Some cities are best explored with a guidebook in your hand. Others are meant to be walked. Santo Domingo is one of those cities.
If you are staying in Punta Cana, Uvero Alto, or Miches and want to experience a different side of the Dominican Republic, a day in Santo Domingo takes you from the beaches of the east to a city where history, culture, food, and everyday Dominican life come together on every street.
The History of Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo has more than five centuries of history. Its Colonial Zone preserves historic streets, buildings, and landmarks that reflect the city’s important role in the early history of the Americas, and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990 for its exceptional historic and architectural value.
You don’t really understand the Colonial Zone by simply reading about it — you understand it by walking through it.
What to Visit in Santo Domingo
There are many places to discover during a Santo Domingo day trip, but five landmarks should definitely be on your list.
First Cathedral of the Americas
The Cathedral of Santa María la Menor, the first cathedral built in the Americas, is one of the most important landmarks in the Colonial Zone.
Alcázar de Colón
Beside the Ozama River, built for Diego Columbus and today one of the most recognizable historic buildings in the city.
Ozama Fortress
Its Torre del Homenaje and riverside location reflect the strategic importance Santo Domingo once had.
Las Damas Street
One of the oldest streets in the Colonial Zone, connecting several of its most important landmarks.
Columbus Park
A recognizable gathering place and a great starting point for exploring the streets around it.
Santo Domingo Is More Than Historic Buildings
This is one of the things we love most about Santo Domingo: the city doesn’t feel like a museum. Between centuries-old buildings, you’ll find restaurants, music, small businesses, plazas, and people simply going about their daily lives.
You can spend the morning learning about history and, minutes later, sit down to enjoy a Dominican dish. That is also part of discovering a country.
Is Santo Domingo Worth Visiting from Punta Cana, Uvero Alto, or Miches?
If you’re staying in Punta Cana, Uvero Alto, or Miches, visiting Santo Domingo is a great way to experience another side of the Dominican Republic. The drive from these areas generally takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on your pickup location, route, and traffic. It may sound like a long drive, but in one day you can explore the Colonial Zone, discover centuries of history, enjoy Dominican food, and experience the energy of the capital.
If you want to see more of the Dominican Republic beyond its beaches, Santo Domingo is worth the trip.
Discover Santo Domingo with Perico Ripiao Tours
At Perico Ripiao Tours, we offer private and shared Santo Domingo experiences for travelers who want to discover the Dominican capital from the east of the country.
You can choose to share the experience with other travelers and follow an organized itinerary, or travel exclusively with your family, partner, or friends on our private experience. With the private tour, you can also enjoy lunch at Jalao, located in the heart of the Colonial Zone, adding Dominican food and culture to your day.
Because the Dominican Republic doesn’t end in Punta Cana. There is a whole story waiting for you just a few hours away.
