The population of the city of Santo Domingo.
The population of the city of Santo Domingo is 2,023,029.Foundation year of Santo Domingo.
Year of foundation of the city of Santo Domingo: 1496.What time zone is Santo Domingo located in?
The city of Santo Domingo is located in the administrative time zone UTC-4. Thus, you can determine the time difference in the city of Santo Domingo, relative to the time zone in your city.Santo Domingo area code
The telephone area code of Santo Domingo is +1 (809), +1 (829), +1 (849). In order to call the city of Santo Domingo from a mobile phone, you need to dial the code: +1 (809), +1 (829), +1 (849) and then directly the subscriber's number.Official website of the city of Santo Domingo.
The website of the city of Santo Domingo, the official website of the city of Santo Domingo or as it is also called the "Official website of the city administration of Santo Domingo": http://adn.gob.do/.Coat of arms of the city of Santo Domingo.
The description of the city of Santo Domingo presents the coat of arms of the city of Santo Domingo, which is the hallmark of the city.Metro in the city of Santo Domingo.
The Metro in the city of Santo Domingo is called the Santo Domingo Metro and is a means of public transport.The passenger traffic of the Santo Domingo metro (the congestion of the Santo Domingo metro) is 73.00 million people per year.
There are 2 metro lines in Santo Domingo. The total number of metro stations in Santo Domingo is 30. The length of the metro lines or the length of the metro tracks is: 24.80 km.
Relatively recently, Russian tourists laid a new route of rest - to the Republic of the Dominican Republic, located in the Caribbean. And now there are a lot of people who want to get to this exotic land.
The magnificent country with its many kilometers of snow-white beaches, picturesque nature, amazingly colorful coral reefs, hospitable people and distinctive culture will not disappoint those who decide to spend their holidays in this unique place.
Exotic country
The Dominican Republic is a very special place. In the field of tourism, she is a recognized leader among the states of the Caribbean. In addition, the Dominican Republic ranks first in terms of the number of various attractions (historical, cultural and natural). This country has an amazing flavor. To this day, she was able to preserve many of the most ancient monuments and values. In addition, tourists are attracted by the magnificent beaches, near which are located luxury resorts.
Discovery of the great navigator
Christopher Columbus considered these places to be the most beautiful he had seen on his travels. The great navigator discovered the Dominican Republic in 1496. He called this piece of paradise Hispaniola. Columbus could not even imagine that in the future these picturesque landscapes will attract the attention of numerous tourists, and the country will turn into a thriving resort area.
Geographical position
The exotic Dominican Republic is located on She spread out in its eastern part. Occupies the country and several nearby islands. The largest of these are Saona, Beata and Kayo. The islands on which it is located belong to the Greater Antilles.
Capital of an exotic country
After a four-year period after the landing of the Europeans on the amazingly beautiful island, the city was founded by Christopher Columbus's brother - Bartolomeo. Currently, it is the capital of the Dominican Republic - Santo Domingo. It is located on the southern coast of the island of Haiti.
The Dominican Republic attracts numerous tourists. The capital of this state, Santo Domingo, is characterized as a bustling and tireless city. Today it boasts three modern airports. All of them are located near the center of the capital. The road by car along this route takes no more than half an hour, while there are no problems with transport. It is faster and easier to get to the city by taxi. It can be easily taken at any of the airports. On average, the fare for one kilometer is one dollar.
Anyone who has decided to visit this state for the first time will certainly ask the question: "How long is it to fly from Moscow to the Dominican Republic?" You will have to do this long journey of more than nine thousand kilometers in 11-13 hours.
City `s history
The capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, was originally built on the banks of the Osama, in the eastern part. Nicholas de Avado, elected to the post of governor of the city, after two years of his rule, began construction on the opposite bank. He ordered to build houses of stone. It is thanks to this that Santo Domingo did not suffer much damage from the fires. At one time, the city was a naval base for expeditions and the capital of the Spanish possessions located in America.
Santo Domingo landmarks
What excursions in the Dominican Republic can attract the attention of tourists? The first sewage pit built during the New World era has survived in the capital. Its length is two hundred meters. Inside the pit is finished with red brick. In order to inspect it from the inside, a special permit is required. In this case, the cost of such an excursion must be negotiated separately.
Tourists will be satisfied with a tour of the old quarters of Santo Domingo. These walks will make you plunge into those distant times when the city was one of the richest in the New World.
It is no coincidence that the Dominicans call Santo Domingo the Latin American Athens. Indeed, the city has a huge number of cultural monuments. It is not without reason that the colonial part of the capital of the Dominican Republic was taken under its protection by UNESCO. Moreover, it is declared the property of mankind. In terms of its area, this colonial part is comparable to the whole city. On its territory are the hospitals of the New World, the first cathedral, and the university.
As a rule, excursions start from Dam Street. In the old days, noble ladies made their daily promenade along it. The Tore de la Minaco tower is located on Dam Street. In the past, sentinels were on duty on it. Their job was to keep an eye on the sea to see if pirate ships would appear on it. The tower was used as a prison for many centuries. Today it houses the best hotel in the old town. Dam street leads tourists to Plaza Espanya, the main attraction of which is Gordon's house. This is the first residential building to be built on the island. The building was owned by Francisco de Goray, the first notary in the area. Gorai came with Christopher Columbus and became unusually rich in real estate deals here.
Alcazar de Collon can be seen from the windows of Gordon's house. The building was built in 1510. This is the prince's house. About fifteen hundred Indians were herded into its construction. They were led by Spanish architects. The construction of the palace was carried out using the most primitive tools - saws, hammers and chisels. No nails were used during construction.
In 1985, the local academy examined the ashes in the lighthouse. The verdict was unambiguous: it belongs to Christopher Columbus. On the day, namely October 12, it is allowed to visit the tomb with the ashes. On the same evening, in the sky over Santo Domingo, a unique system consisting of one hundred and fifty searchlights draws a huge cross in the sky. The spectacle can be seen even tens of kilometers away.
Dominican country climate
It is not by chance that the capital of the republic, as well as its numerous resorts, attract tourists. The fact is that the climatic zone of the Caribbean is classified as a marine tropical type. It is characterized by warmth, high humidity and frequent trade winds. The winter period in this area is relatively dry. An increase in humidity is observed in the summer, at the end of which there are frequent rains. The hottest month is August: the temperature can rise to thirty degrees. However, the heat is softened by northeasterly winds that blow from the sea.
It should be said that there are no significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. Even in the coldest January, the thermometer rarely drops below twenty-two degrees. Temperatures can drop to zero in winter only in mountainous regions.
The air masses of the tropical zone are the culprits of storms, typhoons, strong pressure drops and powerful rains. As a rule, these phenomena occur in August.
The most popular resort that attracts tourists to the Republic of the Dominican Republic
The capital of an exotic country is not the only destination for numerous tourists. The resorts that are located in the Dominican Republic are a real paradise for vacationers. They are characterized by gentle ocean waters, white sand beaches. The local population is distinguished by its hospitality. These resorts are loved not only by Americans, but also by Europeans.
The best place that the Dominican Republic can rightfully be proud of is Punta Cana. This resort is truly a heavenly spot on our planet. Beautiful beaches, coconut trees, white sand, coral reef and hot sun leave a significant mark in the hearts of many tourists. That is why they return here to once again enjoy their vacation and the exotic country of the Dominican Republic.
Punta Cana is characterized by constant weather conditions throughout the year. The average air temperature in this area is very comfortable. It is twenty-six degrees. The hottest season is from April to November. In the rest of the period, there is a slight decrease (by several degrees) in air temperature and tropical prolonged rains.
Family holidays in the Dominican Republic in the resort of Punta Cana are the perfect choice. For those who wish to retire to this exotic land, there is also a suitable place. This can be done in vast areas of unspoiled jungle.
sights
The main attraction of the Punta Cana resort is Manati Park. This is a place where a huge number of exotic plants and animals are collected. Tourists can see sea lions and parrots shows in Manati Park. Vacationers are given the opportunity not only to admire those animals that were previously seen only in pictures, but also to pet them.
Manati Park is the only nature reserve located in the territory of the Dominican Republic. Bars and restaurants, as well as souvenir shops are open for tourists.
You can stay at the famous resort in Barcelo Dominican Republic. This establishment belongs to a Spanish hotel group. Located "Barcelo Dominican" on the Bavaro beach. The entire territory of the hotel is an exotic tropical garden. The recreation facilities are built in complete harmony with the surrounding nature.
Other resort areas
The best are located in the city of Boca Chica, near Santo Domingo. It will take only twenty minutes to get to them by car. With these beaches, in addition to Punta Cana, Juan Dolio competes. This is an exotic lagoon that is protected by coral reefs. If these resorts turn out to be too expensive for a tourist, then the rest in the Dominican Republic is great in Baia Principe, as well as Playa Bavaro.
If someone has a desire to watch humpback whales, he can go to the Samana resort. This place is one of the few on our planet that has preserved wildlife. Young people will love Cabarete. Windsurfers traditionally gather at this resort. For those who prefer to combine beaches with excursions, Puerto Plata is suitable. There is a museum of amber and numerous architectural structures of the colonial era.
The Christopher Columbus Monument is an ancient bronze sculpture depicting the famous discoverer of the American continent. The monument is located in the city of Santo Domingo opposite the Cathedral.
The monument to Christopher Columbus was created a long time ago - back in 1897, but it still amazes with the skill of its execution. The great navigator stands on a high pedestal and points with his hand somewhere into the distance. Below Columbus is a tiny Taino Indian girl who fills the monument with sad symbolism. The fact is that during their reign, the Spaniards almost completely destroyed the local population of the Dominican Republic, so the entire monument is perceived very ambiguously.
Coordinates: 18.47351400,-69.88397400
Presidential palace
The National Palace is the seat of the President of the Dominican Republic. The offices of the executive branch are located here, high-level meetings are held and the most important political and economic issues of the republic are resolved.
The palace building was built in 1944-47. by the Italian architect Guido D'Alessandro. The cost of the project was enormous at the time: about five million pesos, not counting the furniture and the land on which it is located. The architecture of the building looks somewhat eclectic, but this concept was an attempt to reflect the cultural, racial, linguistic differences of those peoples who inhabit the Caribbean region. Some of the heaviness of the external appearance of the palace is compensated by the abundance of windows and doors in its facades. The majestic main entrance is adorned with a solemn colonnade.
The interiors of the National Palace are influenced by the classical style. Local materials have been used in the decoration, the main of which are marble and mahogany. When decorating the premises, bronze, iron, plaster and steel were used, a varied combination of which gives each individual room an atmosphere of extraordinary beauty and harmony. The Hall with the Caryatids, the Hall of Ambassadors, and the Green Hall are especially beautiful. In the palace, you can see paintings by artists of the neoclassicism, Italian Renaissance and Baroque eras.
Of course, there is no access to the president's private chambers, but the rest, "public", are open for inspection five days a week.
Coordinates: 18.47437900,-69.89774500
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Las Damas street
Calle de Las Damas ("Dam Street") - the very first street in America, built, according to legend, at the request of the daughter-in-law of Christopher Columbus. It began to be built in 1502. The street starts at the Fortaleza Ozama and runs to the Alcazar de Colon Museum. Its original name is Calle de la Forteleza.
Diego Colon, son of Christopher Columbus, arrived with his wife in Santo Domingo in 1509, and all their ladies of the court arrived with them. They quite often walked along Las Damas Street to the church for Mass. Residents of the city constantly observed this company, which slowly walked along the street back and forth in order to stroll and admire the local architecture. The strolling ladies were the reason for the renaming of the street to Calle de Las Damas.
Coordinates: 18.47671900,-69.81468900
Santo Domingo Las Americas Airport has the full name of Jos Francisco Pe & ntilde a G & oacute mez International Airoport. This is the second airport in terms of passenger traffic in the Dominican Republic. The majority of flights to Santo Domingo Airport are flights from the USA and Canada. Las Americas is directly connected to the capitals of many Caribbean countries such as Cuba, Colombia and Puerto Rico. In addition, there are flights from such European countries as Spain, France and Germany. For those tourists from Russia who decided to go to the Dominican Republic on their own and chose the airport of Santo Domingo Las Americas as the main gateway to this country, there will be no possibility of a group transfer to the hotel. Therefore, such tourists will most likely have to use taxi services.
Los Tres Ojos caves
The name Los Tres Ojos, in fact, extends to an entire conservation area. There is a huge number of magnificent and picturesque objects. The local lakes and caves literally amaze the imagination, the landscapes excite the mind, and it is not easy to convey the entire palette of emotions. The name Los Tres Ojos comes from the fact that there are three lakes with crystal clear water at a depth of fifteen meters. The unusualness of this phenomenon lies in the fact that the water in the lakes is very rich, almost unnatural, blue. The water in each lake has a special composition of chemical elements and varies greatly in composition. In one it is fresh, in the other it is salty, and in the third it contains sulfur, the vapors of which rise above the water. Previously, tourists were allowed to swim in ponds, but now, for safety reasons, this cannot be done. But even without this, you will have plenty of impressions from visiting the reserve.
Coordinates: 18.48050500,-69.84309200
National Pantheon
The building of the National Pantheon was built as a church and monastery of the Jesuit monastic order in 1747. Heroes of the Dominican Republic are buried in a famous building in marble sarcophagi.
There is always a guard of honor at the entrance to the building. If you wish, you can wait for his change and admire the impressive performance: the soldiers toss into the air and reload their rifles. Photography is not prohibited here, so tourists can easily capture the moment.
The figures of the founders, Francis Xavier and Ignatius Layola, are carved on the facade of the National Pantheon. It was originally supposed to use the Pantheon as a burial place for heroes for the independence and freedom of the Dominican Republic. For example, a woman is buried here who was able to hand embroider the first flag. There are also empty sarcophagi intended for future fighters.
In the Pantheon there is a large bronze chandelier - a gift from dictator Franco, and on the second floor there are wrought-iron lattices with a swastika pattern - a present from Hitler.
The entrance to the building is free, but visitors are not allowed to wear T-shirts and shorts. The National Pantheon of the Dominican Republic is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00.
Coordinates: 18.52416200,-69.75492000
Monument to Governor Nicholas de Ovando
The history of the conquest of Hispaniola and its settlement by the first colonists is very interesting and often dramatic. The turn between the 15th and 16th centuries was a watershed for the New World.
The first colonists, led by Columbus, have already landed on the island. Attempts to establish Spanish settlements in the north of the island were unsuccessful. Fort La Navidad, founded on December 25, 1492, was destroyed a year later by the Indians along with all buildings and residents. In January 1494, Columbus founded a second settlement closer to the east - La Isabela, but it also did not last long. Eventually, the Spaniards established the first permanent settlement on the south coast, which later became the capital of the entire colony. His growth and development are closely associated with such a legendary personality as Nicolas de Ovando (Nicolas de Ovando, 1460-1511) - the first governor of the New World.
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Bridge at San Pedro de Macoris
The bridge over the Rio Jikuamo in the town of San Pedro de Macoris is the longest bridge in the Caribbean, at 606 meters, of which 390 meters is the hanging part. It was designed to withstand hurricanes - it must withstand wind speeds of 240 km / h.
The most popular attractions in Santo Domingo with descriptions and photos for every taste. Choose the best places to visit the famous places of Santo Domingo on our website.
More sights of Santo Domingo
Every tourist arriving in the Dominican Republic must visit its capital, America's first city filled with history, Santo Domingo. Naturally, tourists head to the Caribbean Sea, planning to spend most of their time on the wonderful beaches of numerous resorts in the Dominican Republic.
Unfortunately, capital of the Dominican Republic Santo Domingo cannot boast of comfortable beaches, so those who want to get to know the old city well and enjoy a beach holiday at the same time choose hotels in the small town of Boca Chica, located just forty kilometers from Santo Domingo.
In Boca Chica, most hotels are located at a minimum distance from the beach area, and some of them have their own comfortable beaches. Living in this small resort town, tourists can successfully combine a beach holiday with a leisurely exploration of the sights of Santo Domingo. In modern realities, the forty kilometers separating the coast of Boca Chica from Santo Domingo is not a significant distance.
What can be seen in the capital of the Dominican Republic
The history of Santo Domingo begins in 1496, when, under the leadership of Bartolomeo Columbus, the brother of the famous navigator, the first buildings of the future capital of the Dominican Republic began to be erected here. At first, the settlement was named New Isabella, but after a hurricane that almost completely destroyed the buildings, the city was renamed, receiving the name - Santo Domingo. The Dominican Republic is rightfully proud of its capital, which over the centuries of its existence has turned from a small settlement into a city with a population of more than 3 million inhabitants, but at the same time has carefully preserved its history.
Today, Santo Domingo stretches along the banks of the Osama River flowing through its territory, divided by it into two parts. The western part of the city was built later than the eastern one, being the business and cultural center of the city. However, in the same part there is a colonial zone located near the Osama River.
The Osama River divides the city of Santo Domingo into 2 parts, west and east
The most ancient architectural monuments of Santo Domingo are located in this area. The Dominican Republic invites numerous guests of the country to see buildings built in the 16th century, stroll along the old streets, and today they look the same as in the days when they were built. There are many buildings that are not only architectural, but also of historical value. Thanks to their presence, it received the status of "Humanity Property" from UNESCO.
This area is necessarily included in the program of excursions offered to tourists, however, during the time allotted for the excursion, it is impossible to see even a small part of the sights of the Dominican capital. It is difficult even to imagine how many unique old buildings there are in the city.
Columbus House, the first stone building built in Santo Domingo
Here is the House of Columbus, the first stone building built in Santo Domingo. Not far from it, in the Ispanidada square, stands the magnificent two-story mansion Alcazar de Colon. It was built by Diego Columbus, the son of the famous Columbus, who was Viceroy of the island at the time of construction. This palace, now a museum, was completed in 1520.
St. Mary's Cathedral, America's first cathedral
It is impossible to pass by the Cathedral of St. Mary, the first cathedral of America, not far from the cathedral stands a statue of the great navigator made of bronze - Christopher Columbus was installed here in honor of the discovery of America. Dam Street leads to all these historical monuments, which itself is a monument, as the oldest cobbled street in the city. Along it you can approach the Ozama fortress, which is adorned with the amazing beauty of the "Tower of Honor", built in 1507.
The eastern part is also of interest to tourists, as there are many colonial-style buildings surrounded by varied vegetation. In this part of Santo Domingo there is one of the symbols of the capital of the Dominican Republic - "". In its central part there is a mausoleum made of snow-white marble, where the remains of Columbus are kept. The rest of the building houses a museum. Its expositions tell the story of the creation of this monument, and a lot of interesting things about the discovery and conquest of America.
Columbus lighthouse in Santo Domingo
In addition to the famous Cathedral of St. Mary, the city has many churches. It is difficult to accurately calculate their number, because they were built with the aim of spreading Christianity among the indigenous people of America. Most of them date back to the early 16th century. Some of them managed to turn into ruins, but the main part is still in use. Several places of worship were built later, in the 18th century.
Shopping in the capital
The capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo can be called a city of parks. There is a lot of greenery around each of the historic buildings, and it will take a whole day to explore each of the city's parks. However, people come to the capital not only to see parks and monuments. Many tourists go to Santo Domingo for shopping and entertainment.
There are many shopping centers and small shops with an attractive assortment of goods. Especially popular with fans of shopping and other entertainment is the coastal Malecon Avenue, which is a 15-kilometer shopping and entertainment area.
Santo Domingo is America's oldest city. It is inextricably linked with the history of the conquest of the New World. Here the great discoverer Christopher Columbus found his last refuge - his remains rest in a giant lighthouse on the shores of the Caribbean Sea. It is believed that the first paved roads on American soil, a university and a Christian cathedral appeared in Santo Domingo.
People come here to get acquainted with the colonial culture - the local architecture retains the features of the Renaissance, Arabic, Gothic and Romanesque styles. It is a place where European, African and Native American traditions mix. Bright, noisy, picturesque Santo Domingo invites its guests to enjoy tropical beauties, delve into the mysteries of history, and experience life in the Caribbean style.
How to get to Santo Domingo
The planes of Aeroflot, Air France and Jet Blue companies fly to Santo Domingo. You can get from Moscow Sheremetyevo to the capital's Las Americas airport in at least 15 hours 50 minutes with one change in Madrid, New York, Paris or Milan. Air Europe offers a two-stop flight in Barcelona and Madrid, taking 18.5 hours.
From the airport to the city
Las Americas Airport is located 35 km from the capital. You can get to the city by bus, you should look for a stop at the exit from the terminal. Flights every half hour, but it is not so easy to get into the cabin due to the large number of people interested; travel time 40 minutes. Taxi drivers charge about 2000 DOP for a transfer from the airport to the city. The prices on the page are for November 2018.
Find flights to Santo Domingo
How to navigate in Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo is divided by the Osama River in two parts. The western one is considered the business and cultural center of the capital, and the eastern one (Santo Domingo Oriental) is the historical one. The most interesting tourist areas are the Colonial Zone, located on the west bank of the river facing the Caribbean Sea. Here, just to the west, is the old neighborhood of Santo Domingo Gazcue, with many Victorian houses and green streets. In the vicinity of this area are the National Theater, the Museum in the Plaza de la Cultura, the National Palace (Palacio Nacional) - the current seat of government, and the Palace of Fine Arts. George Washington Avenue (better known as El Malecon) is home to most of the hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions.
The central part of western Santo Domingo is the "commercial" heart of the city. This location is known as Poligono Central and is bordered by 27 de Febrero, John F. Kennedy, Winston Churchill and Maximo Gomez. There is little that can be interesting for vacationers, except for the best restaurants and shops in the city.
In the less developed eastern part of the city, Oriental Santo Domingo, are the rest of the capital's major tourist attractions: the Columbus Lighthouse, the caves of Los Tres Ojos National Park and the aquarium. In addition, in the vicinity of the city there are two large parks - the botanical garden (Jardin Botanico) in the north and the park "Mirador-Sur" in the south (Parque Mirador Sur).
Transport
Almost all of Santo Domingo's attractions are within walking distance, but you can also ride on public transport. The Dominican capital has a metro. True, so far there is only one branch, but the launch of the second is expected. There are two types of route taxis. Minibuses "gua-gua" travel according to the principle of our minibuses, adhering to a given direction, and "carro publico" is a taxi together. For fans of riding with the breeze, there is another option - "moto con chaofer" or moped with a chauffeur. Cheap, fast, but not always safe.
There are no meters in local taxis, the price must be agreed with the driver in advance. You should not pay more than 700 DOP for a trip around the city.
Zona Bici - bike rental for tourists in Santo Domingo, offering walking bikes, tandems and bicycles for riding with children (official website in English). In addition to the bike, the bike rental kit includes a helmet, padlock and a bottle of water.
Santo Domingo Maps
Rent a Car
Many companies are engaged in car rental in Santo Domingo - among them the well-known Budget, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, AutoEurope, Hertz, etc. Their offices can be found right at the airport - in the main exit corridor near the North Terminal.
The roads of Santo Diego are not very friendly to motorists, especially not local ones - local drivers drive quickly and without regard to the rules, there are often no markings, and the police can be biased. A safer and more profitable option is to arrange travel with a taxi driver. They willingly make contact, take on the role of a guide and help in solving many issues.
The traffic police do not have the right to demand payment of the fine on the spot - a penalty receipt must be issued, which must be carried to the bank.
Fines for traffic violations are low. Only significant speeding is severely punished. Parking in the wrong place is also subject to a fine, and it is not so easy to figure out where you can park. It is better to leave the car in a paid parking lot - the price per hour is 100 DOP.
Santo Domingo Accommodation
Hotels in Santo Domingo abound and they are mainly concentrated in the center. There are expensive hotels of proven quality - belonging to the Sheraton, InterContinental, Marriott and Hilton chains speaks for itself. You can become their guest for 7,500 DOP per day. A regular three-note room in the Colonial Zone will cost 5000 DOP.
The proximity to the sea affects the wear and tear of the rooms. When choosing a hotel, you should pay attention to the date of its renovation.
The most expensive accommodation option is boutique hotels, located in renovated 16th century buildings. An overnight stay under tiled Roman roofs surrounded by a recreated historic setting will cost DOP 17,000 per double room. Hostels offer budget accommodation: DOP 700 per person per night.
For lovers of the beach lifestyle, the Boca Chica resort is a 20-minute drive from the capital. This is an area with a developed tourist infrastructure and many hotels on the first line, working on the "all inclusive" system. A 3 * hotel will cost 2500 DOP per day for a double room.
Beaches
In the capital itself, the coast is rocky and there are no beaches, but in its surroundings there are many places for swimming with a typical Caribbean landscape - white sand, azure sea and palm trees. The popular beaches of Boca Chica are 25 minutes' drive from Santo Domingo. The place is suitable for families with children - the depth increases gradually, there are no strong waves. Eateries nearby offer fresh seafood dishes. There is a rental of beach equipment. There are especially many holidaymakers on weekends.
The entrance to the unfenced part of the beach is free. Sun loungers and umbrellas are paid everywhere - their rent will cost 60 DOP per day.
A 10-minute drive from Boca Chica is the Caribe beach, where, in addition to families with children, fans of boarding gather. There is always a side wind here. Adults prefer to catch a wave at depth, while kids splash in the salt spray in shallow water. For a secluded holiday, the picturesque Guayacanes beach is suitable - only locals usually rest on it. It is a calm area with no tourist infrastructure.
Juan Dolio is a beach in the eponymous resort about an hour's drive from the capital. This is a tourist paradise with lots of entertainment and cafes at every step. The many coral reefs attract divers.
Diving in Santo Domingo
Diving enthusiasts in Santo Domingo are attracted by the La Caleta National Park. Divers from all over the world come here to visit the Taino cave system, named after the Indian tribe - the ancestors of the modern Dominicans. At a depth of 48 m, divers will find difficult passages, winding tunnels, accumulations of stalactites and haloclines - a place where salt and fresh water meet. The local underwater karst caves are similar to those of the Yukotan Peninsula.
Of particular interest to divers is the congestion of ships on the seabed. These are the Spanish galleons, sunk in the 18th century, and the modern 39-meter expedition ship. In the water area of \u200b\u200bJuan Dolio, a 65-meter vessel lies at a depth of 30 m. All objects are covered with a thick layer of coral and algae formations, and from the marine life you can find beautiful tropical fish, rays, reef sharks, turtles, sea stars and hedgehogs.
Many dive centers offer their services to beginners and experienced divers. The warm Caribbean Sea allows diving comfortably all year round, except from September to November when severe hurricanes occur.
What to bring
The most awaited souvenir from Santo Domingo is Caribbean rum, and you can surprise your friends with exotic local Mama Juana liqueur. It contains all kinds of herbal ingredients, honey and rum. "Mamahuana" has a strong tonic effect and is considered an aphrodisiac. The drink is sold both ready-made and in the form of a bag with dry ingredients for self-preparation.
El Conde street is like our Arbat.
Santo Domingo is the birthplace of the coffee of the same name. It is very popular in the country and is considered one of the best in the world. You can buy a Santo Domingo pack at any grocery store. Local cigars are also appreciated, they are no worse than Cuban ones.
A large selection of souvenirs, handicrafts, fruits and products - in the oldest capital bazaar El Mercado Modelo, on the beach, all this is much more expensive.
The sky-blue Larimar stone is a symbol of these places. It looks especially advantageous in silver jewelry. In order not to run into a fake, jewelry should be bought in specialized stores Ambar Tres and L'Ile Au Tresor. In memory of the sunny island, they bring cane sugar and natural cosmetics with cocoa and coconut butter.
Santo Domingo cuisine and restaurants
Santo Domingo's cuisine is based on Spanish, African and French culinary traditions. It is based on simple foods like legumes, rice, vegetables, fruits, chicken and pork. Local chefs often cook food on charcoal, wrapping it in banana palm leaves, so the dish acquires special flavors. Bananas themselves are used not only in desserts. Platano variety is served only fried as a side dish for meat or as an addition to vegetables.
Local eateries are called "komadors". A large plateau del dia made of rice, meat, legumes and lettuce will cost 250 DOP along with a drink. It is advised to try crabs in kangreho gisado sauce, sankocho stew, asopao soup. In addition, there are Chinese, French, Italian, Brazilian restaurants.
Authentic street food is casabé cassava cakes, empanada pies, which are prepared in establishments of the same name. You can quench your thirst with fresh juices. There is a large selection of exotic fruits - mango, pitahaya, passionfruit, papaya, mammon, gunabana, granadilla.
Entertainment and attractions
The main promenade of the capital is Las Damas Street. It is worth walking along its ancient cobblestones to see the changing of the guard of honor at the National Pantheon, or admire the mansions of the eminent conquerors of the New World. Among the examples of colonial architecture, the Palace of Columbus (Alcazar de Colon) stands out - a residence built without a single nail from coral blocks.
The neighborhoods adjacent to Las Damas with Victorian houses and shady avenues are included in the Colonial Zone, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
One of the symbols of Santo Domingo is the Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor (Calle Isabel La Catolica). It was founded by the son of Columbus and is considered the oldest Christian temple in America. In the park opposite there is a monument to the great navigator.
The Malecon embankment (George Washington Avenue), stretching 15 km along the Caribbean Sea, is a place where life is in full swing in the evenings.
On the other side of the Osama River is the Mirador el Este park, its high hill is adorned with a monumental structure - Columbus Lighthouse (Fara-o-Colon). Inside the cross-shaped memorial lies the remains of the great discoverer. Not far from the lighthouse there is the Park of Three Lakes, named after a natural landmark - three limestone caves with an underground lake, stalactites and stalagmites.
Santo Domingo Museums
The history of Santo Domingo from the 15th to the 19th centuries is presented in the Museum of the Royal Houses on the famous Las Damas street. Exhibits dating back to the pre-Columbian era are kept in the Museum of Dominican Man on the Square of Culture - its visitors will get acquainted with the culture of the Taino Indians, artifacts of the ancient world and the legacy of colonial influence.
The history of amber mining on the island is described by the Amber Museum (office site in English), located on El Conde street. It contains rare specimens of amber fossils and a jewelry collection of amber and larimar. The details of the life of one of the founders of the state of Juan Pablo Duarte are introduced in his house-museum (Calle Isabel La Catolica).
Paintings and sculptures are exhibited at the Bellapart Museum (Av. John F. Kennedy) and the Museum of Modern Art (Av. Pedro Henriquez Urena). The exhibits can be tasted at the Jamon Museum (Calle Atarazana, 17), the Chocolate Museum (Calle Arzopispo Merino, 254) and the Rum and Sugarcane Museum (Calle Isabel la Catolica, 261).
