Quick Facts

Located on the Caribbean Sea, at the mouth of the Ozama River on the southern coast of the island, Santo Domingo is the largest city and capital of the Dominican Republic. The city is also the oldest city in the new world and you can sense the vibrant contrastt between the partially enclosed Old Town and the city’s more modern side.

Getting There & Other Transportation

The official airport of Santo Domingo is the Las Americas International Airport. It is located 13km east of the city center and is generally a cramped airport. Keep your belongings close and make your way out from your flight as efficiently as you can.

Once you make your way outside of the airport, expect many hustlers trying to get money for carrying your bags. It is better to have everything reserved in advance, including your hotel and your car rental. Taxis are also available. Make sure you discuss rate before entering the taxi. A ride from the airport to the city center should cost roughly RD $1,225.

Hotels & Places to Stay

Hotels in the city, for the most part, do not offer all-inclusive packages. Some may include breakfast only, but the all-inclusive resorts are mainly on the beach. If you want to experience nightclubs and restaurants, it is better to stay at one of these hotels that are not all-inclusive.

City Hotels:

Barcelo Lina Hotel

Caribeno

Clarion Hotel

Courtyard by Marriott

El Napolitano Hotel & Casino

Beach Resorts:

Coral Costa Caribe Resort, Spa & Casino

Barcelo Capella Beach Resort

Don Juan Beach Resort

Be Live Hamaca Suites

Dining & Nightlife

Avenida George Washington, or the Malecon, is the seaside stretch with many of Santo Domingo’s restaurants. Here are some restaurant choices:

International Cuisine:

El Meson de la Cava

Lina Restaurant

Mitre

Pat e Palo

Quisqueya

Scheherezade

Sophie’s Bar & Grill

Spanish/ Portuguese Cuisine :

America

Catabrico

Don Pepe

Creole:

Café Casabe

Meson D’Bari

Italian:

Café Bellini

La Briciola

Vesuvio I and Trattoria Vesuvio

As far as nightlife goes, young people flock to the many nightclubs in the city. There are few theaters and casinos, but if you want a night out, dance clubs are recommended.

Nightclubs:

Adrian Tropical

Bachata Rosa

Bottoms

El Napolitano Disco

Fantasy Disco

Jet Set

La Guacara Taina

Marrakesh Bar & Cafe

Meson D’Bari

Mitre

Attractions:

Santo Domingo is very rich in colonial history. The old city, or Zona Colonia, is still partially enclosed by a crumbling wall. The narrow streets bring one right back to colonial times and look like no other city in the Caribbean. Here are some main attractions in the city:

Museums:

Amber World Museum

Museo Nacional de Historia y Geografia

Museo de Arte Moderno

Museo de las Atarazanas

Museo de las Casas Reales

Museo del Hombre Dominicano

The Larimar Museum

Historical Sites:

Casa de  tostado

Casa del Cordon

Fortaleza Ozama

Park/Garden :

Parque Mirador del Sur

Parque Mirador del Este

Jardin Botanico Nacional

Currency, Culture and Language

The official language in the Dominican Republic is Spanish.

The official currency in the Dominican Republic is the Dominican peso (DOP).