The Dominican Republic isn’t just about beaches and resorts; it’s also a lively hub for shopping, local markets, and culinary experiences. What makes it stand out is the opportunity to explore authentic Dominican products—think hand-rolled cigars, fragrant coffee, and vibrant souvenirs—beyond the typical tourist shops. Whether you’re interested in learning how to make traditional dishes, sampling premium rum, or hunting for unique handcrafted items, this country’s tours offer something special. We particularly like experiences like the Learn How to Make Chillo al Coco & Taino Concept Store, which combine culture with hands-on fun, or the Don Lucas Cigar Factory & Store + Premium Rum Tasting for a taste of local craftsmanship.
If you’re after a well-rounded shopping experience or want to support local artisans, the tours listed here are worth considering. They offer authentic encounters, practical insights into Dominican products, and plenty of tastings and souvenirs to bring home. Read on to find the perfect match for your interests and schedule.
Quick Overview
Our list features a range of shopping and market tours, from culinary classes and factory visits to local markets and souvenir shopping. Many include hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics simple, and offer sampling of local products like cigars, rum, coffee, and chocolate. Price points vary from budget-friendly options such as the Guided Shopping Tour to WordMart Souvenirs at just $5, to more immersive experiences like the Private Tour: Cocoa, Coffee, Local Market and Cigars Factory for around $209. Each tour offers a unique perspective—whether focused on culinary skills, artisanal crafts, or product tastings—catering to different interests and budgets.
Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each tour, highlighting what makes them special and helping you decide which one might be perfect for your trip.
1. Learn How to Make Chillo al Coco & Taino Concept Store
At number 1 on our list, this hands-on cooking class offers a genuine taste of Dominican and Taino culinary traditions. For around $98, you’ll spend about two hours immersed in local flavors, learning to prepare Chillo al Coco—a classic dish featuring fish cooked with coconut—and other traditional recipes. The class includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Punta Cana, making logistics effortless. Beverages and food tastings are provided throughout, and you’ll finish by sitting down with your classmates to enjoy the meal you created.
What makes this experience stand out is its focus on authentic recipes passed down through generations, along with a lively instructor who shares stories behind each dish. It’s perfect for food lovers or families who want a cultural, interactive experience. The reviews confirm its popularity, with a perfect 5.0/5 rating from 93 reviews. Travelers love the informative, fun environment and the chance to recreate dishes at home. Bottom line: Great value for the opportunity to learn and eat like a local.
2. Don Lucas Cigar Factory & Store + Premium Rum Tasting (3 hours)
Number 2 brings you into the world of luxury Dominican cigars and premium rum. For only $6, this tour packs in tastings of cigars, rum, coffee, and chocolate—which are local favorites—and takes roughly three hours. It begins with a visit to the Don Lucas Cigar Factory, where you’ll witness the art of cigar-making firsthand, learning about the craftsmanship behind these world-renowned products. Afterwards, you’ll explore the choco and coffee museums plus a rum bar, making this a compact but comprehensive culinary tour.
Why it ranks high? Because it’s small-group friendly, affordable, and perfect for those eager to understand Dominican luxury exports. A reviewer appreciates the friendly staff and relaxing atmosphere, noting it’s an excellent way to sample local flavors without breaking the bank. The tour offers good value at just $6, especially considering the multiple tastings included. Bottom line: Ideal for curious travelers who want a relaxed, educational experience of cigars and rum.
$6.00 per person
3. Private Tour: Cocoa, Coffee, Local Market and Cigars Factory
For around $209, this private, full-day tour offers a deep dive into authentic Dominican landscapes and flavors. It includes visits to cocoa plantations, a small chocolate factory, and a local market—plus a typical Dominican lunch and a visit to the oldest cigar factory in the country. The tour highlights include supporting local communities and experiencing non-commercial, genuine culture.
The tour’s strength is its comprehensive itinerary, covering cocoa, coffee, cigars, and markets, with ample opportunities to interact with locals. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see behind the scenes of Dominican craftsmanship and enjoy a full day of exploration. With a 5.0 rating from just one review, it’s clear this experience makes a lasting impression. Be prepared for a long day, but the richness of insights and authentic encounters make it worthwhile. Bottom line: Best suited for those who want an in-depth, personalized experience.
$209.00 per person
4. Dominican Street Food Class & Taino Concept Store
At just $70 for about 90 minutes, this street food class offers a quick but flavorful introduction to Dominican cuisine. You’ll learn how to prepare local street favorites and visit the Taino Concept Store, where you can browse souvenirs and learn about indigenous culture. Perfect for foodies short on time but eager for authentic flavors, this experience combines hands-on cooking with cultural shopping.
Reviewers praise the delicious flavors and lively atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for those wanting a bite-sized culinary adventure. Its affordability and focus on street food distinguish it from more comprehensive tours, but it still offers a memorable taste of local life. Bottom line: Ideal for travelers seeking a quick, fun culinary experience.
$70.00 per person
5. Guided Shopping Tour to WordMart Souvenirs – Round Trip Transport
Number 5 is a budget-friendly option at just $5, offering a 3-hour guided shop visit that covers souvenirs, cigars, rum, coffee, and chocolate. It’s perfect if you want to hit multiple vendors in one go, with round-trip transportation included. The tour centers on buying souvenirs—think ceramics, local crafts, and artisan products—making it a good choice for gifting or collecting Dominican keepsakes.
Reviewers appreciate the friendly guide and the variety of items available. It’s a straightforward way to maximize your shopping time without the hassle of organizing transport. The focus on local artisans makes it a practical, value-packed option. Bottom line: Great for souvenir hunters and budget-conscious travelers.
6. World Mart Souvenirs Store – Free Pick-up / Drop-off
This 2.5-hour shopping experience for $5 takes you directly to the Vibrant World Mart for a curated tour of Dominican crafts. It offers a chance to learn about craftsmanship and pick up meaningful souvenirs made by local artisans. The free pick-up and drop-off make it especially convenient for travelers looking to combine shopping with ease.
Although reviews are limited, the positive feedback about the shop’s unique treasures suggests it’s worth visiting. It’s best suited for those who want a quick, guided shopping experience with an authentic touch. Bottom line: Perfect for a short, hassle-free souvenir shopping session.
7. Punta Cana Shopping Guided Tour with FREE Transportation Included
For $5 per group, this 2-hour tour offers guided shopping in Punta Cana’s main souvenir spots, including the Taino Gifts Punta Cana shop. It features mamajuana tastings, cigar demonstrations, and the chance to explore local culinary delights. The tour’s convenience—hotel pickup in Bávaro, Uvero Alto, and nearby areas—is a major plus.
Guests appreciate the cultural activities included, which elevate the shopping experience beyond just buying souvenirs. It’s a lively tour suited for small groups or families, especially those interested in learning about Dominican traditions while shopping. Bottom line: A good choice for a quick, culturally rich shopping trip with free transportation.
8. Shopping Tour Punta Cana Larimar Chocolate Cigar Factory souvenir
Number 8 combines shopping for souvenirs with tastings of cigars, rum, and chocolate. For about $10, you get around 2.5 hours of guided shopping, which includes visits to Don Lucas’s cigar shop and local souvenir stores. The tour emphasizes authentic Dominican products and offers free samples, making it a fun way to try before you buy.
While reviews are modest, there’s praise for the informative cigar making experience and the variety of samples. It’s best suited for those wanting a quick, value-oriented shopping trip with some flavorful tastings. Bottom line: Ideal for visitors who want a compact taste of Dominican craftsmanship.
$10.00 per person
9. Experience Shopping Activity in Punta Cana
This queue-free, customizable shopping experience is priced at $15 and lasts about 3 hours. It includes visits to artisan shops, with tastings of cigars, coffee, chocolate, and Mamajuana. The tour creates a personalized, engaging exploration of local crafts and stories.
Without reviews yet, its focus on personalized attention and local flavors makes it appealing for those who want a bespoke shopping adventure. It’s flexible, suitable for any budget, and encourages a deeper connection with Dominican culture. Bottom line: Great for curious travelers wanting a tailored shopping experience.
$15.00 per person
10. The Oliver tasting VIP & Taino Concept Store
Finally, this exclusive VIP tasting centers on Oliver & Oliver’s premium rums, including a 25-year-old aged variety. Priced at $75 for about 75 minutes, it’s perfect for rum connoisseurs or those seeking a luxury, curated tasting. The tour is led by experts and offers a unique insight into aged rums that you can’t find elsewhere.
Although reviews are unavailable, the collaboration with a renowned brand and focus on premium spirits suggest a high-quality, refined experience. It’s best for travelers who want a luxury tasting or a special souvenir to remember their trip. Bottom line: Recommended for those seeking a premium, educational spirits experience.
$75.00 per person
How to Choose the Right Shopping & Market Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your interests and schedule. Want to learn to cook? The Chillo al Coco class (Learn How to Make Chillo al Coco & Taino Concept Store) is perfect. Looking for a deep dive into cigars and rum? The Don Lucas Factory Tour (Don Lucas Cigar Factory & Store + Premium Rum Tasting) offers a comprehensive experience. For those on a tight budget, the guided souvenir shop tours (WordMart, World Mart) provide excellent value.
Think about whether you prefer a short, lively class or a full-day in-depth exploration. If supporting local artisans and authentic markets is your aim, the Private Cocoa and Cigar Tour (Cocoa, Coffee, Local Market, Cigars) might be your best choice.
Booking early is wise, especially during peak seasons, to ensure you get the experience that best matches your interests and schedule.
In summary, the Dominican Republic offers a rich variety of shopping and market tours tailored to different tastes and budgets. Whether you want a culinary class, a luxury rum tasting, or a souvenir hunt, there’s a tour for you. For a well-rounded trip, consider combining a culinary experience with a local crafts visit. Remember to book early, so you don’t miss out on these authentic, engaging adventures that will give you a new appreciation for the country’s artisans and flavors.