Santo Domingo Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
capital of the Dominican Republic
About Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo is the capital city of the Dominican Republic, and it prides itself in being the first European city in the New World. Founded by Christopher Columbus's brother Bartolome Colombus in 1496, it is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas and was the first seat of the Spanish colonial empire in the New World. For this reason, the city of Santo Domingo has a really rich historic and cultural heritage that makes any visit extremely worthwhile. Santo Domingo remains one of the most populous cities in the Central America-Caribbean area, and the main economic and commercial center of this region. The country suffered 31 years of a brutal dictatorship by Trujillo, during which time the city was called "Ciudad Trujillo". The city is divided into two parts
Top Attractions in Santo Domingo
Explore the best things to see and do in Santo Domingo:
- ★Alcázar de Colón
- ★AquaMundo
- ★Basilica Cathedral of Santa María la Menor
- ★Colonial Zone
- ★Columbus Park
- ★Dominican Republic National Zoo
- ★Dr. Rafael Ma. Moscoso National Botanical Garden
- ★Eastern Santo Domingo
Where to Eat in Santo Domingo
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Adrian Tropical Food
- 🍴Hard Rock Cafe
- 🍴Outback Steak House
- 🍴TGI Fridays
- 🍴Tony Roma's
Where to Stay in Santo Domingo
- 🏨Boca del Mar Residence
- 🏨Catalonia Santo Domingo
- 🏨Courtyard by Marriott Santo Domingo Hotel
- 🏨El Beaterio Guest Houseo
- 🏨Embassy Suites by Hilton Santo Domingo
- 🏨Hodelpa Nicolás de Ovando
Santo Domingo Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 12 sections including: