Dominican Republic

Must see in Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic's Absolute Essentials

Explore the Dominican Republic's historical and natural landmarks, starting with the Colonial Zone in Santo Domingo, home to the first cathedral and fortified palace in the Americas. Visit the 16th-century Mediterranean-style village of Altos de Chavón or take a cable car up Mount Isabel de Torres for views over Puerto Plata. Natural highlights include the limestone caves of Los Tres Ojos, the 27 waterfalls of Damajaqua, and the pristine shores of Saona Island and Playa Rincón. From Spanish fortresses to vibrant seafront walkways, these sites define the island's diverse heritage.

Dominican Republic's Absolute Essentials — Map

Frank-Ivo Lube / CC BY-SA 2.0 de

A

Basilica Cathedral of Santa María la Menor

The first cathedral in Americas, built between 1521 and 1540. It carries great significance to the West.

Jefry Lagrange Reyes / GPL

B

Columbus Lighthouse

Columbus Lighthouse is a mausoleum monument to Christopher Columbus located in Santo Domingo Este, Dominican Republic.

Emoragas / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Fort Ozama

The Ozama Fortress, also formerly known as the city wall's Homage tower.

Swatigsood / Public domain

D

The Three Eyes

The Three Eyes National Park is a 50-yard open-air limestone cave located in the Mirador del Este park, in the Santo Domingo Este…

Thetelly / GFDL

E

Alcazar de Colon

The Alcázar de Colón, or Columbus Alcazar is the first fortified European palace built in the Americas.

Sab Riina / CC-BY-SA

F

Rincon Beach

What if we tell you that this beach looks like the screensaver? Fallen coconuts and beauty in the wild way.

Juergen Lehle / CC-BY-SA-3.0

G

Saona Island

Saona Island is a 110 square kilometer tropical island located off the south-east coast in Dominican Republic's La Altagracia province.

Tammy Green from Chicago, USA / CC BY-SA 2.0

H

Altos de Chavon Village

Altos de Chavón is a tourist attraction, a re-creation of a 16th-century Mediterranean–style village, located atop the Chavón River in the…

Ronald Saunders / CC BY-SA 2.0

I

Fort San Felipe

The Fortaleza San Felipe is a historic Spanish fortress located in the north of the Dominican Republic in the province of Puerto Plata.

J

27 Waterfalls

Best way to enjoy these waterfalls is through canyoning. This surely can provide you with an adrenaline kick!

Hansgarcia65 / CC BY-SA 3.0

K

Malecon

Beautiful walkway by the sea with park areas where you can have a bite or beer.

haitham alfalah / CC BY-SA 3.0

L

Plaza de España

Large, open air plaza, closed to traffic, which makes it very comfortable to stroll. Plus it's lined with cafes and restaurants.

Martin Le Roy / CC BY 2.5

M

Mount Isabel de Torres

Lusting for fabulous view from the top of the mountain? Take a cable car up where the statue of Jesus and botanical garden await you.

Mercedes.. Life as I Pictured / CC BY 2.0

N

Cable Car

Take a cable car ride up the hill to get some brilliant views. Moreover trails and gardens on top!

Eric Carrasco / GFDL

O

National Zoological Park

Finally zoo you'll be happy about! Animals live in areas that closely resemble their natural habitats.

Mariordo (Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz) / CC BY-SA 4.0

P

Museum of the Royal Houses

The Museo de las Casas Reales is one of the important cultural monuments built during the colonial era in Hispaniola, now the Dominican…

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