The Dominican Republic is the Caribbean’s original crossroads—where the New World’s first cathedral still watches over café-filled plazas and merengue drifts on the ocean breeze. Its capital, Santo Domingo, dates to 1496 and preserves the UNESCO-listed Colonial Zone, a living museum of forts, palaces, and palm-shaded courtyards.

Beyond the city, Punta Cana’s Bávaro coastline unrolls like a postcard: powdery beaches, turquoise shallows, and offshore reefs perfect for snorkeling and catamaran days. Day trips reach limestone caves, jungle cenotes, and the famous sandbars near Saona Island where starfish dot the seafloor.

Practical notes for 2025: The local currency is the Dominican peso (DOP); cards are widely accepted in tourist hubs. Drink bottled water, use reef-safe sunscreen, and expect 110V Type A/B outlets. Spanish is the official language, but English is commonly spoken in hotels and tour areas. Baseball is a national passion—merengue and bachata are the heartbeat of the night.

Santo Domingo

Welcome to the first city of the Americas. In Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial, cobblestones lead you past the Alcázar de Colón, the 16th‑century Cathedral, and cafés tucked inside centuries-old stone. It’s atmospheric by day and electric at dusk, when music floats out of courtyards and wine bars.

• Top sights: Catedral Primada de América, Alcázar de Colón, Museo de las Casas Reales, Calle Las Damas, Fortaleza Ozama, Parque Colón, and the limestone pools at Los Tres Ojos (a short ride away).
• Why visit: It’s the DR’s cultural heart—perfect for history walks, rum-and-cacao tastings, and culinary deep dives into modern Dominican cuisine.
• Travel in: Fly into SDQ. Compare fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Taxis/Uber to the Colonial Zone run ~US$25–35 in 30–40 minutes, traffic dependent.

Where to stay (Santo Domingo):

• Casas del XVI – Intimate luxury in restored colonial homes with courtyards and tailored service.
• Hotel Villa Colonial – Boutique charm, leafy patio, a stroll from the main sights.
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Santo Domingo – Modern high-rise comfort, rooftop pool, easy for families.
• Browse more stays: VRBO Santo Domingo | Hotels.com Santo Domingo

Day 1: Arrival and the First City of the Americas

Morning: Travel day. If you arrive early, grab a light bite at Mamey Librería Café (bookshop café with great tostadas) or the Colonial Zone’s La Alpargatería (courtyard sandwiches and art).

Afternoon: Check in, then orient yourself on Calle El Conde to Parque Colón. Step inside the Catedral Primada de América and continue to Plaza España for views of the Alcázar de Colón. For a sweet stop, try the interactive cacao tasting at the Kah Kow Experience nearby.

Evening: Dinner at Buche Perico—modern Dominican plates like goat ravioli with oregano and fresh-caught fish in coconut sauce, under a lantern-lit tree. Post-dinner, sip rum at Lulú Tasting Bar or catch live music at Casa de Teatro.

Day 2: Colonial Treasures and Underground Lagoons

Morning: Coffee at Affogato Café (Piantini) or a classic café con leche in the Zona. Tour the Museo de las Casas Reales and the Alcázar de Colón; walk the storied Calle Las Damas, the oldest paved street in the Americas.

Afternoon: Taxi 15 minutes to Los Tres Ojos National Park. Descend into limestone caverns and mirror-still pools—bring non-slip shoes. Late lunch back on the Malecón at Adrian Tropical: mangú with sautéed onions, chicharrón de pollo, and ocean views.

Evening: Sunset stroll along the seafront. Dine in a natural cave at El Mesón de la Cava—order the conch al ajillo or churrasco. Nightcap at El Sartén, a vintage merengue spot where locals dance until late.

Day 3: Markets, Rum, and Neighborhood Flavor

Morning: Sandwich pilgrimage to Barra Payán (open since 1962)—try the pernil or the famous avocado-and-cheese. Browse artisans along El Conde and pop into tiny galleries for larimar and amber pieces.

Afternoon: Visit the small Rum & Sugar Cane exhibits in the Zona for a tasting flight, then unwind in shady Parque Duarte. Espresso and a pastelito at La Alpargatería’s courtyard if you missed it earlier.

Evening: Dinner at Jalao for live Dominican rhythms and hearty plates like sancocho and fried fish with tostones. If it’s Monday, Jet Set hosts a legendary salsa/bachata night—great for people-watching.

Punta Cana

Turquoise water, swaying palms, and reef-protected lagoons define Punta Cana. Days here stretch between snorkel cruises, ATV rides to wild Macao Beach, and grilled lobster dinners with your toes in the sand.

• Top experiences: Saona Island catamaran, Bávaro snorkeling, Scape Park’s Hoyo Azul, ziplines, and golden-hour beach walks.
• Getting there from Santo Domingo: Morning departure by road takes ~2–3 hours via Autopista del Este/Coral. Expreso Bávaro bus is ~US$10–12; private transfer is ~US$120–180; rental car adds ~$7–10 in tolls. Consider open-jaw flights (into SDQ, out of PUJ) on Kiwi.com or Trip.com.

Where to stay (Punta Cana):

• Tortuga Bay Hotel at Puntacana Resort & Club – Oscar de la Renta–designed suites, private beach, and classy La Yola dining nearby.
• The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real – Family-friendly, lush grounds, and a beautiful stretch of Bávaro Beach.
• Karibo Punta Cana – Value-minded condo-style stays near El Cortecito.
• Browse more stays: VRBO Punta Cana | Hotels.com Punta Cana

Day 4: Transfer to Punta Cana and Beach Time

Morning: Depart Santo Domingo after breakfast. By car, it’s ~2–3 hours; buses run throughout the morning. If you’re flying home from PUJ later this week, lock in flights on Kiwi.com or Trip.com (open-jaw often prices well).

Afternoon: Check in and wander Bávaro Beach. For a casual seaside lunch, try Wacamole (tacos and mojitos) or Citrus (Dominican-fusion bowls and fresh seafood). Swim out to sandbars where the water hits that perfect turquoise.

Evening: Dinner at La Yola (pier-side seafood, glass-bottom floor peeking into the water). For a laid-back night, stroll the marina or grab gelato and watch the boats glide in.

Day 5: Saona Island—Catamaran, Sandbars, and Starfish (Full Day)

Classic Caribbean day out. You’ll transfer toward Bayahíbe, then split your time between a chill catamaran ride and a fast speedboat. Expect shallow natural pools where you can gently (and briefly) observe starfish, and a beach barbecue under palms. Bring a hat, reef-safe sunscreen, and a dry bag. Typical hotel pick-up is morning, returning late afternoon/early evening.

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

Post-tour dinner: If you’re not on an all‑inclusive plan, book Jellyfish Restaurant for grilled lobster and Caribbean sides right on the sand.

Day 6: Off-Road and Wild Beach—ATV + Macao

Morning: Kick up dust on jungle trails and cool off in a water cave before rolling out to Macao Beach—one of the area’s last wild stretches, great for photos and a quick swim if conditions allow.

ATV Adventure to Water Cave and Macao Beach in Punta Cana

Afternoon: Refuel with a Dominican plato del día at Don Pio across from El Cortecito (hearty stews, rice, and salad). Lounge by the pool or book a 60‑minute massage at your resort spa.

Evening: Casual dinner at La Bruja Chupadora (BBQ and craft beers) or Balicana in Los Corales (noodles and curries in a garden setting). If you want a show, Coco Bongo’s acrobatics and music mashups make for a spectacle.

Family-friendly alternative: Swap the ATV for a day with cuddly hosts and a canopy course:

Punta Cana Monkeyland and Zipline Two Adventures in One Day

Day 7: Snorkel Cruise and Departure

Morning: Hop aboard a small‑group catamaran for a relaxed reef snorkel with light snacks and an open bar on the return sail. It’s a great last dip and typically fits a same‑day afternoon departure.

Small Group Snorkeling Cruise with Open Bar and Light Snacks

Afternoon: Brunch at Dalia’s Café & Bakery (omelets, pastries, and smoothies). Pick up gifts—locally roasted coffee, cacao nibs, or a piece of larimar—then head to PUJ. Confirm flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Evening: Fly home with sand still on your sandals and merengue in your ears.

Where to eat and drink in Punta Cana (extra picks): Citrus (seafood and bowls), Wacamole (casual Mexican-Caribbean), Jellyfish (grilled seafood on the beach), Noah Restaurant & Lounge (stylish date-night), and La Yola (fine seaside). For coffee: Breakers Café in Los Corales or Dalia’s for pastries.

In one week, you’ve walked the story of the Americas in Santo Domingo and floated through the blues of Punta Cana’s coast. From rum and cacao to reefs and cenotes, you’ve tasted the island’s past and present—leaving plenty of reasons to come back.