Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic: travel guide
Capital of the Dominican Republic and the oldest continuously inhabited European-founded city in the Americas. Its UNESCO-listed Zona Colonial holds the first cathedral, fortress, hospital and paved street of the New World, ringed by a lively Malecón, museums and modern Piantini dining.
- Country
- Dominican Republic
- Currency
- DOP
- Time zone
- America/Santo_Domingo
- Nearest airport
- SDQ
Top places to visit in Santo Domingo
Faro a Colon
Museum · 4.3 rating · about 1 h · entry DOP 100
Colossal cross-shaped concrete mausoleum and museum (1992) that projects a cross of light into the sky and is said to hold the remains of Christopher Columbus.
Fortaleza Ozama
Fort · 4.6 rating · about 0.8 h · entry DOP 100
Oldest formal European military structure in the Americas (1502-1508), guarding the mouth of the Ozama River with its Tower of Homage.
Los Tres Ojos
Nature · 4.6 rating · about 1 h · entry DOP 200
A collapsed limestone cavern enclosing three (and a hidden fourth) turquoise freshwater lagoons, reached by stairs and a hand-pulled raft.
Malecon de Santo Domingo
Viewpoint · 4.7 rating · about 0.8 h
The Av. George Washington seafront boulevard, a breezy palm-lined promenade for sunset strolls, street food and weekend concerts.
Ruinas del Hospital San Nicolas de Bari
Heritage · 4.6 rating · about 0.3 h
Ruins of the first hospital in the New World, founded in 1503 — arched stone naves visible from Calle Hostos.
Plaza de Espana
Heritage · 4.7 rating · about 0.5 h
Wide cobbled square in front of the Alcazar de Colon, ringed by museums and terrace restaurants — the social heart of the colonial city at dusk.
Parque Colon
Heritage · 4.7 rating · about 0.5 h
The Zona Colonial's central plaza, presided over by a bronze statue of Christopher Columbus and framed by the Primada cathedral and pavement cafes.
Mercado Modelo
Market · 4.1 rating · about 0.8 h
Rambling covered craft market for Larimar and amber jewellery, mamajuana, cigars, Haitian art and Dominican souvenirs.
Catedral Primada de America
Church · 4.8 rating · about 0.8 h · entry DOP 60
The Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor, consecrated in 1540, is the oldest cathedral in the Americas — a Gothic-Renaissance landmark on Parque Colon in the heart of the Zona Colonial.
Alcazar de Colon
Museum · 4.6 rating · about 1 h · entry DOP 100
Early-16th-century palace of Diego Columbus, son of Christopher Columbus, overlooking Plaza de Espana — now a museum of viceregal furnishings and art.
Acuario Nacional
Wildlife · 4.2 rating · about 1.5 h · entry DOP 100
Seafront national aquarium with a walk-through acrylic tunnel and Caribbean reef, manatee and shark exhibits — a family favourite.
Panteon Nacional
Heritage · 4.7 rating · about 0.5 h
A former 18th-century Jesuit church, now the marble national mausoleum honouring Dominican heroes, guarded by a ceremonial soldier.
Things to do
- Zona Colonial Walking Tour Cultural · 3 h · from USD 25 per person
- Colonial Zone Food, Rum & Chocolate Tasting Food · 3.5 h · from USD 65 per person
- Santo Domingo Full City Tour Tour · 5 h · from USD 55 per person
- Merengue & Bachata Dance Class Cultural · 1.5 h · from USD 30 per person
- Los Tres Ojos & Faro a Colon Half-Day Tour · 4 h · from USD 45 per person
- Cigar Rolling & Mamajuana Workshop Cultural · 1.5 h · from USD 35 per person
Day trips and tours
- Colonial City Half-Day Tour 4 h · from USD 55
Where to stay in Santo Domingo
- Zona Colonial about DOP 150 per night
The historic UNESCO core, best for first-time visitors who want to walk to the cathedral, forts, restaurants and nightlife.
- Piantini about DOP 130 per night
A modern, upscale district of high-rise hotels, malls and fine dining — good for business and safety.
- Gazcue / Malecon about DOP 90 per night
A leafy older neighbourhood by the seafront boulevard, close to museums and mid-range hotels.
Hotels
- Hodelpa Nicolas de Ovando 5-star · USD 160 to USD 380 per night
- Hotel Dona Elvira 3-star · USD 55 to USD 110 per night
- Billini Hotel 5-star · USD 180 to USD 420 per night
- Island Life Backpackers Hostel 2-star · USD 18 to USD 55 per night
- Catalonia Santo Domingo 4-star · USD 110 to USD 240 per night
Where to eat
- Pat'e Palo Brasserie European, Steakhouse, Seafood · about DOP 3,200 per person
- Meson de Bari Dominican, Caribbean · about DOP 1,500 per person
- Jalao Dominican, Caribbean · about DOP 1,800 per person
- Lulu Tasting Bar International, Tapas, Fusion · about DOP 1,900 per person
- El Conuco Dominican, Buffet · about DOP 1,700 per person
- Adrian Tropical Malecon Dominican, Caribbean · about DOP 800 per person
- El Meson de la Cava International, Dominican, Steakhouse · about DOP 3,500 per person
- SBG Restaurant Mediterranean, Asian, Sushi · about DOP 3,000 per person
Getting around
- Bus main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Ride Hail main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Taxi main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Walking main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
Safety and scams to avoid
Unofficial "guides" in the Colonial Zone
Around Parque Colon and Calle El Conde
Friendly locals attach themselves to tourists offering a "free" tour, then demand a large tip or steer you to commission-paying shops.
How to avoid it: Politely decline and book guides through your hotel or a licensed operator; agree any price up front.
USD/DOP change confusion
Markets, taxis and small shops nationwide
Vendors quote in USD but give change in pesos at a poor rate, or exploit confusion between the two currencies.
How to avoid it: Know the day's rate, carry small peso notes, and confirm which currency a price is quoted in.