Santiago de los Caballeros

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic
Photo provided by Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic
Photo provided by Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic
Photo provided by Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic
Photo provided by Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic

Partake in lively festivals, view impressive monuments and witness authentic Dominican life in one of the oldest colonial cities in the New World.

Appreciate the down-to-earth vibe of the Dominican Republic’s second-largest city, Santiago de los Caballeros, which translates to mean “Saint James of the Knights.” Often overlooked by visitors who rush to the beaches of the coast, this captivating city offers plenty of ornate monuments and interesting museums and architecture, as well as the chance to experience a slice of everyday life in the Dominican Republic.

Santiago’s most iconic feature is the Monumento a los Heroes de la Restauración de la República, which towers over the city. Stand under the 230-foot (70-meter) high bronze Angel de la Paz, which honors the Dominican soldiers who fought in the country’s war of independence.

For over 500 years, Santiago has produced cigars and rum from the sugarcane and tobacco plantations that blanket the surrounding valley floor. Join a factory tour to see how the famous rum and tobacco products are made.

Get to know the residents through their love of music, nightlife and festivals. The classic Dominican music known asmerengue périco ripiao, which uses an accordion, tambora drum and güira (metal scraper), evolved in Santiago. Listen to this and other indigenous music being played in bars all over the city. Time your visit just right to enjoy one of the city’s legendary festivals. Santiago puts on a good show for Carnival with costumes, parades, papier-mâché masks and a whole lot of frivolity.

Appreciate the cultural side of Santiago. Visit the impressive Centro Leon, a world-class museum with a large collection of 20th-century Dominican art built with funding from the León Jimenes family of tobacco merchants. The Catedral de Santiago Apóstol is also worth a stop. Venture inside to inspect the stained-glass windows. Learn more about Dominican history at the castle-like Fortaleza San Luis, a 17th-century military stronghold that today contains a small museum.

Puerto Plata International Airport is 56 miles (91 kilometers) from Santiago and is served by taxis and public buses. Inter-city buses connect to other parts of the country. Rent a car to get to nearby beaches. While city public transportation is cheap and efficient, wander through the center on foot to truly get a feel for this vibrant yet hard-working city.

Where to stay in Santiago de los Caballeros

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Santiago de los Caballeros Centro

Though Santiago de los Caballeros Centro might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Catedral de Santiago and Estadio Cibao.

Santiago de los Caballeros Centro
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Villa Olga

While visiting Villa Olga, you might make a stop by sights like Bella Terra Mall and Cinemacentro Cibao.

Villa Olga
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Cerros de Gurabo

Cerros de Gurabo might not have many top sights, but Casino Gran Almirante and Centro Leon are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Cerros de Gurabo
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Los Jardines

While there might not be top attractions in Los Jardines, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Casino Gran Almirante and Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration.

Los Jardines
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Centro Histórico de Santiago

If you're spending some time in Centro Histórico de Santiago, Catedral de Santiago and Historic San Luis Fort Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Centro Histórico de Santiago
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La Zurza

When in La Zurza, you can plan a visit to Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration and Catedral de Santiago, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

La Zurza
Hotel Santiago, Curio Collection by Hilton

Hotel Santiago, Curio Collection by Hilton

4 out of 5
Ave. Juan Pablo Duarte, esq. Ave. Salvador Estrella Sadhalá, Santiago de los Caballeros
The price is P7,398 per night from Aug 11 to Aug 12
P7,398
P9,470 total
Aug 11 - Aug 12
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Santiago de los Caballeros. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Bella Terra Mall ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (171 reviews)
"Perfect"

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Hotel Santiago, Curio Collection by Hilton
Centro Plaza Hodelpa

Centro Plaza Hodelpa

3 out of 5
C/ Mella No. 54 Esq. Del Sol Apdo 459, Santiago de los Caballeros, Santiago
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Santiago de los Caballeros. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a casino. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"I was only in Santiago for a few days. All of the staff were very friendly and helpful. The room was clean and comfortable. The food in the restaurant was good, and there were other options a brief walk from the hotel. The shuttle service to and from the airport was prompt and the drivers were also ..."

Reviewed on Jul 21, 2025

Centro Plaza Hodelpa
Platino Hotel & Casino

Platino Hotel & Casino

3 out of 5
Av. Estrella Sadhala, frente a PUCMM, Plaza Platinium, Santiago de los Caballeros
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Santiago de los Caballeros. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the overall ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Good service Clean Amenities"

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Platino Hotel & Casino
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Residenciales H1 & H2

Residenciales H1 & H2

4 out of 5
5 Calle Primera, Santiago de los Caballeros, Santiago
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Santiago de los Caballeros. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Centro Leon and Cinemacentro ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (95 reviews)
"The property is clean and comfortable for a long duration"

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2025

Residenciales H1 & H2
The Grand Forest Jarabacoa

The Grand Forest Jarabacoa

3.5 out of 5
Raquet club, Jarabacoa, La Vega
Stay at this 3.5-star villa in Jarabacoa. Enjoy free breakfast, onsite spa services, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Malecón de Jarabacoa and Jarabacoa ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (25 reviews)
"Un lugar genial para desconectarse y descansar!"

Reviewed on Jul 22, 2025

The Grand Forest Jarabacoa
Con piscina y cama king

Con piscina y cama king

3 out of 5
C. 11 de gurabo, residencial tcasa, Santiago de los Caballeros, Santiago
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Santiago de los Caballeros. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and premium TV channels. Popular attractions Casino Gran Almirante ...
2/10 (1 review)
"They charge for cleaning the place before you get there which I believe is not the guess responsibility. the bathroom sink was in a very bad condition had water leak. The stove look very old and burn , it smells like humid and it’s very small place i personally don’t like it and won’t definitely ..."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Con piscina y cama king
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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