Santo Domingo
The oldest European city in the Americas — a UNESCO World Heritage colonial quarter of extraordinary beauty and history
Explore Santo Domingo
Click any marker to find out more about each spot.
Things To Do in Santo Domingo
The best history, culture and nightlife in the Dominican Republic's capital.
Zona Colonial
The Zona Colonial is the historic heart of Santo Domingo — a UNESCO World Heritage Site of extraordinary beauty. Founded in 1496, it is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas. Cobbled streets, 16th-century cathedrals, colonial palaces and the first university in the New World are all within walking distance of each other.
Alcázar de Colón
The Alcázar de Colón — the palace of Diego Columbus, son of Christopher Columbus — is one of the oldest European buildings in the Americas. Built in 1510, it overlooks the Ozama River and houses a museum of colonial-era furniture and artefacts. The views from the terrace over the river and the colonial quarter are extraordinary.
Catedral Primada de América
The Cathedral of Santa María la Menor is the oldest cathedral in the Americas, completed in 1541. A masterpiece of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, it stands at the heart of the Zona Colonial and is one of the most important religious buildings in the New World. The interior is cool, atmospheric and beautifully preserved.
Food, Rum & Cigars
Santo Domingo has an excellent food scene — from traditional Dominican restaurants serving sancocho, mangú and fresh seafood to world-class international restaurants. The Mercado Modelo is the best place to buy Dominican rum, cigars and crafts. The Malecón waterfront is lined with restaurants and bars, and the nightlife is excellent.
Malecón & Nightlife
The Malecón is Santo Domingo's seafront promenade — a long, lively strip lined with hotels, restaurants, bars and clubs. The nightlife here is some of the best in the Caribbean, with merengue and bachata music filling the air every evening. The Malecón is at its most vibrant on weekend evenings, when locals and tourists mix freely.
Santo Domingo Travel Guide
Santo Domingo is one of the most historically significant cities in the Americas — the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the New World, founded in 1496 by Bartholomew Columbus, brother of Christopher. Its Zona Colonial is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of extraordinary beauty and historical importance.
The Zona Colonial is the heart of the city — a compact, walkable area of cobbled streets, 16th-century cathedrals, colonial palaces and historic buildings that tell the story of the Spanish conquest of the Americas. The Catedral Primada de América, completed in 1541, is the oldest cathedral in the Americas. The Alcázar de Colón, the palace of Diego Columbus, is one of the oldest European buildings in the New World. The Calle Las Damas is the oldest paved street in the Americas.
The city has a vibrant contemporary culture alongside its extraordinary history. The Malecón waterfront promenade is lined with hotels, restaurants, bars and clubs. The food scene is excellent — from traditional Dominican restaurants serving sancocho and mangú to world-class international restaurants. The nightlife, with merengue and bachata music, is some of the best in the Caribbean.
The Mercado Modelo is the best place to buy Dominican rum, cigars and crafts. The Parque Colón, in the heart of the Zona Colonial, is a lively public square surrounded by historic buildings and lined with outdoor cafés.
Santo Domingo is about 2.5 hours from Punta Cana by road and makes an excellent day trip. It is also served by its own international airport (Las Américas) with direct flights from the UK.
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