Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo is the capital of the Dominican Republic with approximately 2.5 million inhabitants, and is the country’s center of politics, economics and culture.
Santo Domingo is the first city of the New World, where the modern history of America began. Discover the first cathedral, the first hospital, walk through the first roads that were built in the colonial area and imagine how it was around 500 years ago – an opportunity that should not be missed!
In addition to the historical importance of Santo Domingo, the city is, without a doubt, a destination for fun lovers. The city hosts the largest celebration of Carnival in the country, merengue festivals, nightclubs, department stores, shopping. No other city in the Caribbean has a greater variety of restaurants and nightlife than Santo Domingo (or 'capital,' as the Dominicans call it). There are so many restaurants in this city that is virtually impossible even for those who live in it to have visited them all. It is a city that never sleeps.

What to do

Visit the Colonial area, where the New World began. Founded in 1498, Santo Domingo was the first colonial city to which the Spanish Crown granted the royal charter. Strolling through the narrow but well-preserved old cobbled streets is a true pleasure. There are buildings from the colonial era still intact. Not only is this area is recommended for history buffs, but also for those who enjoy shopping, art lovers and, of course, for all romantics.
Visit Columbus Park, the park is named for the statue of Christopher Columbus, created in the nineteenth century by a French sculptor named Gilbert. In this park there are a couple of nice terraces for a drink, coffee or tea in the evenings. Right next to Columbus Park is one of the most popular and bustling streets in the area Colonial: Calle El Conde. This pedestrian street is one of the most commercial of the city. There are all kinds of shops featuring souvenirs, art, music as well as restaurants.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor, constructed between 1514 and 1544, is said to be the first cathedral in America and boasts a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Spanish stiles. Several renowned artists have worked within such as the Dominican Rincón Mora, the Italian sculptor Cellini and the Spanish painter Bartolome Esteban Murillo.
The Ozama Fort or Santo Domingo Fort, was built to protect the city from enemy attacks, offering fantastic views of the river and the Ozama seaport. We can see the bridges linking the passage from one side to another of the Ozama river, just in front of the factory of Ron Barcelo, one of the most prestigious rum brands both nationally and internationally. The “Torre del Homenaje,” the House of France and the House of Bastidas are also next to the fort.
The Alcazar de Colon is the most emblematic monument of the entire colonial city. This palace was the home of Diego Columbus, son of Christopher Columbus, who lived in it for several years as governor of “La Española.

Hotels