Faro a Colón
Santo Domingo
Alcazar de Colón
Santo Domingo

Iconic
Sights

ICONIC SIGHTS IN
Dominican Republic

Known as the cradle of the Americas, the Dominican Republic is full of iconic sights across its cities and provinces. Visit world-famous beaches—such as Playa Rincón, in Samaná. Walk through the first buildings and monuments in the Americas lining the streets of Santo Domingo’s Colonial City. Hike the ruins of La Isabela, in Puerto Plata province, where Columbus built his first and only home on land in the Americas, perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. Hike the DR’s sole UNESCO Biosphere in the southwest, the most biodiverse in the country. Hear the history of merengue in a small village in Puerto Plata, said to be its birthplace. Visit cathedrals and religious shrines, key in Dominican culture.

The majority of iconic sights are easily reached from the country’s main tourist destinations, and remain open year-round.

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ICONIC SIGHTS

Tour the Caribbean’s largest botanical gardens, visit the first established city of the New World, Columbus’ home, hike nature reserves hiding Taino caves, and stroll world-famous beaches.

 
 
Basílica Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia
Located in nearby Higüey, this cathedral ranks among the top most important religious sites in the DR. Honoring the Virgin of La Altagracia, patron saint of Dominicans, it’s a standout for its 69-meter (225 feet) high arch, with a bronze and gold entrance.
Higüey, Punta Cana
Bayahíbe
The scenic fishing town of Bayahíbe is an attraction in and of itself; Bayahíbe retains its Dominican pulse, from its local restaurants and bars to its street side arts and crafts stalls, and fishermen who bring catch daily.
Bayahíbe, La Romana
Bayahíbe Rose Garden
Walk through a garden filled with the DR’s pink-hued national flower: the Bayahíbe Rose.
Bayahíbe, La Romana
Boca de Yuma
Boca de Yuma offers a daytime escape to a scenic Dominican fishing village. Boasting panoramic cliff top views, it has often been compared to an Italian seaside town, where restaurants, bars, and shacks line up above the sea. The Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León once had a home in the area.
Punta Cana
Bonao Carnival
Each February, in celebration of Carnival, Bonao features its own unique characters parading to the beat of the carnival drums on Sundays. Bonao carnival characters include the Santos de Palo, wooden representations of Catholic saints made by the artists who are grouped according to the saints they have created.
Bonao
Brugal Rum Distillery
The largest producer of traditionally made rum in the DR since 1888 offers tours of the distillery, including rum tasting and the chance of purchasing well-priced premium rums.
Puerto Plata
Cabral
Cabral is best known for its colorful carnival at the end of Easter, when the Cachúa characters dress in bat-like costumes and unfold impressive whips as they go in pursuit of the demons from Thursday to the Monday after Easter Week. Close by is La Lista, a small town famous for its wooden rocking chairs […]
Barahona
Cachote
Cachote is a stunning protected cloud forest area, with a tiny community living at 1,097 meters (3,600 feet) above sea level. There are winding paths along which you can observe tropical flora, including bromeliads and wild orchids, as well as a series of hiking trails for excellent bird-watching.
Barahona
Calle El Conde
The first commercial street in the New World remains the most popular pedestrian shopping area. Stretching over 10 blocks, this cobblestoned road is lined with restaurants, cafés, souvenir shops, and street side art vendors.
Santo Domingo
Calle Las Damas
The first paved street in the Americas: Calle Las Damas or the “street of the ladies,” connects directly to the Alcazar de Colón; María de Toledo and her ladies would step out of the palace and stroll up and down Calle Las Damas in the evenings.
Santo Domingo
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How stunning is this waterfall? 😍 Puerto Plata has no shortage of waterfalls and hiking trails that can be explored ...

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Jul 9

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How stunning is this waterfall? 😍 Puerto Plata How stunning is this waterfall? 😍 Puerto Plata has no shortage of waterfalls and hiking trails that can be explored on foot or by horseback. Once you’re at the falls, cool down in the blue waters and soak in the beauty. 📸: @vivekasi

This past February we welcomed Sports Illustrated Swimsuit to Las Terrenas to capture content for their 2020 Swimsuit ...

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Jul 8

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This past February we welcomed Sports Illustrated This past February we welcomed Sports Illustrated Swimsuit to Las Terrenas to capture content for their 2020 Swimsuit Issue. In addition to enjoying the beautiful scenery, the group also had an amazing opportunity to connect with the local community where the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit team held an empowerment and photography workshop with the girls of the Politécnico Santo Esteban Rivera school. Simply put, they challenged the girls to find beauty in themselves, each other and the world around them through the power of photography. Thank you to the entire @si_swimsuit team specifically the world renowned photographer Kate Powers (@katepowerslovesyou), @anitamarshall_, @mj_day among many others for your time and compassion. Use the link in our bio to read about the full experience. 🇩🇴❤️💙

This picture has us feeling the opposite of blue! You can snap your own memory like this on your next trip to Santo ...

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Jul 7

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This picture has us feeling the opposite of blue! This picture has us feeling the opposite of blue! You can snap your own memory like this on your next trip to Santo Domingo by renting a bike in Ciudad Colonial and riding through the famous street on Calle Arzobispo Meriño, or along any of the other picturesque streets. 💙 📸:@carlostorresrd

Dominican Republic may have miles of pristine beaches, but there’s also lush terrain, forests and plenty of palm trees...

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Jul 5

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Dominican Republic may have miles of pristine beac Dominican Republic may have miles of pristine beaches, but there’s also lush terrain, forests and plenty of palm trees to explore, even right in the capital city of Santo Domingo!🌴What are some places you’d like to explore in Dominican Republic? 📸:@fasuego

Nature’s fireworks sure are breathtaking, aren’t they? ✨ @richardcejas

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Jul 4

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Nature’s fireworks sure are breathtaking, aren’t they? ✨ @richardcejas

A locrio is a rice dish from the Dominican Republic and similar to pilaf and paella, it consists of seasoned rice with ...

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Jul 3

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A locrio is a rice dish from the Dominican Republi A locrio is a rice dish from the Dominican Republic and similar to pilaf and paella, it consists of seasoned rice with some kind of meat, such as chicken, Dominican salami or pork. Check out the link in our bio for a great #LocrioRecipe.

Have you ever seen skies so beautiful? This spectacular sunset over Guayacanes looks just like candy🍭📸: ...

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Jun 30

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Have you ever seen skies so beautiful? This specta Have you ever seen skies so beautiful? This spectacular sunset over Guayacanes looks just like candy🍭📸: @pedropaganmora

Hop on board, today we’re exploring the pristine beaches and palm-soaring palm trees of Playa Esmeralda, located in ...

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Jun 29

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Hop on board, today we’re exploring the pristine Hop on board, today we’re exploring the pristine beaches and palm-soaring palm trees of Playa Esmeralda, located in Miches with @tripmoz! 🌴What are some places you’d like to explore in Dominican Republic? 📸: @tripmoz

All visits to Santiago must include an obligatory stop at El Monumento, the city’s iconic white marble tower, circled ...

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Jun 28

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All visits to Santiago must include an obligatory All visits to Santiago must include an obligatory stop at El Monumento, the city’s iconic white marble tower, circled on all sides by a multilevel garden and boasting panoramic views over the entire city. 📸: @celia_tichadelle

Ciudad Colonial is the perfect place to spend your day exploring, eating, and shopping. The old colonial town will ...

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Jun 27

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Ciudad Colonial is the perfect place to spend your Ciudad Colonial is the perfect place to spend your day exploring, eating, and shopping. The old colonial town will transport you back in time with its architecture and historical sites. 📸: @robertvasquez

#Chicharrón, a beloved guilty pleasure treat akin to crispy pork belly, this traditional street-side snack is an ...

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Jun 26

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#Chicharrón, a beloved guilty pleasure treat aki #Chicharrón, a beloved guilty pleasure treat akin to crispy pork belly, this traditional street-side snack is an absolutely must-try when traveling through Dominican Republic. If you’d like to give it a try at home, check out the link in our bio for a great #ChicharrónRecipe.

Saona Island’s picture-perfect beaches attract more visitors than all of the country’s national parks combined. A ...

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Jun 25

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Saona Island’s picture-perfect beaches attract m Saona Island’s picture-perfect beaches attract more visitors than all of the country’s national parks combined. A protected site and part of Cotubanamá National Park, Saona is a dream tropical escape, and it’ll be waiting for you to explore when the time is right. 📸: @clem_poupou

Mornings in Samaná, where the toughest decision is choosing where to enjoy the sunrise. Have you started planning fall...

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Jun 24

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Mornings in Samaná, where the toughest decision Mornings in Samaná, where the toughest decision is choosing where to enjoy the sunrise. Have you started planning fall or winter vacations to Dominican Republic? If so, we’d love to hear where to! 📸: @theadrenalinetraveler

Juan Dolio: Your private oasis awaits✨Relaxing, snorkeling, surfing; there’s something for everyone. #GoDomRep 📸:...

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Jun 23

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Juan Dolio: Your private oasis awaits✨Relaxing, Juan Dolio: Your private oasis awaits✨Relaxing, snorkeling, surfing; there’s something for everyone. #GoDomRep 📸: @fasuego

Planning your dad-cation? You should check out Dominican Republic! DR is home to the best beach-front golf courses in ...

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Jun 21

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Planning your dad-cation? You should check out Dom Planning your dad-cation? You should check out Dominican Republic! DR is home to the best beach-front golf courses in the Caribbean, the finest aged rums and our cigars are consistently ranked by aficionados as some of the best in the world. Pop-paradise awaits!

Playa Bonita: Where the sun is always shining, the warm waters are beckoning and memories are waiting to be made. ...

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Jun 20

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Playa Bonita: Where the sun is always shining, the Playa Bonita: Where the sun is always shining, the warm waters are beckoning and memories are waiting to be made. 📸:@nandabachata

Although there are many recipes, preparations styles and interpretations, #mofongo is one of the most traditional dishes...

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Jun 19

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Although there are many recipes, preparations styl Although there are many recipes, preparations styles and interpretations, #mofongo is one of the most traditional dishes in Dominican Republic. With its core ingredient of green plantains, many cooks incorporate additional ingredients to spice it up, including seafood, vegetables, meats and the most traditional chicharrón. Stay tuned for weekly Dominican recipes that you can make from the comfort and safety of your home. Check out the link in our bio for a great #MofongoRecipe.

Stay safe, the beauty of Miches will be waiting for you when you’re ready to travel. 📸: @globetrotting_gingertravel

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Jun 18

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Stay safe, the beauty of Miches will be waiting fo Stay safe, the beauty of Miches will be waiting for you when you’re ready to travel. 📸: @globetrotting_gingertravel

Raise your hand if you’re looking forward to walking along the beach and exploring all Dominican Republic has to ...

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Jun 17

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Raise your hand if you’re looking forward to wal Raise your hand if you’re looking forward to walking along the beach and exploring all Dominican Republic has to offer. 🙌 📸: @thetravelgift_

Looking for inspiration for a future trip to Dominican Republic? Consider Las Terrenas. Located in the Samaná ...

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Jun 16

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Looking for inspiration for a future trip to Domin Looking for inspiration for a future trip to Dominican Republic? Consider Las Terrenas. Located in the Samaná Peninsula, this dreamy beach village is home to dozens of amazing beaches and a cosmopolitan, charming vibe will not disappoint. 📸: @crisnoble_02

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