'''Santo Domingo''' is the capital of the Dominican Republic and the oldest European city in the Americas. The old city is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Get in

By plane

  • '''Las Americas International Airport''' ({{IATA|SDQ}}) is located approximately 15 minutes from the greater metropolitan area and around 30 minutes from the city`s center. The airport offers several transportation options, including all major American car rental firms.
  • Direct flights from: Atlanta, Boston, New York, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Philadelphia, Panama City, San Jose Costa Rica, San Juan Puerto Rico, Havana, Port-au-Prince, Caracas, Paris, Madrid, Frankfurt, Munich and Duesseldorf and surrounding Caribbean islands.

    Airfare to Santo Domingo may vary widely depending on season and demand. A round trip ticket from from Boston or New York ranges anywhere from US$300 to US$700, with fares from Miami or San Juan only slightly lower.

    Airfare from most cities in Latin America cost between US$400 and US$1,000 and require layovers in Panama City, Panama (Copa Air) or San Jose, Costa Rica (Taca).

    By ferry

    There is ferry service to and from Mayaguez, Puerto Rico twice per week. It costs around US $250 roundtrip and the overnight journey last 12 hours. For an additional fee, you can bring your car along for the ride. The company is called Ferries del Caribe [http://www.ferriesdelcaribe.com/]

    Getting around

    Santo Domingo was, until recently, a huge city (pop. nearly 4 million people) that was split into 5 independent municipalities: Distrito Nacional, Santo Domingo Este, Santo Domingo Oeste, Santo Domingo Norte and Boca Chica. Fortunately, nearly all tourist attractions and shopping, dining and entertainment venues are located relatively close to each other in the Distrito Nacional, making it easy for you to get around and see the sights.

    Santo Domingo is not entirely a tourist-friendly city. It`s often hard to move around if you don't know the city, as many streets lack proper signage and addresses are often reliant on the neighborhood's name more than an actual street address. However, don't be afraid of asking the locals for orientation, as Dominicans are well known for their helpful nature and usually helpful to tourists. It's a good idea to get a street map (there are many city maps online but it's also possible to buy one at any gift shop or book store for no more than US$5 dollars).

    Walking

    Walking along major thoroughfares in Santo Domingo can prove quite challenging. First, drivers aren't very respectful of pedestrians, so you have to take extra care when trying to cross a street. Second, some sidewalks can be damaged or under construction , forcing you onto the street.

    The Malecon and Colonial Zone are the most walkable parts of the city. They offer multiple pedestrian attractions and are relatively safe areas for tourists to explore. Although it is always wise to use common sense as everywhere.

    While exploring the Colonial Zone try hiring a "properly-licensed" tour guide. These talented yet underpaid, multi-lingual individuals will keep you entertained for hours with unprecedented historical insight and humor. You can usually find them at the Plaza Colon in front of the Cathedral. They are worth every penny.

    Taxi

  • '''From the airport''' You can book your airport transfers in advance. Can try Dominican Airport Transfers[http://www.dominicanairporttransfers.com] one of business leaders, you can actually get an instant quote and book online on their automated site but the office is located in the city.
  • Taxis charge anywhere from US$25 to US$40 for the drive from the airport into Santo Domingo.

    Unlike most major metropolitan areas, there are very few roaming taxis in Santo Domingo. In most cases you have to call a dispatcher to have a taxi sent to your location. This isn't a problem and most businesses will gladly call a cab for you. Relatively expensive, usually US$ 4-15 per average trip and possibly more if you use one of the friendly cabs waiting in front of your nice hotel lobby. Again, depending on circumstances, you may find that hiring a cab driver for the day is a good bargain.

    Bottom line: taxis are convenient but expensive.

  • Also be sure to never get into stray cabs at night or cabs that aren't sent by a dispatcher, they are not the safest. Another note, some cabs will put several passengers in at once, each paying a separate fare.
  • Rent-A-Car

    All major US car rental firms are available at the airport, along with several local vendors offering everything from subcompacts to late model Hummers, Range Rovers and Land Cruisers. When renting from local vendors be sure to read the fine print regarding insurance coverage; you might think you're getting a great deal on a car, only to get into an accident and find out that your insurance coverage does not apply or that your deductible is as high as US$5,000.

    '''Advice to potential renters:''' Gasoline costs around US$ 5 per gallon here and people drive fast and furious, breaking every imaginable rule. It might be safer and cheaper to develop a friendship with a cab driver who will gladly become your personal driver, tourguide and concierge for a day rate equal to a fraction of what it would cost you to rent, insure and gas up a rental.

    Bus

    For some unknown reason bus service in Santo Domingo is not very user-friendly and geared more towards locals getting to and from work. It is often impossible to know which bus goes where unless you ask the driver, as neither buses nor routes are clearly marked. Bottom Line: Inexpensive (around US $ 0.5 and 1.00 per ride) yet complicated. Avoid unless you are accompanied by a local.

    Collective taxis

    These collective taxis or "carro publico" as they are called by Dominicans, stick to a predetermined route (usually up and down a major avenue), picking up and dropping off passengers along the way - often cramming up to five passengers into a twenty year old Toyota Corolla. Very inexpensive,US$ 0.50 per trip, yet very uncomfortable. By the way, if you happen to be overweight don't be surprised if the driver charges you for two seats instead of one.

    See

    Despite boasting a rich cultural, architectural and artistic heritage, Santo Domingo has not been exploited for all its tourist potential. You're pretty much on your own to discover this fascinating city. Make the most of your time there.

    '''Colonial Zone'''

    Santo Domingo was the first major european settlement in the New World. Christopher Columbus walked these streets! Check out the many examples of 15th and 16th century architecture in the Colonial Zone. Don't miss the Ozama Fort, the Alcazar de Colon and the Cathedral, all built in Columbus' lifetime. Check out La Atarrazana street after dark for a variety of romantic outdoor cafes with a spectacular view of the Alcazar and bay area. One such brasserie, Pat E Palo, has operated uninterrupted since 1505. Check out the house where Ponce DeLeon lived before he embarked upon his quest for the fountain of youth and ended up discovering Florida.

    '''Malecon'''

    This waterfront boulevard (George Washington Avenue) is home to several huge hotel/casino complexes and dozens of small restaurants, clubs and cafes. Go there to people watch, take a romantic carriage ride or just have a few beers. Site of many festivals and concerts throughout the year. Parallel to the Malecon you will find '''Avenida Independencia''', a tree lined street full of shops, bed and breakfasts and affordable restaurants with a nice mix of locals and tourists. For a unique dining experience check out '''Adrian Tropical''', a traditional Dominican restaurant literally built on the water, or '''San Gil''', a more formal eatery occupying the ruins of a colonial fort. The Malecon Center, located on the far end of the Malecon, is a new and still underoccupied high-end shopping center/hotel/condo complex with a '''Botero sculpture''' out front that reportedly cost US$1 million.

    '''Plaza de la Cultura'''

    Walk all the way down the Malecon to Avenida Maximo Gomez and take a left. Walk past the McDonald's and Pizza Hut until you reach the Plaza de la Cultura. This amazing complex is home to the National Theater and five museums, ranging from the delapidated and mundane, to the crisp, modern '''Museum of Modern Art'''[http://www.museodeartemoderno.org.do/], the largest in the Caribbean and home to exhibits by artists from Jamaica, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and of course, the Dominican Republic. If want a nice beautiful garden to read or talk this is your place also.

    '''Upscale Santo Domingo'''

    If you want to see the cosmopolitan, upscale side of Santo Domingo, head to the Piantini and Naco neighborhoods. Streets like Gustavo Mejia Ricard and major avenues like Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill are lined with high end boutiques, shopping plazas, expensive cafes and restaurants offering a huge variety of international cuisines and just about anything money can buy, from cigar shops to Ferrari and Bentley dealerships. Don't miss Acropolis Center, an ultra-modern shopping center/office building where you will find everything from TGI Friday's to Prada.

    '''Eco-Tourism'''

    Find your way to the '''Parque Mirador Sur''', an impressive park overlooking the coast. From there, visit the Jardin Botanico, a vast, beautiful and lush park situated near one of Santo Domingo's most exclusive neighborhoods.

    '''Eastern Santo Domingo'''

    Refered to as Santo Domingo Oriental, this separate municipality is not very tourist-friendly. Fortunately, most of its attractions are very close to the Colonial Zone and easy to get to. Check out the Tres Ojos, or Three Eyes, a series of open-roof caverns and underground lakes for the whole family to explore (with a local this part of Santo Domingo is the most poverty stricken and can be dangerous!!!!). Head over to the Faro a Colon, a huge lighthouse and monument to Christopher Columbus which not only houses his remains but doubles as a museum. Check out the Santo Domingo Aquarium, a small but impressive showcase of the local aquatic life.

    '''Beach'''

    Unfortunately, there isn't a beach in Santo Domingo, despite being on the water's edge. The closest beach is Boca Chica, which is about a half hour away, just past the airport and shipping port.

    Museums

    In the Colonial Zone:

    '''Alcazar de Colon''' - Visit this stunning villa, built in 1510 and retaining period furnishings and other items owned by Governor Diego Colon, first-born son of Christopher Columbus.

    '''Naval Museum of the Atarazanas''' Located across the plaza from the Alcazar de Colon on Calle Atarazana, the oldest street in the Western Hemisphere.

  • '''Museum of the Casas Reales''' Another great museum featuring collections depicting life in 16th century Santo Domingo. Located on Calle Las Damas, walking distance from the Alcazar de Colon and the Naval Museum.
  • '''World of Ambar Museum''' An impressive collection of Amber stones and aksd
  • '''Museum of Duarte''' A collection of artifacts and writings regarding the Dominican Republic's founding father, Juan Pablo Duarte. Located on Calle Isabel La Catolica, a few blocks west of the above museums.
  • '''Museum of Natural History'''
  • '''Museum of Dominican Man'''
  • '''Museum of Modern Art'''
  • '''National Museum of History and Geography'''
  • Do

    Santo Domingo is an excellent place to study Spanish off the beaten track and get immersed in the language. One recommended Spanish school that specializes in one on one lessons at discount rates is the [http://www.SantoDomingoHostels.com RoofTop Spanish School].

    Buy

    '''Colonial Zone'''

    The Colonial Zone offers plenty of shopping opportunities, especially if you are looking for Ambar and Larimar, the traditional stones of the DR. Don't forget to haggle, as all the shop owners adjust their prices for this purpose. You will also find a ton of Haitian art for sale everywhere at great prices. If that's your thing, great, just remember its not Dominican. The main boulevard in the Colonial Zone is El Conde, a pedestrian boulevard lined with all kinds of shops and eateries mostly aimed at the locales. Have fun shopping and people watching here.

    If you are feeling adventurous, have a cab take you to the Mercado Modelo nearby. This indoor labyrinth of shops can be overwhelming for a new tourist but, don't worry, it is safe. Then again, you might feel safer asking the cab driver to escort you through the maze of shops and kiosks offering every imaginable kind of souvenir, jewelry, stone, artwork, etc.

    '''Malls'''

    If you want to experience American-style shopping there are plenty of options but here are the three most popular: Plaza Central, Acropolis Center and, for those of you willing to venture into Santo Domingo Oriental, MegaCentro. Remember: no haggling at the malls. While MegaCentro is farther away than the others, it is the largest mall in the Caribbean (possibly including Florida) and is a destination in and of itself. This place is HUGE!

    Please remember when shopping at the malls, this is an island where practically everything being sold is imported and, worse yet, taxed at 16% (ITBIS or Value Added Tax). Don't expect to find too many bargains to brag about back home!

    Eat

    Santo Domingo offers a variety of cuisines from around the world from Chinese, Italian and Mediterranean to Brazillian. You can also find the main fast food franchises like McDonalds, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Wendy_fs, Taco Bell, among others. If you need help there are a number of free online restaurants guides, the most comprehensive being Menu.com.do [http://www.menu.com.do] and Guia de Restaurantes [http://www.elcaribecdn.com.do/restaurantes.aspx] which unfortunately are only in Spanish.

    Be aware that mid-grade and high-end restaurants can be quite costly for third world standards, a dinner with an entree, main court, drink and dessert can range from US$20 - $75 per person, plus 10% mandatory tip plus 16% ITBIS tax. Be careful and ask around as price doesn't always equal quality, especially in tourist areas.

    Note: Unless the contrary is specified menu prices don_ft include the 10 % service charge and 16 % sale tax, so real prices are 26 % higher than indicated in the menu.

    Budget

    If you want to spend less than US $ 8 on a decent meal and drink:

  • '''Visit a _gcomedor_h or cafeteria.'''
  • Comedores offer a _gPlato del Dia_h or predetermined meal of the day (usually rice, beans, salad and meat or chicken, and a soda) for just US$3 ? 8. Cafeterias and Comedores can be found everywhere around the city but specially around business areas and universities, this is where locals eat so is a great way of getting in touch with the culture. _gMimosa_h, located on Padre Billini street in the Colonial Zone, offers a great variety of tasty local food during lunch hours.

  • '''Best sandwiches, juice and shakes in the Caribbean'''
  • "Barra Payan", located on 30 de marzo street only five minutes from the Colonial Zone, is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day. A sandwich cafeteria, the place has been a traditional eatery for more than a half century. Buy a sandwich and a delicious squeezed-to-order fruit juice or milkshake for less than US$ 5.

  • '''Chinese and "Pica Pollo"'''
  • At some point in history Dominicans became quite fond of fried chicken and chinese food, combining both cuisines into fast food establishments known as "pica pollos". These are usually take-out joints run by first or second generation chinese immigrants, serving up heaping portions of fried rice, plantain slices and tasty (and greasy) fried chicken, along with the usual variety of chinese comfort food. Very inexpensive. Visit Santo Domingo's China Town, near the Mercado Modelo and not far from the Colonial Zone (Duarte Avenue), a very busy zone where working class people do a lot of their shopping. If you feel adventurous enough to enter this usually chaotic but very picturesque part of the town it would an experience to remember. Keep in mind, pick-pockets love the crowded streets, watch your belongings closely.

  • '''Fast food'''
  • A Mcdonalds combo costs around US$ 5, Taco Bell, Wendys and Pizza Hut around US$ 6. There are also several very good local franchises like Pizzarelli [ttp://www.pizzarelli.com.do/nuevo/]where you can have pasta, pizza or a salad for no more than US$ 10, and others like Pollos Victorina. Interesting note: you can walk into a McDonalds in Santo Domingo and order a value meal with a Presidente beer instead of a Coke. How cool is that?

    Middle range

    For a unique, quality and "affordable" dining experience check out one of the city's three '''Adrian Tropical''' restaurants, the coolest one is literally built on the water in the Malecon. There are American midrange franchises as well, TGIF, Tony Roma's, etc.

    Splurge

    If you have to ask how much, you can't afford these places:

  • '''El Vesuvio''' The oldest and finest Italian restaurant on the island, bar none, located on the Malecon
  • '''Pepperoni Grille''' Upscale, modern Italian.
  • '''Sofia's''' Mediterranean cuisine.
  • Any of the restaurants around Gustavo Mejia Ricart Avenue
  • '''Meson de la Cava''' An expensive average restaurant whose chief gimmick is being located within a natural cave underground.
  • '''Porter House Grill''' Steakhouse
  • Any of the tourist traps on beautiful Atarazana Street in the Colonial Zone, worth at least one night out.
  • $$$ - Don't $ay we didn't warn ya!

    Drink

    Santo Domingo has an amazing variety of night life options. Unfortunately, most bars and clubs must close at midnight from Sunday to Thursday and at 2AM on Friday and Saturday. This is a regulation imposed since 2006 intended to curtail the escalating crime in the city. Therefore, it is not uncommon for people to start partying at 8PM on the weekends. Happily, the regulation is suspended on holidays and the last two weeks of December for Christmas partying. Usually the clubs located inside major hotels are exempt from this rule, although they aren't usually much fun.

    As of November 2007, there are a couple of bars that are open until 3AM on weekends since August 2007.

    The Malecon is home to several options as well, depending on what's in style at the time.

    Check out Jet Set on Monday nights for live Merengue and Bachata shows from the most popular top bands.

    Head over to the upscale side of Santo Domingo (Naco, Piantini) if that is your scene. There are a ton of options there, including perennial favorites such as Trio Caffe, Praia and Montecristo. Be aware that those kind of places can have a rather strict admission policy, you usually have to look white enough and rich enough to be admitted. This discrimination hasn't go unnoticed, the Embassy of United States directed all resident official U.S. Embassy employees to refrain from patronizing Loft one of the most popular and exclusive nightclubs in the city, responding to the actions of Loft management in selectively denying entry to African-Americans embassy on July 22 2007. [http://usemb.gov.do/prelease/Loft_Disco.htm]

    If you you are more into the bohemian scene check out the Colonial Zone for great bars and cafes, as well as a vibrant gay nightlife scene. Here are some hints:

  • '''Cacibajagua. ''' Great rock music, nice decor, adult crowd. Sanchez #201. [http://www.colonialzone-dr.com/cacibajagua.html]
  • '''Bio.''' Modern eclectic music from regueaton to latin rock, very young public.Calle Sanchez and Padre Billini
  • '''S Bar.''' Mostly rock music can enjoy some falafels too, you would love the owner Isaac. Calle Sanchez and Padre Billini
  • '''Shots.''' Mostly electronic, very young crowd. Sanchez and Arzobispo Nouel.
  • '''Parada 77.''' Latin rock, spanish songwriters some merengue and salsa , people in their mid thirties and forties.
  • '''Ocho Puertas''' Rock, alternative and electronica with live music also, very beautiful place. Jose Reyes #107
  • '''Segafredo.''' A franchise, loungue music, italian food and good coffee.
  • ''' Encuentro Artesanal.''' The decor is definitely the best in the Colonial Zone highly selected electronic music, frequented by artists and publicists.
  • Outside the Colonial Zone try '''Cinemacafe''', [http://www.cinemacafe.com.do/]. A nice caffe in the Plaza de la Cultural. Check the website for the activities calendar.

    Whatever you do, don't leave Santo Domingo without visiting '''La Guacara Taina''', the only nightclub in the world '''inside a huge natural cave'''. Descend several hundred feet into a fantasy world of lights and sound. You have to see this place to believe it. Located (under) the Mirador Sur park mentioned above.

    A nice Club with House music, where some well known DJ's are invited is '''LED'''. Near Santo Domingo Hotel.

    Another nice Club is the one placed in Acropolis Center.

    Sleep

  • '''Hilton Santo Domingo''', George Washington Avenue, #500, Tel: +1-809-685-0000, [http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/SDQHIHH-Hilton-Santo-Domingo/index.do].
  • '''The RoofTop Hostel''', Calle Francisco Peynado No. 56, Edificio Calu, Tel: +1-809-297-2538, A great hangout spot for backpackers with dorm beds starting at $6 USD per night [http://www.Santodomingohostels.com].
  • '''Renaissance Jaragua Hotel & Casino''' Reservations: +1 809 221-2222 [http://www.marriott.com/sdqgw]. Centrally located near El Conde (shopping district), historic colonial buildings, and restaurants. Also across the street from the malecon (which is long sidewalk and sitting area in front of ocean).
  • Courtyard by Marriot Santo Domingo Hotel. venida Maximo Gomez. + 1 809-685-1010. ttp://www.marriott.com/sdqcy. PM. PM. Near the business district, conveniently located to the US Embassy and the US Consulate, ideal for business travellers. Comfortable rooms equipped with free wireless internet.

  • '''Hotel Nikkolaus''' Nice budget hotel not far from the colonial zone (about 10 minutes by taxi). Triple rooms for 60 USD. [http://www.nikkolaus.com/home.htm].
  • '''Pension Ginette''' El Conde 505 (near Puerta del Conde), Tel: +1 809 623 9740. 400 DOP for 2 people.
  • '''Hotel Delta:''', Sarasota #53 in Bella Vista area, +1 809 535 0800, [http://www.hoteldelta.com.do]. Excellent for the business traveler. It located in the center of the city making it very accessible. Hotel offers a business center and wifi connection. Restaurant with 24 hour room service. There is a very nice pool/bar on the rooftop which offers a 360 degree view of the city.
  • Get out