolio offers a simple tropical getaway for travelers who don't want to travel far. The region is part of the province of San Pedro De Macoris. It's close to the International Airport of the Americas, and the Las Americas International Airport, and offers a wide range of activities.
There are two golf courses in the area. The Emotions by Hodelpa Juan Dolio resort is a 4-star hotel that features an on-site restaurant and fitness center. It's also a short drive from the beach and other attractions.
Boca Chica is a small beach town that is a favorite among Santo Domingo visitors. It's located 30 minutes away by car, and is a great place to stay if you're looking for a weekend getaway. There are many beachfront restaurants and all-inclusive resorts. It's also home to the Santo Domingo Yacht Club, which hosts fishing tournaments and other events.
There are a number of museums and historical sites to visit in the Colonial Zone. Some of these are free, while others charge admission. If you're in the mood for a little chocolate, visit the ChocoMuseo, where you can take a tour of the chocolate-making facility. You can even learn how to make your own chocolate bar.
A popular outdoor event is the Bonye, an entertaining and traditional Dominican musical act. It's held at the historical ruins of San Francisco and allows for spectators and dancers.
Another good one is the Parque Mirador Sur, which has a large green area with a man-made lake and bike path. There's also an outdoor gym.
Street art
Located in the capital city of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo is full of nightlife and entertainment. It is also home to many interesting monuments and beautiful architecture. If you want to take a look at the history of the city, then you must visit the Colonial Zone. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most interesting places to visit in the Dominican Republic.
The historic area of the city is filled with colonial buildings and colorful streets. It is also home to several museums and art galleries. There are also several restaurants and bars in the neighborhood. You can enjoy local culture and participate in social movements here.
The main square of the Colonial Zone is Parque Colon, which is a lively, outdoor plaza. It is the best place to see and hear live performances in the city. Other sites in the Colonial Zone include the Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor, which is the oldest church in the New World. It is also home to the remains of Christopher Columbus.
Another interesting place to visit in the Colonial Zone is the Convento de Los Dominico. This beautiful building was built in the 1510s. It has an ochre and coral facade and impressive vaulted ceilings. It was originally a Catholic convent. It later became a university and teaching institution.
The Microteatro Santo Domingo is a unique theatre concept that features 15-minute plays by Dominican actors. They range in quality and are often very intimate. You can also enjoy dining in their courtyard.
Other attractions in the Colonial Zone include the Museo Bellapart, which has artwork created by Dominican artists in the 19th and 20th centuries. The Rafael Trujillo Museum is a museum that honors those who fought against oppression. It has an outdoor colonial courtyard and features videos, photographs and artifacts.
