Last Minute Vacations To Santo Domingo
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).