Santo Domingo, capital of the Dominican Republic, is located on the Caribbean Sea, at the mouth of the Ozama River, on the southern coast of Hispaniola, 155 km southeast of Santiago.
The Ozama River originates in the Loma de Siete Cabezas, in the Sierra de Yamasá. It is one of the most abundant rivers in the country and is considered the most important river in the country due to its depth. It runs 148 kilometers and flows into the Caribbean Sea.
Santo Domingo was the first city of America and is considered the cultural and historical jewel of the Dominican Republic. It is a treasure of colonial architecture, gastronomy, a city full of charm that one must visit if traveling in the Dominican Republic.
Where is Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo, capital of the Dominican Republic is the oldest city in the continent located on the southern coast. Its rich and important historical and cultural legacy together with its strategic position in the center of the Caribbean makes it a transcendental center of commerce, tourism and culture in the region.
The city offers an incredible mix of old and new, an impressive Colonial Zone to its modern residential and commercial neighborhoods that makes it unique. It is the largest cultural, financial, political, commercial and industrial center of the Dominican Republic.
One of the city’ s main ports is located at the mouth of the Ozama River, which welcomes not only the largest ships, but is also capable of receiving passenger traffic as well as cargo and goods.
How to get to Santo Domingo
There are several transportation options that allow every tourist coming from abroad to visit the capital of the Dominican Republic:
Las Americas International Airport
It is the main access road to Santo Domingo. From the airport the tourist will find several transportation options (cabs, shuttles, vans, vans with capacity up to 20 people…) that will move small groups, large groups or couples to the desired destination.
Santo Domingo has an excellent road network that makes it accessible from other major cities in the country.
By Sea
It is also possible to reach Santo Domingo by sea since it has a port that welcomes all kinds of cruise ships and ferries from different parts of the Caribbean.
This option is widely used especially by those tourists who are visiting some of the nearby islands.
Sightseeing places to visit in Santo Domingo
There are endless tourist attractions that every tourist visiting Santo Domingo should visit, from the majestic Catedral Primada de América to the impressive Paloquemao Market where every corner has something special.
COLÓN PARK
Parque Colón is one of the most beautiful and majestic squares in Santo Domingo, with a great atmosphere both at night and during the day, where the statue of Christopher Columbus with his finger pointing north is located.
PRIMATE CATHEDRAL OF AMERICA
The Catedral Primada de América, also called Santa María de la Encarnación, whose construction was completed in the mid-sixteenth century, is not just any cathedral.
Of Gothic style with Renaissance touches, today it is the most important religious building in the Dominican Republic.
Although the cathedral itself is quite sober, inside you can admire different paintings of great interest.
MUSEUM OF THE ROYAL HOUSES
Museum of the Royal Houses, a very beautiful building that even has an Andalusian patio. This ancient palace was built by order of the Crown of Castile, King Ferdinand “The Catholic”.
STREET OF THE LADIES
One of the main streets of Santo Domingo and the first street in America is the so-called Calle de Las Damas, which extends from the Museo de las Casas Reales to the Ozama Fortress. It receives its name because during colonial times women used to walk along it.
It is currently home to several historic buildings.
PANTHEON OF THE HOMELAND
The Panteón de la Patria is a historic building with many uses throughout its life since its construction was completed in the mid-18th century.
At first it was built as the Jesuit Church, then it became a tobacco warehouse and later it was the Republic Theater.
It is currently a mausoleum for illustrious personalities of the country.
OZAMA FORTRESS
It is the oldest fortification in America where Christopher Columbus was imprisoned.
The interior houses a passageway of tunnels, dungeons and rooms to visit. Its strategic location near the sea and the city made it perfect for defending Santo Domingo from possible attacks.
PLAZA ESPAÑA
Very colorful, picturesque and lively square where they often organize different types of concerts and outdoor activities.
In Plaza de España we find the statue of Nicolás de Ovando, one of the first governors of Hispaniola, and a large number of restaurants where to eat and drink.
ALCÁZAR DE COLÓN
Alcázar de Colón, a palace built in the early 16th century by King Ferdinand the Catholic for Diego Columbus, Christopher Columbus’ first-born son.
It is currently one of the symbols of the city and one of the most beautiful buildings of Gothic style with Renaissance airs to see in Santo Domingo.
MONASTERY OF SAN FRANCISCO
The first monastery in America, now in ruins, it was built by order of Nicolás Ovando with the arrival of the Franciscan Fathers. It suffered countless attacks by plundering pirates, several earthquakes, battles and Caribbean cyclones that have left it practically destroyed.
NICOLAS DE BARI HOSPITAL
First hospital in America, built in 1503 by Nicolás de Ovando.
EL CONDE STREET
Calle El Conde is located in the most commercial part of the city where we find a great number of stores, bars, bookstores, gift stores, etc.
DOOR THE COUNT
It is one of the entrance gates to the old fortified city of Santo Domingo, located near the Independence Park and the Altar of the Homeland,where the remains of the founders of the country are found.
MALECON
A walk of about 14 kilometers where you can take a pleasant stroll, preferably at sunset, by the sea.
In the area near the historic center you can visit the Monument of Fray Antonio Montesinos, the Monument of Financial Independence, the Fort of San Gil, among others.
TRES OJOS NATIONAL PARK
Combination of 3 wonderful cenotes (wells that the Indians considered sacred places and were used for their rituals) that can be visited on foot and 1 outdoor lake “Lago Los Zaramagullones” which can be reached by wooden boat.
COLON LIGHTHOUSE
Large cross-shaped building built to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Discovery of America. It is believed that the remains of Christopher Columbus are located here.
If you are looking to enjoy an unforgettable vacation in Santo Domingo, whether as a couple, friends or family, be sure to visit any of the recommended tourist attractions.
