The Dominican Republic's Top Cultural Attractions

The Dominican Republic offers travelers a rich cultural and natural heritage. The country features various attractions and activities that are of interest to many visitors. Whether guests want to discover the history and art of the country or nature and its beautiful beaches, the Dominican Republic has something for every type of visitor.

The Colonial City of Santo Domingo is the historic heart of the country. Other major historical attractions include the  Altos de Chavón in La Romana and the Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia in Higüey. 

A majority of the population in the Dominican Republic is Roman Catholic or another Christian denomination, making Dominican churches a common cultural touchstone for visitors. They play an majore role in the DR's culture and history, especially in Santo Domingo, home to the Catedral Primada de América, the oldest in the Americas.

Travelers who enjoy visiting museums will find them aplenty in the Dominican Republic. 

Santo Domingo’s Colonial City offers many excellent museums, including the National Museum of History and Geography in Santo Domingo. 

Other notable institutions include Altos de Chavón Regional Archaeological Museum in La Romana and the Amber Museum in Puerto Plata.

The Dominican Republic's sustainable tourism community means that travelers can have rich cultural and agricultural experiences when they visit. Travelers can explore customs around chocolate and coffee production, rum and cigar-making and more.

The Dominican Republic's vibrant culture comes alive during the Dominican Carnival, which takes place every Sunday in February and some festivities carry on through the first week of March.

The celebration can be experienced in cities and regions around the country where visitors can see colorful parades, costumes, masks and mythical characters that reflect the country's diverse folkloric heritage. 

Visitors traveling to the Dominican Republic for a cultural experience can't miss the country's favorite sport—baseball. "Pelota," as it is known in the DR is a passion for the country, from which many well-known players come, including Sammy Sosa, Pedro Martínez, David Ortiz, Robinson Canó, José Reyes, Juan Marichal and Bartolo Colón, among others.