Santo Domingo is the captivating capital of the Dominican Republic, offering an exciting mix of historical wonders, cultural encounters, and tropical allure. The city's heart beats in its remarkable historic district and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Zona Colonial, where centuries-old colonial architecture comes alive. With a vibrant palette of parks, Santo Domingo has plenty of green spaces to contrast the bustling city and local shops and markets are treasure troves of gemstones and local art.

Good to Know:

• Getting There: Fly into Las Americas International Airport, which receives flights from major airports all over the globe.
• Getting Around: The Santo Domingo Metro provides reliable and efficient public transportation. But the Zona Colonial, in particular, is best to explore on foot or by bicycle to truly take in the vibe.
• Where to Stay: Stay in the Zona Colonial in the heart of history, with numerous accommodations in renovated colonial buildings. Other districts to stay in include the modern sector of Piantini, which offers several luxury accommodations, and Gazcue, which has a more residential atmosphere.
• How Long to Visit: A three- to four-day stay is just enough time to explore the city's historic sites, stroll the bustling streets, and relax in the city's parks. Afterward, you can venture out to other parts of the country.
• When to Visit: December through February offers slightly cooler weather and less rainfall, making it an ideal time to comfortably explore the city.
• Similar Destinations: Cartagena in Colombia, Havana in Cuba, and Antigua in Guatemala are other destinations in the Americas that share Santo Domingo's mix of fascinating history and colorful culture.

Highlights:

Zona Colonial:

The Zona Colonial encompasses a significant portion of Santo Domingo's cultural and historical essence and effortlessly transports you back to the time of Christopher Columbus, as it is the first European settlement in the Americas and was founded by Columbus's brother. Walking through the neighborhood, you will come across Columbus Park, the heart of the district. A step away from the park is the Cathedral of the Americas, the first cathedral in the Americas built in the early 16th century. Not far from here is the Convent of San Francisco, whose ancient walls tell stories of the Dominican Republic's monastic past. Calle El Conde, a bustling pedestrian street within the neighborhood, is home to several restaurants serving a delightful variety of Dominican cuisine. A stroll down this street also opens up opportunities to explore local shops showcasing larimar and amber stones. Larimar is a precious gemstone unique to the Dominican Republic and presents a range of blue hues reminiscent of the Caribbean Sea.

Parks:

Santo Domingo's numerous parks provide residents and travelers with abundant green spaces for leisure and relaxation. Independence Park serves as a symbol of the nation's hard-earned independence. The park is dominated by the Altar of the Homeland monument, which honors the nation's heroes who led the Dominican Republic to its independence in 1844. On the outskirts of the city, you'll find the National Botanical Gardens, which cover over 400 acres and are home to a wide variety of native plant species, showcasing the country's rich biodiversity. Finally, Mirador del Sur Park is worth seeing for its incredible views over the Caribbean Sea.

Tres Ojos National Park:

The Tres Ojos National Park is located on the eastern edge of Santo Domingo and offers an exceptional opportunity for exploration. This national park is known for its three limestone sinkhole lakes, each with a different shade of vibrant blue. Here, you can take a guided tour through an intricate network of caves that lead to these striking pools. One of the highlights of the tour is boarding a small rowboat to cross the bright blue waters of Lake Azufre. On the other side, a cave decorated with ancient Taino artwork reveals a glimpse of the island's rich indigenous heritage. The journey ends with an ascent to an observation deck that offers a panoramic view of the lakes amidst the bustling city.