The Dominican Republic is a heady mix of history and hedonism—where the first European city in the Americas meets a coastline gilded with palm-fringed beaches. Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial was founded in 1496 and still hums with café chatter beneath Spanish-era stonework. A few hours east, Punta Cana’s Bavaro coast unfurls like a ribbon of white sand and reef-sheltered lagoons.

Beyond postcard beauty, this is the birthplace of merengue and bachata; you’ll feel the rhythm in plazas and beach bars alike. Nature packs surprises too: sunken limestone lakes at Los Tres Ojos, jade-blue cenotes in Cap Cana, and offshore cays like Saona where starfish laze in sandbar shallows.

Practical notes: the local currency is the Dominican peso (DOP), though U.S. dollars are widely accepted in resort areas. Tip 10–12% if no service charge is added. Drink bottled water, use reef-safe sunscreen, and keep an eye on weather in hurricane season (June–November). For flights into the country, compare fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Santo Domingo

Welcome to the oldest continuously inhabited European-settled city in the Americas. The Zona Colonial’s lattice of lanes shelters the first cathedral in the New World, 16th‑century fortifications, and leafy courtyards perfect for lingering over Dominican coffee.

• Top sights: Catedral Primada de América, Parque Colón, Alcázar de Colón, Calle Las Damas, Fortaleza Ozama, and the National Botanical Garden.
• Food & drink: Classic sancocho stew, tostones, and fresh-caught mahi-mahi. Try Barra Payán (iconic Dominican sandwiches), Jalao (live music and criollo flavors), and Buche Perico (garden-set modern Dominican).
• Insider tip: Evenings are for strolling the Malecón—sea breezes, domino games, and rum cocktails at golden hour.

Where to stay: Browse historic inns in the Zona Colonial or modern high-rises in Piantini/Naco on Hotels.com (Santo Domingo) or book an apartment with a courtyard on VRBO (Santo Domingo).

Getting in: Fly into SDQ. Compare fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Taxis/ride-hails to the Zona Colonial take ~30–45 minutes; or consider a private transfer like this option: Private Punta Cana Airport Transfers Hotels in Dominican Republic (route coverage varies—check details).

Punta Cana

Punta Cana is all about beach-to-bar bliss: Bavaro’s powder sand, Macao’s rolling surf, and Cap Cana’s turquoise coves. Offshore, reefs shelter rainbow parades of parrotfish; inland, limestone hides secret blue pools.

• Top experiences: Day trip to Saona Island, cenotes and ziplines at Scape Park, snorkeling catamarans, and wildlife encounters at Monkeyland.
• Dining & nightlife: Beachfront seafood at Jellyfish, creative plates at Citrus, Asian comfort at Balicana, cocktails at Lulú Tasting Bar (Santo Domingo) and Onno’s (Bávaro). For a dance floor, consider show-style clubs in Downtown Punta Cana.
• Fun fact: Bavaro Beach often ranks among the Caribbean’s best thanks to its protective offshore reef and soft coral-sand shelf.

Where to stay: Search beachfront resorts and condos in Bávaro, Cap Cana, and Uvero Alto on Hotels.com (Punta Cana) or find villas with pools on VRBO (Punta Cana).

Getting there from Santo Domingo: Morning bus (Expreso Bávaro) ~2.5–3 hours, ~$12 per person; or a private shuttle in ~2–2.5 hours (typically $120–180 per vehicle). You can also consider this transfer option: Punta Cana Airport Private Transfers to Hotels.

Day 1 — Arrive in Santo Domingo (Afternoon Arrival)

Afternoon: Land at SDQ and settle into your hotel. Kick off with a gentle walk along Calle El Conde toward Parque Colón to feel the tempo of the Zona Colonial. Pop into Affogato Café for an iced latte and a guava pastry, or try Café Santo Domingo for a classic cortado brewed from local beans.

Evening: Dine at Pat’e Palo, a historic tavern on Plaza de España serving Caribbean-accented European dishes—try the shrimp mofongo or pork with passion-fruit glaze. After, wander to Lulú Tasting Bar for craft cocktails in a lantern-lit courtyard, or join the live merengue at Jalao if you’re ready to dance.

Night: Enjoy a moonlit stroll on the Malecón. If you crave a nightcap, La Alpargatería hides a leafy back garden perfect for a quiet rum—ask for a pour of Brugal Leyenda or a mamajuana tasting.

Day 2 — Zona Colonial Deep Dive

Morning: Fuel up at Barra Payán, a local institution since 1962—order a “pernil con queso” sandwich and a batida (fruit milkshake). Explore the Catedral Primada de América, then trace Calle Las Damas to the Fortaleza Ozama, climbing the tower for river views.

Afternoon: Tour the Alcázar de Colón and the Museo de las Casas Reales to frame the island’s colonial story. Lunch at Buche Perico, where a sun-dappled patio sets the stage for octopus al ajillo and yuca gnocchi.

Evening: Sunset on the Malecón with street-side coconut water. For dinner, Mesón de Bari blends folk art with hearty Dominican plates—try chivo guisado (goat stew). Cap the night with craft beers at Onno’s Zona Colonial.

Day 3 — Nature, Gardens, and Modern Santo Domingo

Morning: Head to Los Tres Ojos, a series of limestone sinkholes glowing blue under ferns—arrive at opening to beat the heat. Grab mid-morning coffee and pastelitos at La Dolcerie, a chic patisserie beloved by locals.

Afternoon: Taxi to the National Botanical Garden for koi ponds and a tranquil Japanese garden; the miniature train is a fun overview. Swing by Piantini for shopping and a late lunch at Naca’n (if doing their midday menu) or an early dinner later—its modern Dominican tasting courses spotlight cacao, plantain, and seafood.

Evening: Back in the Zona Colonial, stroll illuminated plazas or catch a live music set. Treat yourself to a scoop at Helados Bon—try chinola (passion fruit) or dulce de leche.

Day 4 — Travel to Punta Cana (Beach Afternoon)

Morning: Depart Santo Domingo for Punta Cana. The Expreso Bávaro bus runs several times daily (~2.5–3 hours, about $12); private transfers take ~2–2.5 hours. Check into your Bávaro or Cap Cana stay via Hotels.com or VRBO.

Afternoon: Ease into the Caribbean with a few lazy hours on Bavaro Beach. For a light lunch, Citrus serves tuna tataki bowls, lobster tacos, and fresh juices steps from the sand.

Evening: Sunset cocktails at Jellyfish with toes-in-sand dining—grilled Caribbean lobster and coconut shrimp are standouts. If you’re up for nightlife, Downtown Punta Cana’s show clubs and lounges turn lively later.

Day 5 — Scape Park Cap Cana (Full Day)

Book a day of cenotes, ziplines, and jungle trails at Scape Park in Cap Cana—cool off in the Blue Hole (Hoyo Azul) and ride the cliffside zipline circuit. Round-trip transport is typically included from most hotels.

Punta Cana Scape Park and Blue Hole Full Day Admission Ticket

Post-adventure dinner: La Yola at the marina pairs reef-fresh ceviche with sea breezes on an over-water deck; reserve just before dusk. Nightcap back in Bávaro at Onno’s or keep it mellow with gelato along Los Corales.

Day 6 — Saona Island by Catamaran (Full Day)

Set sail to Saona Island—all powder sand, leaning palms, and bath-warm water. Stops usually include snorkeling, a natural pool with starfish views, a beach barbecue, and an open bar.

Saona Island Day Trip From Punta Cana with Lunch and Open Bar

Back on land, keep dinner casual at Wacamole (great guacamole, margaritas, and grilled shrimp fajitas) or splurge on a beachfront table at Little John on Juanillo Beach if you find yourself in Cap Cana.

Day 7 — Monkeys, Reefs, and a Farewell Feast

Morning: Meet squirrel monkeys at Monkeyland, set in the hills outside Bávaro. Guides also show cacao and coffee processing—tastings included. It’s photogenic and family-friendly.

Monkeyland and Plantation Safari Tour from Punta Cana

Afternoon: Swap hills for the reef on a small-group catamaran with snorkeling and a sandbar stop—limited capacity means elbow room and better guiding.

Small Group Snorkeling Cruise with Open Bar and Light Snacks

Evening: Celebrate your final night with a table at Noah Restaurant & Lounge (grilled octopus, short rib rissotto, and a solid wine list) or Balicana in Los Corales (Thai curry by candlelight). For dessert, swing by a local bakery or grab a passion-fruit panna cotta if it’s on the menu. Departure usually falls this afternoon or the next morning—confirm your airport transfer and leave buffer time.

Breakfast and coffee favorites in Punta Cana: Breakers Café (smoothie bowls, avocado toasts), Brot Bagel Shop & Bakery in Punta Cana Village (fresh bagels, cold brew), and fresh fruit stands near Los Corales for papaya and pineapple cups to-go.

Optional add-ons if you have extra time: ATV dunes and cave swims at Macao; a half-day kayak on the lagoon; or a VIP evening party boat if you’re traveling with adults only.

Note: If you prefer door-to-door convenience for airport or intercity transport, you can pre-book a transfer such as Private Punta Cana Airport Transfers Hotels in Dominican Republic or Punta Cana Airport Private Transfers to Hotels.

Summary: In a single week, you’ve traced centuries in Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial, plunged into sapphire pools at Scape Park, and sunned yourself on Saona’s pearly sands. With flavors of sancocho, sea-fresh ceviche, and sunset rum still lingering, you’ve tasted the Dominican Republic at its most vivid—equal parts history, nature, and beachside joy.