Things to Do in Santo Domingo
Music and dance are at the heart of Dominican life. Our Team is happy to help you to find dance courses of Merengue, Bachata, and Dominican Salsa in one of the local dance schools and provides valuable insider tips to those eager to become better acquainted with the more traditional and original dancing spots. These are our top spots for going dancing and having fun in Santo Domingo:
Our Top 6 for Music & Dancing
Las Ruinas del Monasterio de San Francisco in Zona Colonial
– on Sundays only; great place to meet people and spent time together; in the evening live music and dancing (for free)
also in Zona Colonial:
Parada 77 – small place with atmosphere, perfect for Latin Music lovers and dancers
El Sartén – Salsa and Son
Sabina Bar – small bar, dedicated to Spanish folk singer Joaquin Sabina
Terraza Olimpica in Ave. Máximo Góomez
– typical Dominican discotheque with live music twice a week
Jet Set Club in Zona Tropical/Ave. Independencia
– celebrate with Santo Domingo’s rich and famous
Food, glorious Food
And not to forget the following restaurants our students like to go to:
Restaurant El Conuco in Zona Gazcue
– lots of local flavor and typical Dominican food; don’t miss out on the bottle dance!
D’Luis Parrillada at the Malecóon
– located directly on the ocean; best to try the Mofóngo
Onno’s Zona Colonial
– great for food and fun
Social Program at IIC in Santo Domingo
A City Orientation and short introduction into the local culture is part of your first program day. Furtheron, our Student Facilitator and team in Santo Domingo love to introduce you to our country, its people and culture through activities at the school like
- Merengue and Bachata dancing
- Dominican cooking
- BBQ in the school’s garden
- Playing domino
Although Santo Domingo is located on the ocean side and has its “Malecón” (ocean walkway), there are no beaches in the city. The next beaches in Juan Dolio and Boca Chica are about 45 to 60 minutes by public transportation east of the city.
At times, there are free ZUMBA classes or other social or cultural activities organized by the city oficials in different parts of Santo Domingo. You can also go to one of the big parcs, relax in the Botanical Garden, go to the gym, or choose from a variety of other sports activities in town.
You can also book directly online, as an add-on to your IIC Spanish course program, a 90-minute Bike Tour through the Old Town of Santo Domingo (Zona Colonial) through our local partner.
Excursions to Get to Know the Country
Full day- or weekend excursions like to the Dominican Alps near Jarabacoa, las Cuevas de Maravilla or the Dunes of San Cristóbal, to Isla Saona or Las Terrenas on the beautiful peninsula of Samana as well as visiting the famous carnival of La Vega can be booked with trusted partners on demand/ depending on the season.
Or you decide to take the bus and go up north to meet your fellow students at our other language school in Sosúa near Puerto Plata on the other side of the island.
We’d be glad to help with information. Please talk to our Student Facilitator and Team on site.
Also, please check the Student Guide sent with your booking confirmation to get some first ideas what to do and see around Santo Domingo.
