The Best Ways to Spend a Weekend in the Dominican Republic
A weekend in the Dominican Republic can feel longer than it sounds, if you know where to go. There’s real history, natural beauty, and coastal scenery within easy reach. The key is to stay local and skip anything that takes hours to get to.
This guide sticks to what’s actually doable in two days: trips that run on time and meals that don’t need reservations. Everything listed here is grounded in real locations, with just enough room to wander without losing the weekend entirely.
Explore Zona Colonial On Foot
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Santo Domingo’s historic core spans five square kilometers and includes buildings dating back to the early 1500s. Calle El Conde runs through the district as a pedestrian thoroughfare, lined with cafés and shops. Landmarks like Puerta de San Diego and the Alcázar de Colón are easily accessible without transportation.
Visit The Alcázar De Colón Museum
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Once a private mansion with 50 rooms, the Alcázar de Colón was home to Diego Colón, son of Christopher Columbus. Now a museum, it displays items like carved furniture, royal tapestries, and clothing from the early Spanish court. It offers a look at how colonial power dressed itself up.
Tour Fortaleza Ozama’s Stone Battlements
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Santo Domingo’s riverfront fort, built in 1505, still has its original tower and fortified walls. The structure guarded early Spanish settlements and overlooks the mouth of the Ozama River. Visitors can still climb the old tower or walk through the open-air sections that remain intact.
Learn Colonial History Inside Casas Reales
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The Museo de las Casas Reales occupies the structure that housed the first royal court in the Americas. From this building, Spanish colonial officials managed territories including Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Jamaica. Since 1973, it has operated as a museum focusing on Spanish rule in Hispaniola.
Visit Los Tres Ojos Park’s Underground Pools
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Roughly ten minutes from the old city, Los Tres Ojos National Park contains several underground pools connected by limestone caves. Each has its own color and depth. The paths between them are short, with staircases carved directly into the rock. It’s a quick visit, but it’s cool and shaded.
Use The Cable Car For Citywide Views
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Santo Domingo’s cable car is part of the city’s transport system, but tourists can ride it for the views. It moves above neighborhoods not usually seen by visitors, offering an overhead perspective of the capital. It’s a short ride but a memorable one, especially at sunset.
Take A Day Trip To Saona Island
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Just off the southeast coast, Saona Island is a protected area included in many boat excursions. Trips usually include a stop at natural pools where starfish are visible. Transportation—either catamaran or speedboat—is part of the package. The whole experience can fit into a single day from Punta Cana.
Spend Part Of The Day In Punta Cana
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Punta Cana caters to short-stay travelers, which makes it easy to plan for. The area offers quick access to water-based activities such as ziplining, sailing, and snorkeling. With its airport and organized excursions, you can check off multiple activities in just an afternoon.
Walk Along The Shoreline Of Bávaro Beach
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Bávaro Beach, part of Punta Cana, is known for its calm waters and walkable white sand. Although bordered by resorts, public access is possible. The location offers swimming and walking options that don’t require overnight stays.
Eat Local Food At Jalao In Santo Domingo
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Jalao is a restaurant in the Ciudad Colonial featuring traditional Dominican dishes such as yuca croquettes with cheese, grilled sausages, and ceviche marinated in orange juice. Live music and Dominican folk art decorate the space, which makes it a cultural as well as culinary stop.