The Dominican Republic is a Caribbean country that shares the island of Hispaniola to the south with Haiti to the northwest. It is well known for its tropical beaches, golf courses and resorts. Its geographical terrain includes highlands, jungle and rain forest, which are home to Pico Duarte, the tallest mountain in the Caribbean. Capital city Santo Domingo features Spanish landmarks such as the Gothic Cathedrals, renovated Spanish buildings and the world renowned Sugarloaf Mountain. It also offers visitors an enchanting landscape of palms, fruit trees and other tropical plants.
The Caribbean islands are known for their tourist beaches, and the Dominican Republic is no exception. Nevertheless, there is enough to do on a holiday in the Dominican republic to make any tourist's day memorable. For a first time visitor, the lush, palm fringed beaches of Negril can be an idyllic place to begin a sun holiday. Though there are many other beaches in the area, Negril stands out for its proximity to golf courses and the rich and diverse marine life it harbors. Of course, the beaches aren't the only things that offer excitement in the area; the nightlife is rated as one of the best in the Caribbean.
Golf lovers will enjoy a great afternoon at the Punta Cana resort, which features a professional 18-hole championship course. Additionally, visitors can try their luck on the local fishing and golf facilities. The Golf Digest Resort and Spa in Plata de la Luz offer all inclusive packages. After a long day of activities, visitors can unwind by the pool or explore the surrounding countryside. While the Dominican republic travel guide lists many hotels in Plata de la Luz, travellers should choose a hotel they prefer, which makes the trip more comfortable.
Oviedo is another popular tourist attraction in the Dominican republic. Situated on the north coast, near Punta Cana, this historic town offers spectacular views over the sea, the bay and the hills. Along the way, tourists will see charming villages and charming old buildings. The main sights include the beautiful San Jose Square, Church of Santa Maria de Gracia, San Carlos Square, the National Museum and the Catedral Santa Cruz, which has been restored after being destroyed in an earthquake.
The capital of Santo Domingo is Santo Domingo, a delightful town with a warm, welcoming population. While most of the historic buildings have been renovated, visitors are still able to see some of the older, original features of this delightful town. Tourists can enjoy the beaches, the shopping and the fine dining in one of the most attractive places to visit in the Dominican Republic.
Punta Cana is located in the heart of the Dominican Republic and is one of the best places to visit in the entire country. This city offers plenty of activities for all ages, from gentle strolls along beautiful beaches to thrilling water sports and exciting attractions such as the San Juan river. The beautiful beach and colonial buildings make this a charming place to visit. Visitors can also check out the many museums and art galleries here. The Punta Cana international airport offers flights to this amazing destination every day of the week.
The capital of Santo Domingo is Santo Domingo, another delightful spot on the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic. This ancient city is known for its charming cobblestone streets and beautiful beaches. The beautiful Caribbean ocean beaches are a sight to behold. These beaches are perfect for water sports enthusiasts, especially those who want to relax and sun themselves out on the pristine white sand. The santo Domingo district of this city is also an interesting place to visit. The cobblestone streets, colonial architecture and beautiful shops are ideal for strolling through the cobbled streets and looking at local artwork and antique pieces.
Visitors who want to experience life in the Dominican Republic but who are not exactly tourists can check out the cities of Santo Domingo and Punta Cana. Both these cities have plenty to offer visitors, from lush tropical gardens to world class restaurants. They also offer tours of historic architecture, with trips to plantations and sugar cane fields. Travelers looking for more of a cultural experience can check out the museums and art galleries here, or go out shopping for authentic Dominican goods. No matter what your interests are, there is plenty to do and see in the beautiful Dominican Republic.
Up to date information for vaccinations before you travel to Dominican Republic are available from the NHS Fit for Travel website.
Review the latest FCDO Travel Advice before travelling to or from Dominican Republic
From the weather data, you can find that the best time to visit the Dominican Republic is the months from December to April. In this time you can expect the best weather conditions for a fantastic beach holiday.
British Citizens travelling to the Dominican Republic for tourism don't need a visa. As of April 2018, the tourism entry tax (previously known as a tourist card) is no longer collected upon arrival and should be included in your air fare.
See which forms you may need for entry into Dominican Republic.
The official currency of Dominican Republic is the Dominican Peso (DOP). If you're looking to transfer or spend money in Dominican Republic you can grab amazing Dominican Peso deals via Wise.com (GBP to DOP).
The wildlife in the Dominican Republic includes the Hispaniolan Solenodon (it is a nocturnal burrowing mammal, has a long flexible snout, and resembles a large shrew), dwarf Gecko (smallest lizard in world), rhinoceros iguana (threatened), frogs (large capaud, tiny tree frogs), snakes (four types, non-venomous)
Spanish food? One of the most common recipes in the Dominican Republic is La Bandera, which is considered the national dish. It is a colorful meal that matches the colors of the country's flag and consists of rice, red beans, meat, and salad.
You can typically expect to pay around £1.61p for an equivalent pint of lager or beer.
The official language spoken in the Dominican Republic is Spanish. However, dialects are spoken across the country. The local dialect of the Dominican Republic is called Dominican Spanish and has some African influences. Moreover, it has borrowed vocabularies from the Arawak language. You can learn some basic Spanish before you travel to Dominican Republic and really impress the locals!
The currency in Dominican Republic is the Dominican Peso (In the Dominican Republic, it is customary to leave 10% if you enjoyed your services. Some restaurants will add 10% gratuity to your bill, so make sure you look at your check before leaving extra.).
The GMT time difference is -5 hours