National Palace of Santo Domingo. The capital of the Dominican Republic is Santo Domingo and its attractions. Entertainment and attractions
Every tourist arriving in the Dominican Republic must visit its capital, the first city of America, Santo Domingo, filled with history. Naturally, tourists head to the Caribbean Sea, planning to spend most of their time on the wonderful beaches of the numerous Dominican Republic resorts.
Unfortunately, capital of the Dominican Republic Santo Domingo can't boast comfortable beaches, therefore, those who wish to simultaneously become well acquainted with ancient city and enjoy a beach holiday, choose hotels small town Boca Chica, located just forty kilometers from Santo Domingo.
In Boca Chica, most hotels are located at a minimum distance from the beach area, and some of them have their own comfortable beaches. Living in this small resort town, tourists can successfully combine beach holiday with a leisurely exploration of the sights of Santo Domingo. In modern realities, the forty kilometers separating the Boca Chica coast from Santo Domingo are not a significant distance.
What you can see in the capital of the Dominican Republic
The history of Santo Domingo begins in 1496, when, under the leadership of Bartolomeo Columbus, the brother of the famous navigator, the first buildings of the future capital of the Dominican Republic began to be erected here. At first, the settlement was named New Isabella, but after a hurricane, which almost completely destroyed the buildings, the city was renamed, receiving the name Santo Domingo. The Dominican Republic is rightfully proud of its capital, which over the centuries of its existence has transformed from small settlement to a city with a population of more than 3 million inhabitants, but at the same time carefully preserving its history.
Today, Santo Domingo stretches along the banks of the Osama River flowing through its territory, divided by it into two parts. The western part of the city was built later than the eastern part, being a business and cultural center cities. However, in the same part there is a colonial zone located near the Osama River.
The Osama River divides the city of Santo Domingo into 2 parts, western and eastern
This area contains the most ancient architectural monuments of Santo Domingo. The Dominican Republic invites numerous guests of the country to see buildings built back in the 16th century, stroll along ancient streets, and today they look the same as at the time when they were built. There are many buildings here that are not only of architectural but also historical value. Thanks to their presence, it received the status “Property of Humanity” from UNESCO.
This area is necessarily included in the program of excursions offered to tourists, however, during the time allotted for the excursion, it is impossible to see even a small part of the attractions of the Dominican capital. It’s hard to even imagine how many unique ancient buildings there are in the city.
Columbus House, the first stone building built in Santo Domingo
Here is the Casa de Columbus, the first stone building built in Santo Domingo. Not far from it, on Plaza Espanidad, stands the magnificent two-story mansion Alcazar de Colon. It was built by Diego Columbus, son famous Columbus, at the time of construction, was the viceroy of the island. The construction of this palace, now a museum, was completed in 1520.
St. Mary's Cathedral, America's first cathedral
It is impossible to pass by St. Mary's Cathedral, America's first cathedral; not far from the cathedral stands a bronze statue of the great navigator - Christopher Columbus, erected here in honor of the discovery of America. To all this historical monuments leads by Dam Street, itself a monument as the oldest cobbled street in the city. Along it you can approach the Ozama fortress, which is decorated with the amazingly beautiful “Tower of Honor”, built in 1507.
The eastern part is also of interest to tourists, as there are many colonial-style buildings surrounded by varied vegetation. In this part of Santo Domingo one of the symbols of the capital of the Dominican Republic is located - “”. In its central part there is a mausoleum made of snow-white marble, where the remains of Columbus are kept. The remaining parts of the building house a museum. Its exhibitions tell the story of the creation of this monument, and many interesting things about the discovery and conquest of America.
Columbus Lighthouse in Santo Domingo
In addition to the famous St. Mary's Cathedral, the city has many churches. It is difficult to accurately calculate their number, because they were built with the aim of spreading Christianity among the indigenous people of America. Most of them date from the beginning of the 16th century. Some of them have turned into ruins, but the main part is still in use. Some places of worship was built later, in the 18th century.
Shopping in the capital
The capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, can be called a city of parks. Around each of historical buildings There is a lot of greenery, and it will take a whole day to explore each of the city’s parks. However, people come to the capital not only to explore parks and monuments. Many tourists go to Santo Domingo for shopping and entertainment.
There are many shopping centers and small shops with an attractive assortment of goods. The coastal Malecon Avenue, which is a 15-kilometer shopping and entertainment zone, is especially popular among lovers of shopping and other entertainment.
Monument to Christopher Columbus - an ancient bronze sculpture depicting the famous discoverer of the American continent. The monument is located in the city of Santo Domingo opposite the Cathedral.
The monument to Christopher Columbus was created a long time ago - back in 1897, but it still amazes with its craftsmanship. The great navigator stands on a high pedestal and points his hand somewhere into the distance. Just below Columbus is a tiny figurine of a Taino Indian girl, who fills the monument with sad symbolism. The fact is that during their reign the Spaniards almost completely destroyed local population Dominican Republic, so the entire monument is perceived very ambiguously.
Presidential palace
The National Palace is the residence of the President of the Dominican Republic. The offices of the executive branch are located here, high-level meetings are held and the most important political and economic issues of the republic are resolved.
The palace building was built in 1944-47. Italian architect Guido D'Alessandro. The cost of the project was enormous for those times: about five million pesos, not counting the furniture and the land on which it is located. The architecture of the building looks somewhat eclectic, but this concept was an attempt to reflect the cultural, racial, and linguistic differences of the peoples who inhabit the Caribbean region. Some of the heaviness of the external appearance of the palace is compensated by the abundance of windows and doors in its facades. The majestic main entrance is decorated with a solemn colonnade.
The interiors of the National Palace are characterized by the influence of classical style. Local materials were used in the decoration, the main ones being marble and mahogany. When decorating the premises, bronze, iron, plaster and steel were used, a varied combination of which gives each individual room an atmosphere of extraordinary beauty and harmony. The Hall with Caryatids, the Hall of Ambassadors, and the Green Hall are especially beautiful. In the palace you can see paintings by artists from the neoclassical, Italian Renaissance and Baroque eras.
Of course, there is no access to the president’s private chambers, but the remaining “public” premises are open for inspection five days a week.
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Las Damas street
Calle de Las Damas (“Ladies Street”) is the very first street in America, built, according to legend, at the request of the daughter-in-law of Christopher Columbus. It began to be built in 1502. The street begins at the Fortaleza Ozama fortress and stretches to the Alcazar de Colon Museum. Its original name was Calle de la Forteleza.
Diego Colon, son of Christopher Columbus, arrived with his wife in Santo Domingo in 1509, and with them all their court ladies arrived. They quite often walked along Las Damas Street to the church for mass. Residents of the city constantly observed this company, which slowly strolled back and forth along the street with the aim of taking a walk and admiring the local architecture. The strolling ladies caused the street to be renamed Calle de Las Damas.
Santo Domingo Las Americas Airport has the full name Jos Francisco Peñ a Gó mez International Airport. This is the second busiest airport in the Dominican Republic. The majority of flights to Santo Domingo Airport are from the USA and Canada. Las Americas is directly connected to the capitals of many Caribbean countries such as Cuba, Colombia and Puerto Rico. In addition, flights operate here from such European countries like Spain, France and Germany. For those tourists from Russia who decided to go to the Dominican Republic on their own and chose Santo Domingo Las Americas Airport as the main gateway to this country, there will be no possibility of a group transfer to the hotel. Therefore, such tourists will most likely have to use taxi services.
Los Tres Ojos Caves
The name Los Tres Ojos actually covers an entire protected area. Here great amount magnificent and picturesque objects. The local lakes and caves literally amaze the imagination, the landscapes excite the mind, and it is not easy to convey the whole palette of emotions. The name Los Tres Ojos appeared due to the fact that at a depth of fifteen meters there are three lakes with crystal clear water. The unusualness of this phenomenon lies in the fact that the water in the lakes is very saturated, almost unnatural, blue. The water in each lake has a special composition of chemical elements and varies greatly in composition. In one it is fresh, in another it is salty, and in the third it contains sulfur, the vapors of which rise above the water. Previously, tourists were allowed to swim in the ponds, but now, for safety reasons, this is prohibited. But even without this, you will have plenty of impressions from visiting the reserve.
National Pantheon
The National Pantheon building was built as a church and monastery of the Jesuit monastic order in 1747. IN famous building Heroes of the Dominican Republic are buried in marble sarcophagi.
There is always a guard of honor at the entrance to the building. If you wish, you can wait until he is relieved and admire the impressive performance: soldiers throwing their rifles into the air and reloading. Photography is not prohibited here, so tourists can safely capture the moment.
The figures of the founders, Francis Xavier and Ignatius Laiola, are carved on the façade of the National Pantheon. Initially, it was intended to use the Pantheon as a burial place for heroes for the independence and freedom of the Dominican Republic. For example, the woman who was able to hand embroider the first flag is buried here. There are also empty sarcophagi intended for future fighters.
In the Pantheon there hangs a large bronze chandelier - a gift from the dictator Franco, and on the second floor there are forged grilles with a swastika pattern - a gift from Hitler.
Entrance to the building is free, but visitors are prohibited from wearing T-shirts and shorts. The National Pantheon of the Dominican Republic is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00.
Monument to Governor Nicholas de Ovando
The history of the conquest of Hispaniola and its settlement by the first colonists is very interesting and often dramatic. The turn between the 15th and 16th centuries was a turning point for the New World.
The first colonists, led by Columbus, had already landed on the island. Attempts to establish Spanish settlements in the north of the island were unsuccessful. Fort La Navidad, founded on December 25, 1492, was destroyed a year later by the Indians along with all buildings and inhabitants. In January 1494, Columbus founded a second settlement closer to the east, La Isabela, but it also did not last long. Eventually, the Spaniards established the first permanent settlement on south coast, which later became the capital of the entire colony. Its growth and development are closely connected with such a legendary figure as Nicholas de Ovando (Nicolas de Ovando, 1460-1511) - the first governor of the New World.
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Bridge at San Pedro de Macoris
The bridge over the Rio Jiquamo river in the town of San Pedro de Macoris is the most... long bridge V Caribbean region, is 606 meters, of which 390 m is the hanging part. It was designed to be hurricane resistant - it must withstand wind speeds of 240 km/h.
The most popular attractions in Santo Domingo with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose best places for visiting famous places Santo Domingo on our website.
More attractions of Santo Domingo
It’s worth coming to Santo Domingo because it is the very first city founded by Europeans in the New World, and since the Spaniards were the first to land here, they built a small copy of Toledo, Seville and Madrid here. Majestic old-world cathedrals and mansions look incredibly beautiful against the backdrop of a piercing blue Caribbean sky, surrounded by coconut palms and tropical flowers. The old city quarters, which did not know world wars and destruction, are perfectly preserved.
What to see in Santo Domingo?
First of all, tourists will be interested in the ancient buildings of the 14th-15th centuries. Almost all worthy of attention The attractions are located within the square of the Colonial Quarter, which was founded by the first Spanish conquistadors.
Cathedral St. Mary's
The city's most impressive temple was founded in 1514 by Diego Columbus, the son of the legendary commander. The interior of the cathedral amazes with the richness of its decor and high artistic taste of its golden pediments, marble bas-reliefs and silver church utensils. It was here that the ashes of Christopher Columbus rested for a long time.
Main promenade - Las Damas street
The most charming street in Santo Domingo is dedicated to the beautiful and courageous court ladies of the Spanish court who were not afraid to go to the other side of the world. Even in the Caribbean wilderness, noble lords needed a place to walk and show off their new clothes. Las Damas Street claims to be the oldest in America; the first stones on its pavement were laid in 1511. Here are the most beautiful mansions of the famous conquerors of the New World.
Alcazar de Colon Palace
The building served as a residence for the viceroys of America. Inside are countless treasures from Spanish palaces: gold jewelry, furniture, weapons, old manuscripts.
Royal houses
This architectural ensemble consists of the Royal Court building and Governor's Palace. In every stone, pediment and column there is a sense of imperial luxury and scope. In the rich halls there are exhibitions of the Royal Court Museum.
Pantheon
The old Jesuit church captivates with its original architecture and mixture of different styles. Here you can guess Gothic, Renaissance, Rococo, the courtyard is reminiscent of Moorish mosques.
Columbus Lighthouse
The grandiose memorial is made in the form of a huge cross 230 m long. Spotlights are installed on it, which draw another cross in the dark clouds - a heavenly one.
Botanical Garden and Aquarium
The garden contains many tropical trees and bushes, as well as 300 species of orchids. The transparent corridors of the Aquarium are like a fabulous underwater kingdom, where thousands of fish and sea animals live.
What to do in Santo Domingo?
Excursions in Santo Domingo
Squares, streets and neighborhoods of this beautiful city - perfect place for educational excursions. How many new impressions and discoveries these mansions and fortresses will give, remembering Columbus and the golden age of Spain! The most interesting excursion routes pass through the old colonial city, as well as in the eastern part of Santo Domingo, where the Columbus Lighthouse, Aquarium and caves with underground lakes are located. There are two large parks in the vicinity of the city.
Shoppingto Santo Domingo
From Santo Domingo, travelers bring cigars, rum, and aromatic coffee grown on Dominican plantations. The Mercado Modelo market sells local fruits,
spices, traditional handicrafts, magical amulets from evil spirits. It's also worth checking out the Royal Dockyards, a former 16th-century goods warehouse whose appearance has remained unchanged for five centuries. Inside there are many souvenir shops, there are art galleries where you can good price buy wonderful paintings by local artists.
Beachesto Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo is located just 30 km from Caribbean resort Boca Chica, which is famous for its long white beaches and palm trees. Here you can go fishing, windsurfing and diving.
Bars, discos, restaurantsto Santo Domingo
The long picturesque Malecon embankment lives day and night to the rhythm of merengue, salsa and rumba. There are many colorful restaurants, nightclubs and discos located here.
Festivalsto Santo Domingo
At the end of November, the colorful Colonial Festival takes place here, when the old streets are filled with brightly dressed people in scary masks, dancers, musicians and artists. Theatrical performances, concerts and festive processions are held on the streets.
In July, Santo Domingo turns into Caribbean capital jazz The Jazz Festival program includes performances by groups from the Dominican Republic, the USA and different countries Europe and Latin America.
Vibrant, ancient and cheerful, Santo Domingo, which immediately captures the hearts of travelers, is undoubtedly worthy of a visit.
Population Dominican Republic 10 million people. Santo Domingo is the capital of the Dominican Republic with a population of about 2 million inhabitants and a separate National District with an area of 104 square meters. km. Santo Domingo is considered one of the most populous cities in Caribbean Central America. Province of Santo Domingo ( administrative center Santo Domingo Este) covers an area of 1303 square meters. km with a population of more than 3 million people and is located in the southeastern part of the island of Haiti. A 30-minute drive from the central quarters of modern Santo Domingo is the international metropolitan airport "Las Americas". Santo Domingo Airport is air gate countries in the south of the Dominican Republic. From the capital's airport in Santo Domingo, the bus covers a distance of 210 km in three hours to the best resort area. Also located in Punta Cana international Airport. For tourists from Russia, these are direct and connecting flights their St. Petersburg and Moscow.
The Osama River flows through the city and gives rise to the division of Santo Domingo into two parts. Santo Domingo Oriental (eastern municipality) is the historical part of the capital of the Dominican Republic. The business, business and cultural center of the city is its western part. Zona Colonial is the western bank of the Osama River facing the Caribbean Sea. The capital of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic has preserved the breath of the colonial era. Direction "Malecón" (George Washington Avenue) - 15 kilometer seaside boulevard with park and tourism resource huge hotel complexes in the capital. Malecón Center is a modern shopping gallery in Santo Domingo. El Malecón is the capital's main promenade and hosts two of Santo Domingo's best annual festivals: the Independence Day Carnival (February 27) and the summer Merengue Festival (July 26-31).
Santo Domingo introduces tourists to the history of the city, which was founded on August 5, 1496 by Bartolomeo Columbus (younger brother of the legendary navigator Christopher Columbus). Santo Domingo was previously called New Isabella. Santo Domingo in the 16th century represented the city as the capital of all Spanish colonies in the New World, even with the residence of the Spanish king. Historical Center Santo Domingo is listed world heritage UNESCO in 1990. This is where Columbus Square is located. green Park and the monument to Christopher Columbus, the 16th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor. Zona Colonial is the low historical part of Santo Domingo, which stands out especially clearly among the pearl necklace of attractions of the capital of the Dominican Republic. "Colonial City" is the spirit of the Spanish conquerors. Modern Santo Domingo is replete with new wide avenues, shopping complexes and invites tourists to explore its sights.
The first stop of the tour is at the residence of the President of the Dominican Republic. In February 2008, the first metro line started in Santo Domingo, and now there are already three.
Faro a Colon Lighthouse (Columbus Lighthouse) is one of the symbols of the Dominican Republic. It began to be built in the 30s of the 20th century on a hill in the eastern part of Santo Domingo. In 1992, the Columbus Lighthouse was inaugurated by Pope John Paul II. The Columbus Lighthouse is a grandiose concrete structure 309 m long, 43 m wide, 34 m high. The Columbus Lighthouse is designed in the form of an Indian multi-stage pyramid. There are park landscapes around. The Columbus Lighthouse is museum complex, and its white stone mausoleum contains the remains of the discoverer and navigator Christopher Columbus. A whole battery of spotlights directed into the night sky on its roof reveals a column of light in the form of a huge white cross among the stars. The light of this lighthouse is visible to sea vessels for tens of kilometers. The Columbus Lighthouse is an architectural, sacred and historical landmark of Santo Domingo. From the height of a helicopter you can see that the Columbus Lighthouse is made in the shape of a Templar cross. The Columbus Lighthouse offers stunning views of Santo Domingo's downtown area and bay. Caribbean Sea with a moored white liner.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor (1514-1544) is the first Catholic church built in the New World and one of the main attractions of Santo Domingo. Distinctive feature The first cathedral of America at Columbus Square is considered to have different architectural styles and walls made of golden coral stone. His marble mausoleum housed the remains of Christopher Columbus until 1992, which were then transferred to the erected Columbus Lighthouse. The Columbus Monument (1887) adorns the square of the same name near the cathedral. The shopping pedestrian street El Conde begins from Columbus Park. The arcades of the Borgel Palace (second half of the 19th century), now the School of Fine Arts, impress with their sophistication. "Ladies' Street" was the first paved street in the New World.
Palace of the Kings, Plaza de España, House of Diego Columbus (son) and Alcazar de Colon (1510), Osama Fort, National Pantheon, Casas Reales Palace and Museum (XVI century), Independence Park, Museum of Modern Art, Museum of Royal Houses, The Naval Museum, the World of Amber Museum with unique blue amber, Fort San Diego and the fish market are important tourist attractions in Santo Domingo. National Aquarium(oceanarium) in Santo Domingo is a famous man-made landmark of the capital of the Dominican Republic. The Oceanarium in Santo Domingo presents travelers with 90 reservoirs and a huge pedestrian tunnel with glass vaults running through one of its aquariums. Its inhabitants: sharks, stingrays, tropical fish, sea turtles.
Santo Domingo is a port city. The city itself does not have numerous urban beaches, but rather a few swimming spots with sandy and rocky beaches. Despite the lack of luxury beaches, Santo Domingo attracts tourists with its historical part, a lot of attractions and entertainment of the modern Dominican capital. The surroundings of Santo Domingo provide a chance to get acquainted with the natural attractions of the capital: Mirador Sur Park (southern outskirts of the city), Botanical Garden and caves of Los Tres Ojos National Park (north of the capital). Holidays in the Dominican Republic in the area of Santo Domingo, 30 km from the city, attract the closest beach to the capital at the resort of Boca Chica with a quiet cozy lagoon surrounded by natural coral reef. It has the status of a city beach and can be reached in 30 minutes by car. Boca Chica is a huge natural pool 1600 meters wide and 400 meters deep in shallow, warm water big waves Caribbean Sea. Photos from excursions to Santo Domingo take us back to the eternal summer of the Dominican Republic and remind us of the Caribbean Sea.
Santo Domingo - oldest city America. It is inextricably linked with the history of the conquest of the New World. The great discoverer Christopher Columbus found his final refuge here - his remains rest in a giant lighthouse on the shores of the Caribbean Sea. It is believed that the first paved roads, a university and a Christian cathedral on American soil appeared in Santo Domingo.
People come here to get acquainted with colonial culture - local architecture contains features of the Renaissance, Arabic, Gothic and Romanesque styles. This is a place of mixture of European, African and Indian traditions. Bright, noisy, colorful Santo Domingo invites its guests to enjoy tropical beauty, delve into the mysteries of history, and experience life in the Caribbean style.
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How to get to Santo Domingo
Aeroflot, Air France and Jet Blue fly to Santo Domingo. You can get from Moscow Sheremetyevo to the capital's Las Americas Airport in at least 15 hours 50 minutes with one transfer in Madrid, New York, Paris or Milan. Air Europe offers a two-stop flight in Barcelona and Madrid, the journey takes 18.5 hours.
From airport to city
Las Americas Airport is located 35 km from the capital. You can get to the city by bus; you should look for a stop at the exit from the terminal. Flights are every half hour, but it is not so easy to get into the cabin due to the large number of applicants; travel time 40 minutes. Taxi drivers charge about 2000 DOP for a transfer from the airport to the city. Prices on the page are as of November 2018.
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How to navigate Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo is divided into two parts by the Osama River. The western one is considered the business and cultural center of the capital, and the eastern one (Santo Domingo Oriental) is considered historical. Most interesting for tourists The areas are the Colonial Zone, located on the west bank of the river facing the Caribbean Sea. Here, a little to the west, is Santo Domingo’s old neighbor, the Gazcue district, with many Victorian-style houses and green streets. In the vicinity of this area there are National Theater, the museum on the Plaza de la Cultura, the National Palace (Palacio Nacional) - the modern seat of government, and the Palace fine arts. George Washington Avenue (better known as El Malecon) is where most of the hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions are located.
The central part of western Santo Domingo is the "commercial" heart of the city. This place is known as Poligono Central and is bounded by 27 de Febrero, John F. Kennedy, Winston Churchill and Maximo Gomez streets. There is little that may be of interest to vacationers here, except best restaurants and city shops.
In the less developed eastern part of the city, Oriental Santo Domingo, are the remaining important tourist attractions of the capital: Columbus Lighthouse, caves national park Los Tres Ojos and aquarium. In addition, in the vicinity of the city there are two large parks - Botanical Garden(Jardin Botanico) in the north and Mirador Sur Park in the south (Parque Mirador Sur).
Transport
Almost all the attractions of Santo Domingo are located within walking distance, but you can also take a ride on public transport. There is a metro in the Dominican capital. True, there is only one branch so far, but the second one is expected to be launched. Route taxis there are two types here. Minibuses “gua-gua” travel like our minibuses, adhering to a given direction, and “carro publico” is a shared taxi. For those who like to ride with the breeze, there is another option - a “moto con chauffer” or a moped with a driver. Cheap, fast, but not always safe.
Local taxis do not have meters; you need to negotiate the price with the driver in advance. You should not pay more than 700 DOP for a trip around the city.
Zona Bici - bike rental for tourists in Santo Domingo, offering touring bikes, tandems and bikes for riding with children (office site in English). In addition to the bike, the bike rental kit includes a helmet, a lock and a bottle of water.
Maps of Santo Domingo
Rent a Car
There are many companies involved in car rental in Santo Domingo - among them the well-known Budget, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, AutoEurope, Hertz, etc. Their offices can be found right at the airport - in the main exit corridor near the North Terminal.
The roads of Santo Diego are not very friendly to motorists, especially not local ones - local drivers drive quickly and without regard for the rules, markings are often missing, and the police can be biased. A safer and more profitable option is to arrange trips with a taxi driver. They are willing to make contact, take on the role of a tour guide and help in resolving many issues.
The traffic police do not have the right to demand payment of a fine on the spot - a fine receipt must be issued, which must be taken to the bank.
Fines for violating traffic rules are low. Only significant speeding is strictly punished. There is also a fine for parking in the wrong place, and figuring out where you can park is not so easy. It is better to leave your car in a paid parking lot - the price per hour is 100 DOP.
Santo Domingo Hotels
There are plenty of hotels in Santo Domingo and they are mostly concentrated in the center. There are expensive hotels of proven quality - belonging to the Sheraton, InterContinental, Marriott and Hilton chains speaks for itself. You can become their guest for 7,500 DOP per day. A room in a regular three-room apartment in the Colonial Zone will cost 5,000 DOP.
Proximity to the sea affects the wear and tear of the number of rooms. When choosing a hotel, you should pay attention to the date of its renovation.
The most expensive accommodation option is boutique hotels located in restored buildings from the 16th century. An overnight stay under tiled Roman roofs surrounded by a recreated historical setting will cost 17,000 DOP per Double Room. Hostels offer budget accommodation: 700 DOP per person per night.
For lovers of a beach lifestyle, the Boca Chica resort is a 20-minute drive from the capital. This is an area with a developed tourist infrastructure and many first-line hotels operating on an all-inclusive basis. A 3* hotel will cost 2500 DOP per day for a double room.
Beaches
In the capital itself, the coast is rocky and there are no beaches, but in its surroundings there are many places for swimming with a typical Caribbean landscape - snow-white sand, azure sea and palm trees. The popular beaches of Boca Chica resort are a 25-minute drive from Santo Domingo. The place is suitable for families with children - the depth increases gradually, there are no strong waves. Nearby eateries offer fresh seafood. Beach equipment rental is available. There are especially many vacationers on weekends.
Entrance to the unfenced part of the beach is free. Sun loungers and umbrellas are paid everywhere - their rental will cost 60 DOP per day.
A 10-minute drive from Boca Chica is Caribe Beach, where, in addition to families with children, fans of boarding gather. There is always a side wind here. Adults prefer to catch waves in the depths, while children splash in the salty spray in shallow water. Suitable for a secluded holiday picturesque beach Guayacanes - usually only locals vacation there. This is a quiet area without tourist infrastructure.
Juan Dolio is a beach in the resort of the same name, about an hour's drive from the capital. This is a tourist paradise with a lot of entertainment and cafes at every turn. Many coral reefs attract divers.
Diving in Santo Domingo
Diving enthusiasts are attracted to Santo Domingo national park"La Caleta". Divers from all over the world come here to visit the Taino cave system, named after the Indian tribe - the ancestors of modern Dominicans. At a depth of 48 m, divers will find difficult passages, winding tunnels, a cluster of stalactites and a halocline - a place where salt and fresh water. The local underwater karst caves similar to those that exist off the Yucotan Peninsula.
Of particular interest to divers is the accumulation of ships on the seabed. These include Spanish galleons that sank in the 18th century and a modern 39-meter expedition ship. In the waters of Juan Dolio, at a depth of 30 m, a 65-meter vessel lies. All objects are covered with a thick layer of formations of coral and algae, and among the marine inhabitants you can find beautiful tropical fish, stingrays, reef sharks, turtles, starfish and urchins.
Many dive centers offer their services to beginners and experienced divers. The warm Caribbean Sea allows you to dive comfortably all year round, excluding the period from September to November, when strong hurricanes occur.
What to bring
The most anticipated souvenir from Santo Domingo is Caribbean rum, and you can surprise your friends with the exotic local liqueur Mama Juana. It contains all kinds of herbal ingredients, honey and rum. “Mamajuana” has a strong tonic effect and is considered an aphrodisiac. The drink is sold both ready-made and in the form of a bag with dry ingredients for self-preparation.
El Conde Street is like our Arbat.
Santo Domingo is the birthplace of the coffee variety of the same name. It is very popular in the country and is considered one of the best in the world. A pack of Santo Domingo can be purchased at any grocery store. Local cigars are also valued; they are no worse than Cuban ones.
A large selection of souvenirs, handicrafts, fruits and products - at the oldest bazaar in the capital, El Mercado Modelo; on the beach, all this is much more expensive.
The sky-blue Larimar stone is a symbol of these places. It looks especially advantageous in silver jewelry. To avoid running into a fake, you should buy jewelry in specialized stores Ambar Tres and L’Ile Au Tresor. In memory of sunny island they bring cane sugar and natural cosmetics with cocoa and coconut butter.
Cuisine and restaurants of Santo Domingo
The cuisine of Santo Domingo is based on Spanish, African and French culinary traditions. It is based on simple foods - legumes, rice, vegetables, fruits, chicken and pork. Local chefs often cook food over coals, wrapping it in banana palm leaves, so the dish acquires special flavor shades. Bananas themselves are used not only in desserts. The "platano" variety is served only fried as a side dish for meat or an addition to vegetables.
Local eateries are called “comadores”. A large portion of “plato del dia” of rice, meat, legumes and lettuce will cost 250 DOP there along with a drink. It is recommended to try crabs in cangrejo guisado sauce, sancocho stew, and asopao soup. In addition, there are Chinese, French, Italian, Brazilian restaurants.
Authentic street food includes cassava flatbreads and empanadas, which are prepared in the establishments of the same name. You can quench your thirst with freshly squeezed juices. There is a large selection of exotic fruits - mango, pitahaya, passion fruit, papaya, mamon, gunabana, granadilla.
Guides in Santo Domingo
Entertainment and attractions
The main promenade of the capital is Las Damas Street. It is worth walking along its ancient paving stones to see the changing of the guard of honor at the National Pantheon, or admire the mansions of the famous conquerors of the New World. Among the examples of colonial architecture, the Palace of Columbus (Alcazar de Colon) stands out - a residence built without a single nail from coral blocks.
The surrounding areas of Las Damas, with Victorian houses and tree-lined alleys, are part of the Colonial Zone, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
One of the symbols of Santo Domingo is the Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor (Calle Isabel La Catolica). It was founded by the son of Columbus and is considered the oldest Christian temple America. In the park opposite there is a monument to the great navigator.
The Malecon promenade (George Washington Avenue), stretching for 15 km along the Caribbean Sea, is a place where life is in full swing in the evenings.
On the other side of the Osama River lies the Mirador el Este park, its high hill is decorated with a monumental structure - the Columbus Lighthouse (Fara o Colon). Inside the memorial, made in the shape of a cross, lie the remains of the great discoverer. Not far from the lighthouse there is the Three Lakes Park, named after the natural landmark - three limestone caves with an underground lake, stalactites and stalagmites.
Museums of Santo Domingo
The history of Santo Domingo from the 15th to the 19th centuries is presented in the Museum of Royal Houses on the famous Las Damas street. Exhibits dating back to the pre-Columbian era are kept in the Museum of Dominican Man in the Plaza de la Culture - its visitors will get acquainted with the culture of the Taino Indians, artifacts ancient world and the legacy of colonial influence.
The Amber Museum (official site in English), located on El Conde Street, tells about the history of amber mining on the island. It houses rare specimens of amber fossils and a jewelry collection of amber and larimar. Details of the life of one of the founders of the state, Juan Pablo Duarte, are presented in his house-museum (Calle Isabel La Catolica).
Works of painting and sculpture are shown at the Bellaparte Museum (Av. John F. Kennedy) and the Museum of Modern Art (Av. Pedro Henriquez Urena). You can taste the exhibits at the Jamon Museum (Calle Atarazana, 17), the Chocolate Museum (Calle Arzopispo Merino, 254) and the Rum and Sugar Cane Museum (Calle Isabel la Catolica, 261).
Holidays and Events
The brightest holiday in Santo Domingo is the February carnival. In August, the city celebrates Foundation Day on a grand scale. In July and November, a festival of passionate Afro-Caribbean dance - merengue - spreads through the streets of the capital like a hot wave.
Weather
It's eternal summer in Santo Domingo - temperature all year round remains the same, without sudden changes. Although there is a division into dry and rainy seasons. From December to April is the time of minimal precipitation. From May to November there is a period of short but heavy rains, which are often accompanied by hurricane winds and storms. The local hot and humid climate is well tolerated thanks to the constantly blowing trade winds.