Dominican Republic Travel Guide: Best Hotels, Attractions, Food & 7-Day Itinerary
Discover the Dominican Republic beyond Punta Cana with this comprehensive travel guide, featuring a sample coast-to-coast itinerary, luxury stays, top attractions, and authentic cuisine. As the oldest European settlement in the Americas, discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492, the Dominican Republic boasts Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone—home to the first cathedral, university, and hospital in the Americas. Many original buildings are restored and visitable. Known as the Caribbean's breadbasket, it produces much of its own food, offering fresh, flavorful experiences.
WHERE TO STAY
Casa Colonial Beach & Spa – A stylish luxury resort with direct beach access, rooftop infinity pool, spa, bar, and exceptional concierge service. Phenomenal staff ensure a welcoming stay.
Sea Horse Ranch Villas – Luxury oceanfront villas and rentals in Cabarete on the north coast, among the Caribbean's finest settings.
Shop trendy round bags here. Also wearing blue dress from Poupette St Barth. Shop beach dresses here.
In frame: Ashley of @travellushes
Hodelpa Nicolás de Ovando – In Santo Domingo's UNESCO-listed Colonial Zone, this historic hotel occupies three restored houses, including the founder's original home, blending rich Dominican history.
Wearing maxi dress from Fortunate One. Check out the maxi dresses of my dream here.
Casa XVI – Unique 16th-century restored houses in Santo Domingo offering an immersive historical luxury experience.
THINGS TO DO & SEE
Explore Downtown Puerto Plata – Wander colorful streets, sip fresh coconut juice, visit Fortress of San Felipe, and Amber Museum (home to Jurassic Park-inspired prehistoric mosquito in amber).
Visit a Cigar Factory – As the world's top producer of premium handmade cigars, tour Espigón Cigar Factory in Puerto Plata and try rolling your own. (Disclaimer: Smoking is dangerous to health.)
Ride the Teleférico Puerto Plata – The Caribbean's only cable car ascends Pico Isabel de Torres for stunning views of mountains, coast, and ocean, plus a Christ the Redeemer statue.
Outback Bike Excursion – E-bike through countryside and villages with Outback Adventures, swim in natural pools, and end with a Dominican meal.
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- These kids were at the entrance to the natural pool handing out flowers. They even walked with us to the natural pool and hung out while we were there.
Carnival Museum in La Vega – See vibrant diablo cojuelo costumes and masks from Carnaval de La Vega, attended by half a million annually.
Boca Chica Beach Day – Calm, shallow waters 10 minutes from the airport, popular with locals on weekends.
Red two-piece beachwear from Poupette St Barth and monokini from Lovekini. Check out the cutest monokini collection here.
Ruins of Hospital San Nicolás de Bari – America's first hospital (1519), with a storied past including pirate attacks and revolutions.
Zona Colonial – UNESCO site and oldest European settlement in the New World; explore architecture, forts, and cathedrals.
Local Souvenirs at La Alpargatería – Affordable, high-quality espadrilles and a charming café.
Bonyé – Sunday nights feature dancing to Dominican music at the ruins of San Francisco Cathedral.
WHERE TO EAT
Boca Marina – Stunning views with fresh seafood like whole fish stuffed with paella-inspired filling.
This was my lunch at Boca Marina. I almost finished it! It’s a whole fish stuffed with a dish similar to paella.
Casita Azul – Victorian décor opposite the main park; excellent cuisine.
The Beach Club at Sea Horse Ranch – Ideal for sunset dinners with coconut ceviche, guacamole, and mango-shrimp salad.
Buche Perico – Flavorful local dishes like whole fish in a cozy setting.
Pat'e Palo European Brasserie – Holiday-lit Plaza España views; try crab ravioli.
TIME Vegetarian Kitchen – Fresh, beautifully presented vegetarian fare and coconut shakes in Zona Colonial.
Meson de Bari – Authentic Dominican; renowned for crab empanadas.
Paletas Bajo Cero – Town's best ice cream.
Must-Try Foods: Los Tres Golpes (mangú with salami, cheese, eggs); Sancochos (hearty meat stew); Tostones (fried plantains).
7-DAY COAST-TO-COAST ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive Puerto Plata; check into hotel.
Day 2: City tour (Fortress, Amber Museum, cigar/rum factories); Teleférico.
Day 3: Outback e-bike excursion; sunset dinner at Beach Club.
Day 4: Drive to Santo Domingo via La Vega Carnival Museum; explore Zona Colonial.
Day 5: Boca Chica beach day.
Day 6: Zona Colonial sights (forts, ruins); Bonyé evening.
Day 7: Depart Santo Domingo airport.
Based on Cherrie Lynn's original blog post
