Table of Contents
Introduction
It was my first time in the Caribbean Islands. My actual very first time, and I was thoroughly impressed by the vibrant atmosphere, the delicious food (more on that later), and the stunning beaches. Here is your Dominican Republic Travel Guide for visiting.
During my island-hopping adventure, I was reminded of my trip to Zanzibar. The Dominican Republic has a similar mix of culture, beauty, and calm. There are so many things to do in the Dominican Republic and it’s perfect for girls’ trips, solo travellers, birthday trips, and family vacations. I highly recommend adding it to your travel bucket list.
Related Post: Should You Make a Travel Bucket List? Pros and Cons Explained
About the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a country located on the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean. It’s known for its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and seriously good food. The official language is Spanish, and the currency is the Dominican Peso. Although I rarely needed cash, as most places accepted cards.
Worth noting that in the Dominican Republic, power plugs and sockets (outlets) of type A and type B are used. If you're coming from a country with different plug types, bring a travel adapter.
Entry Requirements for the Dominican Republic
Travelling to the Dominican Republic is straightforward for most visitors. As a British, American, or Canadian citizen, you don’t need a visa for stays up to 30 days. However, your passport does need to be valid for the length of your trip.
For British travellers, I highly recommend checking the ‘Entry Requirements’ section for current restrictions and requirements, as these may change. You’ll need to complete an entry and exit form before arriving in and leaving the Dominican Republic. This form includes your customs declaration and international boarding and disembarking information.
If you’re not from one of the visa-exempt countries, you can check what you need and apply for your visa here via iVisa.
Thins to do in the Dominican Republic
Where to Stay in the Dominican Republic
I stayed at Faranda Single 1, which was a super cute studio with a kitchen and all the amenities I needed. I never finish my food when I go out to eat, so being able to warm up leftovers made me so happy. The small things count, honestly.
If you’re looking for all-inclusive vibes, check out Serenade Punta Cana. It’s also great for families. You can even buy a day pass for around £95, which gives you full access to the resort – don’t forget your passport when you go!
You can book both hotels here via Expedia. And there’s an easy map for you to see where the hotels are below:
What to Eat in the Dominican Republic
I ate at my hotel quite a bit, but I also tried a couple of restaurants I’d definitely recommend:
- SBG Punta Cana – This restaurant is a luxury spot where I had fried rice and a perfectly seasoned seabass. The staff were lovely and even brought me some chilli sauce to top it all off. I can still taste it, honestly. The setting was beautiful, and the ambience made it feel like a proper treat.
- La Casita de Yeya Downtown – This is a great place for authentic Dominican food. I ordered Sancocho, one of the country’s most iconic dishes. It’s a rich, hearty chicken stew served with rice. I also tried chicharrón de pollo, tostones, and a flaky empanada filled with perfectly seasoned chicken. I was honestly way too full. I finished this all with a cold homemade lemonade. The staff were incredibly kind and welcoming, which made the whole experience even better.
La Casita de Yeya Downtown is also in a great location. It’s right near Congo Bongo, so perfect for a chill lunch or early dinner before heading in. The vibe was super laid-back, and the food? 10/10.
Dominican Republic Travel Guide for 5-Day
Day 1 – Arrival & Relax
Land, get through customs, and chill. You can pre-book your airport taxi or use Uber, which is widely available. I always keep day one light. Check into your hotel and settle in, and ease yourself into island time.
Day 2 – The Montaña Redonda
Have a slow morning, this is a very chilled trip. You then have lunch at your hotel and head to Montaña Redonda. This is a stunning mountain viewpoint with a famous swing 1,000 feet above sea level. You can take an Uber/InDrive (around £35–£40), or if you want to go with others, book a tour via Viator.
In the evening, you can have dinner at SBG Punta Cana.
Day 3 – Saona Island
This is the ultimate boat day. Sun, sea, sand, and proper island vibes. Book a Saona Island tour here – it’s a full-day experience and totally worth it. There was dancing and music on the boat, and so many vibes. This tour includes lunch and drinks.
Day 4 – The City of Santo Domingo
Take a break from the beaches and explore the capital. Learn some history of the Dominican Republic in Santo Domingo, it’s filled with colour and so energy. I booked this Punta Cana to Santo Domingo tour. The tour includes transport and lunch.
Day 5 – Chill & Fly Out
On your final day, fit in a relaxed stroll or last-minute shopping trip to Downtown Punta Cana, depending on your flight time. This is where you can have lunch at La Casita de Yeya Downtown.
Travel Tips for the Dominican Republic
- My Instagram and TikTok have quick reels and specifics of my visit to the Dominican Republic.
- Before visiting any of these countries, I recommend checking the Foreign Advice Page for U.K. travellers. Check if you need visas here.
- Book your tours with Viator or GetYourGuide if you want specific tours for the Dominican Republic. Please read the reviews before booking!
- I used Airalo, an e-SIM card, for data. You can purchase it here and use the code ADEBOL5279.
Final Views on the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic was exactly what I needed. With all the travelling for work, it had been a while since I travelled simply for myself. Good food, fantastic energy, and good rest. Whether you’re travelling solo Dominican Republic, or going with a friend, celebrating something special, or just in need of some sun and clarity, it’s a beautiful choice.
I hope this Dominican Republic Travel Guide was useful! I now need to think about my next Caribbean Island… where do you think I should go next?
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Speak soon,
MBV x
