Santo Domingo

The first European colonial city in the Americas, with a World Heritage Colonial Zone, the first cathedral in the Americas and Caribbean merengue nightlife.

Santo Domingo is the capital of the Dominican Republic, located on the south coast of Hispaniola where the Ozama River meets the sea. Founded in 1498 by Christopher Columbus's brother, it is the oldest permanent European-founded city in the Americas. Its old town, the Colonial Zone, was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1990 and is home to the first cathedral, hospital, monastery and university in the Americas. Today it is one of the largest cities in the Caribbean, where merengue and bachata music, cigars and rum are everywhere. The climate is tropical and hot year-round; the dry season from November to April is the most comfortable, and August–October is hurricane season. Sightseeing falls into three parts: one or two days in the Colonial Zone (Calle El Conde, Parque Colón, the cathedral, Calle Las Damas, Fortaleza Ozama, the Alcázar de Colón and the Museo de las Casas Reales, plus a concert in the monastery ruins on Sunday night); half a day in the newer city and the east bank (the National Palace, the Plaza de la Cultura museums, the Botanical Garden, Los Tres Ojos, the Columbus Lighthouse and the aquarium); and beaches and day trips (Boca Chica, diving at La Caleta, and a day trip west to the Baní dunes). Getting there: Las Américas International Airport is about 25 km east of the city, roughly 30 minutes by taxi; the city has a metro and cable car, but taxis or ride-hailing apps are more convenient between sights. Plan to stay 2–3 days, easily combined with Punta Cana or Samaná. Use sunscreen and insect repellent, avoid deserted streets at night, and watch out for street touts and fake guides.

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