•  Alcázar de Colón: The former residence of Diego Columbus, Christopher Columbus’s son, is a beautifully preserved colonial mansion showcasing period furniture and art, offering a glimpse into 16th-century colonial life.
• Catedral Primada de América: The oldest cathedral in the Americas, dating back to the early 16th century, boasts stunning Gothic and Renaissance architecture and houses numerous religious artifacts.
• Fortaleza Ozama: This historic fortress, dating to the 1500s, offers panoramic views of the city and the Caribbean Sea and provides insights into the city’s defenses during colonial times.
• Museo de las Casas Reales: This museum was once the administrative center of Spanish colonial rule and now houses an extensive collection of artifacts, providing a comprehensive look at Santo Domingo’s history.

One thing that had been high on my Santo Domingo bucket list was finally doing a cacao tour—specifically the one by KahKow, a name I kept hearing from locals and travelers alike. And let me tell you, it was so much more than just a chocolate tasting.

What makes the KahKow Experience so special is how deeply it connects you to the entire journey of chocolate—from bean to bar. You don’t just walk through a factory; you get to learn about the real roots of Dominican cacao. It starts at the source: the farms. Seeing how the cacao pods are grown and harvested, hearing the stories of the farmers, and understanding their sustainable methods—it’s incredibly grounding. You feel the rhythm of the land and the pride behind every pod.

Back in the city, stepping into the KahKow factory is like entering a chocolate-scented dream. Watching the process unfold—from drying and roasting the beans to pouring them into molds—was fascinating. It’s artisanal, hands-on, and nothing like the mass-produced stuff most of us are used to.

But the best part? The tasting. Obviously. From velvety dark chocolate to unexpected local infusions, each bite felt like a tiny celebration of Dominican culture. I left with a few bars for friends (okay, mostly for myself) and a newfound respect for the people behind this craft.

If you’re even slightly into chocolate—or just want to support local, sustainable producers—this is a must-do. It’s one of those experiences that tastes good and feels good.

After all the high-energy vibes and non-stop fun in Jamaica, I’m honestly craving a slower, more soulful experience—and this cultural gem in Santo Domingo feels like the perfect reset. While it might not draw the big tourist crowds, it’s one of the city’s most important centers for art, performance, and heritage. With several floors and three unique performance spaces, it regularly hosts everything from theater and ballet to opera, concerts, and even national award shows.

What excites me most is the chance to experience Dominican history and creativity through live performance—to feel the country’s stories come to life on stage, through movement, rhythm, and powerful storytelling. It’s a beautiful way to connect with the culture on a deeper, more emotional level.

After navigating the pricey and often limited shopping scene in Jamaica, I was genuinely excited to explore what Santo Domingo had to offer—and it didn’t disappoint. The city is a surprisingly great destination for picking up local art, handmade fashion, and meaningful souvenirs without breaking the bank.

In the Zona Colonial, you’ll find charming little boutiques tucked into restored buildings, offering everything from handcrafted jewelry and larimar stones to canvas paintings and woven bags. Mercado Modelo is the go-to for traditional crafts, but be prepared to haggle—and look a little deeper for the genuinely handmade pieces.

If you’re looking for more contemporary Dominican fashion or design, head to Piantini and Naco, two stylish neighborhoods where local brands like Jenny Polanco or Belinda Baez showcase modern Caribbean aesthetics with global flair. These areas are also home to upscale concept stores and independent designers mixing heritage with edgy minimalism.

For a more artsy, grassroots vibe, Gazcue and Villa Francisca have up-and-coming creative spaces and street-side vendors selling everything from custom shirts to murals on reclaimed wood. It’s where Santo Domingo feels young, bold, and unfiltered.

Whether you’re after wearable art or a one-of-a-kind piece to bring home, Santo Domingo is a city where shopping still feels personal, authentic, and connected to the place. It’s not just about stuff—it’s about stories.

Booking a massage at Toque Angelical, where all the therapists are blind or visually impaired, is something I knew I wanted to experience while in Santo Domingo. It’s more than just an opportunity to unwind—it’s a way to support a powerful mission. In a country where people with disabilities often face barriers to employment, Toque Angelical has created meaningful jobs while offering an incredible service.

What really moved me is how this space blends care with purpose—you’re not only treating yourself to a genuinely high-quality massage (and I’ve heard nothing but glowing reviews), but you’re also contributing directly to a project rooted in dignity and empowerment. Plus, the prices are surprisingly affordable. With several locations across the city, I’m planning to book the one closest to where I’m staying and make it part of my routine in Santo Domingo. It’s the kind of experience that feels good on every level—body, heart, and conscience.

One experience I was really excited to check out in Santo Domingo was Microteatro Santo Domingo—and it completely redefined how I think about theater. The concept is simple but brilliant: a series of 15-minute plays performed in tiny rooms, each one offering an up-close and personal look into Dominican life, culture, and relationships. The topics range from laugh-out-loud funny to emotionally raw, often touching on love, family, and the everyday complexities of Caribbean identity.

What makes it so special is the intimacy—you’re not watching from a distance, you’re in the scene, with just a handful of other spectators and the actors sometimes only inches away. Some shows are interactive, others are poetic, and all of them are driven by local talent—Dominican writers, directors, and performers pouring their hearts into every word. It’s the kind of experience that stays with you: short, sharp bursts of creativity that are as thought-provoking as they are entertaining. I can’t wait to go back for more.

If you’re looking to escape the city buzz without actually leaving Santo Domingo, head to Parque Mirador Sur—a lush, breezy stretch of green that runs along a limestone cliff with views of the Caribbean. This isn’t your average park. It’s where locals come to walk their dogs at sunrise, jog before work, or take the kids for a Sunday afternoon ride. We spent a few slow mornings here, sipping fresh coconut water and watching rollerbladers weave through the palm-lined paths—it’s peaceful, energizing, and refreshingly non-touristy.

The main road through the park, Avenida de la Salud, is closed to traffic most of the time, turning it into a car-free haven for joggers, cyclists, and families. You’ll find outdoor gyms, baseball fields, a small lake with rowboats, pop-up Zumba classes, and even a few caves carved into the limestone wall. One of the coolest surprises? Some of the park’s caves were once sacred Taíno sites—and now house quirky cafés where you can cool off with a jugo natural.

Getting there is easy: just grab an Uber or take Metro Line 1 to Francisco Alberto Caamaño, then it’s about a 5-minute walk. If you’re staying in the Zona Colonial or Piantini, it’s a quick drive, and you’ll trade concrete for calm in under 20 minutes.

What’s nearby? The upscale neighborhoods of Bella Vista and Los Cacicazgos are just around the corner, where you’ll find leafy streets, stylish cafés, and some of the best empanadas we had in the city. It’s the perfect area to spend a slow, local afternoon.

Every Sunday, Santo Domingo bursts to life with one of its most vibrant cultural experiences—the Chinatown street market. This bustling outdoor market is where Dominican and Chinese communities come together, offering an irresistible mix of freshly harvested produce, authentic Asian vegetables grown right in Dominican soil, and plenty of mouthwatering street food. What fascinates me most is discovering fruits and vegetables that even some locals aren’t familiar with—proof of the quiet, ongoing cultural exchange that lives in this corner of the city.

But it’s more than just food—exploring this area also means uncovering quirky little shops, family-run businesses, and restaurants that blend flavors and influences in unexpected ways. I’m especially excited to browse for specialty ingredients and maybe take home some unique Asian snacks or sauces as edible souvenirs.

This neighborhood is also undergoing a bit of a transformation. A historic building nearby has been reimagined into a bookstore dedicated to Dominican literature, complete with a cozy cigar room and a lively bar and restaurant. It’s a great spot to cool off, grab a cocktail, or flip through local poetry and history books between bites.

Exploring Los Tres Ojos National Park was one of those experiences in Santo Domingo that completely exceeded my expectations. Just a short 10–15 minute drive from the heart of the Colonial Zone, this hidden gem offers a total shift in atmosphere—trading the city’s buzz for quiet limestone caves, emerald pools, and ancient stories echoing through the rock walls.

The park is named after its three open-air, freshwater lagoons—or “eyes”—formed inside a collapsed cave system carved out over thousands of years by underground rivers. The water is so clear it almost looks lit from beneath. What many people don’t realize is that this place holds deep spiritual and historical significance: the Taíno people, the island’s first inhabitants, are believed to have used these caves for ceremonial purposes long before Spanish colonization.

One of the highlights is taking a small, hand-pulled boat across the third lagoon to a hidden fourth lake—“Los Zaramagullones”—which is surrounded by lush jungle and towering cave walls. It feels like stepping into another world. I highly recommend going with a guide if you want to understand more about the park’s geology, the native flora and fauna (like fish and turtles), and the legends tied to the land.

Los Tres Ojos isn’t just a scenic stop—it’s a rare chance to experience the island’s pre-Columbian history, its natural beauty, and a peaceful pause from the fast pace of the capital. Go early in the morning to beat the crowds, bring cash for entrance and the boat ride, and wear comfy shoes—you’ll be climbing a few steep steps and walking through humid, rocky paths. It’s absolutely worth it.

After dipping my toes into a few dance steps, I’m now ready to fully embrace the rhythm of the Dominican Republic by taking some proper dance classes while I’m here. Dance is such a central part of Dominican culture—whether it’s bachata, merengue, or the fast-paced beats of dembo—and learning the moves feels like the most joyful, authentic way to connect with both the people and the place.

I love the idea of walking into a local dance studio, hearing the first notes of a bachata song, and being guided by someone who’s been dancing since childhood. It’s not just about learning steps—it’s about understanding a way of life, making new friends, and letting go of self-consciousness in favor of rhythm, laughter, and community. Plus, what better souvenir to take home than knowing how to hold your own on a Caribbean dance floor?

Larimar Museum
Found only in the Dominican Republic, Larimar is a rare turquoise gemstone formed from volcanic activity. This small, free museum above a jewelry store explains its geology and mining process. It’s a quick but worthwhile stop for geology lovers and anyone looking to buy authentic Dominican stones.

Museo Fernando Peña Defilló
A modern and thoughtfully curated museum nestled in the Colonial Zone, this space showcases the private collection of the Peña Defilló family. With rotating exhibits, lush courtyards, and peaceful reading corners, it’s a lovely cultural break during your Zona Colonial explorations.

Museo del Hombre Dominicano
This is Santo Domingo’s main anthropological museum, located in the Plaza de la Cultura. It offers a deep dive into the island’s Indigenous Taíno roots, African heritage, and colonial history, featuring artifacts, traditional art, and ceremonial objects. It’s a must for understanding the cultural foundations of the Dominican Republic.

Museo de Arte Moderno (MAM)
Also part of Plaza de la Cultura, this museum is the heart of contemporary Dominican art. Its rotating exhibits feature prominent local and regional artists. Clean, minimalist spaces allow the artwork to shine, and it’s an easy stop if you’re already exploring nearby cultural sites like the National Library or the Theatre.

Bellapart Museum
This private museum—tucked above a car dealership—hosts one of the country’s best collections of 20th-century Dominican art. It includes both classical and modern works and offers a unique, intimate gallery experience that feels more like stepping into a collector’s home than a traditional museum.