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The essential things you need to know to plan your Dominican Republic adventure.
101 Dominican Republic: Essential guide to immersing into the authentic spirit
With a vibrant blend of Spanish, African, and Taíno influences, the Dominican Republic, known as “Quisqueya” by its original Taíno inhabitants meaning “Mother of All Lands”, is much more than just stunning beaches and all-inclusive resorts.
A popular tourist destination for US travellers, drawing around 2 million visitors from the USA each year, this Caribbean paradise is a vibrant melting pot of history, culture, gastronomy, music, nature, and some of the friendliest people you will ever meet.
Here's your comprehensive guide to immersing in the authentic spirit of the Dominican Republic.
Overview: Welcome to the Dominican Republic
Located on the island of Hispaniola, the Dominican Republic shares its borders with Haiti to the west. It is known for its diverse landscapes, with the Atlantic Ocean to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the south, and a mountain range, including the Caribbean's highest peak, Pico Duarte, right in the middle.
The tropical climate provides sunshine year-round, with temperatures typically ranging from 66°F to 93°F, so no matter when you come, you’ll be greeted with a warm welcome, literally.
NOTE: Please remember to always check government advisories before booking and traveling.
Orientation: Getting to and around the Dominican Republic
Upon landing at one of the eight international airports, your adventure begins.
The country's transportation network connects travelers seamlessly to the serene beaches of Punta Cana, the verdant landscapes of Samaná, the vivacious atmosphere of Puerto Plata, and much more.
For long journeys, air-conditioned coaches offer comfort and convenience, but those looking for more local immersion will find traditional buses known as GuaGuas (gwa-gwas) to be both cost-effective and energetic.
If you prefer private transportation, busy cities like Santo Domingo and Puerto Plata offer reliable taxi services, including Uber.
Essential experiences in the Dominican Republic
In the Dominican Republic, there's always a new adventure waiting around every corner. With a wealth of vibrant cities, coastal charms, and plethora of natural wonders, you won’t fall short of unforgettable experiences to choose from.
Some destinations you won’t want to miss include the following:
The spirit of the country: Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo, the country's pulsating heart, is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas. While it’s bursting with things to see and do, don’t miss a walk through the city's Zona Colonial district, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Serves as a living testament to the island's rich history. Here, you'll find beautifully preserved Spanish colonial architecture, bustling squares, and the oldest cathedral in the continent.
Serenity by the sea: Punta Cana
Renowned for its sprawling beaches and crystal-clear waters, Punta Cana is picture-perfect. Amongst all of its treasures, the Reserva Ecológica Ojos Indígenas (Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park & Reserve) stands out for offering a refreshing encounter with nature, and highlighting the Dominican Republic's commitment to conservation and biodiversity.
Nature's spectacle: Samaná Peninsula
A blend of tranquil beaches, vibrant marine life, and lush mountain terrain, Samaná is THE place to be for a nature retreat. While it’s well-known for its spectacular annual humpback whale migration, it also hosts attractions such as the 27 Damajagua Waterfalls and Los Haitises National Park which can be explored in and outside of the Whales’ migration seasons.
High-octane fun: Cabarete, surf and wind city
Fuel your adrenaline in places like Cabarete, known for its thrilling outdoor pursuits, namely kiteboarding.
This one-time fishing and farming hamlet is now the adventure-sports capital of the country thanks to year-round winds and rolling waves, making it a magnet for adrenaline seekers. Beyond the waters, the fun doesn’t stop.
Venture into the town and you’ll find bohemian charm and a lively nightlife complete with a teeming social scene.
Coastal charm: Puerto Plata
Affectionately known as the ‘Darling of the Atlantic’ Puerto Plata is a glittering city offering an abundance of adventure. Delight in its cultural treasures like the extensive colonial architecture and the Amber Museum, housing some of the world's clearest amber, or venture beyond the city to escape to its exquisite beaches and alluring natural wonders.
Get a taste of what the locals love to do or check out the 10 unforgettable experiences that you must not miss to start curating your list.
Culinary adventures in the Dominican Republic
No matter where your travels take you, from the vibrant city streets to the quiet coastal retreats, your taste buds are guaranteed an adventure of their own.
Street food staples
A culinary landscape that’s a vibrant blend of cultures, venture into bustling local markets like Mercado Modelo in Santo Domingo, where you can savor delicacies like “chimichurris” (Dominican-style burgers), “yaniqueques” (deep-fried dough), ‘empanadas’ (stuffed pastries), “pan de coco” (Dominican coconut bread) and more.
Don’t miss the experience of trying “La Bandera”, the national dish loved by all, a twist on chicken, rice and beans, or “Sancocho”, a melt-in-your-mouth stew.
For a sweet treat to beat the Caribbean heat, indulge in “frío frío”, a traditional shaved ice with sweet syrup.
Formal dining
For a sit-down dining experience, consider establishments like Pat'e Palo European Brasserie and Ajualä in Santo Domingo, or Jellyfish Restaurant in Punta Cana. Pat'e Palo, established in 1505 by a Dutch pirate as a favorite hangout for buccaneers on Plaza España, offers a historical ambiance with untouched original brick arches and stone walls from the 16th century. Ajualä on the other hand, is known for it’s blend of innovation and tradition. Its unique dishes seamlessly blend colonial, indigenous, and African flavors using dedicated preparation techniques founded by the indigenous communities.
Meanwhile, the Jellyfish Restaurant in Punta Cana, an internet favorite, serves delectable cuisine in an inviting atmosphere.
For fine dining, one of the country’s luxury hotels will not disappoint.
Savor the beverages
Quench your thirst with “mamajuana”, a local drink made from rum, red wine, and honey soaked in tree bark and herbs, or when you're by the beach, a refreshing, freshly-cut coconut water from a roadside vendor.
Also, a visit to the Museo del Ron (Rum Museum) in Santo Domingo also presents an excellent opportunity to learn about the nation's celebrated rum.
Culture & etiquette
Greetings
Dominicans are known for their politeness and friendly demeanor. Whether entering any business, store, or home, it's customary to greet others with “Buenos Dias” (Bwe-nos dee-as) (good morning), “Buenas Tardes” (Bwe-nas tar-des) (good afternoon), or “Buenas Noches” (Bwe-nas noch-es) (good evening).
La Siesta and business hours
Many businesses, big and small, close their doors from 12 PM to 2 PM for a well-loved siesta, a short nap that provides rejuvenation and refueling after a morning under the sun.
Religious holidays
Freedom of religion is part of the Dominican constitution, but with Christians making up a majority of the population, Christian religious holidays play a big part in the annual calendar and Dominican social life. Celebrations like Semana Santa (Holy Week), Corpus Cristi (Body of Christ), and Dia de La Altagracia (Virgin of Altagracia) are fervently observed.
Pastimes
Feel the island's pulse in the beat of merengue and bachata, genres that best represent the county with their recognisable beats pulsating through the streets. As night falls, people hit the local venues, listening to the tropical rhythms that set the tone for the evening.
Baseball, the national pastime, is a significant part of Dominican culture, with games being a wonderful way to immerse oneself in local life.
Visas
US citizens can visit the Dominican Republic for up to 30 days without a visa. All visitors to the Dominican Republic are charged a $10 tourist card fee that is incorporated into airline charges.
Please visit the Embassy of the Dominican Republic website for current visa information.
Currency and tipping
The official currency is the Dominican Peso (DOP), but US Dollars and cards are widely accepted. A service charge is usually included in restaurant bills, but additional tipping up to 10% is customary for good service.
While English is spoken in tourist areas, a few basic Spanish phrases will be appreciated. Try the below for starters:
Hola (Oh-lah) - Hi
Buenos días ( Bwe-nos dee-as) - Good morning
Por favor (Pohr fah-vohr) - Please
Gracias (Grah-see-ahs) - Thank you.
¿Hablas inglés? (Ah-blahs een-glays) - Do you speak English?
Lo siento, no entiendo (Loh see-en-toh, noh en-tee-en-doh) - I’m sorry, I don’t understand
¿Dónde está el baño? (Dohn-deh es-tah el bahn-yoh) - Where is the bathroom?
Traveling responsibly
Preserve the beauty of the Dominican Republic for future generations by practicing responsible tourism. Respect the local culture and customs, protect the environment, and make sustainable choices, such as using reef-safe sunscreen and saying no to single-use plastic.
Discover how else you can become a more conscious traveler in the Dominican Republic and how the country is setting a new standard in sustainable travel.
Accessibility
Many urban centers have implemented accessibility measures such as ramps to accommodate all travelers.
