Santo Domingo

Travel Guide

Dominican Republic showing general coastal views and a sunset
Dominican Republic featuring a beach as well as a small group of people
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

The Caribbean’s first city is a thriving metropolis that has colonial buildings and modern masterpieces, captivating museums and a lively boardwalk. 

Santo Domingo is a fast-growing city known for its colonial architecture, modern art and an oceanfront boardwalk lined with restaurants and cafés. The Caribbean’s first city has had a turbulent history. Since it was founded by the brother of Christopher Columbus in 1498, Santo Domingo has been raided by pirates and slaves and ruled by a dictator. Today, the city reflects this past with colonial architecture and looks to the future with a growing cultural scene. 

Spend your mornings around Santo Domingo’s El Malecon. Restaurants, cafés and parks line this popular oceanfront boardwalk. Sip espressos and people-watch at outdoor tables.

Towards the Santo Domingo Port, find the city’s UNESCO protected colonial zone. Here you can visit the city’s most significant historical landmarks, including the Alcázar de Colón, the former home of explorer Diego Colón. Catch your breath in the shady Colón Park before continuing to the National Pantheon, with its neoclassical façade. Visit the Ozama Fortress, which once protected the city from pirates. Climb to its balcony for a panoramic view of the city.

West of the colonial zone, explore charming residential suburbs and museums around the Plaza de la Cultura. Delve into historical books at the adjacent National Library or reserve a seat for a dance, opera or drama performance at the National Theater. 

Nearby, the Museum of Modern Art displays the best of new Dominican artists in temporary exhibits. Learn about the pre-Columbian life of Hispaniola’s native Taino Indians at the Museum of the Dominican Man. Visit the Palace of Fine Arts to appreciate its vast columned façade with a bright Caribbean color scheme.

In the evenings, return to El Malecon and pick a terrace restaurant along the lively George Washington Avenue. Listen to karaoke, salsa and Merengue drum beats of street performers, particularly around carnival when parties reach their peak. 

Santo Domingo is located on the south coast of the Dominican Republic. Fly into the city’s international airport then get around using public buses, taxis and públicos (private minivans).

Where to stay in Santo Domingo

Fort Ozama which includes heritage elements

Zona Colonial

Zona Colonial is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Calle El Conde and Santa Maria la Menor Cathedral while in the area.

Zona Colonial
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Piantini

Unique features of Piantini include the shopping and restaurants. Make a stop by Blue Mall or Acropolis Center while you're exploring the area.

Piantini
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Downtown Santo Domingo

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Downtown Santo Domingo. Spend some time visiting top spots like Acropolis Center, and catch the metro at Freddy Beras Goico Station or Juan Ulises Garcia Station to see more of the area.

Downtown Santo Domingo
Alcazar de Colon showing a square or plaza and a city

Ciudad Colonial

If you're spending some time in Ciudad Colonial, Calle El Conde and Santa Maria la Menor Cathedral are top sights worth seeing.

Ciudad Colonial
Plaza de la Cultura showing a square or plaza

Gascue

The abundant dining options and seaside views are just a few top-rate features of the neighborhood. Make a stop by Grand Casino Jaragua or Guibia Beach while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Casandra Damiron Station to get around town.

Gascue
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Bella Vista

When in Bella Vista, you can plan a visit to Acropolis Center and Bella Vista Mall, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Bella Vista
whala! boca chica - All inclusive

whala! boca chica - All inclusive

3 out of 5
Avenida Abraham Núñez, Boca Chica, Santo Domingo
The price is P5,272 per night from Sep 4 to Sep 5
P5,272
P6,221 total
Sep 4 - Sep 5
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach property in Boca Chica. Enjoy free breakfast, 3 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7/10 Good! (2,048 reviews)
"For the price is was excellent. Clean ! Pool area and the beach was beautiful the view the room was extremely big. Just not many restaurants as other all have inclusive hotels. But it was worth the money"

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

whala! boca chica - All inclusive
Dominican Fiesta Hotel

Dominican Fiesta Hotel

4 out of 5
Av Anacaona 101, Esquina Cibao Oeste, Sector los Cacicazgos, Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional
The price is P4,769 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P4,769
P6,104 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Santo Domingo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,387 reviews)
"Except for the attitude of a specific employee at the counter all basically went well. I would recommend that since hotels and airports are international zones or at minimum highly trafficked by nationals other than only Spanish speakers. I would recommended that more persons be versed in the English ..."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Dominican Fiesta Hotel
W&P Santo Domingo

W&P Santo Domingo

4 out of 5
Av Sarasota #53, Santo Domingo
Stay at this 4-star golf hotel in Santo Domingo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
"love the club"

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

W&P Santo Domingo
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.
Aston Rubi City Suites

Aston Rubi City Suites

4 out of 5
Prolongación Gracita Álvarez, esquina Lic. Carlos Sánchez, Santo Domingo, Santo Domingo
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Santo Domingo. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Sambil Santo Domingo and Blue ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (95 reviews)
"Great new hotel, only drawback is they don’t accept Amex or Discover."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Aston Rubi City Suites
Brickell Apart Hotel

Brickell Apart Hotel

5 out of 5
C. Cesar Augusto Roque, Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Santo Domingo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a nightclub. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (178 reviews)
"Rooster crows at daybreak"

Reviewed on Jul 18, 2025

Brickell Apart Hotel
Central Park Tower

Central Park Tower

3.5 out of 5
13 Luis Escoto Gomez, Santo Domingo
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Santo Domingo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Blue Mall and Sambil Santo Domingo ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (306 reviews)
"Big apartment, well located"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Central Park Tower
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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