Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is one of the larger countries in the Caribbean, though it shares its island with Haiti. Being such a big place, the country has a lot more space for a varied landscape, featuring the typical staples of white-sand beaches and laidback cities as well as stunning mountains, desert scrublands, mangrove lagoons and more. With lovely weather and lots to do, it’s ranked among the most popular destinations in the Americas.

The main tourist destination in the Dominican Republic is the eastern coastal region of Punta Cana, where you’ll find some of the island’s best beaches and, therefore, the best beach hotels. However, the rest of the country features small local towns and villages, beautiful national parks, secret shorelines and fascinating culture. These make it worth occasionally stepping outside of your resort. Among the highlights is the oldest cathedral in the Americas, as well as the region’s oldest castle, monastery and fortress, all of which are found in Santo Domingo’s UNESCO-rated Colonial Zone.

Top destinations in Dominican Republic

Where will you go next?

Punta Cana
Punta Cana is probably the first place that comes to mind when you think about taking a trip to the Dominican Republic. The town on the far eastern shore of the Caribbean island is famous for the many beautiful beaches around it, most of which are lined with luxurious beachfront hotels and resorts. It’s so popular that, despite its comparatively...
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Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo is the historical capital city of the Dominican Republic and is both the largest and the oldest European settlement in the Americas. It wears its significant age as a badge of honor, with the Colonial Zone having earned UNESCO World Heritage status. Here, you can see Alcázar de Colón, Basilica Cathedral of Santa María la Menor and Casa...
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What to see & do in Dominican Republic

Where & what to eat in Dominican Republic

10 Best Local Dominican Foods to Try
The Dominican Republic is home to a delicious array of dishes that exemplify cuisine that's simultaneously Caribbean and positively Dominican. While the rich culinary traditions of the Dominican Republic are hard to narrow down to just 10 foods, there are...
10 Great Restaurants in Punta Cana
These great restaurants in Punta Cana include some of the best dining experiences for those wishing to explore beyond their...
10 Great Restaurants in Santo Domingo
These great restaurants in Santo Domingo are mainstays in the city’s ever-evolving gastronomic scene. Dominican cuisine is a superb clash...

Where to shop & what to buy in Dominican Republic

10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Punta Cana
The best places to go shopping in Punta Cana include some of the region’s modern malls, quaint boutiques, and family-friendly dining and retail complexes. Most of the shops in the tourist neighborhoods sell a variety of Dominican coffee, rum, and...
10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Santo Domingo
The best places to go shopping in Santo Domingo highlight the island’s comprehensive and diverse shopping scene. Beyond your typical souvenir shops, the capital of the Dominican Republic offers unique galleries with local art and jewelry made from larimar (a...

Where to go & what to do at night in Dominican Republic

10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Punta Cana
The best things to do after dinner in Punta Cana can satisfy a wide range of tastes. Whether you want to dance all night or chill with cocktails on the beach, Punta Cana has a setting for everyone. While the...
10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Santo Domingo
After experiencing the best things to do after dinner in Santo Domingo, you will understand that there’s no better place...
5 Best Nightclubs in Punta Cana
The best nightclubs in Punta Cana promise high-energy entertainment, attracting clubgoers seeking a mix of live music, dancing, and a...

Useful information

Information about the Dominican Republic reveals a nation with a deep culture and sense of national pride as well as tons of things to see, do, and enjoy. The public transportation system is expansive, with rideshare in Santo Domingo, Santiago, and Puerto Plata. Buses run throughout the island, and in Santo Domingo, the subway is a reliable way to get around. The legal drinking age here is 18. While Spanish is...

10 Things Not to Do in the Dominican Republic
This list of things not to do in the Dominican Republic should keep you on the safer side during your trip to this popular Caribbean destination. You’ll likely have a smoother traveling experience by simply avoiding some of the common...
Punta Cana Travel Essentials
Our Punta Cana Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help you plan your trip to one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean. No matter how frequently you travel, some questions will always need answers:...