Santo Domingo City Tour: Journey through 600 Years of History in UNESCO World Heritage Site
3.4
13 Ratings
Santo Domingo Este
Discover the rich history and culture of Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, on a city tour. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site and visit colonial buildings turned into museums, shops, and restaurants.
Duration: 10 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • The Three Eyes - Los Tres Ojos National Park is a beautiful natural respite near the city, and where you can observe the underground caverns of the Tainos that were once used as a refuge or place of ritual. A staircase leads to a series of caves, with paths that embrace three freshwater lagoons, blue and iridescent, or “eyes” as the Tainos used to call them because of their oval shapes. A fourth lagoon is accessible via a small wooden barge, which reveals a magnificent outdoor landscape with rock formations covered in lush vegetation. Keep an eye out for petroglyphs and handmade pottery.
  • Alcazar de Colon - One of the most popular museums in the Colonial City is also the most impressive in architectural terms, it is also the oldest vice-royal residence in America and the first fortified palace, converted into a museum that exhibits furniture, art, musical instruments and weapons from the 16th century.

Completed around the year 1512, this Gothic and Renaissance style palace was the home of Diego Colón, son of Christopher Columbus, and his wife María de Toledo, niece of King Ferdinand of Spain

  • Catedral Primada de América de Santo Domingo - Built between 1510 and 1540, the first cathedral in the Americas, known as Santa Iglesia Catedral Basilica Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación or Anunciación, Primada de América, continues to stand in all its splendor over the heart of the Colonial City. The 500-year-old Gothic-style building remains the most important venue for official ceremonies and religious celebrations. Walking inside you can see the ornate Gothic ceiling of the cathedral, oil paintings from the colonial period, rooms of sacred chapels, as well as an area with tombstones with the remains of archbishops. The remains of Christopher Columbus were found here in the 19th century.
  • Calle Las Damas - first paved street in Las Américas: Calle Las Damas. It features 16th century architecture, colonial buildings turned museums, embassies, and luxury hotels fill this quaint, narrow street. It is connected to the Alcazar de Colón palace; In the past, María de Toledo and her ladies would leave the palace and stroll down Calle Las Damas in the afternoon

This street has as attractions: Fortaleza Ozama, La Real Audiencia, The house of Don Rodrigo de Bastidas, the House of Hernán Cortés Etc …

  • Columbus Lighthouse (Faro A Colon) - The Columbus Lighthouse, commonly known as Columbus Lighthouse, is a Dominican monument and museum built in honor of Christopher Columbus, discoverer of the New America, here his remains rest. (Panoramic view)
  • Museo de la Gastronomía Dominicana (Mugado) - Here we will have buffet lunch
  • National Palace of the Dominican Republic - Inaugurated on August 16, 1947, the National Palace is the seat of the Dominican Government. It represents the symbol of Dominican sovereignty and is the scene of important decision-making for the development of the country.
  • Malecon - Located on Av George Washington and on the edge of the Caribbean Sea, a place of recreation for locals, here you can take a photo on the sign of the city
What's Included
  • Lunch included
  • Complimentary bottled water
  • Comfortable air-conditioned transportation
  • Expert licensed tour guide in your preferred language
  • All museum entrance fees included
  • All taxes and fees covered
What's Not Included
  • Breakfast
Additional Information

As the capital city of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo serves as the country’s economic and cultural hub. Its historic colonial zone, established over 600 years ago, is the oldest European settlement in the New World and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990. A recommended destination for any traveler, it offers an intriguing blend of history and exploration.

The district features a labyrinth of slim streets brimming with architectural gems dating from the 16th to the early 20th centuries. Visitors will encounter colonial structures transformed into museums, stores, hotels, and street-side eateries.

For those passionate about history and culture, the Santo Domingo City Tour is an ideal choice. This comprehensive journey transports you back in time, featuring compelling historical narratives and visits to the capital’s standout museums, home to architectural styles dating back to the advent of America in 1492.

Location
The Three Eyes
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
3.4
(13 Ratings)
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1 star
203darcyh
Jan 31, 2024
Tell her I sent you :) - I walked into this place on Friday morning w/ no plans made. By Friday afternoon, Nicauly had a 3 day itinerary planned for me in Samana. She checked in with me frequently and arranged transportation and lodging. Totally went above and beyond! Caves, beaches, whale watching, waterfalls.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Akeem_p
Apr 21, 2022
Slight false advertising with museums, but still get moneys worth. - Food was good, had a good tour guide. I believe they replaced one of the museums with going to a underground cave. It’s sad because that museum is the best museum in the DR. It would have made this guide 5 stars to me instead of 4. You get a good history tour in the capital. Slight false advertising, but overall I enjoyed myself with my wife. 7.5/10.
Review provided by Viator
Rita_e
Oct 2, 2021
Not for seniors. - the visit once in San Domingo was correct. The transport horrible. Old noisy bus, bad and small seats. Start 20 minutes to late , lost another 20 minutes at a gas station waiting for other guests ( on other busses ) avec a stay to pick up the guide in his " gift-shop. Started at 7.50 arrival at 19.47
Review provided by Viator
Melinda_k
May 6, 2023
Not as advertised - The tour said that it included hotel pickup, bottled water, and entrance to Alcazar de Colon, none of which was provided. I was told to meet at "the Cathedral" at 1040 but was unable to find anyone. With the assistance of two local guides, I was finally able to locate the cab driver (who did not speak English) that was sent to pick me up. The tour said it included admission to Museo de la Gastronomía Dominicana sounds like a museum but is just the restaurant where lunch was eaten. Alcazar de Colon was pointed out at the end of the tour; however, we were not provided tickets, nor did we enter. I was really looking forward to this tour, but the stress and failure to provide so many of the features that were promised made it a very disappointing day.
Review provided by Viator
Tammy_d
Oct 19, 2023
Was not picked up for my tour-waiting on my refund - We were never picked up for the tour. I would love to say that the tour was wonderful-unfortunately, I have no idea since we were left out. I am trying to get a refund of the money I paid. They tried to rebook me for another day, but I planned the tour the day before we leave-do here I sit waiting for my refund…😢
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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