Two days is a good length for Santo Domingo if you spend them right: one in the sixteenth century, one in the twenty-first.
Day 1: the Zona Colonial#
Morning: Parque Colón, the cathedral, the Calle de las Damas, the Fortaleza Ozama. The Museo de las Casas Reales for the story and the cool. Lunch off Calle El Conde. Afternoon: the Alcázar de Colón, the Convento de los Dominicos, the ruins of San Francisco, Calle Hostos. Sunset on the river wall, dinner on Plaza España, a colmado with bachata after. Zona Colonial guide.
Day 2: the modern city#
Breakfast on the Malecón. Uber east to the Tres Ojos caves and the Faro a Colón, twenty minutes apart. Back for lunch in Gazcue. The Mercado Modelo for rum, cigars and Larimar. Evening: a winter-league baseball game from October to January, how to go; otherwise dinner in Gazcue or Piantini and the nightlife.
Eating#
La bandera at a comedor for lunch, street food after dark. Dominican food, street food guide.
Where to stay#
The Zona Colonial, no question, for two nights. Where to stay.
Connecting to the coast#
Santo Domingo to Punta Cana: two to two and a half hours by Expreso Bávaro bus or car. The airport to city guide if you fly in here. Deciding between the two? Santo Domingo or Punta Cana. Three days instead? The 3-day itinerary adds a beach or the mountains.
Plan it with someone who lives here#
Santo Domingo has the most Local Friends of any city on Roavi. Give one of them your second evening. Post your dates on Roavi Community.
2 days in Santo Domingo? Make the second one a Dominican's.
Meet a Local FriendFrequently Asked Questions
Is 2 days enough for Santo Domingo?
Enough for the Zona Colonial and the main city sights without rushing. It is not enough for a beach or a day trip; add a third day for that.Can I visit Santo Domingo from Punta Cana?
Yes. It is two to two and a half hours by road. Many people do a long day trip; two nights is much better, for the Zona Colonial after dark. The Expreso Bávaro bus runs several times a day.Where should I stay for 2 nights in Santo Domingo?
In the Zona Colonial, so that both evenings are a walk from your door. Small hotels in restored colonial houses are the typical choice.What should I skip in Santo Domingo with 2 days?
The Jardín Botánico and the Faro's interior if you are short of time, the big Malecón hotels, and the organised city tour. Walk the Zona Colonial yourself or with someone who lives here.
