SANTO DOMINGO

The Dominican Republic’s capital city, Santo Domingo is also the most modern and dynamic metropolis in the Caribbean where the old and the new converge seamlessly from centuries old architecture and history, to large shopping malls, art galleries, an electric nightlife, and a booming gastronomy scene.

GETTING HERE

Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) –also known as José Francisco Peña Gómez International Airport–is located 30 minutes from the capital of Santo Domingo, and is the city’s main point of entry for international air arrivals. SDQ is also convenient to the tourist beach towns of Boca Chica and Juan Dolio, starting just six miles away. Welcome to Paradise!

COLONIAL CITY

Exploring the Colonial City—the first European settlement of the Americas—is a recommended experience for all travelers. This historic neighborhood consists of a pedestrian-friendly maze of narrow streets brimming with 16th to early 20th century architectural wonders.

CITY TOUR

Away from the seaside resorts, the capital of the Dominican Republic is alive and in transition, with music, dance, delicious food and local crafts around every corner. Hop on the Colonial train or stroll down the Malecón at sunset for sea views.

BOTANICAL GARDEN

For a nature break, picnic on the lawns of the National Botanical Garden, the largest in the Caribbean, with nature preserve including flowers, birds. Japanese Garden and more nature experience at the City.

SPORTS

Baseball games at Estadio Quisqueya, home to the Tigres del Licey (blues) and the Leones del Escogido (reds). Practice your swim at Cayacoa Golf Club & Isabel Villas or your favorite sport at Centro Olimpico with Basketball, Tennis Courts, Swimming Pools and more.

MARINA

Part of the Sansoucí Santo Domingo Port, small marina, located at mouth of the Ozama River, boasts panoramic views of the Colonial City or Marina Zar Par is located in the Bahía San Andrés, in the Boca Chica beach town.

HISTORY

Diego Columbus’ home at 1512, son of Christopher Columbus. Visit the first Cathedral of the Americas at the heart of the Colonial City, the most important site for official ceremonies and religious celebrations. First-ever 16th century Franciscan monastery in the New World and mental asylum until the middle of the 20th century.

EXCURSIONS

Chocolate museum with chocolate factory to know DR’s thriving cacao industry. Visit the Trampoline Museum designed to entertain and educate children and their families, showcasing major educational themes from the Planet Earth and Dominican culture.

NIGHTLIFE

At night, the Colonial City and the Malecon comes alive with casual bars along as well as drink and dance spots. Upscale and laid back hotel bars offer live music and dance clubs go on well past midnight.

DINING

Stroll the romantic streets of the Colonial City with a series of outdoor bistro terraces where diners enjoy a royal view over the ancient city or Dominican and international restaurants at Downtown Santo Domingo.

ART & CULTURE

Dominican history and culture, taking place at Palacio Bellas Artes, from concerts to plays, and ballet performances. Most respected cultural centers, Plaza de la Cultura o Colonial City sits in the historic center of downtown Santo Domingo, with Dominican artists’ ‘works and historic pieces. Great places to explore the City!

LIVE MUSIC & CASINO

Casa de Teatro is one of Santo Domingo’s most respected cultural centers with live music evenings at its on-site café bar. Roll the dice at one of the city’s multiple casinos thrives mainly along the city’s Malecón. Try your luck to the sound of merengue, while the free cocktails and bites flow and Disco time to dance until late-night at brand hotels.

ECOTOURISM

Near the Sans Souci Port Terminal, the National Aquarium has a long shark tunnel and manatee petting area. Located beside the sea, there are benches to sit and enjoy the view at Ave. España. Take a nature break around ancient Taino caves and lagoons at the National Park Los Tres Ojos or visit the Zoo.

CITY ICONIC SIGHTS

The Palacio Nacional home to the offices of the DR’s Executive Branch of government. Visit the Colonial City at the Fortaleza Ozama, the first military structure in the Americas or enjoy the Malecon, seafront boulevard with rows of hotels, restaurants, and nightlife.

PARKS

Visiting the first ecological space in the city, Mirador Sur Park, ideal to spend a day with the family, to play, walk, jog, rollerblade and bike along with artificial lake for boat rides and Caribbean Sea views.

SHOPPING

While the Colonial City is replete with uniquely stocked arts and crafts galleries with El Conde, pedestrian shopping area with restaurants and shops, the city center offers modern and luxurious shopping malls, supermarkets and more to enjoy the best caribbean shopping experience.

MUSEUMS

Take an overview of DR’s history at The Museum of Royal Houses, home’s Spanish Governor’s Royal Court in the 16th century. Visit the Amber World Museum with display on this precious Dominican stone and Pantheon Nacional where rests the country’s most beloved Dominican Independence heroes.