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Santo Domingo
The oldest European city in the Americas: a colonial old town of firsts, beside a busy Caribbean capital
The oldest European city in the Americas: a colonial old town of firsts, beside a busy Caribbean capital
The Cathedral of Santa María la Menor, built in the early 16th century, is known as the first cathedral of the Americas. It faces Parque Colón, with its statue of Columbus.
Cover shoulders and knees.
Photo: Mario Durán, CC BY-SA 4.0
Built from 1510 as the palace of Diego Columbus, son of Christopher Columbus, and restored in the 1950s, it is now a museum furnished in period style.
Photo: Martin Falbisoner, CC BY-SA 4.0
The fortress above the Ozama River is often described as the oldest European military building in the Americas. Climb its tower for views of the river mouth.
Photo: Mario Durán, CC BY-SA 4.0
Dating from 1502, this cobbled street is described as the oldest paved street in the Americas, lined with colonial buildings and the National Pantheon.
Photo: Desox7x, CC0
East of the river, this park has limestone caves with clear lagoons, reached by steps down from the surface.
Photo: Phyrexian, CC BY-SA 4.0
Try la bandera (rice, beans and meat, the classic lunch), mangú (mashed plantain) for breakfast, sancocho stew and fresh fish. The Colonial Zone has many restaurants in old buildings.
The Malecón seafront and Calle El Conde are good for snacks and people-watching.
Las Américas International Airport is about 30km east of the city. Buses connect Santo Domingo with Punta Cana, Puerto Plata and other cities.
The Colonial Zone is walkable; use ride-hailing apps or registered taxis elsewhere. Petty crime occurs, so keep valuables out of sight, especially at night.
The Dominican Republic uses the peso (DOP). US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas.
Two days for the Colonial Zone and beyond.
Visit the cathedral, Calle Las Damas, Fortaleza Ozama and the Alcázar de Colón, then dinner in the old town.
Visit Los Tres Ojos, then walk the Malecón at sunset.
Use ride-hailing or registered taxis.
Keep valuables hidden.
Sightsee early or late.
June to November is hurricane season.
Quick answers for planning time in Santo Domingo.
It is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas.
Yes, it was inscribed in 1990.
The Cathedral of Santa María la Menor, known as the first cathedral of the Americas.
Las Américas International Airport is about 30km east.
December to April, in the drier season.
Planning a wider trip? Our Dominican Republic travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.