Set your course for the capital of the Dominican Republic, located on the southern coast of the island of Hispaniola! Welcome to Santo Domingo! It's the destination of choice for history enthusiasts and local culture aficionados. It offers a varied experience: colonial monuments, nightlife, typical cuisine, and a relaxed seaside atmosphere. A day or two is enough to appreciate its main attractions before moving on to other regions of the country.

History

Santo Domingo was founded in 1496 by Bartolomé Colón on the eastern bank of the Ozama River. After being destroyed by a hurricane, it was rebuilt in 1502 on the opposite bank, under the direction of Nicolás de Ovando. It then became the first administrative center of Spanish colonial power in the New World. Long before this period, the territory was inhabited by the Taíno people, who had divided the island into five zones ruled by caciques. Present through art and everyday objects, their culture can still be discovered today in several museums throughout the city. Since 1932, it has been officially the capital of the National District.

Discovering Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo is the capital and largest city of the Dominican Republic. It sits on the southern coast of the island of Hispaniola, shared with Haiti, on the edge of the Caribbean Sea, at the mouth of the Ozama River, which divides the city in two.

The western bank concentrates most economic activity and is home to the Colonial Zone, the historic heart where you discover Europe's beginnings in America. Just next to it, the Gazcue neighborhood captivates you with its old houses and shaded streets. The waterfront, with George Washington Avenue, nicknamed "El Malecon," attracts visitors and locals with its hotels, casinos, and monuments.

In the central-west, the "Polígono Central" groups together shops, restaurants, and offices in a modern district. It's rarely visited by tourists. The chicest residential neighborhoods surround major green spaces like Parque Mirador Sur and the Botanical Garden.

On the other side of the river, "Santo Domingo Este" is more populated but less developed. You'll find sites like Columbus Lighthouse, the caves of Los Tres Ojos park, and the national aquarium.

What to Do in Santo Domingo?

• Walk the ancient streets of the Colonial Zone ;
• Visit the 16th-century cathedral, the first in the Americas ;
• Catch a baseball game at Estadio Quisqueya ;
• Dine on Plaza de España, then have a drink on Calle las Atarazanas ;
• Dance merengue in front of the ruins of Monasterio de San Francisco ;
• Watch the film The Battle of Santo Domingo at Colonial Gate 4D Cinema ;
• Stroll, exercise, or have a drink at Parque Mirador del Sur.

What to See?

• Catedral Primada de America: discover the chapels inside ;
• Colón Park: cross Central Park and take a look at the historic buildings bordering the area ;
• Ozama Fortress: Enter the very first military fort on the continent to discover the beginnings of the colonial era in Santo Domingo ;
• City Hall: don't forget to observe its tower, which stands 29 meters high ;
• Alcázar de Colón: Browse the rooms of the Alcázar de Colón museum, housed in the very first vice-royal palace of the Americas ;
• Convent of the Dominicans: Discover the first Catholic church and first university founded in the New World ;
• Museo de las Casas Reales: Explore the Museo de las Casas Reales to better understand Dominican colonial history ;
• Plaza de España: Stop by Plaza de España and settle onto a terrace to enjoy the setting ;
• Chuchu Colonial: Board the Chuchu Colonial for an original tour of the Colonial Zone and its secrets ;
• Chuchu Colonial: Discover Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone aboard the famous Chuchu Colonial and explore its hidden treasures ;
• Ruins of San Nicolás de Bari Hospital: Explore the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo and observe the first hospital established on the island ;
• Reloj de Sol: Discover the city's Reloj de Sol and appreciate the precision of this ancient sundial.

Climate

The climate is tropical, with stable temperatures throughout the year. The thermometer rarely drops below 23 °C in the morning and can reach 32 °C in the afternoon. The coolest months are January and February, while August remains the warmest. Hurricane season runs from June to November, but early warning systems allow for quick response if a threat arises.

With this consistent weather, the city can be visited at any time of year.

Getting There

By Air

You can take a direct flight from Paris (Orly) to Santo Domingo with Air Caraïbes. The journey takes approximately 9 hours. The main airport is Las Américas International Airport (SDQ), located near the city.

By Sea

Santo Domingo is a regular stop for many international Caribbean cruises.

Locally

You can also reach Santo Domingo by bus from other Dominican cities like Punta Cana.

Getting Around

Minibus

Minibuses called guaguas are very common and ideal for short trips. The main terminals are found around parks in the downtown area. To board or get off, signal the driver. A trip costs around 10 Dominican pesos.

Bus

Several private companies regularly serve downtown. The fare is approximately 15 Dominican pesos per trip.

Metro

Santo Domingo has a metro system in operation since 2009. It consists of two main lines. The first follows the north-south axis along Máximo Gómez Avenue, while the second crosses the city east-to-west via Correa y Cidrón Avenue. A round trip costs around 40 Dominican pesos. You can also opt for a subscription at 15 pesos, rechargeable starting at 20 pesos.

Taxis

Taxis are often more expensive than other means of transportation. If you decide to take one, remember to negotiate the fare before departure, as no meter is used. Also verify that the price is acceptable to everyone traveling with you.

Car

Having a vehicle makes getting around Santo Domingo much easier. Watch out for the many two-wheelers, whether in the city center or rural areas. Your national driver's license is valid for the duration of your tourist card, which is three months, while an international license remains valid for one year.