Santo Domingo

Travel Guide
Dominican Republic which includes a sandy beach as well as a small group of people
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 featuring heritage elements

Zona Colonial

4.5/5(25 area reviews)

Zona Colonial is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Calle El Conde and Cathedral of Santo Domingo while in the area.

Zona Colonial
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Downtown Santo Domingo

4.5/5(11 area reviews)

Polígono Central boasts a mix of commercial and residential zones, with a high concentration of malls, banks, and international fast food chains. Enjoy daily sports activities at Club Paraiso and Club Naco, or explore the city via Santo Domingo Metro and OMSA bus system.

Downtown Santo Domingo
Cortadito☕️👍

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
Plaza de la Cultura which includes a square or plaza

Gascue

4.5/5(9 area reviews)

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

Gascue
Alcazar de Colon featuring a square or plaza and a city

Ciudad Colonial

Discover the historic heart of Santo Domingo, where cobblestone streets like Calle Las Damas lead to landmarks such as Alcázar de Colón and Catedral de Santa María la Menor. Stroll along pedestrian-only Calle del Conde, and enjoy local shops and restaurants near Plaza de España.

Ciudad Colonial
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Bella Vista

When in Bella Vista, you can plan a visit to Bella Vista Mall and Acropolis Center, 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 CA $106 per night from Jun. 9 to Jun. 10
CA $106
CA $125 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 9 - Jun 10
Stay at this 3-star beach property in Boca Chica. Enjoy free breakfast, 3 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the overall ...
6.4/10 (1,498 reviews)
"I went there for 5 days it was convenient, just what I needed"

Reviewed on Jun. 6, 2024

whala! boca chica - All inclusive
Catalonia Santo Domingo
Catalonia Santo Domingo
4.5 out of 5
Avenida George Washington No. 500, Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional
The price is CA $135 per night from Jun. 22 to Jun. 23
CA $135
CA $173 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 22 - Jun 23
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Santo Domingo. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,289 reviews)
"The hotel is Amazing from the property to the staff. The staff treat you like family. No matter what you ask they will try to help you."

Reviewed on Jun. 4, 2024

Catalonia Santo Domingo
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 CA $101 per night from Jun. 9 to Jun. 10
CA $101
CA $130 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 9 - Jun 10
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 pool in our reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,878 reviews)
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Reviewed on Jun. 5, 2024

Dominican Fiesta Hotel
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.
Brickell Apart Hotel
Brickell Apart Hotel
2.5 out of 5
C. Cesar Augusto Roque, Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional
Stay at this aparthotel in Santo Domingo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a nightclub. Popular attractions Blue Mall and Malecon are located nearby.
8.4/10 Very Good! (64 reviews)
"Service is great apartment is very good and very clean area around is safe"

Reviewed on May 27, 2024

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 Agora Mall and Blue Mall are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (191 reviews)
"Loved this place would stay here again."

Reviewed on May 30, 2024

Central Park Tower
Central Suites Tower
Central Suites Tower
4 out of 5
8 C. José Amado Soler, 8293456325, Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Santo Domingo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Agora Mall and Blue Mall are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (30 reviews)
"Alexander the Great! Thank you so much for making our stay memorable and worth while! Until next time! To the entire staff thank you for making us feel right at home!"

Reviewed on May 29, 2024

Central Suites 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Santo Domingo

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
14
" "5 - Excellent 36.8421052631579%
4 - Good
21
" "4 - Good 55.26315789473684%
3 - Okay
2
" "3 - Okay 5.2631578947368425%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 2.6315789473684212%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Mar. 19, 2020

Its a nice city very dirty but everyone is friendly, you will need to learn some Spanish .

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Mar. 2, 2020

Zona Colonial is full of history. Dominicans are friendly. Colourful Carnaval is on Every Sunday of February.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Jan. 7, 2020

The issue was just with the hotel Sheraton

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Jan. 5, 2020

I would definaly recommend eating at Angelo's and Rita's Cafe at the Colonial Zone

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Jan. 3, 2020

Santo Domingo has plenty of charm and day trips are easily accessible.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
Nov. 24, 2019

Disappointed about people,

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