Dominican Republic · CITY TOURS

Dominican City Tours: The 15 Best Old-Town Days

75 tours  ·  from $20 a head

Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone and the painted streets of Puerto Plata both reward a guide. These 15 tours are compared on drive time from the resorts, entry tickets and how much of the day is on foot.

Full-Day Santo Domingo City Tour from Punta Cana - The Alcázar is closed, so expect the fort
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Full-Day Santo Domingo City Tour from Punta Cana

1.Full-Day Santo Domingo City Tour from Punta Cana

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4,500 reviews · from $95Our pick

Ride from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo with a local guide, then walk the Colonial Zone, visit the Royal Houses Museum and cathedral, and see Fortaleza Ozama in place of the closed Alcázar. Lunch, entrance fees and hotel transfers are included. Guides such as Nacho, Darius and Kevin have led the tour.

“It was great to go to the capital and see the historic city. This is not as comprehensive as other colonial areas. This is a LONG trip from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo--three and a half hours each way.”

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5 tours in 1 (Eco Farm/Horseback/City Tour/Buggy/Zipline) - Horseback riding through countryside and plantations
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5 tours in 1 (Eco Farm/Horseback/City Tour/Buggy/Zipline)

2.5 tours in 1 (Eco Farm/Horseback/City Tour/Buggy/Zipline)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,443 reviews · from $119

Spend about eight hours exploring beyond Punta Cana’s resorts, with hotel pickup, horseback riding, a family coffee and cocoa farm, Higüey’s basilica and market, Dominican lunch, ziplining, and a buggy ride with a possible river swim. Guides including Javier, Chris, Juan, and Christian have been associated with the tour, but your guide may vary. Budget for dust, mud, and optional photos.

“Transpiration was very easy, horseback riding was great timing it lasted about 30 minutes, then we did cigar tasting, the buggies were fast and easy to drive, I recommend taking someone to hold your phone because there’s mug flying everywhere, halfway in the buggies we got into a river so be prepared for that, the zip line was so fun and they had great views. Also the food was buffet style and I loved it.”

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Puerto Plata City Tours - Downtown Puerto Plata in short visits
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Puerto Plata City Tours

3.Puerto Plata City Tours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 590 reviews · from $55Top rated

This four-hour Puerto Plata tour links the Macorix rum museum, a chocolate workshop, downtown streets, a cigar factory, and San Felipe Fortress by air-conditioned vehicle. Pickup is offered at Amber Cove and Taino Bay cruise ports, with bottled water and onboard Wi-Fi. Guides have included Edwin, Francisco, and Virgilio; the group can reach 55.

“This tour was absolutely fantastic, cannot recommend it enough. We were picked up at the meeting spot and jumped into a well air-conditioned van. The two tour guides, Edwin and Francisco, were very friendly, and answered any and all questions we had. We also had some questions prior to the Tour beginning, and they were quickly answered via the app. As described on the website, the tour included multiple areas in Puerto Plata, and the tour guides safely navigated through various areas in the city. Francisco was also kind enough to take photos of the couples on the tour, wherever they wanted photos taken. Cold waters were also readily available…”

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Punta Cana: All Inclusive Santo Domingo Full-Day City Tour - Columbus Lighthouse and the modern capital
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Punta Cana: All Inclusive Santo Domingo Full-Day City Tour

4.All Inclusive Santo Domingo Full-Day City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 553 reviews · 10 hours - 750 minutes · from $70

Travel from Punta Cana or Bávaro to Santo Domingo for a full day of history, cave lakes, and colonial streets. The route includes Los Tres Ojos, the First Cathedral of America, the National Pantheon, and a Dominican lunch. Guides such as Willy and Willi lead in English and Spanish. Hotel transfers and landmark entry tickets are included, but expect a long ride and some vehicle changes.

“The caves were awesome. Guide didn't rush us. Took pixs of me (solo). Only 2 London women & I spoke English. Would have been more fun if we could have communicated with them they were clear in the back of bus & Questions asked were in Spanish & answered in Spanish so we didn't benefit from their questions. Lunch good. Bus had brake problems. High pitched squeal when used. Driver kept banging on the emergency button to stop us. on the way back Driver was running late to save time, he would go the wrong way on the "round abouts" very dangerous after dark. Being female 84yrs old solo non…”

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Half Day City Tour in Puerto Plata - A view above the city, then cigars and chocolate
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Half Day City Tour in Puerto Plata

5.Half Day City Tour in Puerto Plata

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 410 reviews · from $40Best value

See Puerto Plata by air-conditioned van, with hotel pickup, bottled water, and soda. Stops include Macorix rum, Umbrella Street, San Felipe Cathedral, a chocolate factory, and ocean views near the fortress. Guides such as Aribel, Yeury, and Junior have been praised for clear explanations and patient pacing. The tour lasts about three to four hours and costs $40 per person.

“Yeury was great from the start, communicating with me through email before the tour and answering questions. He was very friendly, took pictures and had some good jokes.”

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Puerto Plata City Tours from amber cove and Taino bay - San Felipe Fortress and the city’s coastal views
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Puerto Plata City Tours from amber cove and Taino bay

6.Puerto Plata City Tours from amber cove and Taino bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 327 reviews · from $55

From Amber Cove or Taino Bay, this roughly four-hour Puerto Plata tour pairs a driver and air-conditioned transport with city sights such as San Felipe Fortress, Central Park and Umbrella Street. Expect stops linked to amber, rum, cigars and chocolate. Guides named Rigo, Agustin, Augustine and Jose have led tours, though the exact route and amount of walking can vary.

“Agustín did a wonderful job on our tour. He stayed within the vicinity of us the whole time so that we never felt uncomfortable touring a city as 2 women, he was friendly and knowledgeable and we got to see many highlights of Puerto Plata.”

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Half-day City tour cultural from punta cana for small group - Higüey’s municipal market: ordinary goods, real daily rhythms
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Half-day City tour cultural from punta cana for small group

7.Half-day City tour cultural from punta cana for small group

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 230 reviews · from $60

From a 7 a.m. pickup in Punta Cana, Uvero Alto or Cap Cana, this roughly five-hour outing visits Higüey’s basilica and market, then Anamuya for a Dominican lunch and stops at a country home, cigar factory, horse-riding ranch and Macao Beach. Guides such as Teo are known for clear explanations and friendly conversation. Bring swimwear, a towel and a little extra time.

“Great organized tour - just the right amount of information and also fun. Our driver Sandy and tour guide Robinson must be the best. Great tour - highly recommended.”

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Puerto Plata City Tour VIP (Private and Customizable) - Chocolate, rum, and the cigar workshop
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Puerto Plata City Tour VIP (Private and Customizable)

8.Puerto Plata City Tour VIP (Private and Customizable)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 223 reviews · from $105

Explore Puerto Plata by private, air-conditioned van with a local guide from Ismael Transfer Tours. Choose among the fort, market, rum and chocolate stops, colorful downtown streets, and more. Lunch is included, and guides such as Ismael, Elvin, Elias, and Gelson lead tours. The cable car is currently out of service and is not included.

“This tour was the best! A private van, complete with AC and cold bottled water, and lots of fun! We did some of the typical tourist things (tours), and Ismael brought us to a typical shopping market for the real Dominican experience. Ismael is an informative and passionate host, and is very protective of those on his tour. This was half the price of tours through the cruise ship, and private for our family instead of a giant bus. We would recommend this tour to anyone and everyone. Ismael was very aware of our cruise departure time the entire tour and ensured we arrived back with plenty to spare. Side…”

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Eat Drink & Be Merry Puerto Plata City Tour -Amber Cove/Taino Bay - Fortaleza San Felipe: A Short Look at the Coast’s Past
Amber Cove Shore Excursions, Dominican Republic City Tours, Dominican Republic Tours, Food, Tour Reviews, Tours

Eat Drink & Be Merry Puerto Plata City Tour -Amber Cove/Taino Bay

9.Eat Drink & Be Merry Puerto Plata City Tour -Amber Cove/Taino Bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 218 reviews · from $112

From Amber Cove or Taino Bay, spend about five hours exploring Puerto Plata with a local guide and driver. Ride the cable car up Mount Isabel when it is operating, sample rum and Mama Juana, eat lunch in a restored Victorian home, visit Fortaleza San Felipe, and try cigar rolling. Guides such as Alexander, Carlos and Misael have led the tour, though assignments vary.

“I wish I could give this tour 10 stars! It was amazing. Our tour guide Alex was extremely knowledgeable and engaging. Our bus driver Mr. Jimenez got us where we needed to be safely. We would do this again. If your looking for a great time, take this tour!”

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Puerto Plata City Tour - Macorix rum, from process to tasting
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Puerto Plata City Tour

10.Puerto Plata City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 193 reviews · from $50

This 3-hour-50-minute Puerto Plata tour pairs air-conditioned rides with short walks to the rum factory, Umbrella Street, Amber Museum, San Felipe Fort and more. You’ll get water, soft drinks, WiFi and a taste of Mamajuana, with a group capped at 15. Guides such as Santos, Alfredo and Junior have earned praise for their local insight and friendly help, though English ability can vary.

“Long walk along the pier and across a large plaza to start the tour. Tour was part driving and part walking. Guide spoke reasonably good English. Visited most of the main attractions in PP, including a great panoramic view of the city.”

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Walking Tour from Santo Domingo City - Starting at the Museum of the Royal Houses
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Walking Tour from Santo Domingo City

11.Walking Tour from Santo Domingo City

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 167 reviews · from $60

Walk Santo Domingo’s Colonial City with an expert guide, visiting the Alcázar de Colón, the first cathedral of the Americas, Las Damas Street, and the Museum of the Royal Houses. Admission is included at the major sites, as is a traditional Dominican lunch. The tour begins at 10:00 am and lasts about three to four hours.

“First, we waited 90 minutes before being added to another tour that had already started, meaning we missed a significant portion of the experience. Additionally, I was provided with multiple audio guides, none of which worked, makiRead more”

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Colonial Zone: Historical Tour with a visit to the Columbus Lighthouse and Tres Ojos Park - Walk the Colonial Zone with a guide
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Colonial Zone: Historical Tour with a visit to the Columbus Lighthouse and Tres Ojos Park

12.Historical Tour with a visit to the Columbus Lighthouse and Tres Ojos Park

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 157 reviews · 2 - 9 hours

Visit Los Tres Ojos National Park, the Columbus Lighthouse and Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone on a guided tour with transport and attraction tickets included. Walk Calle Las Damas, see the First Cathedral of the Americas and hear about the city’s colonial past. Guides on tours have included Medina, Fernando and Francisco. Pickup is available in some hotel areas.

“Had a great time with this team, very friendly and knowledgeable. Their bus was modern and clean, which made the ride even more enjoyable. Francisco stood out with his deep knowledge and contagious enthusiasm for the history. Highly recommend!”

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Puerto Plata City Tour - Macorix rum, from process to tasting
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Puerto Plata City Tour

13.Puerto Plata City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 142 reviews · from $73

Spend about six to seven hours seeing Puerto Plata by safari truck, from the Amber Museum and San Felipe Fortress to a cable car ride up Mount Isabel. The day also includes the cathedral, a chocolate tasting, lunch, bottled water and hotel pickup and drop-off. Guides have included Juan and Carlos, though the assigned guide can vary.

“the trip was great, I love the Umbrella St and the Pink street, this trip was full of activities and I was satisfied with the experience and highly recommended”

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Guided E Bike City Tour in Punta Cana - Cocotal and a Taste of Mamajuana
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Guided E Bike City Tour in Punta Cana

14.Guided E Bike City Tour in Punta Cana

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 137 reviews · from $60

Explore Punta Cana beyond the resort on a small-group electric-bike tour, with practice time before riding and guides such as Katie leading the way. Stop at Cocotal, Playa Bibijagua, Caribbean Lake Park, and downtown Punta Cana for Mamajuana, beachside shops, drinks, and local bites. The bikes use throttle controls, and parts of the route share busy streets with traffic.

“The E-bike tour is a MUST DO. Katie was a great tour guide. Very informative on all the places we visited and the lunch. The lunch was GOOD, first time having that kind of food and it didn’t disappoint!! Don’t hesitate to book it was very fun.”

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From Bavaro: Santo Domingo Colonial City Tour - The Colonial Zone: A UNESCO-Listed Historic Core
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From Bavaro: Santo Domingo Colonial City Tour

15.Santo Domingo Colonial City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.6 · 129 reviews · 10 hours · from $85

Leave your Bávaro hotel by air-conditioned bus for a 10-hour guided visit to Santo Domingo. Explore 3 Eyes National Park, the UNESCO-listed Colonial Zone, and landmarks such as the first cathedral and Calle Las Damas. Guides are offered in seven languages, though the exact schedule and stops can vary.

“Il nostro guida Alberto molto preparato. Conosce la storia ma sopratutto coinvolge ogni persona, ogni nazionalità nella storia. Divertente e molto attento del gruppo. Parla sempre ed è una cosa buona. Si vede che fa il suo lavoro con responsabilità. Bravo! Nel caso nostro eravamo gli unici in lingua italiana e faceva sempre los stesso discorso in inglese e in spagnolo.”

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Just added: Dominican Republic City Tours

★ 4.5Buggy excursion in the city of Puerto PlataFrom $4624 reviews
★ 4.5Historical Tour in the Colonial City of Santo DomingoFrom $406 reviews
★ 5.0Historical Tour in the Colonial ZoneFrom $253 reviews
★ 5.0City Tour & Half-Day Safari ExperiencesFrom $4510 reviews
★ 4.0Half Day Excursion Colonial Zone, Faro to Colón, 3 Eyes ParkFrom $7517 reviews
★ 4.5Guided Tour in the Colonial Zone of Santo DomingoFrom $6527 reviews
★ 5.0Sightseeing and City Tour in Puerto PlataFrom $4452 reviews
★ 4.0Colonial Santo Domingo and hidden natural beauties City TourFrom $7911 reviews
★ 5.0Puerto Plata City Tour (POP) private taxiFrom $455 reviews
★ 5.0City Tour with Beach and Lunch IncludedFrom $6022 reviews
★ 5.0City Tour in Puerto Plata (Amber Cove, Taino Bay)4 reviews
★ 5.0SANTO DOMINGO/ City tour – the best Adventures & traditionalFrom $954 reviews
★ 5.0Short Excursions City Tour and 27 Waterfall DamajaguaFrom $554 reviews
★ 4.1Private City Tour walkingFrom $553 reviews
★ 4.5Natural Treasures of the CityFrom $17512 reviews

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Pick your Dominican day

Choose a boat, a dirt track or a colonial street.

Boats and reefs

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Off-road

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Food, rum and history

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Landmarks

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