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Notable Places
Discover Dominican Republic
Use the map to explore our favorite places, and start with our guide to the best surfing in Punta Cana.
Dominican Republic Quick Guide
- Currency: Dominican Peso (DOP)
- Language: Spanish
- Emergency Number: 911 (available in most tourist areas)
- Tipping: 10% is often included in bills, but an extra 5–10% is appreciated for good service
- Fun Fact #1: The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti
- Fun Fact #2: It’s home to the first cathedral, castle, and paved road in the Americas (in Santo Domingo)
- Fun Fact #3: Merengue and bachata music originated here and are part of daily life
Where to Stay in the Dominican Republic
The DR is famous for its all-inclusive beachfront resorts, especially in Punta Cana and Puerto Plata. For boutique stays, consider the colonial charm of Santo Domingo or eco-lodges in Samaná. Surf towns like Cabarete offer laid-back guesthouses, while mountain retreats in Jarabacoa provide cooler escapes.
Start by planning out where you would like to visit and then search for accommodation in those areas. We use Booking.com for all our hotel stays, many hotels have pay later offers and you can build up your Genius level to get discounts on your stays.
How to Get Around the Dominican Republic
For most travelers, private transfers, resort shuttles, or organized tours are the easiest way to get around. Car rentals are available but driving can be challenging due to traffic, road conditions, and local driving styles, best for confident drivers. In cities and towns, taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber (in Santo Domingo and Santiago) are available, though not always in smaller areas. Public buses, known as guaguas, connect many towns and are inexpensive, but can be crowded. Long-distance buses like Caribe Tours and Metro are comfortable and reliable for intercity travel.
In rural or coastal areas, motoconchos (motorcycle taxis) are common, though safety gear may be minimal. Domestic flights connect the capital to distant regions like Punta Cana or Samaná, but are less common than road travel.
Must-Visit Places in the Dominican Republic
- Punta Cana – White sand beaches and luxury all-inclusive resorts
- Santo Domingo – Historic Colonial Zone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Samaná Peninsula – Secluded beaches, waterfalls, and seasonal whale watching
- Puerto Plata – Beach resorts, cable car rides, and ocean views
- Cabarete – Windsurfing and kitesurfing capital of the Caribbean
- Jarabacoa – Mountain town with rivers, hiking, and eco-tourism
- La Romana & Bayahibe – Gateway to Saona Island and stunning beaches
- Bahía de las Águilas – Remote, pristine beach in the southwest
- El Limón Waterfall – Lush jungle trek to a stunning cascade
- Isla Catalina – Popular snorkeling and diving spot
Stay Connected
Don’t waste time hunting for SIM cards or stressing about roaming. With an eSIM, you can get connected as soon as you land and stay online wherever your adventures take you.
🔗 Check out our guide to the cheapest eSIMs for international travel.
Dominican Food to Try
Dominican cuisine blends Spanish, African, and Taino influences, with tropical ingredients and hearty flavors. Meals are often centered around rice, beans, and fresh produce, with plenty of seafood in coastal regions. Here are some local favorites worth tasting:
- La Bandera – The “flag” dish of rice, beans, and meat
- Mangu – Mashed plantains served with eggs, cheese, and salami
- Sancocho – Hearty meat and root vegetable stew
- Mofongo – Fried mashed plantains mixed with garlic and pork cracklings
- Tostones – Twice-fried green plantains, crispy and savory
- Chicharrón – Fried pork belly or ribs
- Pastelitos – Savory turnovers filled with meat or cheese
- Pescado frito – Whole fried fish, often served with plantains
- Habichuelas con dulce – Sweet bean dessert traditionally served at Easter
- Batida de lechosa – Creamy papaya milkshake
Top 5 Things To Bring On Every Trip
- Travel Insurance: Protect yourself against unforeseen events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
- Power Bank: Keep your devices charged on the go, ensuring you stay connected and capture every moment.
- Universal Travel Adapter: A must-have for international travelers to plug in and power up devices in different countries.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste; many destinations have refill stations available.
- Packing Cubes: Organize your luggage efficiently, making it easier to find items and maximize space.
Top Day Tours to Discover the Dominican Republic
- Santo Domingo: Swap resort life for a cultural deep-dive into Santo Domingo, the oldest European settlement in the Americas. Wander the UNESCO-listed Colonial Zone’s cobblestone streets to Catedral Primada, Alcázar de Colón, and historic plazas. Explore nearby marvels like the limestone cenotes of Los Tres Ojos and savor traditional Dominican lunch as you watch the world pass by.
- Los Haitises Park, Yanigua Waterfall, & Montaña Redonda: Immerse yourself in authentic ecotourism, cruise hidden mangrove channels past towering mogotes in Los Haitises National Park, savor dramatic panoramic views atop Montaña Redonda, then plunge into the refreshing Yanigua Waterfall. Along the way, enjoy a rich taste of Dominican culture, including cocoa tasting, pre-Columbian cave art, and local wildlife.
- Samaná Bay, Bacardí Island and El Limón Waterfall: Witness the majestic humpback whales in their Caribbean breeding ground during a scenic catamaran cruise across Samaná Bay (January–March). Then, explore the pristine sands of Bacardí (Cayo Levantado) and cool off beneath the lush jungle cascade of El Limón Waterfall, an unforgettable blend of natural wonder and vibrant Dominican culture.
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