On my first adventure to the Dominican Republic, I explored Santo Domingo, a city bursting with history, culture, gastronomy, and charm.
In this guide to Santo Domingo, I'll share my tips on what to see and do for an unforgettable experience in the city.
If you plan to spend a few days in Santo Domingo, I recommend staying where I stayed: Hodelpa Nicolas de Ovando. This exceptional hotel is located in the city's Colonial Zone, making it easy to explore the area on foot. The hotel offers large rooms, a swimming pool, a bar, and fantastic breakfast and dining options. The building itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, having once housed Nicolas de Ovando, a former governor of the Indies. It has preserved the charm of luxurious colonial mansions.
ZONA COLONIAL IN SANTO DOMINGO, A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
Santo Domingo is famous for its Colonial Zone, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This area includes several well-preserved streets where significant history was made. Founded in 1496 by Bartholomew Columbus, the city later became the capital of the Indies. From here, the Spanish began their colonization of the New World. Santo Domingo was home to the first university, cathedral, castle, monastery, hospital, and fortress in the Americas.
Many of these historic landmarks can still be seen today, and in some cases, remnants remain that are worth exploring while in the city.
Our guide, Carlos, often mentioned how Santo Domingo was the very first city, and we couldn’t help but laugh at the thought—but it’s quite captivating when you consider the deep history!
Beyond these historical landmarks, the best way to enjoy the city is by strolling through its vibrant streets and admiring the architecture! Be sure to dine at Plaza de España, where the house of Diego Columbus is located.
The Malecon, also called George Washington Avenue, is a famous seaside boulevard. It’s lined with high-end hotels, casinos, and restaurants, but it’s also a fantastic place to take a walk and people-watch. If you’re visiting during Carnaval, the parade will take place along this same stretch.
As the capital city, Santo Domingo is rich in cultural offerings. During our visit, we attended Dominicana Moda, a local fashion show. The city is also home to several art galleries. If you’re an art enthusiast, you won’t want to miss the Museo de Arte Moderno (Modern Art Museum), which showcases works by both Dominican and international artists.
Other notable galleries include the private Museo Bellapart and the Arte San Ramon gallery.
Santo Domingo offers an array of excellent dining options, and we had the chance to try a few. Here’s a brief list:
Mimosa serves traditional Dominican cuisine, with dishes like rice, beans, tostones, and grilled meats or fresh fish.
Address: Calle Arzobispo Nouel, Santo Domingo 10210, Dominican Republic.
Jalao is a fun spot to visit on weekends. It’s a lively venue with live music and people dancing between the tables—such a cool atmosphere!
Address: Calle del Conde, Ciudad Colonial, Santo Domingo 10210, Dominican Republic.
Adrian Tropical is perfect for lunch with an ocean view!
Address: Avenue George Washington, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
If you’re on the lookout for souvenirs, Mercado Modelo is the place to visit. You’ll find numerous vendors selling all kinds of local crafts.
Though Santo Domingo is located on the coast, there are no beaches within the city itself. The closest one is Boca Chica. While it may not be the most stunning beach in the Dominican Republic, it’s still worth visiting for a few hours to mingle with the locals and perhaps have lunch at one of the many beachside restaurants. We had a fantastic meal at Neptuno’s Restaurant!
Just 15 minutes outside of Santo Domingo lies Tres Ojos National Park, one of the Dominican Republic’s most famous natural attractions. It’s a must-see!
Los Tres Ojos (The Three Eyes) refers to three stunning natural lakes formed when limestone caves collapsed, revealing groundwater pools below.
Lastly, if you're visiting the Dominican Republic, don’t miss the chance to dance the iconic merengue. Santo Domingo boasts a variety of bars and nightclubs. Our guide, Carlos, recommended checking out Route 77, El Sarten, Casa de Teatro in Ciudad Colonial, Bonyé (which happens every Sunday from 6pm to 10pm near the ruins of the St. Francis Monastery), and Jet Set for live merengue bands on Mondays!
I hope you have an amazing trip to Santo Domingo!
