Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Historic City In The Dominican Republic

Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Historic City In The Dominican Republic

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The Dominican Republic has lengthy been a well-liked trip spot, and this yr greater than ever, vacationers are flocking to this island nation within the Caribbean.

In February 2023 alone, over 600 thousand tourists arrived by air, and the pattern reveals no indicators of slowing down. 

Columbus statue and Basilica Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor in Santo Domingo Colonial zone

With more flights being added from the U.S., vacationers will keep coming to this stunningly lovely tropical island, and for good purpose.

While the beaches are clearly the draw right here (as they need to be), there are locations inland price a have a look at as nicely.

One such place is the colourful and historic capital metropolis of Santo Domingo. 

santo domingo umbrella street with white colonial buildings

Here’s Why You Really Shouldn’t Miss Out On Exploring This Gem:

Just A Capital City?

Founded in 1496 by Christopher Columbus’s youthful brother, Bartholomew, Santo Domingo is the oldest constantly inhabited European metropolis in the entire Americas. Here you can see the most important metropolitan metropolis in the entire Caribbean and a colonial metropolis that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

A 2010 American Capital of Culture, Santo Domingo must be extra than simply your level of entry to this nation. There are many causes it is best to spend a few nights right here earlier than or after heading to the seashores, from historical past, nightlife, tradition, meals and drinks, and rooftop swimming pools. 

Reaching the seaside areas from Santo Domingo is straightforward by automobile, and public buses are low cost and comfy as nicely. Santo Domingo has UBER, so getting across the metropolis shouldn’t be a problem, and there are areas to stay to and areas that aren’t recommended for vacationers. 

Note: Santo Domingo is a big sprawling metropolis, and new areas are sprouting up over time. This article will concentrate on the primary vacationer draw of the Zona Colonial.

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Retro carriage with a horse on a city street in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic copy

Where To Stay 

The greatest place to remain in Santo Domingo for vacationers is the Zona Colonial or Colonial Zone. This is the place you’ll really feel the most secure, be inside a simple stroll to lots of the essential websites, and be capable to pop again to your lodging for a day settle down earlier than heading again out for some incredible nightlife. 

Santo Domingo will get sizzling, as one would possibly anticipate, and wandering the cobblestone streets all day will defiantly put on you down if visiting within the hotter months, so don’t overdo it. Luckily, there are numerous lodging choices with swimming pools, good for a day settle down. 

Zona Colonial just isn’t all that giant, however fortunately there are quite a few leases and boutique accommodations right here. Be cautious when selecting the place to remain, as some properties record themselves as being simply outdoors the Colonial Quarter, and some of those areas aren’t locations to stroll round at evening.

Note: I’m not saying they’re ‘dangerous’ per se, however that they may not make the typical traveler really feel as snug as a extra central location. 

Statue of Bartholomew Columbus on Calle el Conde street in the colonial city center of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

If attainable, keep IN the Colonial Zone, not ‘nearby’. The greatest tip for that is to learn the opinions earlier than reserving, particularly search for mentions of “safe, walking, night,” and so on. Tales from precise vacationers provides you with a significantly better image of the realm than the property description most often. 

There are different areas of this massive metropolis that some vacationers want to remain, comparable to Zona Universitaria, Gazcue, or the Malecon space, however truthfully, in case you are right here to see the Zona Colonial, it’s greatest to remain right here and save journey time. 

There are additionally some city seaside areas right here you would possibly select, but it surely’s seemingly that you can be heading to one of many extra well-known seaside areas, so it’s higher to attend for these.

Historic City Center Plaza with Skyline of Colonial Buildings and Church

What To See and Do

The greatest option to expertise the colonial quarter of Santo Domingo is just to wander and take all of it in. However, except you might be glued to a guidebook, it’s greatest to affix one of many metropolis’s many strolling excursions. With a information, you’ll be able to hear the historical past and get a really feel for the true heartbeat of this space. 

Depending on if you go to, you’ll seemingly see A LOT of tour teams, many of the coming from cruise ships. Luckily they don’t appear to remain lengthy and congest the streets, and shouldn’t interrupt your sightseeing an excessive amount of. 

There can be a small vacationer practice that put-puts its approach round a few of the streets with a recorded audio description of the sights. This is an inexpensive and enjoyable option to see a bit with out breaking a sweat.

TIP- take this little practice to scout out good photograph spots you could circle again for golden hour.

white church and flags in santo domingo Dominican republic

The many eating places and bars within the colonial zone depart you spoiled for selection right here, and there’s something for everybody’s funds and tastes. Ranging from rooftops, historic buildings, and newer developments, you’ll find Dominican meals and anything you may want. One private favourite for a killer view is Sugarcane La Casa Del Ron, the place you’ll be able to sip and overlook the primary church within the Americas.  

For beer lovers, there are additionally a couple of very cool breweries scattered in colourful previous homes within the Zona Colonial. So, remember to search these out in case you are right here to pattern a few of the Dominican Republic’s craft beers. For some nice gram-worthy pics, La Cacata Brewing is a vibrant little place serving superior ales. 

SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC restaurant and outside dining

If you’ll be able to tear your self away from the meals and drinks, there are numerous cultural issues to see and do right here as nicely.

Parks comparable to Independence and Columbus are price a go to, as are the numerous museums and historic websites to discover.

Museum of the Royal Houses, Museo del Larimar, the Amber World Museum, and Alcazar de Colon are all widespread choices. 

Santo Domingo additionally has the Caribbean’s first city cable automobile, and whereas its essential objective is to make the day by day lives of residents simpler, vacationers are welcome to take pleasure in it as nicely.

Take the clear and environment friendly subway or an Uber to succeed in the station and luxuriate in a birds of view of the true Santo Domingo, removed from the glitzy vacationer shop-lined streets of the Zona Colonial. 

santo domingo cable car

Can’t Miss 

It’s a disgrace how many individuals miss out on Santo Domingo when coming to the Dominican Republic, and it’s much more of a disgrace that individuals come to Santo Domingo and miss out on considered one of its best-kept secrets and techniques.

Literally IN the town lies a small however beautiful cave system you could go to for subsequent to nothing, and whilst you can’t swim within the blue waters, the views rival any cenote that you just would possibly discover in Mexico. 

The Tres Ojos (Three Eyes) National Park is a must-see when visiting Santo Domingo and makes a simple cease on the way in which to the airport in case you can prepare together with your driver to attend about half-hour for you. The value for entry is about $2, and also you climb down and expertise the swimming pools and caves surrounding you. 

While not very giant, this place is incredible, and you’re feeling one million miles from the freeway that truly runs proper subsequent to the park.

To attain essentially the most photogenic spot, deliver a few additional {dollars} with you. I received’t spoil the shock, however let’s simply say there are ropes and a floating raft concerned. 

Three eyes cave in Santo Domingo, los Tres Ojos national park, Dominican Republic

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