Holidays to Dominican Republic
Top destinations in Dominican Republic
Punta Caña
Go for the white-sand beaches and crystal-blue waters, then discover the dancing, dining and natural spectacles that make Punta Caña a world-class Caribbean destination.
Santo Domingo
In one of the Caribbean’s oldest cities, salsa music mingles with sizzling street food against a backdrop of Spanish Colonial buildings. Say hello to Santo Domingo.
Puerto Plata
Dreamy beach getaways await in Puerto Plata. Beyond its vast shorelines, climb panoramic mountains, visit historic forts and trek through jungles to find secret swimming holes.
Dominican Republic: fast facts
| Language | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Currency | Dominican peso ($) |
| Time zone | UTC-4 (AST) |
Dominican Republic holiday highlights
Get to the beach
One of the most popular things to do in the Dominican Republic is visit its idyllic beaches. Punta Caña features a 50-kilometre stretch of white sand, palm trees and the bright blue water of your dreams. When you need a day off from sunbathing, check out the nesting turtles at Saona Island or go snorkelling at Playa Frontón.
Brush up on history
Founded by Spain in 1496, the capital city of Santo Domingo boasts the first university, cathedral, castle monastery and fortress in the ‘New World’. Take a walk down the whitewashed Calle Las Damas for a peek at the past. For a more modern experience, grab a ‘chimi’ (street burger) and shop at Mercado Modelo, a huge market that sells Caribbean crafts.
Try something sweet
You’ll never look at a rum and Coke the same way again after you’ve tried ‘mamajuana’, a spiced rum that originated with the Taino, an Indigenous people of the Caribbean. Make sure you try the many unique blends of Dominican coffee to find your favourite. And don’t miss the Dominican Republic’s cacao farms, factories and museums.
Things to do in Dominican Republic
Top attractions
With palm trees and soft white sands, Playa Macao is considered one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Wander through history within the Gothic halls of the Catedral Primada de América in Santo Domingo. Completed in 1540, its museum contains sacred relics. Don’t leave the island without visiting its rich sealife — Bayahibe Beach has some of the clearest snorkelling conditions.
Beaches
Boca Chica has everything you could want in a beach town — turquoise water, diving, fishing and a thriving restaurant scene. For beautiful sunsets, visit Bayahibe. And if you need a beach with some shade, there’s Playa Cofresi. If you’re looking for a little peace and quiet, try Playa Los Mino in Rio San Juan, with its clear waters and laid-back vibes.
Nature
Nature buffs are spoilt for choice, with 29 national parks to pick from. Los Tres Ojos is a series of interconnected caves and lakes, while Los Haitises is a refuge for manatees and bottlenose dolphins. Exotic birds and sea turtles call Jaragua home, and Sierra de Bahoruco encompasses a mystical cloud forest. Take time to see all 27 waterfalls of Damajagua, near Puerta Plata.
Culture and museums
The museums in the Dominican Republic showcase everything from coins and tapestries at Museo de las Casas Reales to baseball at Bartolo Colón Stadium. The Museo Arqueológico Regional Altos de Chavón features artefacts from the island’s Indigenous people. Visit the Amber Museum in Puerto Plata to see specimens of the stunning tree resin, some of which contain fossils of insects.
Cuisine
The restaurants in the Dominican Republic display their patriotism on the plate. The national dish, ‘La Bandera Dominicana’, is made with rice, beans and meat and is meant to resemble the colours of the Dominican flag. Don’t miss ‘sancocho’ (a delicious meat stew) or ‘mangu’ (mashed green plantains), two popular menu items here.
Family friendly
Explore the Cave of Wonders, where ramps and lighting make it easy for kids to admire ancient petroglyphs and rock formations. Spend a day at Bávaro Beach, where you’ll find calm waters, snorkelling and family-friendly lunch spots. Then hop on the Teleférico Santo Domingo for a scenic gondola ride with sweeping ocean views.
Find the best time to visit Dominican Republic
Weather in Dominican Republic
May – November: The humidity picks up, and crowds thin out during the wet season. Expect frequent but brief thunderstorms this time of year. The weather stays hot, so beach days are still on the itinerary. Go snorkelling or diving to beat the heat. Keep your eyes on the forecast, as August to October is peak hurricane season.
December – April: Winter welcomes balmy temperatures that are perfect for long beach days and other outdoor fun. This is also the best time to visit the Dominican Republic for whale watching — humpbacks cluster off the coast from January to March. Count on higher prices and crowds, and plan ahead to score your ideal accommodation.
Events in Dominican Republic
Carnival (February): The island comes alive with parades and parties all month, leading up to a grand finale around Dominican Independence Day on 27 February. Santo Domingo hosts one of the biggest celebrations in the country.
Isle of Light Music Festival (March): This Santo Domingo event brings together local talent and international stars, with past performers like Bad Bunny, Incubus and Phoenix. The Caribbean Sea provides a stunning backdrop for the shows.
Master of the Ocean (September): Top athletes head to Cabarete to compete in surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and more. Days of high-energy competition wrap up with lively beach parties and electronic music after dark.
Know before you go
Local etiquette
Dominicans observe a siesta in the afternoon, so get on island time and plan ahead for businesses to be closed from noon until early afternoon. Haggling is often welcome when shopping, but be polite and carry pesos. Be sure to change out of your beach clothes when visiting churches or towns. And always ask before taking photos of locals.
Health and safety
Many countries recommend vaccinations for hepatitis A and B and typhoid before visiting the Dominican Republic. In mosquito-prone areas, wear long sleeves and use repellent to minimise your risk of Zika, malaria and dengue. It’s also best to avoid tap water — stick to bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth.
LGBTQ+ travel
Same-sex relationships are legal in the Dominican Republic, but same-sex marriage isn’t — and attitudes can be conservative. That said, Santo Domingo offers a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, with popular gay bars, drag shows and a Pride parade every June. While the capital is more open, it’s good to be mindful of local customs in other areas.
Budget
It’s easy to plan a cheap holiday to the Dominican Republic. You can enjoy an inexpensive meal for about 400 Dominican pesos ($) and pair it with a domestic beer for about $150 or a coffee for less than $125.
Getting around Dominican Republic
Public transportation
Buses: Bus travel in the Dominican Republic is easy, with major companies like Metro Tours, Caribe Tours and Expreso Bávaro offering air-conditioned coaches with Wi-Fi. Some tickets are available online. For city travel, hop on a ‘guagua’, a budget-friendly minibus that follows set routes. Be sure to carry cash for these rides.
Boats: Ferries and boats are a popular way to explore the Dominican Republic’s coastal areas and nearby islands. Regular ferry services connect Santo Domingo to the nearby island of Saona and other destinations.
Domestic flights
Buses and cars are typically the quickest and most reliable options for navigating the country. But if you’re short on time, private charter flights are available from the major airport hubs, such as Punta Caña International Airport and La Isabela International Airport. However, they can be pricey.
Driving
Hiring a car in the Dominican Republic is a good way to explore the island on your own terms. You’ll find most major car hire companies here and quite a few options at the airports. Several major highways offer scenic views, making for a fun day on the road. Consider a 4x4 to tackle tougher terrain.
