Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, is also the most modern and dynamic metropolis in the Caribbean. The Capital, as it is affectionately called, transmits the pulse of Dominican culture, where old and new converge seamlessly, from centuries-old architecture and history, to large shopping malls, art galleries, a active and interesting nightlife and an irresistible gastronomic scene.
Exploring the Colonial City, the first European settlement in the Americas and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1990, is a recommended experience for all travelers. This historic neighborhood consists of a maze of narrow streets filled with architectural wonders that range from the 16th to the early 20th centuries.
Its streets will take you to colonial buildings turned into museums, shops, hotels, restaurants and sidewalk cafes. Hop on the Chu Chu Colonial train for a 45-minute tour of the area, hire a guide to take you down America’s first paved street while you share stories, or rent a bike and ride on your own. For a break surrounded by nature, enjoy a picnic on the lawn of the National Botanical Garden, the largest in the Caribbean, or walk along the Malecón at sunset to enjoy views of the Caribbean Sea, food stalls and people-watch.
