What to see in Montmartre
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Holidays
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Culture
Much more than white-sand beaches and oceanfront all inclusive resorts, the Dominican Republic combines spectacular natural landscapes, historic colonial cities, mountains, waterfalls, culture, gastronomy and a joy for living that can be felt in every corner. This Caribbean country has so much to offer and a personality of its own that turns any trip into an idyllic, varied and contrast-filled experience.
If you are planning your holiday and want to know what to see in the Dominican Republic, let me guide you through the country's main attractions. From the historic capital to the most idyllic corners of the Caribbean, here you will find the most essential places to make the most of your trip.
Whether you are looking for relaxation, nature, culture or water sports, this Dominican Republic tourist guide is designed to help you discover the country with authenticity, combining luxurious holiday resorts with those corners where the true Dominican spirit beats.
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When thinking about what to do in the Dominican Republic, the first thing that comes to mind is its paradisiacal beaches with turquoise waters and coconut trees leaning over the sand. But the country offers much more than sun and sea, as the geographical diversity of the island of Hispaniola allows you to discover the oldest European city in the New World in the same trip and, just a few hours later, enter tropical jungles or climb to the highest peaks in the Antilles.
Tourism in the Dominican Republic gives you the opportunity to combine days of relaxation on the beach with excursions full of adventure. Here you will always find an experience that perfectly adapts to what you are looking for. In addition, the hospitality of the Dominicans and the atmosphere that is breathed make every experience even more special.
My recommendation for your itinerary through the Dominican Republic is that you combine different regions during your trip, but always keeping a space for improvisation. This way you will be able to get to know both the most famous destinations and some less known corners that show the authentic Dominican essence.
Keep reading to discover the best places to visit in the Dominican Republic.
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Located in the Colonial City of Santo Domingo, the Alcázar de Colón is an impressive palace that was the residence of Diego Colón, son of Christopher Columbus. Built in the early 16th century with an elegant Mudéjar and Renaissance style, it is one of the most important historical buildings on the American continent.
Facing the Plaza de la Hispanidad, this viceregal palace functions as a museum that preserves furniture and decorative elements from the period. It is one of the best places to visit in the Dominican Republic to understand the historical weight of the island in the development of the New World.
Also located in Santo Domingo, the Cathedral of Santa María la Menor is the oldest church on the entire American continent. A jewel of Renaissance and Gothic architecture, its construction dates back to the beginning of the 16th century.
An essential visit if you want to know the history of the country. Walking under its imposing ribbed vaults and contemplating its coral stone facade is like travelling back to the times of colonisation, where each chapel guards stories of pirates, governors and artistic treasures. It is considered one of the greatest cultural symbols of the Dominican Republic.
The Faro a Colón is an imposing monument in the shape of a cross and a peculiar concrete architecture that pays tribute to the discovery of America. It is a huge museum dedicated to the history of the American countries and houses the mausoleum with the remains of Admiral Christopher Columbus.
At nightfall, its lighting system projects a huge cross of light into the Caribbean sky that can be seen for kilometres, forming one of the most iconic images of the capital.
Built at the beginning of the 16th century to protect Santo Domingo from pirate attacks, the Fortaleza Ozama is the oldest European military structure in America. From its Torre del Homenaje you will enjoy excellent views of the Ozama River and the historic centre of the city.
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When talking about places to see in the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana always appears at the top of the list. Its kilometres of white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters have made it one of the most famous tourist destinations in the Caribbean. It is the ideal place for those looking for all inclusive resorts and a vibrant range of nightlife and activities.
Considered by many to be the most spectacular beach in the Dominican Republic, Bahía de las Águilas stands out for its practically virgin setting. Located within the Jaragua National Park, it offers natural landscapes that are hard to find elsewhere in the Caribbean.
As it is a protected area, there are no hotels, restaurants or shops on the beach, so it is essential to bring your own water and food. To access it, you usually take a boat from Cabo Rojo or a 4x4 vehicle along an uneven dirt road.
This small tropical paradise is one of the country's biggest draws. In Isla Saona, palm trees, white sand and turquoise waters await you, creating an idyllic setting that looks like it has been taken from a postcard. It is one of those places to visit in the Dominican Republic that never disappoints, being accessible through daily catamaran or speedboat excursions that depart from the coastal town of Bayahíbe.
Also known as Bacardi Island, Cayo Levantado is a small islet located in Samaná Bay, famous for its dream beaches and tropical landscapes. Its setting is unmatched if you want to switch off for a few hours or live an experience of absolute disconnection.
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Santo Domingo is the capital of the Dominican Republic. It is a vibrant metropolis that combines history, culture, a rich gastronomy and an exciting nightlife.
You cannot miss the Colonial City, the old town of the capital, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This area concentrates some of the oldest historical buildings in America in a network of cobbled streets, romantic street lamps and pastel-coloured facades that will not leave you indifferent.
Located on the north coast, Puerto Plata is known for its beaches, its calm atmosphere and its many tourist attractions. Among them, San Felipe, the historic centre, stands out, which will make you fall in love with it through a collection of Victorian houses from the late 19th century, characterised by their bright colours and delicate fretwork wooden balconies.
Located on the Samaná peninsula, Las Terrenas is an old fishing village that has managed to maintain the balance between tourism and authenticity, offering a perfect fusion of local Dominican flavour and a subtle cosmopolitan European air.
Its picturesque wooden cabins on the beach, now converted into cosy restaurants and cocktail bars, invite you to relax to the rhythm of bachata. It is the ideal starting point for touring virgin beaches and enjoying magical sunsets surrounded by palm trees.
Known as the city of "eternal spring" due to its mild and cool climate all year round, Jarabacoa offers a completely different side of the Dominican Republic. Located in the Cordillera Central, it is surrounded by mountains, rivers, forests and spectacular waterfalls such as the Salto de Jimenoa, which makes it the epicentre of ecotourism and inland adventure.
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Los Haitises National Park is an impressive protected natural area that houses mangroves, caves with cave paintings, small islands covered in vegetation and impressive limestone hills that emerge directly from the water, known locally as mogotes.
One of the most famous waterfalls in the country, at Salto El Limón. After a demanding and often muddy hike through the tropical jungle (which can also be done on horseback), you will reach a spectacular waterfall of more than 40 metres in height. It is one of the most recommended activities in the Dominican Republic for nature lovers looking for a touch of adventure.
Located at the eastern end of Punta Cana, the Ojos Indígenas Ecological Reserve protects a set of twelve freshwater and crystal-clear lagoons, fed by underground rivers. A signposted path allows you to enter the lushness of the tropical forest to discover these natural ponds.
Access requires the payment of an entrance fee and, due to recent conservation regulations, swimming in the lagoons has been generally restricted to protect the ecosystem.
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Located in a splendid Renaissance palace in Santo Domingo that served as the headquarters of the Royal Court and palace of the Spanish governors, the Museum of the Royal Houses offers a complete and exciting journey through the colonial history of Hispaniola.
Its well-kept rooms exhibit collections of antique carriages, period furniture, historical maps and weaponry. Especially noteworthy are the objects salvaged from ancient Spanish galleons that were shipwrecked on the Caribbean coast.
In Puerto Plata is the Dominican Amber Museum, which houses one of the most important collections of this fossil resin in the Caribbean. Some pieces contain fossilised insects and small vertebrates that are millions of years old.
The Centro León is a modern and innovative cultural centre, located in Santiago de los Caballeros, considered one of the most relevant museums in the Hispanic Caribbean.
Its comprehensive permanent exhibitions reflect the Dominican identity, analysing its deep indigenous, African and European roots through contemporary art, anthropology, the history of tobacco and local folklore.
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If you intend to organise a different kind of holiday that escapes the merely conventional, I recommend noting down these plans to do in the Dominican Republic:
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Dominican cuisine is a delicious mix of Spanish, African and Taíno influences, which results in dishes full of flavour, colour and energy. These are some of the most representative ones that you cannot miss trying:
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If you want to soak up the true folklore and vibrant local culture, try to coordinate the dates of your trip with one of these iconic celebrations:
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Travelling with your family to the Dominican Republic is a sure bet, as the island offers endless spaces designed for the entertainment of the little ones:
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If you are already in the country and have a couple of days, take note of this weekend itinerary for the Dominican Republic designed so that you can make the most of your time:
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Among all the things to see in the Dominican Republic, the most important thing is not to limit yourself only to the beach areas. The country offers an enormous cultural, historical and natural wealth that often goes unnoticed when you do not leave the tourist resorts.
However, leave the rush aside and do not make the mistake of trying to travel around the island in a few days. It is better to choose a couple of regions and savour them calmly, enjoying long after-dinner conversations and allowing yourself to stop at any fruit stall on the road to try a fresh coconut.
Achieving a good combination between paradisiacal sandy beaches and forays into the inland villages is what will allow you to capture the true Dominican essence.
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By Mar Bauza
Digital marketing specialist with a passion for travel, writing, and discovering what makes every destination unique.
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