Colonial Zone Dominican Republic — Attraction in Santo Domingo

We loved our private driver day trip to Santo Domingo — it was about 2½ hours each way and gave us flexibility to stop at local markets and lunchrooms rather than tourist traps. Expect to pay roughly $200–$250 USD (≈11,000–15,000 DOP) for a full-day private driver — price depends on the car, his language skills and whether he also acts as a guide; this usually covers gas, tolls and his lunch. Tell your hotel reception a day before who will pick you up so the driver can pass hotel security and you’ll save time. A private driver who speaks English/Spanish gave us a far more authentic and cheaper experience than group tours. Important: insist the driver drives safely (no phone while driving) — we had kids with us and safety mattered. Leave early so you have a full day in the city.

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Zona Colonial is beautiful and packed with history — cobbled streets, museums and old colonial buildings make it ideal for a history day-trip. It’s also very touristy and prices for souvenirs and food are higher than in local markets, so only go there if you want the historical experience. If you want bargains and real local shopping, ask your driver to take you to the markets or a Colmado instead of buying from the first souvenir stand. Take a short guided walking tour if you want context, but be wary of obvious tourist traps and haggling. Overall, a must-see for history lovers but not the place for cheap shopping and do not go if you a more authentic experience of Santo Domingo. Because of all the stones it even...

This is the old, colonial section of Santo Domingo with many many historic sites to enjoy. There are monasteries, a cathedral, convents, statues, parks, pretty cobbled streets, bougainvillea around the windows, street lamps, stuccoed buildings, live music, and a generally lively scene.

The Calle de las Damas and El Conde are worth seeing, along with the forts and plazas.

There are lots of restaurants, a few ice cream shops, and lots of tourist shops and not very good art. It's a great place for strolling, and you can usually work it so that you're always on the shady side...

My favorite place to hangout with my friends, eat, dance, drink, walk, enjoy the night. A place that you can walk at 1am without having trouble. Better if you go on Saturdays. I love all the restaurants and also Parada 77 and Bio bar. To enjoy live music I recommend 100% Jalao...