Things to do in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo, arguably the oldest city in the New World, is a significant landmark in the history of Western culture. It was to this area that Columbus sailed, trying to find a faster route to the Indies and the Far East. Following his initial voyages, ten generations of his family lived and governed on the island. In fact, his son, Diego, was the city's first governor. Today, Santo Domingo's historic structures still please visitors. Among them are Diego's palace, Alcázar de Colón, which charms tourists with its Colonial-era art and artifacts, and the New World's first Catholic cathedral, Catedral de Santa María la Menor. Laid out in various zones, the city accommodates a host of visitors. History buffs enjoy touring homes and landmarks that pepper the Colonial Zone, while the Malecón's nightspots and restaurants keep folks enthralled after the sun goes down. Each neighborhood has outdoor shopping bazaars, many of which carry similar merchandise. The best shopping option is Plaza Central, which combines modern fashion stores with local arts and crafts venues, along with everything you would expect in US malls. Plus, several hotel casinos attract visitors with an ambience more quaint than glitzy and extravagant....  Read more »

Santo Domingo, arguably the oldest city in the New World, is a significant landmark in the history of Western culture. It was to this area that Columbus sailed, trying to find a faster route to the Indies and the Far East. Following his initial voyages, ten generations of his family lived and governed on the island. In fact, his son, Diego, was the city's first governor. Today, Santo Domingo's historic structures still please visitors. Among them are Diego's palace, Alcázar de Colón, which charms tourists with its Colonial-era art and artifacts, and the New World's first Catholic cathedral, Catedral de Santa María la Menor. Laid out in various zones, the city accommodates a host of visitors. History buffs enjoy touring homes and landmarks that pepper the Colonial Zone, while the Malecón's nightspots and restaurants keep folks enthralled after the sun goes down. Each neighborhood has outdoor shopping bazaars, many of which carry similar merchandise. The best shopping option is Plaza Central, which combines modern fashion stores with local arts and crafts venues, along with everything you would expect in US malls. Plus, several hotel casinos attract visitors with an ambience more quaint than glitzy and extravagant. Although Santo Domingo has certainly changed since Columbus's day, the city still enjoys an aura and an allure that explorers from around the world can't resist.