Things to do in Dominican Republic

3 destinations in Dominican Republic, when to visit each, and what a trip actually costs.

Places to visit in Dominican Republic

When flights to each destination are cheapest.

Puerto Plata: Fly in May, June, or early September for the lowest fares, typically 25-40% cheaper than the December-January peak or spring break (March) surge. Midweek departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) on JetBlue or Spirit from JFK can drop round trips to $180-250, versus $400+ in high season.
Punta Cana: May through early June and late August through October are the cheapest months to fly to Punta Cana, with round-trip fares from major US hubs running 30-45% lower than the December-March peak winter season. Flying midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday departures) saves an additional $40-80 compared to Friday or Sunday travel.
Santo Domingo: The cheapest months to fly to Santo Domingo are May, early June, and September through early November (shoulder and hurricane-adjacent season), when round-trip fares from major US hubs can run 30-45% less than the December-January peak or spring break periods. Flying midweek (Tuesday/Wednesday departures) shaves an additional 10-15% off typical fares.

A day on the ground for one person travelling alone, before flights: somewhere to sleep, food, something to do and getting around.

Set your dates, budget and home airport on any destination below for a total that includes flights.

Puerto Plata: Malecón Boardwalk Stroll Walk the breezy oceanfront promenade at sunset, watch locals play dominoes, and catch live music on weekends.
Puerto Plata: Central Park (Parque Central) Gorgeous Victorian gazebo, shaded benches, and a hub of local life, great people-watching and street snacks nearby.
Punta Cana: Walk Playa Bávaro Public beach access is free all along the coast; simply walk past resort entrances to reach open stretches.
Punta Cana: Pueblo Bávaro Market Colorful open-air market where locals shop for crafts, spices, and cheap street food, great people-watching.
Santo Domingo: Parque Independencia & Altar de la Patria Monumental mausoleum of the founding fathers surrounded by a lively public park perfect for people-watching
Santo Domingo: Stroll Calle Las Damas The first paved street in the Americas, lined with colonial mansions, courtyards, and open plazas to explore at your own pace

Comedor El Rancho in Puerto Plata, Pollo guisado (stewed chicken) with rice, beans, and tostones Plates $3-5
Pica Pollo Don Luis in Puerto Plata, Crispy fried chicken (pica pollo) with lime and hot sauce Plates $2-4
Jellyfish Restaurant Beach Bar in Punta Cana, Grilled fresh catch of the day with tostones Plates $12-18
El Pulpo Cojo in Punta Cana, Whole fried snapper with rice, beans, and salad Plates $8-14
Comedores in the Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo, La bandera dominicana (rice, beans, stewed chicken, salad) Plates $3-5
El Conuco in Santo Domingo, Sancocho (hearty seven-meat stew) served with yuca and tostones Plates $8-14