Dominican Republic
Overview
Santo Domingo is where European history in the Americas began. The Colonial Zone has the first cathedral, the first paved street and the first fortress of the New World, in stone streets full of colourful houses, bars and music. The rest of the city is big, loud and chaotic, but the energy, the merengue and the people make it very alive.
Bartholomew Columbus, brother of Christopher, founded Santo Domingo in 1496 (it moved to the west bank of the Ozama River in 1502), making it the oldest continuously inhabited European city in the Americas. From here the Spanish organised the conquest of the Caribbean and the mainland. The city was attacked by Francis Drake in 1586 and later occupied by France and Haiti. The Dominican Republic declared independence from Haiti in 1844. Under the dictator Rafael Trujillo (1930–1961) the city was even renamed Ciudad Trujillo. The Colonial Zone became a UNESCO site in 1990.
How long to stay: 2 to 3 days.
Last updated: October 2026
Quick Facts
Location
On the southern coast of the Dominican Republic, at the mouth of the Ozama River on the Caribbean Sea. Punta Cana is about 2.5 to 3 hours east.
Budget
Per person, per day.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed | DOP 1,500–2,500 (US 24–40 dollars) | DOP 4,500–7,500 (US 71–119) | DOP 12,000+ (US 190+) |
| Food | DOP 900–1,500 (US 14–24) | DOP 2,500–4,000 (US 40–63) | DOP 6,000+ (US 95+) |
| Getting around | DOP 200–500 | DOP 600–1,200 | DOP 2,000+ |
| Daily total | DOP 2,600–4,500 (US 41–71) | DOP 7,600–12,700 (US 121–202) | DOP 20,000+ (US 317+) |
Try "la bandera" (rice, beans and meat), the national lunch, for about DOP 300–450.
Things to Do
Santo Domingo is where the New World starts. The Zona Colonial holds the first cathedral, the first paved street, and the first university built by Europeans in the Americas.
Walk Calle El Conde from Parque Colon down to the river. Tour the Alcazar de Colon (Diego Columbus lived here), then eat mofongo at a courtyard restaurant in a 500-year-old building.
The Cathedral of Santa María la Menor, built between 1514 and 1541, is the oldest cathedral in the Americas, mixing Gothic and Renaissance styles in coral-coloured stone.
Price: small fee for tourists · Tip: dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered).
The palace of Diego Columbus, son of Christopher and governor of the colony, built between 1510 and 1514. It is now a museum with period furniture and tapestries, overlooking the river.
Price: about DOP 100–200.
Built in 1502, it is the oldest military building of European origin in the Americas. Climb the Torre del Homenaje (Tower of Homage) for views over the river.
Price: about DOP 100–200.
The first paved street in the Americas (early 1500s), named after the ladies of María de Toledo's court who walked here. It has the National Pantheon, where national heroes are buried.
Price: free.
The main square with a statue of Columbus, and El Conde, the pedestrian shopping street that runs to Parque Independencia and the Altar de la Patria, where the founding fathers are buried.
Price: free.
The ruins of the first monastery in the Americas, used for live music nights (Sunday son and merengue concerts are a local favourite).
Price: free or small charge for events.
Three large caves with lagoons of blue water inside a national park east of the river. A small raft takes you across to the fourth lake.
Price: about DOP 100–200 · Time needed: 1 hour.
A giant cross-shaped monument opened in 1992 for the 500th anniversary of Columbus' arrival. It claims to hold his remains (Seville makes the same claim) and shoots a cross of light into the sky.
Price: small fee.
The seafront avenue along the Caribbean, with hotels, restaurants and evening walks.
Price: free.
Merengue was born in the Dominican Republic and is on UNESCO's intangible heritage list (2016), as is bachata (2019). Go dancing in the Colonial Zone on a weekend night.
Transit Tips
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Airport (SDQ): Uber to the Colonial Zone about 30 to 40 minutes; official airport taxis have set prices (around 40 US dollars).
From Punta Cana: Expreso Bávaro buses (about 3 hours) or private transfer.
Walking: the Colonial Zone is compact.
Uber: the easiest way around the city.
Metro: two clean, cheap lines across the city.
Keep in mind that midday is very hot. Visit museums in the morning and walk the streets in the late afternoon.
Helpful Words
A few basics in Spanish can make everyday conversations much easier.
Where to Stay
Plan & Book
Explore accommodation options and open hotel details directly from the map.
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