The first step to exploring the Dominican Republic frugally is to find affordable accommodations. A great option is the 'Island Life Hostel', located in the heart of Santo Domingo. This cozy hostel not only offers affordable prices, but also a great location to save on transportation. Guests praise the hostel for its great atmosphere and the opportunity to meet other travelers. Prices start at around $15 per bed in a dorm room (as of 2023).

Note that the hostel only offers fans instead of air conditioning, which may be uncomfortable for some people in the hot Dominican climate. However, the savings on lodging can be spent on sightseeing.

Once you're settled in, it's time to explore the delights of Santo Domingo. One of the best free attractions is a stroll through the Zona Colonial, a UNESCO-listed colonial neighborhood. Here you can see beautiful examples of colonial architecture, including the first church and the first cathedral in the Americas. Many of the monuments can be admired from the outside at no admission cost.

Another place worth visiting is Parque Colón, the city's central plaza, where you can relax in the shade of palm trees and watch local residents and street performers. It's a great place to take souvenir photos without spending money.

For nature lovers, the 'Nacional Botanical Garden' is a great option for spending a day outdoors. Admission to the garden is very reasonably priced (about 200 Dominican pesos, equivalent to about $3.5 for 2023). In return, you get access to a 2 km² tropical paradise with numerous species of plants, butterflies and birds. It's the perfect place to picnic and relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Remember that by using public transportation instead of cabs, you can significantly reduce the cost of getting around the city. City buses, although sometimes crowded, are very inexpensive and save you a lot of money.

One of the most interesting, yet inexpensive ways to learn about Dominican history is to visit 'Faro a Colón, Santo Domingo Este'. This impressive monument, which is also a museum, mausoleum and lighthouse, was built in honor of Christopher Columbus. Admission to the site costs just $2 (as of 2023), making it one of the most affordable attractions in Santo Domingo.

Faro a Colón is a 210-meter-tall monument with extraordinary architecture. Inside, you can see numerous exhibits related to the history of the discovery of America, as well as the presumed remains of Christopher Columbus' son. Although the authenticity of these remains is disputed, a visit to this site alone is a fascinating history lesson.

It is interesting to note that the structure is illuminated by 157 floodlights, whose lights aimed at the sky are visible even from neighboring islands. This makes an evening visit to the Faro a Colón area an unforgettable, and free, experience.

For those who want a deeper understanding of Dominican culture but still want to save money, we recommend a visit to the local mercados (markets). The Mercado Modelo in Santo Domingo is the largest artisan market in the city, where you can not only admire local handicrafts, but also buy inexpensive souvenirs. Just walking through the market and observing the daily life of Dominicans is a free and authentic attraction.

If you're planning a weekend stay, look out for the many festivals and cultural events that often take place in public spaces and are free. Merengue, the Dominican Republic's national dance, can often be seen in the streets and squares of Santo Domingo, especially around the Zona Colonial.

For art lovers, the Museo de Arte Moderno offers free admission on Thursdays (as of 2023). This is a great opportunity to get a glimpse of contemporary Dominican art without burdening your wallet.

Remember that many museums and monuments offer discounts for students and seniors, so it's always a good idea to ask about these opportunities. Additionally, some attractions have 'happy hours' or days with free admission - it's worth checking such information before planning your visit.

Exploring local cuisine is an integral part of any trip, and in the Dominican Republic you can do so without spending a fortune. Instead of expensive restaurants, head to local eateries called 'comedores.' They offer traditional dishes at affordable prices.

"La Bandera," the Dominican Republic's national dish consisting of rice, beans, meat and fried plantains, can be eaten at such places for about 200-300 Dominican pesos ($3.5-5.5 USD, as of 2023). This is not only a savings, but also an authentic culinary experience.

Street food is another way to enjoy local cuisine economically. Try 'yaroa', a dish made of plantains or cassava with meat and cheese, or 'pica pollo', a Dominican version of fried chicken. These can be found in numerous food trucks and stalls, especially around Parque Colón.

For those who prefer to prepare their own meals, local markets offer fresh fruits and vegetables at low prices. Mangoes, papaya or passion fruit taste exceptional here, and their prices are much lower than in Europe.

When it comes to drinks, local 'Presidente' beer is not only cheaper than imported brands, but also great for quenching thirst in the tropical climate. It can be purchased in bars off the main tourist routes for around 100 Dominican pesos ($1.8 USD, as of 2023).

Tap water in the Dominican Republic is not recommended for tourists to drink. Instead of buying bottled water, consider investing in a water filter or purification tablets. Not only will it save you money in the long run, but it's also a way to reduce plastic waste.

In conclusion, visiting the Dominican Republic doesn't have to cost a lot of money. By taking advantage of inexpensive accommodations like the 'Island Life Hostel', exploring free attractions such as walking tours of the Zona Colonial or visits to parks, and tasting local cuisine at affordable prices, you can enjoy the delights of this Caribbean paradise without straining your budget. Remember, it's often the less expensive experiences that give you the best insight into the real Dominican Republic and its culture. Whether you head to the 'Nacional Botanical Garden', 'Faro a Colón' or simply stroll the streets of Santo Domingo, you're sure to return with unforgettable memories, not an empty wallet.