A cultural guide to Santo Domingo

Your essential guide to the best things to see and do in Santo Domingo. Find more travel inspiration for more amazing cities here.

The next time you book in for some R & R at one of the Dominican Republic’s sun-kissed resort destinations, whether it’s Punta Cana, Puerto Plata or another waterfront locale, summon the will to pry yourself off the sunlounger and spend a day or two exploring the vibrant capital city of Santo Domingo.

Nestled along the country’s southern Caribbean coast, this is the oldest European settlement in the Americas—Christopher Columbus’ arrival on this island he named Hispaniola in 1492 altered the course of history, ushering in the so-called Age of Discovery. Walk the cobbled streets, discover the essence of Dominican cuisine through authentically prepared mangú and sancocho, and soak up the background soundtrack of merengue and bachata.

Art & architecture

In Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial, history unfolds along approximately 11 blocks of Spanish-era landmarks, such as the Catedral Primada de América (the first cathedral in the Americas), the Alcázar de Colón (the first fortified palace in the Americas), and the Fortaleza Ozama (a fortress that offers panoramic vistas of the city and the adjacent Ozama River). A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this area is pedestrian-friendly and perfect for a leisurely stroll, though you can also opt to sit back and relax on the Chu Chu Colonial, a whimsical tourist train.

Neighboring the colonial zone is Gazcue, one of the oldest parts of the city, where architectural highlights include two neoclassical structures: the Palacio Nacional, seat of the Dominican government; and the Palacio de Bellas Artes, a magnificent, sprawling building that hosts art exhibitions, theater and dance performances. As with any area outside of the tourist zone, exercise common sense on your travels.

Gazcue’s Plaza de la Cultura sits on land that once belonged to Rafael Trujillo, the ruthless dictator who ruled from 1930 to 1961, one of the darkest periods in the country’s history. It is now the site of four museums, including the Museum of Modern Art, which showcases contemporary Dominican artists, and the Museum of the Dominican Man, offering an important glimpse into the country’s African and Native Taíno cultures. The Eduardo Brito National Theater is also located here. 

Food & drink

The cuisine of the Dominican Republic reflects the country’s European, African, and Taíno influences. Mangú, a rich, creamy dish made of smashed plantains topped with red onions, is the perfect introduction and part of the quintessential Dominican breakfast, los tres golpes, which features mangú alongside fried eggs, cheese and salami. Start your day with this filling meal at Adrian Tropical, a casual chain with four locations (including one along the Malecón, which treats you to views of the Caribbean Sea), or Restaurante El Higüero, a lakeside eatery at Parque Mirador Sur, a popular green space.

At the easternmost tip of the park, you’ll also find El Mesón de la Cava, which offers a cosmopolitan menu and the singular, romantic experience of dining in one of Santo Domingo’s many natural caves, with terrace seating also available.

Meanwhile, the authentically Dominican Mesón de Bari—which has two locations in the capital, including one in the Zona Colonial—is known for its chivo ripiao (shredded goat meat) and chivo guisado (goat meat stew) and has long attracted prominent Dominicans. Jalao is another gem in the colonial district where you can indulge in a beloved Dominican dish, sancocho—a hearty meat and vegetable stew—while listening to live merengue. Wash it all down with a mamajuana, a native spiced-rum concoction infused with bark and herbs.

Sports

In the Dominican Republic, baseball is a national obsession that has produced some of the best players in the history of the sport. If you find yourself in Santo Domingo between mid-October and January, grab tickets to a game at Estadio Quisqueya Juan Marichal, the home ballpark of the Tigres del Licey and the Leones del Escogido, two of six teams that comprise the country’s winter circuit. You’ll find the festive ambience as much fun as the game.

Music & nightlife

From the fast, lively tempos of merengue—the national dance of the Dominican Republic—to the guitar-laden, oft-melancholic tunes of bachata, music and dance are integral parts of Dominican identity. Experience both along Santo Domingo’s Malecón, formally George Washington Avenue, which stretches parallel to the sparkling Caribbean Sea and is lined with hotels, bars, lounges, casinos and nightclubs. Dance the night away at the Jet Set Club, which opened in 1973 and hosts live musical performances during the week.

That said, music and dance are omnipresent in Santo Domingo, and impromptu dance floors are everywhere: Locals show off their moves at the colmados scattered throughout the city. These distinctly Dominican establishments—a cross between a convenience store and a bar—are at the heart of the city’s social life.