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
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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
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
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 Guibia Beach or Eduardo Brito National Theater 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 NT$2,465 per night from Jun 25 to Jun 26
NT$2,465
NT$2,909 total
Jun 25 - Jun 26
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! (2,003 reviews)
"What a delightful and budget-friendly find! This resort provided a wonderfully pleasant getaway. Although the rooms could use a refresh, their minor imperfections were overshadowed by the charm of the peaceful and friendly neighborhood just outside. The resort boasts a truly gorgeous and vast beach ..."

Reviewed on 2025/6/16

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$2,423 per night from Jul 3 to Jul 4
NT$2,423
NT$3,102 total
Jul 3 - Jul 4
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! (2,320 reviews)
"buen hotel pero con problemita de luz no funcionante"

Reviewed on 2025/6/18

Dominican Fiesta Hotel
El Embajador, a Royal Hideaway Hotel
El Embajador, a Royal Hideaway Hotel
5 out of 5
Ave Sarasota 65, Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional
The price is NT$2,987 per night from Jul 12 to Jul 13
NT$2,987
NT$3,823 total
Jul 12 - Jul 13
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Santo Domingo. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,185 reviews)
"Best hotel you can stay in Dar I had always wanted to stay there..Everyone there was professional and always at your service. Very welcoming."

Reviewed on 2025/6/17

El Embajador, a Royal Hideaway 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.
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 Agora Mall and Sambil Santo ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (56 reviews)
"Excellent suites, great location. Recommended"

Reviewed on 2025/6/18

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! (165 reviews)
"Perfect location within walkiing distance to many restaurants. Very clean and secure with a great rooftop bar/restaurant. The only negative feedback is that I was I needed a late check out for noon which is only 1 hour and was told yes by the night reception but the day reception told me $40 until ..."

Reviewed on 2025/6/10

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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (294 reviews)
"My room was clean and tidy, every thing function well and all the staff were friendly and efficient. And the location suited perfectly with the grocery within couple hundred metre away."

Reviewed on 2025/6/8

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.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Santo Domingo

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
740
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
557
4 - Good 38%
3 - Okay
135
3 - Okay 9%
2 - Disappointing
28
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
10
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Amazing city, lots of restaurant options, historic places, night life a city to visit

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Santo Domingo, is a favbulous Capital for vacationing. Streets and sidewalks should be cleaner.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

There is an pandemic around the wourld and I have to say people of Dominican Republic do help each other.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I love this place its is beautiful and people are friendly and helpful. I will return. Only thing that went wrong is that the boarders were closed because of coronavirus and everything shut down hotels and stores .i stuck here another 15 days.

4/5 - Good

KatyaDahdah

The city is vibrant and has lot to offer. Just use the same safety precautions you will use in any cosmopolitan city. Remember Santo Domingo has about 4 millions and is not small at all.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Womderfull place

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