Planning a Trip to the Caribbean? Santo Domingo Has It All

When it comes to beach vacations, there are two camps: Those who need nothing more than a book, a lounge chair, and the beach, and those who need, well, a lot more than that. Let’s just say not all of us are blessed with the ability to sit and relax all day.

Some of us need more: More to see, do, and be inspired by. For the people in the need-to-explore camp, allow us to introduce you to Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic.

Colorful, cool, and cobblestoned, walking through Santo Domingo is like living the pages of a history book where culture, pride, history, and natural beauty converge. It’s no wonder the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to some of the richest cultural experiences in the world.

If you’re dreaming of a Caribbean getaway, don’t sleep on Santo Domingo. Here’s why.

The Historic Sightseeing and Architecture

Founded in the late 1400s by Christopher Columbus, Santo Domingo’s historic zone isn’t a UNESCO World Heritage Site for nothing — it’s the oldest European settlement in the Americas. Visitors wander through its narrow, cobblestoned streets encountering historic landmarks just about everywhere they turn. The most popular attractions are:

Fortaleza Ozama – A historic fortress dating back to the 16^th century. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and the Ozama River.

Catedrál Primada de América – As the oldest cathedral in the Americas (circa 1504), both its symbolism and its significance are profound. The exterior of the Gothic-style cathedral is a golden-tinted coral limestone, and the interior features ribbed, vaulted ceilings inspired by the cathedral in Seville, Spain. A guided tour is a great option for learning the history of the cathedral. Be sure to explore the museum, too.

Museo de la Casas Reales – This museum provides insight into the colonial history of the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean. It houses artifacts and exhibits related to the Spanish colonial period.

Alcázar de Colón – An impressive palace that was once the home of Christopher Columbus’ son, Diego. The exterior is a mix of Gothic and Renaissance architecture and features a museum with a collection of both European and Dominican art.

Panteón de la Patria – This neoclassical building serves as the final resting place for many of the country’s national heroes. It also served many other purposes throughout history: As a Jesuit church, a tobacco warehouse, government offices, and the first Dominican theater for purely artistic purposes.

The Colors and Art

Art is an integral part of the culture in the Dominican Republic. The country is recognized for masters of the 1930s – 1950s like Celeste Woss y Gil and Yoryi Morel, and contemporary artists like Ramon Oviedo.

Art aficionados will have a mix of Dominican and European works to admire, and plenty of places in which they can admire them: Santo Domingo has tons of art galleries to visit.

Be sure to stop by Galerie Marassa for interesting contemporary art and handicrafts and Arawak Art Gallery for vibrant and colorful displays, showcasing the creativity of Dominican artists.

Color spills into the streets as vibrant textiles line the cobblestoned passageways of the historic zone. Sure, you can pick up a few souvenirs there, but if you’re really into the colors and textures, why not head to La Textil, a fabric store that sells some of the most gorgeous textiles by the yard?

The Culture, Nightlife, and Music

Revel in a golden hour stroll along the Malecón, the promenade adjacent to the waterfront in Santo Domingo, for cool cafes, shiny waterfront casinos and hotels, and nightclubs filled with merengue and bachata dancing.

If you’re up for dancing, the two-story nightclub Atarazana 9 in the historic zone, next to Plaza España, plays a mix of Latin music, from salsa and bachata to merengue and reggaeton. The crowd arrives around 10pm and stays late.

Even if nightclubs aren’t your thing, you would miss out on something magical if you didn’t make it to a bachata or merengue live musical performance. These traditional genres keep the culture (and fun) alive in Santo Domingo, and you won’t be able to resist getting up to dance (or, at a minimum, tapping your feet).

The Beaches and Natural Beauty

Los Tres Ojos National Park sits about 5 miles east of the historic zone. It houses three limestone caverns, each of which features a lake. Once inside the caves, you can explore by foot or by boat.

Surrounded by hundreds of miles of beaches, the Dominican Republic is the epitome of the perfect Caribbean getaway. Take your pick from lots of great beaches, many of which offer beachside dining and watersports. Playa Boca Chica and Playa Hemingway are a pair of fan favorites.

If you love local flora, be sure to pencil the Jardín Botánico Nacional into your itinerary. Full of flowers and plants native to the island, you can choose between a tram tour or strolling the winding paths on foot. You might even spot some trees that look like they came straight out of the Lord of the Rings movies.

Easy to Access

Direct flights to Santo Domingo (SDQ) span three continents and include popular departure cities like New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Miami, Mexico City, and even Paris. Once you’re through customs, it’s less than 30 minutes from the airport to the historic zone.

Back to the philosophical question about the best type of beach vacation. Even if you’re a fan of full days at the beach, it’s good to have the option to head out for some nightlife, a great meal, and to get to know the place you’ve flown all that way to enjoy, right?

If you agree, then Santo Domingo is going to be hard to beat.

Where to Stay: Kimpton Las Mercedes, right at home in the heart of the historic zone and set to open in early summer 2024.