As the oldest European-founded city in the Western Hemisphere, Santo Domingo is graced with plenty of historic charm. But it’s also a place with many newer attractions and activities, as I found out during my most recent trip.
The capital of the Dominican Republic is, in fact, a multilayered metropolis that’s worth repeat visits. I’ve been there several times over several decades, and on each trip, I experience something different. As I toured the city this year (while staying at three different Marriott International hotels, I also witnessed ongoing efforts to preserve the historic downtown — an encouraging sign that the destination is investing in its most precious attractions.
Here are five must-do activities for any first-time visitor to Santo Domingo.
Explore the Historic City Center
It makes sense to start where the city all began, in what is now called Zona Colonial (Colonial Zone), the historic downtown that has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990. While the European settlement was first established in 1496 on the other side of the Ozama River, the current city center dates to 1502, and its historic significance is evident in the many colonial structures.
Zona Colonial is currently in the midst of a major renovation project that includes refurbishing several streets and historic sites. The Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism has not announced a completion date, but the work may affect some touring plans — for example, I was unable to enter Panteon Nacional (National Pantheon), which was built from 1714 to 1746 and is the resting place of several important historical figures, or Alcazar de Colon (Columbus Palace), the stunning 16th-century home of the son of explorer Christopher Columbus. But I did visit Catedral Primada de America (First Cathedral of America), which was dedicated in 1541 as the first Catholic cathedral in the Western Hemisphere, and Museo de las Casas Reales (Museum of the Royal Houses), which is set in a collection of 16th-century buildings that now house a cultural history museum with artifacts from various centuries.
Street musicians in downtown Santo Domingo entertain locals and tourists.
Credit: 2024 DepartureLevel.comVisit Other Major Sites
Faro a Colon (Columbus Lighthouse) is likely the most visually imposing of the attractions outside Santo Domingo’s city center. This massive monument to Christopher Columbus, which measures 680 by 195 feet, is in the shape of a giant cross (although you can’t really tell unless you fly over it). The structure houses the remains of Columbus himself, according to the Dominican government, although Spanish officials have disputed that.
There are also several noteworthy museums in the city, including Museo del Hombre Dominicano (Museum of the Dominican Man), which showcases the nation’s history from pre-Columbian times to the present day; Museo de Arte Moderno (Modern Art Museum), which exhibits modern and contemporary art by Dominican and foreign artists; and Museo Nacional de Historia Natural (National Museum of Natural History), which explores the nation’s natural side.
Savor Local Flavor
With its mouthwatering blend of Spanish, African and indigenous Taino influences (as well as some traditions borrowed from Puerto Rico and Cuba), Dominican food is a delight for the taste buds. On this visit, I began nearly every morning with a plateful of mangu, a green plantain puree cooked with butter, onions and other ingredients. I also enjoyed a couple lunches that featured sancocho, a hearty stew that can be made with various kinds of meat and vegetables.
Whether travelers are hankering for Dominican or international specialties, there are many excellent restaurants around the city. One of my favorite meals on my recent trip was at Maraca, a decidedly stylish restaurant in Zona Colonial with a menu full of mouthwatering dishes such as ceviche, fish tacos and octopus with saffron rice.
Among the most legendary restaurants is Pat’e Palo, which is set in a building in Zona Colonial that reportedly housed the first tavern in the Western Hemisphere in the early 1500s. Today, it’s a sophisticated venue that serves European cuisine, with indoor seating as well as outdoor tables that offer a view of the former home of Christopher Columbus’ son.
Go Shopping
Travelers looking for authentically local souvenirs and gifts will do well in Santo Domingo; amber, cigars and rum are among the most popular purchases. I took a quick tour of Museo del Ron Dominicano (Museum of Dominican Rum), housed inside a 16th-century building in Zona Colonial, which — in addition to showcasing exhibits about the history and production of the nation’s most legendary spirit — also sells rum and offers tastings.
Jewelry enthusiasts may be interested in Amber World Museum, which displays amber from around the world and has a gift shop that sells items made with amber. And for upscale, international designer brands, BlueMall Santo Domingo, a luxury shopping mall attached to JW Marriott Santo Domingo, is a favored shopping hot spot.
Venture Beyond the Capital
Depending on traffic, it can be a relatively short ride to a variety of other activities and attractions just outside the city. On this trip, I enjoyed an excursion to La Cueva del Eden (Eden Cave), an ecotourism-focused attraction where we took a short guided walk into a dramatic cave and had opportunities to take a dip in subterranean natural springs and a swimming pool, followed by a delicious poolside lunch. The property even has basic accommodations for those looking to spend more time in the countryside.
Beach lovers, meanwhile, may want to consider a side trip to one of the beaches outside the city (there are none within city limits). Boca Chica, which has three beach areas, is located just a couple miles east of Santo Domingo’s Las Americas International Airport, making it the most convenient, while Juan Dolio, which is about 30 minutes farther away, has a 6-mile-long beach and multiple hotels, shops and restaurants.
