Open left menu Santo Domingo. Dominican Republic My first time in Santo Domingo Santo Domingo Dominican
Going to fairy islands In the Dominican Republic, many are looking for velvety beaches, a gentle sea and the soothing sound of the surf, but in addition to all this splendor, they are discovering a completely unique cultural heritage, carefully carried by local residents through the centuries. The capital of the republic, the city of Santo Domingo, can be safely called a real pearl of the Dominican crown. Having become the first European settlement in the Antilles, the city has retained its colonial charm in literally everything - original architecture, Creole cuisine, language and traditions local residents. It's like you're returning to the era of the greats. geographical discoveries, pirate captures and unique Caribbean romance.
Oldest locality America, founded by Europeans, Santo Domingo became the brainchild of the brother of the famous pioneer Christopher Columbus - Bartolomeo. He founded it in 1496, initially calling it New Isabella, but later renamed it in honor of St. Dominic. A century later, the city became the capital of all the Spanish colonies of the New World, it was here that the first Catholic church, the residence of the Spanish king, the first hospital, university, and defensive fortifications created by the hands of Europeans in the Western Hemisphere arose. The city has seen many sad pages in its history - the uprising of black slaves, passing into the hands of the French, occupation by American troops, severe destruction by a hurricane, but any adversity only strengthened the local population's love for their capital. Having gained independence, the Dominican Republic is becoming more and more popular destination tourism, because this tiny piece of land, lost in the waters of the Caribbean Sea, offers incredible opportunities for an unforgettable vacation.
More than three hundred ancient monuments are concentrated on the streets of the Dominican capital. Walking along the cobblestone streets where great sailors and Spanish kings walked, you never cease to be amazed at the uniqueness of this place. The Colonial Quarter, the Alcazar Palace, the Cathedral, and the Columbus Lighthouse are just a small part of the excursion route in Santo Domingo. Don’t rush to leave the city after a quick acquaintance - become imbued with its secrets, look into the most remote corners of the street labyrinths and be sure to taste unforgettable dishes Caribbean cuisine in one of the cozy restaurants on the Malecon embankment.
Colonial Quarter
The starting point of all tourist routes in Santo Domingo, the Colonial Quarter is truly the heart of the city. An area of 5 km², surrounded by an ancient fortress wall, is the first city in the New World founded by Spanish colonists. In its center is a monument to Christopher Columbus, and in total there are more than three hundred architectural objects of historical value in the historical quarter. It is no coincidence that the National Pantheon, the Osama Fortress, Fort Santo Domingo, Las Damas Street, the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary and many other examples of colonial architecture were included in the list World Heritage UNESCO.
A walk through this quarter will also be remembered for its stunning views of the Osama River and seaport, as well as the opportunity to purchase original Dominican souvenirs on the El Code shopping street.
Columbus Lighthouse
The grandiose structure in Santo Domingo, called the Columbus Lighthouse, is essentially a large-scale museum telling about the life of the great navigator and the history of the Dominican Republic. The first thing that catches your eye is its unusual shape, because the building is made in the shape of a cross gigantic size, in the center of which there is a mausoleum with the remains of Christopher Columbus. The fact that the discoverer of America was buried in Santo Domingo remains controversial, but despite this, a guard of honor is posted at the mausoleum all year round, and on major holidays, 157 powerful spotlights are turned on on the roof of the Lighthouse, illuminating a huge cross at a distance of several kilometers.
The museum exhibition of the complex is also interesting - documents, maps, historical information, connected with the life and discoveries of the great navigator, with the traditions of the inhabitants of the Caribbean, a museum of the countries that helped in the construction of the lighthouse and many more interesting exhibits that will help you better understand the culture of the Dominican Republic.
Cathedral
It is believed that the first Catholic church in America was built under the leadership of Christopher Columbus’s son, Diego. It was he who laid the first stone in the foundation in 1514, but the construction lasted for 30 years. The Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary is made of locally quarried coral limestone and is an unusual mixture of Baroque and Gothic styles.
The area of the cathedral is more than 3,000 km² - inside there is a collection of antiquities, among which you will see carved wooden statues, antique furniture, dishes, silver jewelry, religious household items and much more. Not far from the temple there is a monument to Christopher Columbus pointing towards Spain. For a long time, his ashes were buried next to the altar of the cathedral, but after the construction of the Columbus Lighthouse, they were transferred to a special mausoleum, where they are now protected by a guard of honor around the clock.
Osama Fortress
A fortress that has seen all historical events since the 16th century, the first fort in America that protected Santo Domingo from pirates, a unique historical structure included in the World Heritage List - all this is the Osama Fortress, which has stood for many centuries at the mouth of the river of the same name. It was built in 1508 in the style medieval castle made of coral limestone without any fastening solutions - it is believed that such a structure only becomes stronger over time, which proves centuries-old history fort. The castle-fortress still has its original architecture; only part of the interior decoration has been replaced with copies.
Today, tourists have the opportunity to climb to the top of the Watch Tower, which overlooks the endless expanses of the Caribbean Sea, explore the bedroom of Christopher Columbus, and explore the tunnels and dungeons where prisoners were kept for many years.
Malecon promenade
The main tourist attraction in Santo Domingo, the Malecon is a 15-kilometer avenue stretching along the picturesque Caribbean coastline. The palm tree-lined street is replete with souvenir shops, restaurants, cafes serving national cuisine, and runs through the Colonial Quarter and many other historical monuments. It is here that residents of the capital and its guests gather every evening, mass holidays and events take place, you can see the most impressive sea sunsets and enjoy the coolness after the hot city quarters.
Leisure
Santo Domingo is a city of opportunities, so everyone will enjoy a holiday here without exception. Perhaps the main tourist leisure activity has become beach time; the most picturesque beach is Juan Dolio Guayacanes, which combines the advantages of snow-white sand and dense tropical thicket nearby, where you can always hide from the heat.
Family travelers should pay attention to the local water park Agua Splash Caribe Parque Acuatico, the National Zoological Park and the Happyland children's play center.
Can't imagine a good holiday without nightlife? The Dominican capital offers dozens of bars, the most popular of which stretch along the Malecon promenade. Tropical cocktails, lively music and fun until the morning are guaranteed!
The Dominicans' passionate love for music is best reflected in the annual February merengue dance festival - an unforgettable show takes place right on the streets of Santa Domingo, and in the music spreading through the neighborhoods you can clearly see the fusion of Haitian, Caribbean, Spanish, African and many other cultures.
How to get there
Las Americas International Airport is a 30-minute drive from the city center.
There are no direct flights from Russia, so you need to think about a route with a transfer, for example, through Madrid, Barcelona, New York, Miami, Boston, etc.
Local transport
For some unknown reason, the buses in Santo Domingo are not very comfortable and are more geared towards taking locals to and from work. It is often impossible to know which bus goes where until you ask the driver, since neither the buses nor their routes are clearly marked.
Santo Domingo recently opened its own metro, running along the North-South axis under the street. Maximo Gomez, walking from Villa Mella to the Center of the Monument to the Dead Heroes and the Malecon, passing by the National Theater and the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo. One trip costs about 20 pesos (less than 0.6 USD). The second branch is currently under construction, and plans for future construction include 5 more branches.
Hotels
The Sofitel Nicolas De Ovando Santo Domingo offers luxury in the heart of the city, close to the historic Colonial Quarter. Comfortable rooms will be appreciated both by those who come to the Dominican Republic on vacation and by those who will hold business meetings here - one of the hotel’s services is translation of documents and rental of a conference room.
To appreciate the architecture of Santo Domingo, its magnificent beaches and varied leisure activities, without spending a lot of money on accommodation - tourists book the La Colonia guest house for just such purposes. Clean, comfortable rooms, breakfast and the opportunity to meet interesting people were the main advantages of this hostel.
The elite five-star hotel Crowne Plaza Santo Domingo is located right on the famous Malecon Boulevard - its conditions will satisfy even the most demanding tourists, because the highest level of service, luxurious rooms and a whole range of related services are guaranteed.
Restaurants
Dominican cuisine is a gastronomic fairy tale that combines Caribbean, African and Spanish culinary traditions into a single unique “bouquet”. When coming to Santo Domingo, be sure to appreciate the excellent taste of freshly prepared seafood. Don Pepe Restaurante is considered one of the best restaurants in this direction.
Meson de Bari's excellent food and colonial-style interior are a hit, and if you're just looking for a quick bite, check out Barra Payan for great sandwiches and fresh juices.
Pura Tasca is decorated in a colonial style and is always ready to offer guests traditional sangria - an excellent refreshing drink in hot weather, and in addition - sausages on baked apple, hummus with raisins or pumpkin soup with avocado and mango.
Shopping
Santo Domingo offers ample opportunities for all shopping lovers. This is the main shopping center of the entire Caribbean, so here you can buy shoes, clothes, equipment of local and foreign production. When going shopping, feel free to go to Malecon Avenue, where the best boutiques, souvenir shops and shops are located along the sea. The most colorful souvenirs from the island were local rum, amber, Dominican coffee, cigars and the unusual turquoise Larimar stone.
There are several large ones in the city shopping centers, for example Plaza Central, Akropolis, Beya Vista Mall, Diamond Mall, Malecon Center, Mega Center, where there are an endless number of stores that offer a wide range of clothing from inexpensive casual to luxury designer clothes from famous world brands.
Relatively recently, Russian tourists built new route vacation - to the Dominican Republic, located in the Caribbean. And now there are a lot of people who want to get to this exotic land.
A magnificent country with its many kilometers of snow-white beaches, picturesque nature, amazingly colorful coral reefs, hospitable people and unique culture will not disappoint those who decide to spend their holidays in this unique place.
Exotic country
The Dominican Republic is a special place. In the field of tourism, it is a recognized leader among the Caribbean countries. In addition, the Dominican Republic ranks first in the number of various attractions (historical, cultural and natural). This country has an amazing flavor. To this day she was able to preserve a lot ancient monuments and values. In addition, tourists are attracted by the magnificent beaches, close to which there are luxury resorts.
Discovery of the great navigator
Christopher Columbus considered these places the most beautiful he saw on his travels. The great navigator discovered the Dominican Republic in 1496. He called this paradise Hispaniola. Columbus could not even imagine that in the future these picturesque landscapes would attract the attention of numerous tourists, and the country would turn into a rapidly developing resort area.
Geographical position
The exotic Dominican Republic is located on It is located in its eastern part. It occupies the country and several nearby islands. The largest of them are Saona, Beata and Caio. The islands on which it is located belong to the Greater Antilles.
The capital of an exotic country
After a four-year period after the Europeans landed on the amazingly beautiful island, the city was founded by the brother of Christopher Columbus, Bartolomeo. Currently, it is the capital of the Dominican Republic - Santo Domingo. It is located on the southern coast of the island of Haiti.
The Dominican Republic attracts numerous tourists. The capital of this state, Santo Domingo, is characterized as a noisy and tireless city. Today it boasts three airports built in a modern style. All of them are located near the center of the capital. The journey by car along this route takes no more than half an hour, and there are no problems with transport. It’s faster and easier to get to the city by taxi. It can be easily picked up at any airport. The average fare for one kilometer is one dollar.
Anyone who decides to visit this state for the first time will certainly ask the question: “How long does it take to fly from Moscow to the Dominican Republic?” You will have to complete this long journey of more than nine thousand kilometers in 11-13 hours.
City `s history
The capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, was originally built on the banks of the Osama, in the eastern part. Nicholas de Avado, elected governor of the city, began construction on the opposite bank after two years of his reign. He ordered the construction of houses from stone. It is thanks to this that Santo Domingo did not suffer much damage from the fires. At one time the city was naval base expeditions and the capital of the Spanish possessions located in America.
Sights of Santo Domingo
What excursions in the Dominican Republic can attract the attention of tourists? The first sewage pit built during the New World has been preserved in the capital. Its length is two hundred meters. The inside of the pit is lined with red brick. In order to examine it from the inside, you will need special permission. However, the cost of such an excursion must be negotiated separately.
Tourists will also be pleased with a tour of the ancient quarters of Santo Domingo. These walks will make you plunge into those distant times when the city was one of the richest in the New World.
It is no coincidence that Dominicans call Santo Domingo the Athens of Latin America. After all, the city has a huge number of cultural monuments. It is not for nothing that UNESCO has taken the colonial part of the capital of the Dominican Republic under its protection. At the same time, it was declared the property of humanity. In terms of area, this colonial part is comparable to the entire city. On its territory there are hospitals of the New World, the first cathedral, as well as a university.
As a rule, excursions start from Dam Street. In the old days, noble ladies took their daily promenade along it. The Tore de la Minako tower is located on Dam Street. In the past, patrolmen were on duty there. Their duties included monitoring the sea to see if pirate ships appeared on it. For many centuries the tower was used as a prison. Today it houses the best hotel in the old city. Dam Street leads tourists to Piazza di Spagna, the main attraction of which is Gordon's house. This is the first residential building to be built on the island. The owner of the building was Francisco de Goray, the first notary in the area. Gorai came with Christopher Columbus and became extremely rich in real estate transactions here.
From the windows of Gordon's house you can see the Alcazar de Collon. The building was built in 1510. This is the house of a prince. About one and a half thousand Indians were herded to its construction. They were led by Spanish architects. The construction of the palace was carried out using the most primitive tools - saws, hammers and chisels. No nails were used during construction.
In 1985, the local academy studied the ashes located in the lighthouse. The verdict was clear: it belongs to Christopher Columbus. On the day of October 12, a visit to the tomb with ashes is allowed. On the same evening, in the sky over Santo Domingo, a unique system consisting of one hundred and fifty searchlights draws a huge cross in the sky. The spectacle can be seen even tens of kilometers away.
Climate of the Dominican Republic
It is no coincidence that the capital of the republic, as well as its numerous resorts, attract tourists. The fact is that the climate zone of the Caribbean is classified as a marine tropical type. It is characterized by warmth, high humidity and frequent trade winds. Winter period This zone is relatively dry. An increase in humidity is observed in the summer, at the end of which there are frequent rains. August is considered the hottest month: temperatures can rise to thirty degrees. However, the heat is softened by northeast winds that blow from the sea.
It is worth saying that there are no significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. Even in the coldest January, the thermometer rarely drops below twenty-two degrees. Temperatures can drop to zero in winter only in mountainous areas.
Air masses in the tropical zone are responsible for the occurrence of storms, typhoons, strong pressure drops and heavy rains. As a rule, these phenomena occur in August.
The most popular resort that attracts tourists to the Dominican Republic
The capital of an exotic country is not the only holiday destination for numerous tourists. The resorts located in the Dominican Republic are a real paradise for vacationers. They are characterized by gentle ocean waters and snow-white sand beaches. The local population is distinguished by its hospitality. Not only Americans, but also Europeans love these resorts.
The most the best place, which the Dominican Republic can rightfully be proud of - Punta Cana. This resort is truly a paradise on our planet. Beautiful beaches, coconut palms, white sand, coral reef, and hot sun leave a significant mark on the hearts of many tourists. That is why they come back here to enjoy their holiday again and exotic country Dominican Republic
Punta Cana is constant weather conditions during the whole year. The average air temperature in this area is very comfortable. It is twenty-six degrees. The hottest season is from April to November. During the rest of the period, there is a slight decrease (by several degrees) in air temperature and prolonged tropical rains.
A family holiday in the Dominican Republic at the resort of Punta Cana is the ideal choice. For those who want to retire to this exotic land, there is also a suitable place. This can be done in vast areas of untouched jungle.
Attractions
The main attraction of the resort of Punta Cana is Manati Park. This is a place where a huge number of exotic plants and animals are collected. Tourists can see sea lion and parrot shows in Manatee Park. Vacationers are given the opportunity not only to admire those animals that they had previously seen only in pictures, but also to pet them.
Manati Park is the only nature reserve located in the Dominican Republic. There are bars and restaurants, as well as souvenir shops open for tourists.
You can stay at the famous resort at Barcelo Dominican. This establishment belongs to a Spanish hotel group. Barcelo Dominican is located on Bavaro beach. The entire hotel area is an exotic tropical garden. Facilities intended for recreation are built in complete harmony with the surrounding nature.
Other resort areas
The best are located in the city of Boca Chica, near Santo Domingo. It only takes twenty minutes to get there by car. Apart from Punta Cana, Juan Dolio competes with these beaches. This is an exotic lagoon that is protected by coral reefs. If these resorts turn out to be too expensive for tourists, then holidays in the Dominican Republic are excellent in Bahia Principe, as well as Playa Bavaro.
If anyone wants to watch humpback whales, they can go to the Samana resort. This place is one of the few on our planet that has preserved wildlife. Young people will like Cabarete. Windsurfers traditionally gather at this resort. For those who prefer to combine beaches with excursions, Puerto Plata is suitable. There is an amber museum and numerous architectural structures from the colonial era.
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 on American soil, a university and christian cathedral appeared precisely 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.
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.
Search flights to Santo Domingo
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 areas are the Colonial Zone, located on the west bank of the river facing 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 are the National Theatre, the Museum of the Plaza de la Cultura, the National Palace (Palacio Nacional) - the modern seat of government, and the Palace of 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 for the best restaurants and shops in the city.
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 park - 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 mainly 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 for a 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. The picturesque Guayacanes beach is suitable for a secluded holiday - usually only locals relax 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 corals and algae, and from sea creatures here 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. As a souvenir of the 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 flavors. 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, and Brazilian restaurants.
Authentic street food- These are cassabé flatbreads made from cassava, and empanada pies, 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.
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 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 (office 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).
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 wonderful beaches numerous resorts in the Dominican Republic.
Unfortunately, capital of the Dominican Republic Santo Domingo cannot boast of comfortable beaches, so those who want to get to know each other well ancient city and enjoy a beach holiday, choose hotels in the small town of 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 well-maintained 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 a small settlement into a city with a population of more than 3 million inhabitants, but at the same time has carefully preserved its history.
Today, Santo Domingo stretches along the banks of the Osama River flowing through its territory, divided by it into two parts. West Side The city was built later than the eastern one, being the business and cultural center of the city. 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, the son of the famous Columbus, who 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 they date from the early 16th century. Some of them have turned into ruins, but the main part is still in use. Several religious buildings were 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 range 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.
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 of St. Mary
Most impressive temple The city 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 of 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 the 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 the Caribbean resort of 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 bright colors. dressed people in terrifying masks, dancers, musicians and artists. Theatrical performances, concerts and festive processions are held on the streets.
In July, Santo Domingo turns into the Caribbean capital of jazz for two weeks. The Jazz Festival program includes performances by groups from the Dominican Republic, the USA and various countries of Europe and Latin America.
Vibrant, ancient and cheerful, Santo Domingo, which immediately captures the hearts of travelers, is undoubtedly worthy of a visit.