Santo Domingo

Travel Guide

Dominican Republic which includes a sunset and general coastal views
Dominican Republic showing a sandy 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 ElMalecon. 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(615 area reviews)

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
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
Default Image

Downtown Santo Domingo

4/5(461 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
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
Plaza de la Cultura which includes a square or plaza

Gascue

4/5(452 area reviews)

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
Default Image

Ciudad Universitaria

4/5(160 area reviews)

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Ciudad Universitaria. Spend some time visiting top spots like Guibia Beach, and catch the metro at Amin Abel Station or Francisco Alberto Caamano Deno Station to see more of the area.

Ciudad Universitaria
whala! boca chica - All inclusive

whala! boca chica - All inclusive

3 out of 5
Avenida Abraham Núñez, Boca Chica, Santo Domingo
The price is NT$2,826 per night from Sep 4 to Sep 5
NT$2,826
NT$3,335 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! (2,055 reviews)
"It was ok. Authentic local vibe"

Reviewed on 2025/8/11

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 NT$2,447 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
NT$2,447
NT$3,132 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,397 reviews)
"Good for the price, nice area, felt"

Reviewed on 2025/8/11

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! (1,011 reviews)
"Great service overall"

Reviewed on 2025/8/6

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! (99 reviews)
"This property was excellent! I really enjoyed my experience at this hotel. The staff were friendly and inviting. I really loved my room as it was on the 15th floor with a spectacular view of the city. The room felt like my own little apartment and was equipped with a stove, refrigerator, microwave, ..."

Reviewed on 2025/8/9

Aston Rubi City Suites
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 2025/7/30

Central Park Tower
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! (183 reviews)
"Always amazing"

Reviewed on 2025/8/9

Brickell Apart 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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Santo Domingo